Gaining citizenship in a foreign country can be a dream come true for many individuals seeking better opportunities, safety, or a higher quality of life. However, not all countries make it easy to become one of their own. Some nations have strict requirements, long waiting periods, and complex legal processes that make naturalization extremely difficult. In this article, we will explore The Hardest Countries to Get Citizenship in 2025, focusing on the challenges and legal barriers faced by immigrants and expatriates around the world.
Understanding Citizenship and Naturalization
Before diving into the list, it’s important to understand what citizenship means. Citizenship is a legal status that grants a person full rights and responsibilities in a country. It includes the right to vote, access public services, and live and work freely within that country. The process of becoming a citizen, especially for a foreigner, is called naturalization.
The difficulty of gaining citizenship depends on several factors:
- Length of residency required
- Language and cultural integration tests
- Dual citizenship policies
- Financial and legal obligations
- Discretionary powers of immigration officials
Why Some Countries Make Citizenship Difficult
Some countries are selective in granting citizenship to protect their national identity, prevent illegal immigration, or control population growth. Others have strict policies due to political, economic, or historical reasons. These countries often require applicants to live for many years, renounce their previous nationality, or meet difficult income, education, or cultural standards.
Top 10 Hardest Countries to Get Citizenship in 2025
Here is a well-researched list of The Hardest Countries to Get Citizenship in 2025, based on legal requirements, processing time, and success rates.
| Rank | Country | Minimum Residency | Dual Citizenship Allowed | Notable Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Japan | 5 years | No | Renunciation required, strict integration |
| 2 | Switzerland | 10–12 years | Yes (but complex) | Local approval needed, expensive |
| 3 | Germany | 8 years (usually) | Yes (exceptions apply) | Language and integration tests |
| 4 | China | No formal pathway | No | Very rare exceptions |
| 5 | United Arab Emirates | Highly restricted | Yes (new limited law) | Only elite professionals or investors qualify |
| 6 | Liechtenstein | 30 years | No | Requires local vote, community acceptance |
| 7 | Austria | 10 years (with conditions) | No | Financial requirements, strict legal checks |
| 8 | Saudi Arabia | 10 years (limited) | Yes (recent law update) | Only top professionals, rare approvals |
| 9 | Qatar | 25 years | No | Difficult for non-Arabs |
| 10 | Vatican City | Special rules | N/A | Only available to clergy or by papal discretion |
1. Japan
Japan has one of the most rigorous citizenship processes in the world. Despite needing only five years of residency, very few foreigners ever qualify due to the country’s cultural and legal restrictions.
Key Challenges:
- Must renounce all other citizenships
- Must demonstrate full integration into Japanese society
- Japanese language fluency is mandatory
- Moral character and self-sufficiency are essential
2. Switzerland
Switzerland demands both long residency and local community approval. Even after meeting federal requirements, applicants must be accepted by their canton (state) and sometimes even voted on by their town.
Barriers to Citizenship:
- Must live at least 10 years (or 12 depending on the canton)
- Language and cultural integration requirements
- Expensive legal and administrative fees
- Approval from local residents or councils
3. Germany
While Germany has become slightly more open to immigrants in recent years, obtaining citizenship remains a challenge.
Requirements:
- At least 8 years of continuous residency (can be reduced to 6 in special cases)
- Must pass a language and civic knowledge test
- Criminal background checks
- Income stability and health insurance proof
4. China
China does not offer an open pathway to citizenship for foreigners. In fact, citizenship is rarely granted unless under extraordinary circumstances.
Major Restrictions:
- Must renounce any other nationality
- Citizenship typically only granted to those with ethnic Chinese heritage or for political reasons
- No formal naturalization law for average migrants
5. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE has only recently begun to allow limited citizenship through a discretionary process targeting investors, inventors, and highly skilled professionals.
Key Points:
- No open application process
- Must be nominated by UAE officials
- Strict background checks
- Not suitable for average workers or residents
6. Liechtenstein
This small European country has the longest residency requirement of all: 30 years. Even then, you need community approval to proceed.
Hurdles Include:
- Must live there for at least 30 years (can be reduced with marriage)
- Approval by a local referendum in some areas
- No dual citizenship allowed
- Very high cost of living
7. Austria
Austria allows naturalization only after strict scrutiny. Citizenship is often granted based on economic contributions or achievements.
Challenges to Citizenship:
- Requires 10 years of continuous residence
- No dual citizenship allowed, except in rare cases
- Financial stability, clean criminal record, and language fluency are mandatory
- Austrian citizenship by investment starts at millions of euros
8. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia recently updated its citizenship law to allow certain categories of professionals to apply, but the process remains extremely exclusive.
Requirements Include:
- Must have lived in Saudi Arabia for at least 10 years
- Only specialists in medicine, science, or religion are eligible
- Must renounce original nationality
- Approval by royal decree is needed
9. Qatar
Despite hosting a large population of foreign workers, Qatar makes it very difficult for non-citizens to gain full citizenship rights.
Naturalization Barriers:
- Must live in Qatar for 25 consecutive years
- Must speak Arabic fluently
- Only Muslims of Arab origin are typically considered
- Citizenship applications are rarely approved
10. Vatican City
As the smallest country in the world, Vatican City only grants citizenship under extremely rare and special conditions.
Eligibility:
- Must be a high-ranking member of the Catholic Church or work in Vatican institutions
- Citizenship is not passed on to children or spouses
- Automatically lost upon termination of service
Additional Countries with Strict Citizenship Policies
Here are a few more countries with rigid rules, though not as extreme as the top 10:
- Norway – Only recently allowed dual citizenship, still very strict on language and residency.
- Denmark – Requires long-term residency and Danish cultural knowledge.
- Bhutan – Extremely difficult due to policies protecting national identity.
Summary Table: Key Citizenship Restrictions
| Country | Residency | Dual Citizenship | Unique Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | 5 years | No | Renounce all others |
| Switzerland | 10+ years | Yes | Local community approval |
| China | N/A | No | No legal process for most people |
| UAE | Nominated | Yes (rare) | Only elite professionals |
| Liechtenstein | 30 years | No | Local vote needed |
| Austria | 10 years | No | High investment or achievement-based entry |
| Saudi Arabia | 10 years | Yes | Discretionary royal approval |
| Qatar | 25 years | No | Arabic fluency, restricted to Arabs |
| Vatican City | N/A | N/A | By religious appointment only |
Conclusion: Is Citizenship Worth the Challenge?
While citizenship in these countries is extremely difficult to obtain, for many it remains a worthwhile goal. Whether driven by family, work, or personal aspiration, the journey to citizenship demands persistence, patience, and preparation.
If you’re considering moving to one of The Hardest Countries to Get Citizenship in 2025, it’s crucial to consult with immigration lawyers, understand the latest laws, and prepare for a long-term commitment. Success is rare but not impossible.