Gaining citizenship in a new country can be a long and challenging process, with some nations requiring decades of residency before granting nationality.
For many, a passport is more than just a travel document—it represents stability, opportunity, and a sense of belonging.
However, in certain countries, the journey to becoming a citizen is particularly demanding, requiring years of residence, strict language proficiency, and full integration into society.
Liechtenstein has one of the most demanding paths to citizenship, requiring 30 years of continuous residency.
Fluency in German and strong community ties are essential, and even after meeting these conditions, applicants must secure approval through a community vote. Marriage to a Liechtenstein citizen can reduce the requirement to 10 years, but naturalisation is never guaranteed.
Qatar imposes a 25-year residency requirement, alongside fluency in Arabic and proof of social or economic contribution. The government strictly controls who is granted citizenship, and even individuals born in the country to foreign parents often remain without nationality.
Bhutan enforces a 20-year residency rule for foreign nationals, but approval is not automatic. The government prioritises ethnic Bhutanese and has broad discretion to deny applications. Criticism of the monarchy can also result in rejection or revocation of citizenship.
Kuwait has one of the most exclusive citizenship policies, requiring 20 years of residency and proficiency in Arabic. Additionally, only Muslims or individuals who have converted to Islam are eligible, and applicants must renounce any previous nationality.
Saudi Arabia, despite having a large expatriate population, rarely grants citizenship. The process requires at least 10 years of continuous residence, fluency in Arabic, and demonstrated contributions to the economy or society. Citizenship applications are decided at the discretion of the Minister of the Interior, and dual nationality is not allowed.
Switzerland requires a minimum of 10 years of residence, a C residence permit, and proficiency in one of the country’s official languages. Applicants must also demonstrate integration into Swiss society, including knowledge of local customs and active participation in community life. Each application undergoes rigorous scrutiny by local authorities.
Japan, though requiring just five years of residency, has a strict naturalisation process. Applicants must prove financial stability, have a clean criminal record, and demonstrate deep integration into Japanese society. The country does not permit dual nationality, meaning successful applicants must renounce their original citizenship. Even those who meet all the criteria may find approval difficult to obtain.
Some countries go beyond long residency requirements by making naturalisation nearly impossible.
Vatican City grants citizenship only to those directly employed by the Catholic Church, cardinals residing in Vatican City or Rome, and diplomats representing the Holy See. Once their employment ends, their citizenship is revoked, with no naturalisation process available.
China does not have a clear residency requirement, and applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Marrying a Chinese citizen does not guarantee nationality, and the country does not allow dual citizenship. The government retains broad discretion over naturalisation, making it rare for foreigners to become Chinese citizens.
North Korea remains one of the most difficult countries for foreigners to obtain citizenship. Nationality is primarily granted by birth to North Korean parents, and the government exercises strict control over citizenship decisions. Even defectors who later wish to return often face obstacles in regaining their status.
While long residency requirements make citizenship difficult to obtain in some countries, others enforce vague or highly selective criteria that make naturalisation nearly impossible.
For those seeking a new nationality, understanding the legal and bureaucratic hurdles is essential before embarking on the journey to citizenship.
