Top 7 Hardest Countries to Get Citizenship, the World's Exclusive Nations

1 month ago 29

December 30, 2024 | 08:27 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Immigration procedures are inherently intricate and tedious. Whether you're crossing borders for a short stay or complying with work visa regulations, authorities will have to clear a pile of documents before letting people pass, often citing security reasons. One particularly difficult to obtain is a country’s citizenship, with some harder than others.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some countries with some of the most arduous requirements to obtain citizenship status.

List of Hardest Countries to Get Citizenship

Investopedia and Get GIS identified Qatar, Austria, and Vatican City as some of the hardest countries to get citizenship, with other contenders as follows:

1. Qatar

Qatar is named as one of the hardest countries to get citizenship, requiring 25-year residency for a valid application. Once processed, individuals need to wait for at least several years until their appeal is acknowledged. The rigorous sequence is due to the strict law of no dual citizenship that Qatar enforces. As a result, Qatar citizenship status is usually obtained through marriage to Qatar citizens.

2. Austria

Much like any European Union country, Austria has one of the longest processes to acquire citizenship status. Individuals coming from a country outside of the European Union should have a residence permit for a stay longer than six months. Additionally, those planning longer visits for over 24 months are asked to sign an integration agreement that binds them to participate in Austria’s social, economic, and cultural life. Eventually, when permanent residents of 10 years wish to apply for citizenship, they must renounce the other citizenship.

3. Vatican City

Despite being the world’s smallest country, which houses only over 800 people, Vatican City is named among the hardest countries to get citizenship. Beyond complexity, individuals become citizens of Vatican City by being born into the nation or gaining a direct endorsement by the Pope.

4. Germany

Unless you are a citizen of another European Union country, acquiring permanent residency in Germany is impossible to achieve. If the basic requirement is met, foreigners also have to obtain German language competency and knowledge about the political system as well as the nation’s society before applying for citizenship. Applicants must also be able to earn a living, make contributions to the national pension plan, and show proof of accommodation to have their submission considered.

5. Japan

As one of the hardest countries to get citizenship, Japan requires foreign nationals to live in the country for five years before being eligible to apply for citizenship status. Additionally, individuals must demonstrate a clean criminal record during their stay to have a valid submission. Other processes to complete include permission from the Justice Minister and a large amount of paperwork.

6. Switzerland

To obtain permanent residency in Switzerland, individuals must reside in the country for a minimum of five years, though this requirement may vary based on specific circumstances. According to Investopedia, foreigners who qualify for permanent residency can also apply for citizenship, although approval is not guaranteed. While Switzerland permits dual citizenship, each municipality reportedly has its own set of rules governing the granting of citizenship.

7. Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein concluded the list of the hardest countries to get citizenship, with only around 20 people every year being granted citizenship by the nation’s parliament. Get GIS noted that foreign applicants must have lived in the country for at least 30 years to provide proof of sustainable finances before submitting the applications.

These hardest countries to get citizenship are defined by their stringent and highly selective requirements, reflecting a commitment to preserving cultural identity, security, and national values. Those aspiring to live abroad might also want to check the list of countries that pay you to move there.

INVESTOPEDIA | GET GIS

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