Gaining citizenship is a long and often complicated process, with some countries imposing stricter conditions than others. From residency requirements to language proficiency and even renouncing original citizenship, these countries make it difficult for foreign nationals to gain citizenship. Below, we explore the 15 hardest countries to get citizenship, based on their tough naturalization processes.
1. Qatar 🇶🇦
To become a citizen of Qatar, you must have lived in the country for at least 25 years. Additionally, applicants must renounce their original citizenship, convert to Islam, and speak Arabic fluently. These tough requirements make Qatar one of the most selective nations when it comes to citizenship.
2. Vatican City 🇻🇦
Vatican City’s citizenship policy is extremely exclusive. It is only granted to clergy, diplomats, or Church workers, and there is no naturalization process for outsiders. This makes gaining citizenship in Vatican City virtually impossible for most people.
3. Liechtenstein 🇱🇮
Becoming a citizen of Liechtenstein is a lengthy process that requires 30 years of residency or just 5 years if married to a citizen. Even after meeting the residency requirement, approval for citizenship is highly selective and involves a rigorous evaluation process.
4. Bhutan 🇧🇹
Bhutan requires at least 20 years of residency, a clean criminal record, and approval directly from the monarchy. The process is deeply influenced by the discretion of the royal family, making it very difficult for outsiders to gain citizenship in this Himalayan kingdom.
5. Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Saudi Arabia’s path to citizenship is challenging, with at least 10 years of residence required. Additionally, applicants must be fluent in Arabic and have no criminal history. However, even with these requirements met, naturalization is highly competitive.
6. Kuwait 🇰🇼
To gain citizenship in Kuwait, one must live in the country for 20 years, be Muslim, and refrain from holding dual citizenship. This makes the naturalization process in Kuwait both challenging and restrictive for many applicants.
7. Switzerland 🇨🇭
Switzerland requires at least 10 years of residency for citizenship. Additionally, applicants must prove proficiency in one of the country’s national languages (German, French, or Italian), with specific language levels required (B2 in speaking and A2 in writing). This makes Switzerland one of the more demanding countries in Europe for naturalization.
8. China 🇨🇳
China does not have a clear and straightforward path to citizenship. Naturalization is rarely granted, and when it is, it is often due to state approval, family ties, or other exceptional circumstances. China’s naturalization process is opaque, further complicating the journey for foreigners.
9. North Korea 🇰🇵
North Korea has an incredibly restrictive naturalization process. There is no dual citizenship allowed, and becoming a citizen is almost impossible without explicit approval from the government. This makes North Korea one of the most inaccessible countries for foreign nationals seeking citizenship.
10. Japan 🇯🇵
Japan’s naturalization process is strict but relatively straightforward, requiring 5 years of residency and fluency in Japanese. Additionally, applicants must renounce their original citizenship, which can be a major hurdle for many people seeking Japanese nationality.
11. UAE 🇦🇪
In the UAE, gaining citizenship is possible only after 30 years of residency, with the exception of GCC citizens. The country has an extremely selective naturalization process, considering factors like economic contribution and social integration.
12. San Marino 🇸🇲
To become a citizen of San Marino, one must live in the country for at least 30 years. Additionally, the country does not allow dual citizenship, making it difficult for people who have multiple nationalities to gain citizenship in this small European state.
13. Austria 🇦🇹
Austria requires 10 years of residency for citizenship, along with proficiency in German at a B2 level. The country’s naturalization process is highly selective, and applicants must meet strict conditions before being granted citizenship.
14. Monaco 🇲🇨
Monaco requires at least 10 years of residency for citizenship. Additionally, applicants must renounce any other citizenships, which adds an additional layer of complexity to the process.
15. Finland 🇫🇮
Finland’s citizenship process requires 5 years of residency, but applicants must also meet stringent language requirements. Proficiency in either Finnish or Swedish is mandatory, making the process particularly difficult for those who do not speak these languages fluently.
Why Are These Countries So Selective?
The naturalization policies of these countries reflect a combination of factors, including national security, cultural preservation, and economic interests. Many of these nations seek to ensure that new citizens are fully integrated into their society, proficient in the local language, and willing to contribute meaningfully to the country. While the process may seem daunting, the exclusivity of these countries’ citizenship systems often reflects a desire to maintain a certain level of control over who enters and becomes part of the nation.
