The 10 Hardest Citizenships to Get in the World

Thinking about moving to a new country? While some places make it pretty easy to become a citizen, others? Not so much. Getting citizenship in certain countries can feel like trying to win the lottery, but with way more paperwork and a lot less luck involved. We’re talking about places with super strict rules, long waits, and sometimes, you just have to be in the right place at the right time, or know the right people. This article looks at 10 hardest citizenships to attain, so you know which doors are pretty much shut before you even knock.

Key Takeaways

Some countries have extremely restrictive citizenship policies, making it very difficult for foreigners to naturalize.
Long residency requirements, often spanning decades, are common hurdles.
Many of these nations prohibit dual nationality, forcing applicants to give up their original citizenship.
Strict language, cultural integration, and financial stability requirements are frequently in place.
Approval processes are often discretionary, with no guaranteed pathway even if all criteria are met.

1. Qatar

Getting citizenship in Qatar is a real challenge, not for the faint of heart. This wealthy nation on the Arabian Peninsula keeps its citizenship very tight. If you’re not born a Qatari, becoming one through naturalization means you’ll need to live there for at least 25 years straight. That’s a quarter of a century, folks. And you can’t just pop out of the country for more than two months at a time during those years.

Beyond the long residency, you’ve got to prove you can speak Arabic fluently. Plus, you need to show you’ve got your finances in order and, if you’re not already Muslim, you’ll need to convert. Qatar also doesn’t allow dual citizenship, so you’d have to give up your old passport for good. They only naturalize a tiny number of foreigners each year, often fewer than 100. It’s a tough road, and they really value their own.

To even start the process, you’ll need a valid passport, your residence permit, and a clean criminal record certificate. A health report is also a must. These documents are essential for the application process, assuming you even get that far.

It’s clear that Qatar prioritizes its existing citizens and maintains a very selective approach to granting new citizenship. The requirements are stringent, designed to ensure deep integration and commitment to the nation.

2. Vatican City

Alright, let’s talk about Vatican City. Getting citizenship here isn’t like applying for a driver’s license, that’s for sure. It’s the smallest country in the world, and its citizenship is pretty much reserved for those who are actively serving the Holy See. We’re talking about cardinals, clergy, diplomats, and the famous Swiss Guard.

Basically, if you’re not working directly for the Pope or the Vatican administration, you’re probably not getting in. It’s not a place you can just move to and expect to become a citizen. Citizenship is tied to your job there, and when your service ends, so does your citizenship, unless the Pope decides otherwise. It’s a unique system, really.

The whole process is less about paperwork and more about a specific role within the Catholic Church’s central administration. It’s a citizenship of service, not of residency in the typical sense.

Here’s a quick rundown of who typically gets it:

Catholic Cardinals residing in Vatican City or Rome.
Diplomats representing the Holy See.
Individuals whose jobs require them to live within Vatican City, like certain church officials or members of the Swiss Guard.
Spouses and children of current citizens, but even then, it’s not automatic and requires special permission.

It’s a closed system, designed to maintain the functioning of the state. If you’re looking for a place with an open door policy for citizenship, Vatican City isn’t it. You can find more details on the requirements and how it all works on official Vatican resources. It’s a fascinating, albeit very exclusive, path to citizenship.

3. Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein might look like a fairy tale with its alpine scenery and medieval castles, but it’s absolutely one of the hardest places to become a citizen. Getting a Liechtenstein passport is almost impossible unless you have very specific connections or circumstances. Here’s why this tiny country makes it so tough:

You must live in Liechtenstein for 30 years before you’re allowed to apply for citizenship. If you’re under 20, every year counts as two (but honestly, how many under-20 folks are pushing for this?).
Marriage can shorten the requirement: if you’re married to a Liechtenstein citizen, residency rules drop to about five years—but you still need to meet some strict qualifications and prove commitment to living in the country long-standing marriage and residency.
Permanent residents have a unique option: the community you live in can take a vote to approve your citizenship after 10 years. Still, this is rare and not guaranteed, even if you fit in perfectly.

Path to Citizenship	Minimum Residency	Special Notes
Ordinary Naturalization	30 years	Must renounce other citizenships
Marriage to Citizen	5 years	Extra checks and proof required
Community Vote	10 years	Subject to residents’ approval

Some other points to keep in mind:

You must demonstrate fluency in German.
Liechtenstein does not allow dual citizenship, so you’ve got to renounce your old passport.
There are no shortcuts for investment or via business—the government doesn’t sell citizenship here at any price.

