There are a number of reasons why some citizenships are harder to earn than others. In some cases, it’s simply a matter of having the right connections or being born into the right family. In other cases, it might be due to strict requirements or lengthy processes. Here are 10 of the hardest citizenships to earn in the world.
1. Qatar
Qatar is an extremely wealthy country, due in large part to its vast oil and natural gas reserves. It’s also a country that’s been rapidly modernizing in recent years, with a rising skyline of skyscrapers and a growing expatriate population. However, acquiring citizenship in Qatar is still notoriously difficult.
There are two primary ways to become a citizen of Qatar. The first is by birth, and the second is through naturalization. Those born in Qatar to Qatari parents are automatically granted citizenship. However, children of foreign nationals are not eligible for citizenship, even if they’re born in Qatar. As for naturalization, it’s possible for foreigners to become citizens of Qatar if they meet a number of requirements. These include being Muslim, having resided in Qatar for at least 25 years, being fluent in Arabic, and having a “good reputation.”
2. The United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is another country in the Middle East with a large expatriate population and very strict citizenship rules. Like Qatar, the primary way to become a citizen of the UAE is by birth or through naturalization.
Those born in the UAE to Emirati parents are automatically granted citizenship. However, children of foreign nationals are not eligible for citizenship, even if they were born in the UAE. As for naturalization, it’s possible for foreigners to become citizens of the UAE if they meet a number of requirements. These include being Muslim, having resided in the UAE for at least 20 years, being fluent in Arabic, and having a “good reputation.”
3. Kuwait
Kuwait is another country in the Middle East with a large expatriate population and very strict citizenship rules. Like Qatar and the UAE, the primary way to become a citizen of Kuwait is by birth or through naturalization.
Those born in Kuwait to Kuwaiti parents are automatically granted citizenship. However, children of foreign nationals are not eligible for citizenship, even if they’re born in Kuwait. As for naturalization, it’s possible for foreigners to become citizens of Kuwait if they meet a number of requirements. These include being Muslim, having resided in Kuwait for at least 20 years, being fluent in Arabic, and having a “good reputation.”
4. Switzerland
Switzerland is a small country in Europe that’s known for its neutrality, picturesque Alps, and high standard of living. It’s also a country with very strict citizenship rules. The primary way to become a citizen of Switzerland is by birth or through naturalization.
Those born in Switzerland to Swiss parents are automatically granted citizenship. However, children of foreign nationals are not eligible for citizenship, even if they’re born in Switzerland. As for naturalization, it’s possible for foreigners to become citizens of Switzerland if they meet a number of requirements. These include having resided in Switzerland for at least 12 years, being fluent in one of the national languages (German, French, Italian, or Romansh), and passing a Swiss history and culture test.
5. Iceland
Iceland is a small country in Europe that’s known for its dramatic landscapes, friendly people, and high standard of living. It’s also a country with very strict citizenship rules. The primary way to become a citizen of Iceland is by birth or through naturalization.
Those born in Iceland to Icelandic parents are automatically granted citizenship. However, children of foreign nationals are not eligible for citizenship, even if they were born in Iceland. As for naturalization, it’s possible for foreigners to become citizens of Iceland if they meet a number of requirements. These include having resided in Iceland for at least 7 years, being fluent in Icelandic, and passing an Icelandic history and culture test.
6. Japan
Japan is a large island country in East Asia that’s known for its ancient traditions, cutting-edge technology, and high standard of living. It’s also a country with very strict citizenship rules. The primary way to become a citizen of Japan is by birth or through naturalization.
Those born in Japan to Japanese parents are automatically granted citizenship. However, children of foreign nationals are not eligible for citizenship, even if they’re born in Japan. As for naturalization, it’s possible for foreigners to become citizens of Japan if they meet a number of requirements. These include having resided in Japan for at least 5 years, being fluent in Japanese, and passing a Japanese history and culture test.
7. Malaysia
Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country that’s known for its diverse culture, food, and natural beauty. It’s also a country with very strict citizenship rules. The primary way to become a citizen of Malaysia is by birth or through naturalization.
Those born in Malaysia to Malaysian parents are automatically granted citizenship. However, children of foreign nationals are not eligible for citizenship, even if they’re born in Malaysia. As for naturalization, it’s possible for foreigners to become citizens of Malaysia if they meet a number of requirements. These include having resided in Malaysia for at least 12 years, being fluent in Malaysian, and passing a Malaysian history and culture test.
8. Oman
Oman is a Middle Eastern country that’s known for its stunning beaches, friendly people, and rich culture. It’s also a country with very strict citizenship rules. The primary way to become a citizen of Oman is by birth or through naturalization.
Those born in Oman to Omani parents are automatically granted citizenship. However, children of foreign nationals are not eligible for citizenship, even if they’re born in Oman. As for naturalization, it’s possible for foreigners to become citizens of Oman if they meet a number of requirements. These include having resided in Oman for at least 20 years, being fluent in Arabic, and passing an Arabic language and culture test.
9. China
China is a large country in East Asia that’s known for its ancient history, cutting-edge technology, and massive population. It’s also a country with very strict citizenship rules. The primary way to become a citizen of China is by birth or through naturalization.
Those born in China to Chinese parents are automatically granted citizenship. However, children of foreign nationals are not eligible for citizenship, even if they’re born in China. As for naturalization, it’s possible for foreigners to become citizens of China if they meet a number of requirements. These include having resided in China for at least 10 years, being fluent in Chinese, and passing a Chinese history and culture test.
10. The United States of America
The United States of America is a large country in North America that’s known for its democratic ideals, melting pot culture, and natural beauty. It’s also a country with very strict citizenship rules. The primary way to become a citizen of the USA is by birth or through naturalization.
Those born in the USA to American parents are automatically granted citizenship. However, children of foreign nationals are not eligible for citizenship, even if they were born in the USA. As for naturalization, it’s possible for foreigners to become citizens of the USA if they meet a number of requirements. These include having resided in the USA for at least 5 years, being fluent in English, and passing a US citizenship test including history and culture.
While there are many countries around the world with difficult citizenship requirements, these ten countries are generally considered to be the most difficult to become a citizen of. If you’re looking to become a citizen of any of these countries, be prepared for a long and difficult process. But, if you’re successful, you’ll be rewarded with the rights and privileges that come with citizenship.
