Select Language:
The 15 Countries Where Getting Citizenship Is the Biggest Challenge in 2025
Getting a passport from certain countries can be extremely difficult, even for those with deep ties or genuine interest. Here’s a detailed list of 15 nations where the road to citizenship is often steep, with many requiring lengthy residency, language mastery, or even renouncing previous citizenships.
Qatar: A Highly Restrictive Path to Citizenship
Achieving Qatari citizenship involves living in the country for at least 25 years. Applicants must be fluent in Arabic, convert to Islam, and relinquish their original nationality. The process is selective, aiming to preserve cultural and religious integrity.
Note: Prior to eligibility, you must demonstrate economic participation and integration into Qatari society.
Vatican City: Limited Entrance for Clergy and Church Affiliates
The Vatican’s doors are not open for generic naturalization. Citizenship is exclusively granted to clergy, diplomats, or church workers affiliated with the Holy See. No pathway exists for outsiders without a religious role. This unique approach ensures the city’s religious sovereignty remains intact.
Liechtenstein: A Residency Prerequisite With a Strict Approval Process
To become a citizen of Liechtenstein, one must either reside in the country for a minimum of 30 years or have a shorter five-year stay through marriage. Even then, naturalization requires rigorous approval from authorities, emphasizing cultural integration and economic contribution.
Bhutan: A Cautious Approach to Citizenship
Individuals seeking Bhutanese citizenship must reside in the country for 20 continuous years, maintaining a clean criminal record. Final approval is at the sole discretion of the monarchy, emphasizing the nation’s conservative approach to immigration.
Saudi Arabia: Limited and Strategic Residency
Saudi law mandates a minimum of 10 years of residence, basic fluency in Arabic, and no criminal history. Despite recent reforms, the process for naturalization remains restrictive, predominantly favoring special cases or investors.
Kuwait: Residency and Religion Play Critical Roles
Kuwait requires 20 years of residence, with applicants needing to be Muslim. Dual citizenship isn’t permitted, which complicates prospects for those holding multiple nationalities. The process is highly selective, prioritizing long-term residents and citizens with significant ties to the country.
Switzerland: Residency, Language, and Cultural Integration
A solid minimum of 10 years of residence is necessary in Switzerland. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency at a B2 or A2 level in one of the country’s official languages—German, French, Italian, or Romansh—and show integration into Swiss society. The process can take years and often involves local approval.
China: A Murky Path Filled with Restrictions
China offers virtually no straightforward naturalization route for foreigners. Approval is based on special state interests, family connections, or rare exceptions, making Chinese citizenship one of the most challenging to obtain globally.
North Korea: Extremely Restricted Naturalization
With a policy that emphasizes national loyalty, North Korea does not permit dual citizenship and maintains a highly secretive and restrictive process. Naturalization is exceedingly rare, often requiring governmental approval that is granted only under exceptional circumstances.
Japan: Short Residency, Strict Conditions
To qualify for Japanese citizenship, applicants need at least five years of residence. They must demonstrate basic Japanese language skills and, importantly, relinquish their previous citizenship due to Japan’s strict policies against dual nationality. The process involves thorough background checks.
United Arab Emirates: A Lengthy and Discretionary Process
UAE citizenship typically requires 30 years of continuous residence. The process is highly selective, often favoring investors, businesspeople, and individuals deemed to contribute positively to national development. It remains a privilege granted sparingly.
San Marino: Strict Residency and No Duals
Citizenship in San Marino demands 30 years of legal residence. The country maintains a strict stance on dual citizenship, only granting it in exceptional cases, making naturalization a lengthy and selective process.
Austria: Language and Residency Requirements
Austria requires a minimum of 10 years of residence, with applicants needing at least a B2 level proficiency in German. Austria’s naturalization process emphasizes cultural integration, language skills, and a clean legal record, making it quite rigorous.
Monaco: Short Residency, Same-Birth Requirement
To become a Monegasque citizen, one must typically reside in Monaco for at least 10 years, renounce previous citizenships, and demonstrate financial stability and integration into the community. The process is highly selective and exclusive.
Finland: Residency and Language Proficiency
Finland requires five years of continuous residence. However, mastering either Finnish or Swedish at a required proficiency level makes the process more challenging, reflecting the country’s emphasis on language and cultural integration.
Getting citizenship in these countries remains a complex and often lengthy endeavor, with most governments prioritizing cultural, religious, or economic contributions before granting full rights. If you’re considering making one of these nations your home, preparation, patience, and a thorough understanding of each country’s unique requirements are essential.
Sources: TerraTern, 2025 Report
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini AI
Grok AI
