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Below is a list of the 10 most difficult countries to obtain citizenship in the world. Difficulty in obtaining citizenship is determined based on Residency Requirements, language proficiency, and cultural and religious factors.
Obtaining citizenship, especially by naturalization, is a difficult task in many countries. Many different circumstances can cause difficulties, making applying for citizenship a complicated and time-consuming procedure.
Here are some factors that make these countries some of the most difficult to obtain citizenship in:
- Long-term residency required
- Language proficiency
- Cultural and religious factors
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List of 10 most difficult countries to obtain citizenship
Below is a list of the 10 most difficult countries to obtain citizenship in the world:
- Qatar
- Vatican City
- Liechtenstein
- Bhutan
- Saudi Arabia
- Kuwait
- Switzerland
- China
- North Korea
- Japan
The most difficult countries in the world to get citizenship
These countries are considered the most difficult to obtain citizenship in the world.
1. Qatar
Qatar, nestled in the Persian Gulf and famous for its immense wealth thanks to its natural gas industry, is famous for its strict requirements for obtaining citizenship.
To become a Qatari citizen as a foreigner, one must reside in the country continuously for a staggering 25 years. Fluency in Arabic, a clean record of conduct and evidence of adequate financial resources to sustain oneself are prerequisites.
Furthermore, according to the law in Qatar, they do not allow dual citizenship, forcing a person to give up their original passport.
An additional criterion is the ability to convert to Islam, making Qatar one of the most challenging countries globally to obtain citizenship.
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2. Vatican City
Vatican City, the world’s smallest sovereign state, boasts a very small population of around 450 citizens. Strict citizenship rules are responsible for this small number.
Vatican City grants citizenship only in three exceptional cases: if a person is a cardinal residing in Vatican City or Rome, works as a diplomat representing the Holy See, or resides in Vatican City due to work in Catholic Church.
These very specific conditions make Vatican City one of the most challenging countries in the world to obtain citizenship.
3. Liechtenstein
Nestled between Austria and Switzerland, the wealthy state of Liechtenstein, with around 40,000 citizens, requires a generous timeline to gain citizenship.
According to a report by the Liechtenstein Institute, a scientific research center and academic facility in Bendern, Gamprin, Liechtenstein, foreigners must endure a residence period of no less than 30 years before being eligible to apply for naturalization.
However, this period can be reduced to 10 years through community or marital approval. Additionally, marrying a Liechtenstein citizen can speed up the process, granting citizenship in just five years.
These strict conditions make Liechtenstein one of the most challenging countries in the world to ensure citizenship rights.
4. Bhutan
The remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan maintains strict entry policies for tourists, and obtaining citizenship is even more difficult. Foreigners seeking Bhutanese citizenship, if they do not have Bhutanese parents, must reside in the country for a minimum of 20 years before applying.
In the Buthan Citizenship Act of 1985, foreigners must demonstrate impeccable behavior during this time, refraining from any negative comments about the Bhutanese monarchy.
The Bhutanese government has the right to refuse citizenship applications without giving reasons, and citizenship can be revoked if individuals speak ill of the king or the country in the future.
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5. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, the oil-rich country home to Mecca and Medina, Islam’s holiest sites, presents formidable barriers to those seeking citizenship. Prospective candidates must have resided in the country for at least 10 years and have fluent Arabic language skills.
Additionally, the official Saudi Arabian Government website mentions a clean criminal record and a subjective assessment of “generally considered ethical” as prerequisites. The final decision on a citizenship application rests with the Minister of Home Affairs. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia does not recognize dual nationality, forcing a person to give up their original passport.
6. Kuwait
Saudi Arabia’s neighbor, Kuwait, another oil-rich country, mirrors its neighbor’s strict criteria for citizenship.
The Kuwait National Law of 1959 stipulates that to be eligible for naturalization, individuals must have resided in Kuwait for a minimum of 20 years, be fluent in Arabic, and adhere to the Islamic faith since birth or conversion. .
Like many Gulf states, Kuwait does not recognize dual citizenship, contributing to its reputation as one of the world’s most challenging countries to obtain citizenship.
7. Switzerland
Switzerland, famous for its stunning landscapes and high quality of life, has one of the strictest citizenship processes in Europe. Foreigners wishing to become Swiss citizens must have resided in the country for a minimum of 10 years and hold a ‘C’ residence permit.
Fluency in one of Switzerland’s national languages (German, French, Italian or Romansh) is required. The official website of the Swiss State Migration Secretariat states that the naturalization process consists of several federal, cantonal and community approval stages, each with different requirements.
Switzerland’s commitment to these rigorous criteria contributes to the country’s reputation as one of the world’s most challenging countries to obtain citizenship.
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8. China
China, the world’s most populous country, also imposes severe barriers on foreign citizens. China’s nationality law, as referred to by the Ministry of Immigration, provides limited pathways for foreigners to obtain citizenship, mainly through family ties or “other legitimate reasons.”
The law remains intentionally vague, making the process difficult. In addition, the law does not stipulate a specific residence period. China’s complex citizenship requirements prevent most foreigners from pursuing Chinese citizenship.
9. North Korea
North Korea, the secretive and isolated country often referred to as the Hermit Kingdom, has one of the most mysterious citizenship processes.
While the criteria for obtaining North Korean citizenship are not fully documented, a report published by Sothern Methodist University, Texas, states that the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly is responsible for granting the right citizen.
Furthermore, North Korea does not recognize dual citizenship, making it one of the most challenging countries to obtain citizenship, despite its limited desire.
10. Japan
Japan, with one of the most powerful passports in the world, maintains strict naturalization requirements.
Foreigners or Foreigners as defined by the Japanese Ministry of Justice must reside in Japan for a continuous period of at least 5 years and demonstrate “upright conduct”.
The 1950 Nationality Law also mentioned that the ability to support oneself in Japan was essential and that participation in organizations that advocated the overthrow of the Japanese government would disqualify individuals from entering. President.
Japan does not recognize dual citizenship, but language requirements are relatively light, requiring basic qualifications suitable for everyday life. These strict criteria make Japan one of the most challenging countries in the world to obtain citizenship.
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