Top 10 hardest countries to get citizenship and why it’s nearly impossible

Getting citizenship anywhere in the world involves paperwork, background checks, and years of patience. But in some countries, the process is not just rigorous, it is so restrictive that getting through them will need someone to have iron-like patience. They have in place rigid rules like decades-long residency requirements, bans on dual nationality, and discretionary approvals. If you are keen to know more, here are 10 countries where getting citizenship is among the hardest in the world, along with the reasons why.

Qatar has one of the world’s strictest naturalisation systems. Despite hosting millions of foreign workers, citizenship remains extremely rare. Foreign nationals must live in the country for 25 consecutive years before even becoming eligible to apply for citizenship by naturalisation. Dual nationality is not permitted, meaning applicants must renounce their original citizenship. Arabic language proficiency, financial stability, and cultural integration are mandatory, and approvals are entirely discretionary.
Only a handful of people, often fewer than 100 per year, are granted Qatari citizenship.

With a population of fewer than 1,000 people, Vatican City does not offer citizenship through standard application routes. Citizenship is granted only to individuals working for the Holy See, such as cardinals, clergy, diplomats, or Swiss Guards, and usually extends to their immediate family members. Citizenship is tied to employment and typically ends once official duties conclude, unless extended by papal decision.
There is no publicly available application process or fee structure.

Liechtenstein’s citizenship process is one of Europe’s most restrictive. Long-term residency is required, often extending up to 30 years in practice. Applicants must demonstrate fluency in German, renounce any previous nationality, and, most notably, gain approval from the local community, sometimes through a municipal vote. Even financially stable and well-integrated residents face rejection. Citizenship-by-investment is not available.

The country strictly monitors its immigration and citizenship policies to protect its culture. Foreign nationals are required to stay in Bhutan for 15-20 years prior to applying for citizenship. The application also requires passes in Dzongkha language and history, and reference letters from Bhutanese citizens, and an acceptance that one does not have any other nationality. The decision, however, entirely depends on the Bhutanese government, and a criminal record or behaviour-related issues lead to an outright rejection.

Despite its large expatriate population, Saudi Arabia grants citizenship sparingly. Potential applicants must usually live within the kingdom for at least 10 years and be fluent in Arabic, possess no criminal record, and demonstrate social integration. The decision to grant citizenship rests within the discretion of the authorities and heavily benefits investors, scientists, and royals.
There is no provision for dual nationality. Also included is a rigorous security inspection.

Kuwait allows applications for citizenship after 20 years of continuous residency (15 years for Arabs), but approvals are rare. Applicants must be Muslim, fluent in Arabic, financially stable, and of “good character.” Citizenship decisions are made by the government with no appeals process, and dual nationality is prohibited.
Most applications are rejected without detailed explanation.

Switzerland’s citizenship process is famously thorough and decentralised. They must have resided in the country for 10 years, be fluent in one of the national languages spoken in Switzerland (German, French, or Italian), and have deep roots in Swiss society. Local authorities have an important role to play, and they have the power to oppose applications even if federal criteria have been fulfilled.
A clean criminal record and finance are vital.

China almost never grants citizenship to foreigners. Applicants must first obtain permanent residence, which itself is difficult. Naturalisation is realistically possible only for individuals of Chinese descent, spouses of Chinese citizens, or those working in strategic sectors.
China does not allow dual nationality, and the process is opaque, lengthy, and highly selective.

For foreigners, becoming a citizen of North Korea is virtually impossible. Citizenship is acquired almost exclusively by birth or descent. Marriage to a North Korean citizen does not grant citizenship, and the government does not publicly disclose naturalisation policies. Dual citizenship is prohibited, and foreign naturalisation is not considered a realistic pathway.

While the residency requirement of Japan is five consecutive years, the procedure for its approval is quite challenging. Applicants need to renounce their current nationality; they also have to face severe financial and background scrutiny, and their Japanese language proficiency will be tested through interviews. The authorities review stability, conduct, and long-term commitment to life in Japan. Most of the applicants who are usually approved are spouses or children of nationals.