You have built a life in a country, learned the language, contributed to its economy, and followed every rule, yet, citizenship remains out of reach. For millions, a passport is not just a travel document but a key to stability, opportunity, and belonging. However, in some nations, the road to citizenship is long, demanding, and, at times, uncertain.
Here are 7 countries with the longest residency requirement
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein’s path to citizenship is among the longest in the world, requiring 30 years of continuous residency. Fluency in German and full integration into the local community are mandatory. Even after meeting these requirements, applicants must be approved through a community vote. Marrying a Liechtenstein citizen can reduce the residency requirement to 10 years, but approval is still not guaranteed.
Qatar
Becoming a Qatari citizen is exceptionally difficult, even for those who have lived in the country for decades. Foreigners must complete 25 years of continuous residency, show their contribution to society through professional skills or investment, and be fluent in Arabic. The government strictly controls citizenship approvals, and even children born in Qatar to foreign parents often remain without nationality.
Bhutan
Bhutan has one of the strictest citizenship policies in the world. To become a Bhutanese citizen, a foreigner must reside in the country for at least 20 years while maintaining a clean record. However, even this does not guarantee approval. The government prioritises ethnic Bhutanese and has the right to reject applications without explanation. Additionally, any criticism of the monarchy can result in citizenship being denied or revoked.
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Kuwait
Kuwait’s citizenship laws make it one of the most exclusive countries in the world. Foreigners must reside in the country for at least 20 years and be fluent in Arabic. Additionally, only Muslims or those who have converted to Islam are eligible. The country also does not permit dual nationality, requiring applicants to give up their previous citizenship.
Saudi Arabia
Despite hosting millions of expatriates, Saudi Arabia grants citizenship to very few. A minimum of 10 years of continuous residence is required, along with fluency in Arabic. Applicants must also demonstrate their contribution to the country’s economy or society. The final decision rests with the Minister of the Interior, and even those who meet all the criteria may be rejected. Saudi Arabia also does not allow dual nationality, meaning applicants must renounce their original citizenship.
Switzerland
Switzerland has one of the most challenging naturalisation processes. Foreigners must reside in the country for at least 10 years, hold a C residence permit, and be proficient in one of the country’s official languages. Applicants must also integrate into Swiss society, which includes demonstrating knowledge of local customs and actively participating in community activities. Each application is reviewed by local authorities.
Japan
Although Japan has a lower residency requirement than some countries, five (5) years, it enforces strict cultural and language assimilation policies. Applicants must have a clean criminal record, demonstrate financial stability, and prove their integration into Japanese society. Japan strictly prohibits dual citizenship, requiring applicants to give up their original nationality. Even when all these conditions are met, citizenship is rarely granted to non-Japanese individuals.
While some countries enforce long residency requirements, others make citizenship nearly impossible by keeping the rules vague or highly selective. Here are a few where the path to citizenship remains highly selective:
Vatican City
Citizenship in Vatican City is unique, as it is not granted by birth. Instead, it is strictly limited to individuals who work directly for the Catholic Church, cardinals residing in Vatican City or Rome and diplomats representing the Holy See. Once their employment ends, their citizenship is revoked. Since there is no naturalisation process, it is nearly impossible for outsiders to obtain Vatican citizenship.
China
China makes it exceptionally difficult for foreigners to become citizens. There is no clear-cut residency requirement, and applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Marrying a Chinese citizen does not automatically grant nationality, and the government’s criteria for granting citizenship remain vague. Additionally, China does not allow dual nationality, making the process even less appealing to foreigners.
North Korea
North Korea is one of the most secretive and isolated countries in the world, and obtaining its citizenship as a foreigner is virtually impossible. Citizenship is typically granted only by birth to North Korean parents. The government holds complete discretion over who is granted nationality, and special approvals for foreigners are rare. Even North Koreans who defect and later wish to return often find it difficult to regain their citizenship.