Many people will live almost their whole lives in Liechtenstein and still never get that elusive passport. It’s a test of patience, and more than a little bit about earning the trust of your neighbors and government.

4. Bhutan

Bhutan, tucked away in the Himalayas, has some of the most locked-down citizenship rules you’ll find anywhere. It’s not just about living there for a while; they really want to make sure you fit in with their whole way of life. Becoming a citizen here is a serious commitment, not a quick fix.

To even start thinking about citizenship, you’re looking at a minimum of 15 to 20 years of residency. If you’re a government worker, maybe you get a slight break, but for most folks, it’s a long haul. And it’s not just about putting in the time. You’ve got to prove you know the local language, Dzongkha, and understand Bhutanese history. Plus, you need reference letters from actual Bhutanese citizens, which isn’t exactly easy to get if you’re just passing through.

Here’s a bit more on what they expect:

Language Proficiency: You need to pass tests in Dzongkha.
Cultural Understanding: A solid grasp of Bhutanese history is a must.
Social Integration: You need endorsements from locals.
Allegiance: Swear loyalty to the King and the country.

It’s also worth noting that Bhutan doesn’t really go for dual nationality. You’ll likely have to give up your old citizenship. And even if you manage to get citizenship, it’s not exactly ironclad. They can apparently revoke it if you say the wrong thing about the King or the country. It’s a tough system designed to protect their unique culture, but it makes getting citizenship incredibly difficult for outsiders.

Bhutan’s approach to citizenship is a clear signal that they prioritize cultural preservation above all else. This isn’t a place where you can easily buy your way in or simply reside for a few years and expect a passport. It requires deep commitment and a willingness to fully adopt their way of life, which is a tall order for most.

5. Saudi Arabia

Getting Saudi Arabian citizenship is a tough nut to crack, plain and simple. While the country has a massive foreign worker population, they’re not exactly handing out citizenship like candy. Most paths require a solid decade of living there, fluency in Arabic, and a spotless record. It’s not just about ticking boxes, though; there’s a significant amount of discretion involved, and certain folks, like investors or top scientists, might have a slightly smoother ride. But for the average Joe? It’s a long shot.

Here’s a bit of a breakdown:

Residency: You’ll generally need to be a resident for at least 10 years. This isn’t just about being physically present; it’s about integration.
Language: Arabic proficiency is a must. You can’t really become part of the fabric of the country if you can’t communicate.
Reputation: A clean criminal record is non-negotiable. They also look for social integration, meaning you’re not just living there but participating.
Discretion: Ultimately, the decision rests with the authorities. They can and do deny applications, even if someone meets the basic requirements.

It’s also worth noting that Saudi Arabia doesn’t allow dual nationality. So, if you’re thinking about becoming a Saudi citizen, you’ll have to be prepared to give up your current citizenship. This whole process is part of the broader Vision 2030 reforms, which aims to modernize the country, but it doesn’t necessarily mean an easier path to citizenship for everyone.

The emphasis is on loyalty and deep connection to the Kingdom. It’s not a quick process, and it’s certainly not for everyone. They want citizens who are truly committed to Saudi Arabia, not just looking for a passport.

Marriage can be a route, but even then, it’s not automatic. A woman married to a Saudi national needs to have lived there for at least five years, have children, and maintain a good reputation. Arabic skills are also a requirement in this case, as detailed in eligibility criteria. It’s a system designed to preserve a strong national identity, and that means making it hard for outsiders to join the club.

6. Kuwait

Getting citizenship in Kuwait is, to put it mildly, a real challenge. It’s not something you just sign up for and get. You’re looking at a minimum of 20 years of living there continuously. If you happen to be from another Arab country, that time gets cut down to 15 years, which is still a long haul. And for the foreign-born wives of Kuwaiti men, it’s also 15 years. But just hitting the residency mark isn’t enough, not by a long shot.

Applicants need to be Muslim, fluent in Arabic, and financially stable. They also have to have what’s described as ‘good character.’ What that really means is up to the government, and they don’t really explain their decisions. Most applications get turned down, and there’s no real way to appeal it. It seems like the government has the final say, and they’re not exactly handing out citizenship like candy. The whole process is designed to be incredibly selective.

