The Top 15 Hardest Countries to Get Citizenship 2025

Getting citizenship can be a daunting process consisting of rigorous proceedings, which can be bearable, but there are countries where getting citizenship is the toughest or almost impossible. Let's know about the top 15 hardest countries to get citizenship and their possible reasons.

Top 15 Hardest Countries to Get Citizenship

Not every country has easy access to citizenship. Many countries in the world guard their citizenship process very strictly with zero negligence. These are the top 15 countries in which getting a visa is almost like squaring a circle.

1. Qatar

Being one of the wealthiest countries in the world, Qatar has set extremely tough policies for citizenship. Qatar has a small population, and a major chunk of the economy is based on natural gas. This Gulf country has the world's toughest criteria for citizenship and is one of the top 15 hardest countries to get citizenship.

Unlike other countries, Qatar does not allow people to have dual citizenship. If you wish to have citizenship in Qatar, you have to give up your citizenship in your country.

Language proficiency is nothing new when getting citizenship in any country. Following the same language criteria, for Qatar, you will need to have proficiency in the Arabic language. Followed by sufficient financial stability to live your life.

Marriage can be a ground on which citizenship can be availed. Yes, if you get married to a Qatari, the doors can open for you to the country.

Well, if you're a foreigner and want Qatari citizenship, you'll have to live there for 25 years. No, it's not the eligibility criteria; after 25 years, you can apply for citizenship by naturalisation.

Not only this, but changing your religion is also in the scene; you'll have to convert to Islam from your current religion. By setting up the abovementioned criteria, Qatar is the hardest country to get citizenship.

Here are the quick highlights and important information for Qatar:

• Residency Requirement:
      - Generally 25 years.
      - 5 years for permanent residents.
• Dual Nationality: Not permitted; naturalised citizens must renounce their former citizenship.
• Financial Stability: Must demonstrate consistent income, work, and financial stability.
• Language & Culture:
      - Pass an Arabic language proficiency test.
      - Show an understanding of local culture.
• Fees:
      - Permanent residency fee: QR 3,000+ ($825+).
      - Additional legal and translation fees.
• Naturalisation Process:
      - Typically fewer than 100 naturalisations per year.
      - Questioning and examination are rigorous.

2. Vatican City

It is another of the smallest countries in the world, with the toughest policies for getting citizenship there. The country has set up a rigorous process, making it one of the top 15 hardest countries to get citizenship.

This small country, with fewer than a thousand people, has several ways to get citizenship.

1. To the cardinals living in Vatican City or Rome.

(Cardinal is a priest at a high level in the Roman Catholic church)

2. To the people who are diplomats representing the Holy See

3. People living in Vatican City because of their work for the Catholic Church

These are the limited ways Vatican City offers its citizenship.

Here are the quick highlights and important information for Vatican City:

• Citizenship awarded to: Church or state office bearers and their close family members.
• Application process: No standard fee, procedure not publicised; granted through status or special decree.
• Citizenship duration: Ceases upon termination of employment or residence, unless the Pope decides otherwise.
• Dual citizenship: Vatican citizens are typically dual citizens (e.g., Italian and Vatican).
• Registration: New citizens are registered by the government without a formal application process.

3. Liechtenstein

Like Qatar, Liechtenstein is also one of the richest countries in the world, with a population of around 40,000.

The period that you will be living for the eligibility application is longer than in Qatar, for Liechtenstein, which is at least 30 years before you apply for citizenship.

Married grounds can be considered for getting citizenship. In this case, if you get married to a Liechtenstein citizen, you can obtain citizenship after five years.

Here are the quick highlights and important information for Liechtenstein:

• Residency requirement: 10 years for standard naturalisation, or five years if married to a Swiss citizen.
• Language skills: German language skills are mandatory and typically formally assessed.
• Dual citizenship: Not permitted; you must renounce your previous nationality.
• Community acceptance: Acceptance by the local community is essential, and a community vote can be a critical factor.
• Fees: Application fees range from CHF 1,000 to CHF 2,000, plus additional costs for documentation.
• Citizenship-by-investment: This option is not available. The process heavily relies on social integration and local connections.

Also Read: Unlocking German Citizenship: New Laws Simplify the Process

4. Bhutan

The timeline for Bhutan is 20 years. If you are a foreigner and want citizenship in Bhutan, you must live for 20 years before you can apply for citizenship.

Followed by the good behaviour expected, with no bad records, and it depends on the authority that your citizenship will be granted or not.

Here are the quick highlights and important information for Bhutan:

• Residency: 15–20 years (10 years for government employees).
• Tests: Pass an oral or written test in Dzongkha and a test on Bhutanese culture and history.
• References: Provide reference letters from Bhutanese citizens.
• Citizenship: Renounce any previous citizenship.
• Criminal Record: Must not have any criminal convictions.
• Cost: Documentation and test fees start at Nu 12,000.

