Written by: Jaya Pathak
The process of acquiring citizenship of a foreign nation is a complex task. In a selected group of nations, this process doesn’t only get difficult but almost impossible.
Top 10 Countries Where Gaining Citizenship Is Nearly Impossible
In this blog, we are going to discuss about top 10 countries where getting citizenship is almost impossible.
1. Vatican City
It is the world’s smallest sovereign state. This country has maintained its citizenship model exceptionally exclusive. Citizenship in this country is not based on a period of continuous residence but it can be primarily acquired upon appointment from diplomatic offices associated with the Holy See. Only the Cardinals residing in Vatican City or the diplomats representing it can be directly employed by the Catholic Church within the Vatican City are eligible to become citizens.
The fundamental hurdle to citizenship of this country is role-based acquisition. Citizenship functions primarily as a temporary and service-oriented status which enables individuals to perform specific duties for the Holy See rather than representing a broad national identity. Therefore, if a person is not directly serving the Holy See, then he cannot become a citizen.
2. North Korea:
The hermit Kingdom or North Korea has maintained a citizenship law which is intentionally vague and highly restrictive. Citizenship in North Korea is acquired by descent. If a child is born in North Korea to a North Korean citizen and a foreign national, then citizenship can be granted. It is to be noted that dual citizenship is not recognized in North Korea. The significant hurdle in acquiring citizenship of this country is the intentional vagueness of laws and absolute discretion which is vested in this state. Citizenship can be granted only by a political driven process with predictable criteria for foreigners.
3. Bhutan
It is known for its policies which aims to preserve its unique culture and environment. The primary hurdle of acquiring citizenship in Bhutan is subjective impeccable behaviour class. The grant of citizenship rest on the prerogative of His Majesty, the king. It indicates a non-transparent and top-down decision-making process. The country does not offer any citizenship program through investment programs. It does not recognize dual citizenship. If you will acquire foreign citizenship, then automatically it would result in termination of other one.
4. Qatar
It is a Persian Gulf nation which imposes longest residency requirements globally with strict language, financial and dual citizenship rules. All the factors make the process of neutralization exceedingly rare. For most of the applicants, 25 years of continuous residency is required. Proficiency in Arabic is a mandatory prerequisite. It has to be noted that diverse citizenship is not permitted in Qatar. Another key hurdle is a strong cultural expectation for conversion to Islam which is not acceptable to everyone.
5. Kuwait
The process of acquiring citizenship in Kuwait is woven into religious dynamics. The applicants must have lived legally in Kuwait for at least 20 years continuously. If they are Arab nationals, then they must live for at least 15 years. Proficiency in Arabic is mandatory. Kuwait does not allow diverse citizenship. Another significant barrier is applicants must be Muslim by birth or have converted to Islam and their faith in Islam must be for a minimum of five years. The nationality of Kuwait is autocratically controlled and arbitrarily implemented. It suggests that acquiring citizenship is not a predictable legal process but has turned into a political instrument.
6. Liechtenstein
This country demands a long residency and approval from local community assemblies. The standard residency for naturalization in this country is 30 years. This can be reduced to 5- 10 years through community approval or marriage. For marriage to a citizen of this country, the requirement is between 5 and 10 years. The applicant must be proficient in German and have the proof of financial viability and a good reputation. In order to gain the community vote, applicants have to get approval from electorate of a local municipality.
7. China
The process of acquisition of citizenship in China is intentionally vague and emphasizes family ties. Applicants must have settled in China. A specific minimum residency for naturalization is not clearly been mentioned. But it is to be noted that it is impossible to get a permanent residence without knowledge of the culture and language of China as the country is actively promoting ethnic assimilation policies to establish unified national identity. Dual citizenship is strictly prohibited in China. If applicants are a near relatives of Chinese nationals or they have settled in China or have some other legitimate reasons, naturalization is granted.
8. Saudi Arabia
In order to get the citizenship of Saudi Arabia, applicants must have resided in this country for at least 10 consecutive years under a regular residency permit. If they marry a Saudi national, then this period is reduced to five years. The applicant must be proficient in Arabic language. They also have a good conduct and behaviour. Dual citizenship is not recognized in Saudi Arabia. The final decision regarding citizenship applications the rest with the minister of the interior.
9. Japan
The process of acquisition of citizenship in Japan involves rigorous training and assimilation. The applicant must be residing in this country for at least five years. It is to be noted that if you are a student or a trainee, then it will not count towards this requirement. If you are not residing in this country for 100 days in a year, then you will not be considered as a continuous resident.
The period can be reduced to three years if the applicant will marry a Japanese national. The applicant must be fluent in Japanese and must be acquainted through Japanese culture and customs. These things will be evaluated through an interview. The applicant must exhibit a good moral conduct and they have to prove that they can be assimilated into the Swiss society. Japan does not allow dual citizenship.
10. Austria
If you want to get citizenship of Australia, then you must illegally reside in this country for a period of 10 years. The applicant must be proficient in German language. A basic knowledge of the democratic system, fundamental principles and Austrian history is also required which will be assessed through written examination.
FAQs – Hardest Countries to Get Citizenship In 2025
Why is it so difficult to get citizenship in some countries?
Some countries restrict citizenship to preserve national identity, cultural integrity, or political control. Others maintain vague laws, impose extremely long residency requirements, or require approval from royalty or local communities.
Which country is the hardest in the world to get citizenship?
Vatican City is considered the hardest. Citizenship is not granted by birth or residency—only individuals appointed to serve the Holy See can qualify, and it’s often temporary.
Can foreigners become citizens of North Korea?
It’s nearly impossible. North Korea’s citizenship laws are unclear and controlled entirely by the regime. Citizenship can only be granted through descent or political discretion, and dual citizenship is not allowed.
What makes Bhutan’s citizenship laws so strict?
Bhutan requires “impeccable behavior” and approval from the King. Dual citizenship is banned, and any foreign citizenship leads to automatic cancellation of Bhutanese status.
How long does it take to get citizenship in Qatar?
Qatar demands 25 years of continuous residency, fluency in Arabic, and prohibits dual citizenship. There are also unofficial cultural expectations, like conversion to Islam, making it even more difficult.
Why is Kuwait on the list of hardest countries for citizenship?
Kuwait has strict religious prerequisites—applicants must be Muslim by birth or convert with five years of Islamic faith. Residency requirements are long, and naturalization is rare and politically driven.
Is it true that Liechtenstein requires a community vote?
Yes. In Liechtenstein, applicants must reside for 30 years (reduced under specific conditions) and be approved by the local municipality’s electorate. Proficiency in German is also required.
Why is Chinese citizenship nearly impossible to obtain?
China offers citizenship primarily based on bloodline or settlement with strong ties. The process is intentionally vague, and dual citizenship is strictly prohibited. It emphasizes ethnic assimilation over legal residency.
How hard is it to get Saudi Arabian citizenship?
Very. Applicants need 10 years of residency, Arabic fluency, and good conduct. Dual citizenship is banned, and final approval rests with the Minister of the Interior.
Can someone get Japanese citizenship without marrying a Japanese citizen?
Yes, but they must reside continuously for 5 years, show fluency in Japanese, pass an interview, and prove cultural assimilation. Japan does not allow dual citizenship, and strict standards apply.
What is required to get Austrian citizenship?
Austria mandates 10 years of legal residence, proficiency in German, and knowledge of democracy and history, proven through a written exam. The process is rigorous and selective.
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