Here’s a quick rundown of what they look for:

Residency: At least 20 years (15 for Arabs or wives of Kuwaitis).
Religion: Must be Muslim.
Language: Fluent Arabic speaker.
Financial Status: Must be financially stable.
Character: Must have ‘good character’ as determined by the government.

It’s also worth noting that Kuwait doesn’t allow dual nationality, so you’d have to give up your original citizenship. This whole setup makes Kuwait a tough place to become a citizen, and frankly, it seems like they prefer it that way. The country established its nationality framework through an Amiri Decree after gaining independence in 1961 [73e8].

The system here is built to keep the number of naturalized citizens very low. It’s not just about meeting requirements; it’s about fitting into a very specific mold that the Kuwaiti government decides on. Rejections often come without much explanation, leaving applicants in the dark.

It’s a country that really holds onto its national identity, and becoming a citizen is a privilege that’s hard-earned, if it’s granted at all. They’ve been known to revoke citizenship too, which adds another layer of uncertainty for those who do manage to get it [bef9].

7. Switzerland

Getting Swiss citizenship is, well, a whole thing. It’s not just about showing up with your paperwork and a smile. You’ve got to really belong here. The process is famously thorough and decentralized, meaning it’s not just one office deciding your fate. Local authorities have a big say, and they can actually block your application even if you’ve met all the federal requirements.

First off, you’ll need to have lived in Switzerland for a good chunk of time. We’re talking about 10 years of residency, with at least three of those years being in the five years right before you apply. That’s a pretty solid commitment to the country. Plus, you’ve got to be fluent in one of the national languages – German, French, or Italian. It’s not enough to just get by; you need to be able to hold a conversation and understand what’s going on.

Beyond the language and time requirements, they really want to see that you’ve put down roots. This means being integrated into Swiss society. Think about it: are you involved in local clubs? Do you understand the culture? It’s more than just living there; it’s about being a part of it. And of course, a clean criminal record is non-negotiable. They also look closely at your financial situation, so being stable is pretty important.

The Swiss take their citizenship very seriously. It’s a privilege, not just a right, and they expect applicants to prove they’re worthy of it through long-term commitment and genuine integration.

8. China

Getting Chinese citizenship is, to put it mildly, a real challenge. We’re talking about a country that, according to its own census data, had only 941 naturalized citizens out of over a billion people in 2020. That’s a tiny number, right? The law does mention a few ways you could become a citizen: if you have family there, if you’ve lived there permanently, or if you have some other "legitimate reason." But honestly, in practice, it’s incredibly tough.

Think about it this way:

Permanent residency is a must: You have to live in China for a good while before you can even think about citizenship. The exact number of years isn’t even spelled out, which just adds to the mystery.
No dual nationality allowed: If you manage to get Chinese citizenship, you have to give up your old one. No exceptions.
It’s all very selective: The process is pretty opaque, meaning it’s hard to know exactly what they’re looking for. It seems like it’s mostly for people with Chinese heritage, spouses of Chinese citizens, or those working in really important, strategic jobs.

It’s not like you can just apply and expect it to happen. The whole system is designed to be extremely difficult for outsiders. If you’re looking into this, you might want to check out the requirements for Chinese visas first, just to get a sense of how involved things can be.

The reality is that China’s naturalization process is theoretically possible, but in practical terms, it is extremely difficult. Long-term residency is a prerequisite, but the required number of years is not specified by law, making it a hurdle for many.

It’s definitely not a path for the faint of heart, and honestly, most people probably won’t get anywhere near it. It’s more about who you know or what you do for the country than anything else. For those with Hong Kong residency, there are specific pathways, but even those have their own set of hurdles.

9. North Korea

Getting citizenship in North Korea is, for all intents and purposes, impossible for foreigners. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) basically only grants citizenship to people born there or to those with parents who are already citizens. It’s a closed-off system, and they don’t really advertise any way for outsiders to become one of them.

Forget about marrying a North Korean and expecting citizenship; that’s not how it works. The government keeps its policies super private, so there’s no official guide or process for foreigners to apply for naturalization. It’s not a realistic path, period. They also don’t allow dual citizenship, so even if you could somehow get it, you’d have to give up your original nationality.

The DPRK’s approach to citizenship is about as welcoming as a minefield. It’s designed to keep outsiders out, plain and simple.

