Seeking citizenship in a foreign land can be a cherished dream for many, but in 2023, several countries have set formidable hurdles that challenge this aspiration. These nations have established unique and demanding prerequisites, adding layers of complexity to the journey towards citizenship.
Here, we delve into the top ten most challenging countries to obtain citizenship, each presenting its distinct set of requirements and cultural intricacies, making the pursuit of citizenship a daunting quest for foreign nationals.
Hardest Countries to Obtain Citizenship in 2023
Obtaining citizenship in a foreign country is a dream for many people, but it is not always easy. Some countries have very strict citizenship requirements, making the process difficult and time-consuming.
These nations stand as formidable fortresses, each with its unique set of requirements and cultural nuances, making the journey to citizenship a daunting quest for foreign nationals.
- Qatar: Qatar is renowned as one of the most challenging countries globally to obtain citizenship. Foreigners must endure a staggering 25 years of residency before being eligible to apply. Furthermore, proficiency in Arabic, a clean criminal record, and proof of sufficient financial resources are mandatory.
- Vatican City: Vatican City, the world’s smallest country, boasts a population of just over 800 people. It maintains stringent citizenship requirements and extends citizenship primarily to a select few, including cardinals, diplomats representing the Holy See, and certain Catholic Church employees residing within its borders.
- Liechtenstein: Situated in Central Europe, Liechtenstein demands foreign residents to live within its borders for a minimum of 30 years before citizenship application. However, this period can be reduced to 10 years through community approval or marriage to a Liechtenstein citizen.
- Bhutan: Nestled in the Himalayas, Bhutan is a remote kingdom with demanding citizenship criteria. Foreigners without Bhutanese parentage must reside for at least 20 years, maintaining impeccable behaviour and refraining from negative remarks about the Bhutanese monarchy.
- Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia, an oil-rich nation in the Middle East, mandates a minimum 10-year residency, fluency in Arabic, a clean criminal record, and being “generally considered moral” for prospective citizens.
- Kuwait: Similar to its Middle Eastern neighbour, Kuwait requires a 20-year residency, fluency in Arabic, and adherence to the Islamic faith either by birth or conversion for foreigners aspiring to become citizens.
- Switzerland: Central Europe’s Switzerland necessitates a decade of residency and possession of a ‘C residence permit.’ Proficiency in one of Switzerland’s national languages (German, French, Italian, or Romansh) is also obligatory.
- China: As the world’s most populous nation, China offers limited pathways to citizenship for foreigners, primarily through family connections or “other legitimate reasons.” The process remains intentionally vague, posing difficulties for applicants to navigate.
- North Korea: North Korea, shrouded in secrecy in East Asia, lacks well-documented criteria for obtaining citizenship. The Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly holds authority over granting citizenship.
- Japan: Japan, situated in East Asia, requires continuous residency for at least five years, demonstrating “upright conduct,” and the ability to support oneself before citizenship application eligibility.
More Things You Should Know
- All countries on this list require foreigners to renounce their original citizenship upon acquiring citizenship, except for Vatican City.
- Some countries offer expedited citizenship programs for highly skilled workers and investors.
Why Are These Countries Difficult to Obtain Citizenship In?
Several factors contribute to the stringent citizenship requirements in these countries:
- Preservation of Culture and Identity: Countries like Japan and China aim to protect their rich cultural heritage by restricting citizenship access to maintain their cultural identity.
- Population Control: Nations with small populations, such as Qatar and Kuwait, limit citizenship to manage population growth.
- Attracting Highly Skilled Workers: Countries like Switzerland and Canada offer expedited citizenship for highly skilled individuals to attract top talent from around the world.
In conclusion, if you aspire to obtain citizenship in any of these countries, thorough research and understanding of specific requirements are essential. Consulting with an immigration lawyer can provide valuable, personalized guidance on your journey.
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