The Hardest Countries to Get Citizenship: Why They’re So Reluctant to Let You In

Imagine spending years living in a foreign country, contributing to the economy, and establishing deep roots in the community—only to find that citizenship remains tantalizingly out of reach. This scenario is all too common in some of the hardest countries in the world to gain citizenship. What makes these nations so exclusive? Why do they go to such lengths to keep their citizenships a privilege few can access? The truth is, for some countries, citizenship is not just about residency or legal status—it's a matter of national identity, economic strategy, and social cohesion.

Let’s dive right into the world’s most elusive passports, uncovering the bureaucratic hoops, impossible timelines, and eye-watering financial requirements that make some countries almost impenetrable. From Switzerland’s tightly controlled quotas to the bureaucratic complexities of Japan, these nations protect their nationality with a zeal that borders on obsession. Whether you’re considering a long-term relocation or simply fascinated by global immigration policy, understanding these barriers can shed light on how countries view their place in the world—and who they deem worthy to join them.

1. Switzerland: A Fortress of Bureaucracy and Exclusivity

Switzerland is often regarded as a haven for the wealthy, but even those with deep pockets face a gauntlet of obstacles when it comes to obtaining Swiss citizenship. Residency requirements? You’ll need to live there for a minimum of 10 years before you can even apply, but that’s just the beginning. Not only do you need a solid grasp of one of the country’s four official languages—German, French, Italian, or Romansh—you’ll also be subjected to local approval from your canton and municipality, who will assess your integration into Swiss culture.

Local authorities will consider how well you know Swiss customs and traditions, how active you are in your community, and whether you have established relationships with Swiss citizens. Simply put, it’s not enough to live in Switzerland—you must become a Swiss at heart. This makes Switzerland one of the hardest places in Europe to gain citizenship, despite its image as an open and international financial hub.

2. Japan: The Island Fortress of Strict National Identity

Japan, the land of futuristic cities and centuries-old traditions, is notoriously tough on naturalization. Why? Because Japan values its homogeneity and national identity above most other factors. To become a Japanese citizen, you’ll need to renounce any other citizenship you hold, as Japan doesn’t allow dual nationality. This is a deal-breaker for many, but it’s just one part of the intricate process.

You’ll need to have lived in Japan for at least five consecutive years, show impeccable moral conduct (no criminal record), and prove you can support yourself financially. Applicants must also demonstrate a commitment to fully integrating into Japanese society, which includes fluency in the Japanese language. Even with all of this, there’s no guarantee you’ll be granted citizenship—Japan’s approval process is highly selective and opaque.

3. United Arab Emirates: Temporary Residency, but Never a Permanent Home

The UAE is a nation that attracts millions of expatriates, drawn by tax-free salaries and luxurious lifestyles. But when it comes to citizenship? Forget about it. The UAE almost never grants citizenship to non-nationals, no matter how long they’ve lived there. Expatriates can live in the country for decades, raise families, and contribute to the economy, but they will always remain just that—expats.

Why does the UAE keep its citizenship so exclusive? It’s all about preserving the status of its native population, who benefit from a range of government subsidies and privileges. By limiting citizenship to a select few, the government ensures these benefits remain available to Emiratis only.

4. Saudi Arabia: Tradition, Religion, and Rigorous Vetting

Much like the UAE, Saudi Arabia is another Gulf nation with strict rules around citizenship. Even for those who meet the basic requirements—residency for at least 10 years, fluency in Arabic, and a clean record—the path to citizenship is more or less closed. Saudi Arabia’s conservative society and deeply rooted religious values play a significant role in maintaining its exclusive citizenship policies. Only a select few foreigners, often those who have made significant contributions to the country, are granted the privilege of naturalization.

Furthermore, like many Middle Eastern countries, Saudi Arabia doesn't allow dual nationality, which can deter many potential applicants. The government’s focus on national security, cultural integrity, and religious cohesion makes citizenship a nearly unattainable goal for outsiders.

5. Liechtenstein: A Tiny Country with Big Obstacles

Liechtenstein, a small yet wealthy country nestled between Austria and Switzerland, makes it almost impossible for foreigners to become citizens. If you’ve ever dreamed of living in this picturesque principality, be prepared to wait—a long time. Applicants must live in the country for a whopping 30 years before they can apply for naturalization. And even then, gaining approval isn’t guaranteed.

The government and local communities must agree that the applicant has successfully integrated into the country, contributing positively to its society and economy. Even marriage to a Liechtensteiner doesn’t significantly reduce the wait time, as you’ll still need to live there for at least five years before being considered.

6. China: A Tight Grip on National Identity

China’s citizenship policies reflect the government’s strict control over national identity and sovereignty. While China has loosened its residency rules in recent years to attract foreign talent, gaining actual citizenship is another story. Chinese nationality is guarded closely, and naturalization is an extremely rare occurrence. Foreigners living in China long-term may be able to obtain permanent residency, but citizenship is almost never granted unless you have significant familial ties or have made an extraordinary contribution to the country.

Moreover, China does not allow dual citizenship, meaning that those few who are granted Chinese nationality must give up their previous citizenship, a sacrifice that many are unwilling to make.

7. Austria: Wealth Can’t Always Buy a Passport

Austria offers some of the most difficult naturalization requirements in Europe. Yes, even if you are incredibly wealthy, gaining Austrian citizenship isn’t a walk in the park. Applicants must have lived in the country for at least 10 years, show proficiency in German, and have a deep understanding of Austrian culture and history.

Additionally, like Switzerland, Austria employs a highly discretionary approval process. Even those who meet all the requirements might find their applications rejected for vague reasons, as local authorities have considerable say in the decision-making process. Dual citizenship is also not allowed, meaning that applicants must renounce their previous nationality to become Austrian.

8. Bhutan: The Himalayan Kingdom That Values Its Culture Above All

Bhutan, known for its breathtaking landscapes and commitment to Gross National Happiness, is perhaps one of the hardest countries in the world to become a citizen of. The Bhutanese government strictly controls who can enter the country, let alone settle there permanently. For foreigners, gaining citizenship is almost unheard of. Even those born to foreign parents in Bhutan have little to no chance of becoming citizens.

The process involves an extensive residency requirement of 20 years for non-Bhutanese nationals. Moreover, potential citizens must prove that they are willing to fully immerse themselves in Bhutanese culture, values, and religion (mainly Buddhism).

9. Kuwait: Exclusivity by Design

In Kuwait, citizenship is an exclusive club. Kuwaitis enjoy a range of government benefits that make their passports highly coveted, but the path to citizenship is nearly impossible for outsiders. Even long-term residents and children born to expatriates in Kuwait are often denied citizenship, regardless of how long their families have lived there.

Kuwait’s citizenship policies are designed to protect the privileges and benefits enjoyed by native Kuwaitis, and as such, the government keeps a tight lid on naturalizations. Even marriage to a Kuwaiti national does not guarantee citizenship, making it one of the hardest Middle Eastern countries to gain nationality in.

Conclusion: The Fortress Nations

These countries have built impenetrable barriers around their citizenship for a variety of reasons, including the desire to protect national identity, economic strategy, and social integrity. Whether through impossibly long residency requirements, stringent cultural tests, or outright bans on dual citizenship, these nations have made it clear that becoming one of their citizens is a privilege reserved for only a select few.