Read More: India: 2nd Largest Source of US Citizens.

5. Saudi Arabia

It's strange to read this name in this section because access to work and job opportunities seems easy there, and expats have also been working for many decades from across the world. 

But it's not as easy as it seems. You'll have to live at least 10 years before you can apply for citizenship there. Making it the hardest country to get citizenship.

Language proficiency is a must, along with reading, writing, and speaking Arabic.

The authority has its decision-making bars to granting citizenship by looking at your overall records, including criminal offences.

Here are the quick highlights and important information for Saudi Arabia:

• Points System: For skilled professionals and investors.
• Fast-track Investment: Applicants spending SAR 7M+ ($1.9M+) can fast-track.
• Requirements:
      -Arabic language proficiency.
      -Social integration.
      -Clean criminal record.
      -Demonstrate financial independence.
• Nationality: Renunciation of former nationality is obligatory.
• Successful Applicants: Typically, investors, scientists, or those sponsored by royalties.
• Process: Long process involving interviews, security checks, and ministerial approval.

Kuwait

The timeline here is doubled by the neighbouring country, Saudi Arabia, which is 20 years. This oil-rich country allows individuals to apply for citizenship after 20 consecutive years of living.

Being a Muslim is mandatory here. So, if you're from a different religion, you'll have to convert to Islam if you wish to get citizenship in Kuwait.

Here are the quick highlights and important information for Kuwait:

• Residency: 20 years (15 years for Arabs)
• Religion: Must be Muslim or converted within 5 years of application.
• Government Approval: Discretionary, with a majority of applications rejected.
• Qualifications:
      -Proficiency in Arabic.
      -Financial stability.
      -Good character.
• Citizenship: Dual citizenship prohibited; other passports must be renounced.
• Cost: Average of KD 200 and above (650), plus other legal expenses.
• Process: No appeals or set schedules.

7. Switzerland

Hilly mountains, soothing weather, and heartwarming scenery are the toughest processes to get citizenship.

The residency timeline is ten years, which makes it one of Europe's longest. 

A language bar is also available here, which means you'll have to be fluent in one of Switzerland's national languages.

The language includes French, German, Italian, and Romansh. The level of speaking can be B2, and writing can be A2.

Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world, and it is worth going through the rigorous process.

Here are the quick highlights and important information for Kuwait:

• Residency: 10 years of residence, including 3 years out of the last 5 years of physical presence.
• Language: German, French, or Italian proficiency (B1/B2 level) required.
• Demonstrate: Connections with the local community, work experience, and familiarity with Swiss life.
• Background: Clean criminal record and financial autonomy.
• Application Fee: CHF 1,000-2,000 (USD 1,100-2,200+) plus local municipality fees.
• Approval: Local authorities have significant influence on final approval and frequently reject applications.

8. China 

China's policy of getting citizenship is also as tough as that of the countries mentioned above. The criteria say that if you have family ties in China or your relatives are living in China for work or for special reasons that the country allows. These guidelines make China one of the toughest countries to get citizenship.

Here are the quick highlights and important information for China:

• Dual Citizenship: Not permitted; all other nationalities must be renounced.
• Naturalisation Eligibility (realistic):
      -Married to a Chinese citizen.
      -Of Chinese descent.
      -Working in strategic sectors.
• Prerequisite: Requires permanent residence (green card) first.
• Fees: Y 1,500-2,500 ($200-350) application fee, plus lawyer/translation fees.
• Vetting: Includes financial and criminal checks.
• Outcome: Most applications are rejected.
• Process: Long and opaque.

9. North Korea

This country also does not allow dual citizenship; another condition is that if you have Korean citizenship, you would not be able to give it up. 

The naturalisation process can be considered a way to citizenship, and the authorities do not mention different policies.

Here are the quick highlights and important information for North Korea:

• Citizenship: Acquired by birth or descent from a North Korean parent.
• Publicity: Citizenship status is not publicly announced.
• Marriage: Marriage to a citizen does not grant citizenship.
• Revocation: Only possible via government order.
• Dual Citizenship: Not permitted; acquiring another nationality automatically results in the loss of North Korean citizenship.
• Repatriation: Subject to loyalty and ideological screening.
• Foreigners: Becoming a citizen is not a realistic option for foreigners.

10. Japan

An individual can acquire Japanese citizenship if the person has lived in the country for 5 years. Japan holds one of the world's most powerful visas, which allows citizens to travel to 193 countries without a visa.

Japan also does not allow dual citizenship and has a low language barrier, which means having a basic Japanese understanding.

