It can be challenging to become a citizen of a foreign nation, and some have quite strict requirements. Familiarizing themselves with the regulations and standards can make the process challenging and complicated for people who want to move overseas and obtain citizenship in another nation.
Citizenship is easy in only a few countries. Many nations across the world take great care to ensure that their citizenship procedures are completely adhered to. We’ve compiled some of the most difficult countries to become a citizen and call home to assist you in sorting through this dilemma.
11 Most Difficult Countries to Get Citizenship
1. Qatar
Qatar is one of the hardest countries to become a citizen of. There are very few ways to become a citizen, and the procedure is drawn out and difficult. Qatari rules explicitly state that dual citizenship is not permitted, necessitating the renunciation of the individual’s original passport.
Either Qatari families are the parents of the great majority of citizens, or they are granted citizenship through marriage to Qataris. Otherwise, only people who have worked for the government for a long time or who have made large investments in the nation are usually eligible for citizenship.
2. Vatican City
With slightly over 800 residents, Vatican City is the world’s smallest nation. It’s also among the most difficult nations to obtain citizenship in. The only two methods are being born in Vatican City or being appointed by the Pope.
In addition, the only way to obtain citizenship if you were not born in Vatican City is to be appointed by the Pope. The Pope appoints citizens to particular positions within the Vatican, such as Swiss Guard members or diplomats.
It is, therefore, improbable that you will ever become a citizen of Vatican City unless you possess significant abilities or connections.
3. Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is one of the richest and smallest nations in Europe. The principality, situated between Austria and Switzerland, has a population of slightly over 37,000. The nation has some of the strictest citizenship standards in the world.
Candidates must pass a language test, demonstrate financial security, have assimilated into the community, and have lived in Liechtenstein for at least 30 years.
Given these restrictions, it should come as no surprise that Liechtenstein is one of the most difficult countries to obtain citizenship in. In actuality, the nation’s parliament only grants citizenship to about 20 individuals annually.
4. Bhutan
One of the most difficult countries to obtain citizenship in is Bhutan. With a population of just over 700,000, the small landlocked nation in the Himalayas has an extremely low naturalization rate.
Since 1949, only roughly 1,000 foreigners have been granted Bhutanese citizenship. Obtaining citizenship in Bhutan is a drawn-out and challenging procedure. According to the Bhutanese Citizenship Act of 1985, candidates must speak Dzongkha fluently, have no criminal history, and have resided in the nation for at least 15 years.
A demanding exam that assesses their understanding of Bhutanese history, culture, and religion must also be passed. Even in that case, citizenship is not assured; the government retains the authority to decide whether to confer citizenship.
5. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is thought to be the most difficult nation in the world to obtain public relations for a number of reasons, such as its forbidding dual citizenship and mandating that all of its residents practice Islam.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia maintains severe restrictions for foreigners who want to become citizens, such as a five-year residency requirement and a minimum age of 21.
Although obtaining citizenship in Saudi Arabia is challenging, obtaining employment with the UAE, its neighbor, on a job seeker visa and subsequently converting it to citizenship status is simple.
6. Kuwait
Kuwait is one of the most difficult countries to become a citizen of. The Kuwaiti National Law of 1959 stipulates a stringent set of qualifications for citizenship, and the government is extremely picky about who it permits to enter the nation.
It would be best if you got a residency permit before you can be considered for Kuwaiti citizenship. Because only a certain number of licenses are available annually, this can be a challenging process in itself.
After obtaining a residency permit, you must reside in Kuwait for a minimum of ten years before you may seek citizenship.
7. China
The answer to the question of which nation is the most difficult to obtain citizenship in is China. To obtain Chinese citizenship, one must be of Chinese origin or have at least one parent of Chinese nationality.
You can only obtain citizenship if you are of Chinese ancestry. Marrying a Chinese citizen is another way to obtain Chinese citizenship. However, for the marriage to be accepted in China, it needs to be registered with the government.
8. North Korea
North Korea is one of the hardest countries to obtain citizenship in. It is one of the most secretive countries worldwide, and it is believed that it is close to impossible to get citizenship here. Only the presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly can grant citizenship to a foreigner.
9. Japan
One of the hardest countries to get citizenship in is Japan, an island nation. The lengthy and difficult process necessitates a large time and financial commitment. Prospective citizens must have resided in Japan for a minimum of five years in 1950 in accordance with the Nationality legislation.
Candidates must have had a clean criminal record and a valid work visa during that time. Additionally, they must pass a demanding Japanese language exam. After fulfilling those requirements, candidates need to send a thorough application to the Ministry of Justice.
The application includes photos, fingerprints, and other private data. Hearing from the ministry regarding the approval or rejection of the application may take months or even years.
10. San Marino
One of the most difficult nations to obtain citizenship in is San Marino. The procedure is drawn out and difficult, and the requirements are extremely rigid. To be granted citizenship, you must have resided in San Marino for ten years or more.
Additionally, you must speak Italian fluently, be at least eighteen years old, and have no criminal history. The initial step is to apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After your application has been accepted, you will be required to take a citizenship exam covering history, culture, and politics.
After passing the citizenship test, you will have to face a panel of judges in person for an interview. After that, you will take an oath of allegiance to San Marino and finally be granted citizenship.
11. Monaco
Monaco is one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in the world. The Principality of Monaco is a sovereign city-state located on the French Riviera in Western Europe.
France borders Monaco to the north, east, and west and is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the south. Monaco’s official language is French, although Monégasque, Italian, and English are also spoken.
Although the Principality of Monaco is not a member of the European Union, it is closely linked to the EU through its customs union agreement with France and its membership in various international organizations, such as UNESCO and Interpol.
Conclusion
These countries have varying naturalization procedures and deadlines, making them the most difficult in the world to get citizenship. In several nations, obtaining citizenship after a difficult process is considered a blessing. The nations above are the most difficult to obtain citizenship in.
