Many countries offer citizenship to foreigners from all over the world. However, there are some governments that make it difficult or impossible for foreigners to obtain a passport or other documents to stay in the country. Find out more about the 15 countries that are the most difficult to obtain citizenship in

Order an insurance policy for safe travel, stay or work abroad

BUY

In most countries of the world, in order to obtain citizenship, a foreigner must legally live in the state for 5-10 years. However, there are countries in which this term increases to almost 30 years. Also, applicants are often required to fulfill additional conditions - to learn the local language or laws, to demonstrate integration into society, to renounce the citizenship of the country of origin, etc.

So, in which countries should you think twice about naturalization? Top 15 countries where it is most difficult to get citizenship in 2024 and beyond.

Qatar

The minimum period of residence to obtain citizenship: 25 years.

A small state in the Persian Gulf, which is one of the richest countries in the world. However, despite the small indigenous population, becoming a citizen of this Asian pearl is quite difficult. In addition to a long period of residence, it is necessary to demonstrate knowledge of the Arabic language, confirm good behavior and have sufficient financial resources to support yourself.

Qatar does not recognize dual citizenship, so you will have to give up your passport from your country of origin.

In general, the process of obtaining citizenship is long and complicated. In most cases, it is available only to those who have worked for the government for many years or made significant investments in the country's economy.

Vatican

Minimum period of residence to obtain citizenship: none.

The Vatican is the world's only theocratic monarchy and the smallest state on the planet, with a population of only 825 people.

According to the current legislation, you can get Vatican citizenship only under three circumstances:

- If you are a cardinal who lives in the Vatican or Rome.

- If you are a diplomat representing the Holy See.

- If you live in the Vatican, because you work for the Catholic Church.

Applicants for Vatican citizenship must practice Roman Catholicism.

Liechtenstein

The minimum period of residence to obtain citizenship: 30 years.

Liechtenstein is one of the smallest and richest countries in Europe. A little more than 37 thousand people live in the principality, which is located between Austria and Switzerland.

Although Liechtenstein is not a member of the European Union, it is part of the European Economic Area (EEA) – meaning that holders of Liechtenstein passports have full freedom of movement, just like EU citizens.

To apply for citizenship, applicants must have lived in Liechtenstein for at least 30 years and prove that they are financially stable and integrated into society. It is possible to reduce this period to 10 years if you can convince members of your community to vote for your naturalization. Also, after 5 years, foreigners who marry a citizen of the country will be able to obtain citizenship.

In any case, the consent of the Parliament of Liechtenstein is required for final approval. In addition, candidates must be fluent in German and renounce their previous citizenship.

Butane

The minimum period of residence for obtaining citizenship: 20 years.

The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has one of the strictest entry policies in the world. Since 1949, only about 1,000 foreigners managed to obtain citizenship of the country.

Among the conditions, in addition to long-term residence, the candidate must have a good command of the Dzongkha language and confirm that he has no criminal record. You must also pass a rigorous exam that tests your knowledge of Bhutanese history, culture and religion. Even if these steps are successfully completed, citizenship is not guaranteed, as the final decision is made by the government. Also, if citizenship is granted, it can be revoked at any time in the future, in the event that you speak negatively about the king or the country.

Saudi Arabia

The minimum period of residence to obtain citizenship: 10 years.

Many expats live and work in Saudi Arabia for a long time, but in order to obtain citizenship of the country, it is necessary not only to live there for at least 10 years, but also to fulfill a number of additional conditions: being able to read, write and speak Arabic fluently, being a Muslim, confirming the absence of criminal records, also your minimum age must be above 21 years.

Saudi Arabia does not recognize dual citizenship, so you will have to give up your passport from your country of origin. The final decision on the approval of the application for obtaining citizenship is made by the Minister of Internal Affairs.

Kuwait

Minimum period of residence to obtain citizenship: 15 years (for citizens of other Arab countries) or 20 years (for representatives of any country in the world).

Next door to Saudi Arabia is Kuwait, another oil-rich desert country. All applicants who decide to apply for citizenship must be fluent in Arabic and Muslim, as well as prove a stable income and no criminal record.

  Even if you meet all these requirements, there is no guarantee that you will be granted citizenship. The final decision rests with the Government of Kuwait, who may reject your application for any reason.

Kuwait also does not recognize dual citizenship.

Switzerland

The minimum period of residence to obtain citizenship: 10 years.

