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15 Countries with the Most Challenging Citizenship Processes in 2025
Qatar: A Marathon of Residency and Language Skills
Qatar remains one of the toughest countries for naturalization. Prospective citizens need to spend at least 25 years living in the country. Additionally, applicants must renounce their original nationality, convert to Islam, and demonstrate proficiency in Arabic. The process is highly restrictive, with the government emphasizing cultural and religious integration before considering citizenship. The lengthy residency period and strict cultural prerequisites make it nearly impossible for most foreigners to obtain Qatari citizenship.
Vatican City: Limited to Religious and Diplomatic Personnel
Unlike other nations, Vatican City offers no naturalization route for outsiders. Citizenship is granted solely to members of the clergy, Vatican diplomats, or church workers who serve within the city-state. Once granted, citizenship typically lasts only for the duration of service, with no pathways for residents outside the religious or diplomatic community. This unique policy firmly maintains the Vatican’s small, exclusive population base.
Liechtenstein: Decades of Residency or Marriage
Liechtenstein’s citizenship process is exceedingly selective. Applicants typically need to reside in the country for at least 30 years to qualify, though those married to a Liechtenstein citizen can apply after five years. Even then, naturalization involves stringent approval processes, where authorities thoroughly evaluate the individual’s integration and contribution to society. This high barrier preserves the country’s exclusivity.
Bhutan: Monarchy’s Discretion and Residency Requirements
With a traditional approach to citizenship, Bhutan demands 20 years of continuous residence, a clean criminal record, and approval from the monarchy. The process is highly discretionary, with the king exercising significant control over naturalization decisions. Foreigners seeking Bhutanese citizenship face an opaque process that emphasizes cultural preservation and loyalty to the monarchy.
Saudi Arabia: Residency and Language Prerequisites
Saudi Arabia offers a pathway to citizenship after a minimum of 10 years of residence, but applicants must demonstrate fluency in Arabic and have no criminal record. While the process is somewhat accessible compared to others on this list, the nation’s strict societal norms and requirement for cultural assimilation make it a challenging endeavor for most foreigners.
Kuwait: A Strict Muslim-Only Policy
Kuwait requires immigrants to reside in the country for at least 20 years before they can apply for citizenship. Applicants must be Muslim and cannot hold dual citizenship, making the process even more exclusive. The government tightly controls naturalization, prioritizing long-term residents with strong community ties.
Switzerland: High Language and Residency Standards
Known for its stringent naturalization policies, Switzerland mandates a minimum of 10 years of residence, with the last three years spent continuously in the country. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency at a B2/A2 level in an official Swiss language—German, French, Italian, or Romansh—alongside integration into Swiss society. These language and cultural requirements present significant hurdles for many potential newcomers.
China: Limited and Opaque Pathways
China’s naturalization process is shrouded in ambiguity, with no clear or straightforward pathways. Citizenship is predominantly granted through special state approval, often based on familial ties, investment, or exceptional talent. The government exercises tight control, and foreign applicants generally face significant obstacles unless they meet highly specific criteria.
North Korea: Near-Impossibility and Draconian Restrictions
North Korea’s naturalization process is one of the most restrictive in the world. Dual citizenship is strictly prohibited, and naturalization is rarely granted outside of exceptional cases. The process is opaque, controlled by the government, and primarily reserved for those with special skills or family connections to the regime.
Japan: A Moderately Difficult Path with Strict Rules
Japan requires five years of continuous residence, basic proficiency in Japanese language skills, and the abandonment of previous citizenships. The naturalization process is demanding but generally accessible to those who meet the residency and language criteria, especially if they demonstrate cultural integration and financial stability.
United Arab Emirates: A Highly Selective Process
The UAE has a carefully curated pathway to citizenship, typically requiring 30 years of residence. Exceptions exist for investors and individuals with exceptional talents, but these are rare. The government’s highly selective policies and limited pathways make UAE citizenship challenging for most foreigners.
San Marino: Long Residency and No Dual Citizenship
San Marino demands 30 years of uninterrupted residence for naturalization, and dual citizenship is not permitted. The country’s small population and conservative naturalization policies preserve its exclusivity, making it one of the most challenging European countries for citizenship.
Austria: Language and Residency Barriers
Austria requires a minimum of 10 years of residence, with the last six spent continuously. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency at a B2 level in German and show integration into Austrian society. Its strict policies and language requirements are hurdles for many seeking citizenship.
Monaco: Small Residency Window and Renunciation
Monaco’s citizenship process necessitates at least 10 years of residence, along with a commitment to renounce any other citizenship. Given the country’s high living costs and limited space, naturalization is difficult and often only attainable for wealthy applicants or those with ties to influential residents.
Finland: Short Residency, but Language Is a Barrier
Finnish naturalization requires five years of continuous residence, but mastering Finnish or Swedish languages at a high standard is a significant challenge. The language and integration requirements, combined with a careful evaluation process, lengthen the path to citizenship.
Sources: TerraTern 2025
Note: This comprehensive overview reflects the latest citizenship policies as of 2025, highlighting how cultural, linguistic, and residency demands shape the difficulty across various nations.
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