[Updated] List of 10 Hardest Countries to Get Citizenship in the World

2. Vatican City

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Vatican City is the world’s smallest sovereign state, with a tiny population of approximately 450 citizens. Strict citizenship rules are the reason why this number is so low.

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Vatican City grants citizenship only in three special circumstances: if a person is a cardinal residing in Vatican City or Rome, serves as a diplomat representing the Holy See, or resides in Vatican City because of work in the Catholic Church.

These highly specific conditions make Vatican City one of the most challenging countries in the world to obtain citizenship.

3. Liechtenstein

Located between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein is a wealthy microstate with about 40,000 citizens that takes a long time to obtain citizenship.

According to a report by the Liechtenstein Institute, a scientific research center and academic institution in Gamplingbenden, Liechtenstein, foreigners must have lived in Liechtenstein for 30 years before they are eligible to apply for citizenship.

However, this period can be reduced to 10 years by community approval or marriage. Alternatively, marrying a Liechtenstein citizen can speed up the process and obtain citizenship after just five years.

These demanding conditions make Liechtenstein one of the most challenging countries in the world to obtain citizenship.

4.Bhutan

The remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has strict entry policies for tourists, making obtaining citizenship even more challenging. Foreigners seeking Bhutanese citizenship, assuming their parents are not Bhutanese, must have lived in the country for at least 20 years before they can apply.

According to the 1985 Bhutanese Citizenship Act, foreigners must demonstrate impeccable behavior during this period and must not make any negative remarks against the Bhutanese monarchy.

Bhutanese authorities reserve the right to reject citizenship applications without providing reasons, and citizenship can be revoked if an individual makes statements unfavorable to the king or country in the future.

5.Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is an oil-rich country that is home to Islam’s holiest sites, Mecca and Medina, which presents significant obstacles for those seeking citizenship. Potential candidates must have lived in the country for at least 10 years and possess fluent Arabic language skills.

Additionally, the official Saudi government website mentions that a clean criminal record and a subjective assessment of “generally recognized morality” are prerequisites. The final decision on citizenship applications is made by the Minister of the Interior. Additionally, Saudi Arabia does not recognize dual citizenship, so one must give up their original passport.

6. Kuwait

Kuwait, another oil-rich country that borders Saudi Arabia, has also followed its neighbor’s strict citizenship standards.

The Kuwait National Law of 1959 stipulates that to be eligible for naturalization, an individual must have resided in Kuwait for at least 20 years, be fluent in Arabic, and be born or converted to the Islamic faith.

Like many Gulf states, Kuwait does not recognize dual citizenship, making it one of the most difficult countries in the world to obtain citizenship.

7.Switzerland

Known for its stunning scenery and high quality of life, Switzerland has one of the most stringent naturalization procedures in Europe. Foreigners wishing to become Swiss citizens must have lived in the country for at least 10 years and hold a “Category C residence permit”.

Proficiency in one of Switzerland’s national languages (German, French, Italian or Romansh) is required. The official website of the Swiss National Secretariat for Immigration states that the naturalization process involves multiple federal, cantonal and municipal approval stages, each with different requirements.

Switzerland’s commitment to these strict standards makes it one of the most challenging countries in the world to obtain citizenship.

8. China

China, the world’s most populous country, has also erected huge barriers to foreign citizens. The Chinese nationality law cited by the Immigration Bureau provides limited pathways for foreigners to obtain citizenship, primarily through family ties or “other legitimate reasons.”

The law is deliberately kept vague, making the entire process difficult to navigate. Furthermore, the law does not stipulate a specific period of residence. China’s complex citizenship requirements prevent most foreigners from seeking Chinese citizenship.

9. North Korea

North Korea, the mysterious and isolated country often called the Hermit Kingdom, has one of the most secretive naturalization procedures.

While the criteria for obtaining North Korean citizenship are not well documented, a report published by Southern Methodist University in Texas states that the Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly is responsible for granting citizenship.

Additionally, North Korea does not recognize dual nationality, making it one of the most challenging countries to obtain citizenship despite limited aspirations.

10. Japan

Japan has one of the most powerful passports in the world and maintains strict requirements for naturalization.

Foreigners, or foreigners, as the Japanese Ministry of Justice calls them, must have lived in Japan continuously for at least five years and demonstrated “honest conduct.”

The 1950 Nationality Act also mentions that the ability to support oneself in Japan is crucial and that participation in organizations advocating the overthrow of the Japanese government will disqualify individuals from naturalization.

Japan does not recognize dual nationality, but the language requirements are relatively loose and require basic abilities suitable for daily life. These strict standards make Japan one of the most challenging countries in the world to obtain citizenship.