Here are the quick highlights and important information for Japan:

• Residency Requirement: Applicants must reside in Japan for five consecutive years.  
• Nationality: Applicants must renounce their previous nationality, with very few exceptions.  
• Background Checks: Extensive financial, health, and criminal investigations are conducted.  
• Language Proficiency: Japanese language fluency is assessed during interviews.  
• Cost: Application costs range from ¥500,000 to ¥1,000,000 ($3,500–$7,000), including translation and legal fees. 
• Common Applicants: Spouses or children of Japanese nationals are the most frequent applicants.  

Read More: Great Opportunities with UK Work Visa for Indians

11. United Arab Emirates

The timeline is as tough as that of the other Gulf countries. You'll have to live there for at least 30 years before the UAE will consider your application for naturalisation. 

Exception for Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman citizens, all of whom can apply after just three years of residency.

Here are the quick highlights and important information for the United Arab Emirates:

• Legal Residence: 30 years (7 years for GCC Arabs)
• Requirements:
      Community integration
      Arabic language tests
      Clean criminal record
• Accelerated Investment: AED 10m+ (approx. $2.7m+)
• Exceptional Contribution: Citizenship may be granted by presidential decree for significant contributions to science or business.
• Application Process: Centralised and confidential.

12. San Marino

San Marino, with a timeline of 30 years, makes this country among the top 15 hardest to get citizenship in. You must have been a resident for at least 30 years. San Marino also doesn't recognise dual citizenship.

Here are the quick highlights and important information for San Marino:

• Residency Requirement: 30 years of residence (or descent).  
• Language & Integration: Proficiency in Italian and integration tests are mandatory.  
• Financial & Criminal Record: Applicants must show evidence of independent finances and a clean criminal background.  
• Dual Citizenship: Naturalised citizens are not allowed to have dual citizenship.  
• Fees: Application fee is EUR 500 + (550), plus documentation and translation fees.  
• Exception: Residency requirement may be waived for children of citizens.  

13. Austria

Austria is one of the EU's hardest countries to get citizenship in. The reason is that it has one of the EU's longest timelines for citizenship. You'll need to have residency in the country for a minimum of 10 years before applying for naturalisation. Followed by a B2 German language skill.

Here are the quick highlights and important information for Austria:

• Residence Requirement: 10 years of residence needed for naturalisation.  
• Investment Option: Citizenship can be expedited with an investment of EUR 3-10 million.  
• Language & Integration Test: Applicants must pass tests in the German language and demonstrate integration in Austrian history and life.  
• Clean Criminal Record: A clear criminal record is required.  
• Consistent Income: Proof of stable income is mandatory.  
• Renunciation of Previous Nationality: Former nationality must be renounced, except in exceptional cases (e.g., EU citizens).  
• Application Fees:
    - Regular applicants: EUR 2,000-2,200.  
    - Investors: Higher fees apply.  
• Golden Visa Programme: Exclusive, invitation-only.  

14. Monaco 

To become a citizen of Monaco, you first need to spend ten years as a resident there and to naturalise as a citizen of Monaco, you'll need to give up any of your existing citizenships.

Here are the quick highlights and important information for Monaco:

• Residency Requirement: 10 years of residence in Monaco required.  
• Financial Requirement: Must have high financial resources (EUR 500,000 or more).  
• Language and Integration: French language proficiency and community integration are reviewed.
• Costs: Citizenship is not explicitly charged, but Monaco's cost of living and legal expenses are very high. 
• Background Checks: Criminal background checks conducted by France and Monaco.  
• Approval Process: Citizenship approval is at the Prince's discretion; no appeals allowed.  
• Dual Citizenship: Past citizenship must be renounced for naturalisation.

15. Finland

For Finland, language proficiency is the biggest barrier to passing the eligibility test for citizenship. Because of the tough language requirements for naturalisation, this country is considered one of the hardest to get citizenship.

Here are the quick highlights and important information for Finland:

• Residency: Eight years of continuous legal residence (will be reduced to five in 2025).
• Requirements:
      -Mandatory integration and language tests.
      -Proof of financial support (welfare recipients are not eligible).
• Fees: Application fees range from EUR 450-800 ($480-860), plus legal and translation costs.
• Revocation: Citizenship can be revoked for terrorism, fraud, or serious crimes, even after being granted.
• Process: While the process is transparent and standardised, new regulations are very strict.

Read More: Unlocking German Citizenship: New Laws Simplify the Process

Conclusion

These are the hardest countries in the world to get citizenship in, and they have different guidelines and timelines for the naturalisation process. There are countries for which getting into a rigorous process and availing citizenship is no less than a gift. The countries mentioned above are considered the toughest and hardest to get citizenship in. 

TerraTern helps to make this process easier and smoother by providing expert guidance and assistance throughout the application process. With TerraTern's comprehensive knowledge of immigration laws and processes, individuals can navigate through the complexities of obtaining citizenship in several difficult countries. So if you are determined to become a citizen of one of these challenging nations, let TerraTern guide you on this journey towards a new nationality.