Switzerland is one of the happiest countries in the world, but the term for obtaining its citizenship is one of the longest in Europe - at least 10 years. In addition, it is necessary to demonstrate integration into society - to possess one of the country's national languages (German, French, Italian and Romansh) up to the B2 level and to write at the A2 level.

The process of obtaining citizenship through naturalization involves three stages of approval: confederation, canton, and commune. Individual cantons and communes may set their own requirements for the process, making it even more complicated.

China

Minimum period of residence to obtain citizenship: unknown.

To become a Chinese citizen, you must be of Chinese descent. This means that at least one parent must be a Chinese citizen. If you are not of Chinese descent, you are not eligible for citizenship. There are a few exceptions to this rule, but they are very rare.

Chinese citizenship can also be obtained through marriage to a Chinese citizen. However, it must be registered with the Chinese government and recognized. In addition, the couple must have lived in China for at least two years before they can apply for citizenship.

Obtaining citizenship after long-term residence is theoretically possible, the law allows naturalization after long-term permanent residence, but details such as the minimum period are unknown. In addition, it is necessary to confirm the presence of a stable source of income, proficiency in the Chinese language and compliance with the Constitution. China does not recognize dual citizenship.

North Korea

Minimum period of residence to obtain citizenship: unknown.

Isolated North Korea is one of the most mysterious and mysterious countries in the world. Citizenship of the state is granted only by the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly. But no one knows exactly what the process involves, as there is no clear legislation governing it.

The only thing that is known is that North Korea does not recognize dual citizenship, the minimum age of the applicant must be 21 years, it is also necessary to have a certain level of education and confirm the absence of criminal records.

Japan

The minimum period of residence for obtaining citizenship: 5 years.

In order to obtain Japanese citizenship, in addition to long-term residence, it is necessary to have "decent behavior" and an income sufficient to live in Japan. You can also use the income of relatives as proof of your financial stability.

Naturalization is prohibited if you have ever "created or belonged to an organization that plans or advocates the overthrow of the Japanese government."

Japan also does not recognize dual citizenship, but at least the language requirements are simple. You only need to know basic Japanese that is suitable for everyday life.

However, a response from the Ministry of Justice on granting citizenship can take months or even years.

United Arab Emirates

The minimum period of residence to obtain citizenship: 30 years.

Citizens of Qatar, Bahrain and Oman can apply for naturalization after 3 years of residence in the UAE, representatives of other Arab countries will need 7 years, while citizens of the rest of the world will have to live in the Emirates for at least 30 years.

Also, candidates must be fluent in Arabic, provide a legitimate source of income and confirm the appropriate level of education.

The advantage is that the UAE recognizes dual citizenship.

San Marino

The minimum period of residence to obtain citizenship: 30 years.

The requirements for obtaining the citizenship of San Marino are very strict - in addition to long-term residence, the candidate must confirm the absence of criminal records, renounce previous citizenship and speak Italian fluently.

Once your application is approved, you will need to take a citizenship test. This test covers topics such as history, culture and politics. The third stage is a personal interview with a panel of judges, as well as taking an oath of loyalty to San Marino.

Austria

The minimum period of residence to obtain citizenship: 10 years.

When submitting an application, a foreigner must confirm a minimum stay in Austria for a period of 10 years, of which 5 years on the basis of a permit. The second condition is confirmation of stable income for 36 months. It is also necessary to speak German, have basic knowledge of democratic systems, history and culture of Austria and not have serious administrative offenses.

Monaco

The minimum period of residence for obtaining citizenship: 10 years (from the moment of reaching 18 years).

When you apply for Monaco citizenship, you will need to prove your residence history by providing a long-term rental agreement or property ownership document.

Also, foreigners must renounce any citizenships and be free from the obligation of public service.

Finland

The minimum period of residence for obtaining citizenship: 4-5 years.

In order to apply for Finnish citizenship, you will need to pass the Finnish language test at level 3-4. Given that Finnish is considered one of the most difficult languages in the world, this can be quite difficult to do.

There are certain difficulties in terms of residence. Foreigners can apply for citizenship after 4 or 5 years of permanent residence in the country. For those who have lived in Finland since the age of 15, the minimum period of residence is 7 years, with the last 2 years without a break.

Absence of criminal records, confirmation of sufficient funds and payment of all fees are additional requirements for foreigners.

So, in general, it is most difficult to obtain citizenship in small and rich countries. Most of them are located in the Persian Gulf or in East Asia. Only a few European countries are included in the list, because the countries of the region demonstrate quick and simple requirements for naturalization.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.