For millions of people around the world, obtaining citizenship in a second country can provide greater security, mobility and long-term opportunities.

While many countries have established routes for foreign residents to become citizens, others impose lengthy residency periods, strict language and integration requirements, limited eligibility or highly discretionary approval processes.

In some cases, simply meeting the legal requirements does not guarantee success. Authorities may retain broad powers over who can ultimately be granted citizenship, while countries such as Japan and China also place restrictions on dual nationality.

Here are 10 countries where obtaining citizenship can be particularly difficult for foreigners.

Qatar

Qatar has one of the world’s most restrictive naturalisation systems. Foreign applicants generally need to have lived in the country for 25 years before becoming eligible, alongside requirements including Arabic proficiency and good conduct.

Even after meeting the conditions, citizenship is not guaranteed, with approvals tightly controlled by the authorities.

Vatican City

Vatican City does not operate a conventional citizenship-by-residency system.

Citizenship is generally connected to specific positions or official responsibilities within the Holy See. It can therefore end when the individual’s qualifying role comes to an end, making it fundamentally different from traditional naturalisation systems.

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is known for its lengthy route to citizenship, with naturalisation potentially requiring decades of residence.

Applicants can also face local and national approval procedures, making citizenship a highly selective process in the small European principality.

Bhutan

Bhutan maintains strict citizenship rules aimed at protecting its national identity and culture.

Foreign applicants face demanding residency, cultural and integration requirements, while final approval is subject to government scrutiny. The country’s approach makes naturalisation considerably harder than simply establishing long-term residence.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabian citizenship is generally far easier to obtain through family heritage than through naturalisation.

The kingdom has opened limited opportunities for certain highly skilled professionals and individuals with exceptional expertise. However, applicants still face demanding requirements and decisions remain heavily dependent on government approval.

Kuwait

Kuwait maintains tight controls over who can become a citizen.

Naturalisation is restricted to specific categories and can involve lengthy residency and other eligibility requirements. The country’s restrictive nationality framework has also contributed to longstanding debates surrounding its sizeable stateless population.

Switzerland

Switzerland has a demanding naturalisation system that combines federal requirements with assessments at cantonal and municipal levels.

Foreign residents generally need around 10 years of residence, as well as evidence of language ability and successful integration. Local authorities can play an important part in deciding whether an applicant qualifies.

China

China rarely grants citizenship to foreign nationals and does not generally recognise dual citizenship.

Foreigners seeking naturalisation typically need Chinese family connections or another legally recognised basis for their application. Because approvals are uncommon and the criteria are narrowly applied, acquiring Chinese citizenship can be extremely difficult.

North Korea

North Korea has no widely accessible or transparent naturalisation route comparable with those found in many other countries.

Citizenship is predominantly determined by birth and state classification, leaving foreign nationals with very limited opportunities to obtain citizenship through ordinary residency.

Japan

Japan has a formal naturalisation process, but applicants must satisfy a range of conditions.

Foreign residents generally need at least five years of continuous residence, financial stability and evidence of good conduct. Japan also generally requires applicants to give up their existing nationality when naturalising, making the process particularly demanding for people seeking to retain dual citizenship.

Vanguard News

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