So, if you’re thinking about becoming a North Korean citizen, you’re probably out of luck. It’s one of those places where you’re either born into it or you’re not getting in. For Americans, traveling there is also a really bad idea, with a high chance of getting detained. U.S. citizens are strongly advised against traveling to North Korea for any reason.

10. Japan

Japan. Yeah, getting citizenship there is a real challenge. It’s not like you can just show up and expect them to roll out the red carpet. You’ll need to live there for at least five consecutive years, which is a pretty long time to prove you’re serious. And it’s not just about putting in the time; they really dig into your background and finances. They want to see stability, good conduct, and a genuine commitment to living in Japan long-term.

It’s also a big deal that you’ll likely have to give up your current citizenship. Japan doesn’t really go for dual nationality, so you have to pick a side. Then there’s the language test, which isn’t just a quick chat. They’ll interview you to see how well you speak Japanese. It’s a tough process, and most people who get approved are usually spouses or children of Japanese citizens already. It’s definitely not a walk in the park, and frankly, it weeds out a lot of people who aren’t fully committed.

Here’s a quick look at some of the requirements:

Minimum of five years of continuous residency.
Renunciation of your current nationality.
Thorough background and financial checks.
Demonstrated Japanese language proficiency through interviews.
Proof of stability, good conduct, and long-term commitment.

The whole process can take years, and they’re pretty selective about who they let in. It’s all about making sure new citizens are truly integrated and dedicated to the Japanese way of life. They’re not just handing out passports.

If you’re thinking about permanent residency first, that’s also a hurdle. Many applicants are approved by diligently meeting all criteria, but it’s a step that requires careful preparation. It’s a country that values tradition and wants to be sure its citizens are a good fit.

So, What’s the Takeaway?

Look, getting citizenship in some places is a real challenge. We’ve seen countries with rules that make it almost impossible for outsiders to join their ranks. It takes a lot of time, a lot of hoops to jump through, and sometimes, it just comes down to who you know or what you can offer. For most people, the idea of becoming a citizen in places like Qatar, Vatican City, or even Japan is pretty much a pipe dream. It really makes you appreciate the countries that are more open, or at least have clearer paths for folks who want to put down roots and contribute. It’s a reminder that not all doors are open to everyone, and some nations guard their citizenship very, very closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is getting citizenship in some countries so difficult?

Some countries make it really hard to become a citizen because they have strict rules. These rules might include living there for a very long time, not allowing people to have citizenship in more than one country, or making the decision up to the government with no clear way to appeal. They often want to protect their culture or keep their population small.

Does living in a country for many years guarantee citizenship?

Not usually. While living in a country for a long time, like 10, 15, or even 25 years, is often a first step, it doesn’t guarantee you’ll get citizenship. Many countries have other requirements, and the final decision is often up to the government, which can be very selective.

What does ‘dual nationality’ mean, and why do some countries ban it?

Dual nationality means you are a citizen of two countries at the same time. Some countries ban it because they want their citizens to be fully loyal to just one nation. If you want citizenship in a country that bans dual nationality, you usually have to give up your original citizenship.

Are there countries where citizenship is almost impossible to get for foreigners?

Yes, some countries like North Korea make it nearly impossible for foreigners to become citizens. Citizenship is usually only given if you are born there or have parents who are citizens. Other countries, like Vatican City, only grant citizenship to specific people working for their government.

Do I need to speak the local language to become a citizen?

In many countries, yes. You’ll often need to prove you can speak the country’s language well, like Arabic in Qatar or German in Liechtenstein. This is part of showing that you can fit into their society.

Can investing money get me citizenship easily?

Some countries offer ‘citizenship by investment’ programs, which can be faster than other methods. However, these usually require a very large amount of money, and even then, the process can still be selective and take time.

Why is Vatican City so hard to get citizenship in?

Vatican City is unique because it’s the smallest country and has a very small population. Citizenship is not something you can apply for like in other countries. It’s typically given only to people who work for the Pope (the head of the Catholic Church) and their families, and it’s often tied to their job.

What are common reasons for citizenship applications to be denied?

Applications can be denied for many reasons. These often include not meeting the long residency requirements, failing language or cultural tests, having a criminal record, not proving you have enough money, or simply because the government has a limited number of citizenships to give out each year and chooses not to grant yours.