Hardest Countries to Get Citizenship in 2025: Where a Passport Is Almost Impossible to Earn

 Citizenship Isn’t a Universal Right

In today’s globalized world, citizenship is a pathway to opportunity, stability, and freedom. Yet, while many countries offer naturalization through birth, residency, marriage, or investment, others remain almost entirely closed. The hardest countries to get citizenship in 2025 maintain tight control over who gets to join their national community—often for cultural, religious, political, or demographic reasons.

This article explores the most restrictive countries when it comes to granting citizenship. Whether due to isolationist policies, strict legal frameworks, or historical preservation goals, these nations have built near-impenetrable systems that challenge even the most persistent applicants.

1. Qatar: A Nation for Its Own People

Qatar is one of the wealthiest nations in the world, but it’s also among the most exclusive when it comes to citizenship. Despite a large expatriate population and foreign investment, citizenship is almost impossible for outsiders.

• Only those born to Qatari fathers are eligible for automatic citizenship.
• Long-term residents, even those born and raised in Qatar, are typically excluded.
• There are no formal pathways for naturalization via investment, marriage, or long-term residence.
• Citizenship, when granted, is often honorary and limited in scope.

Qatar remains one of the hardest countries to get citizenship in 2025 due to its deep-rooted policies of demographic preservation.

2. Vatican City: Citizenship Tied to Religious Service

As the world’s smallest sovereign state, Vatican City does not grant citizenship based on birth, residency, or investment.

• Citizenship is granted only to those serving in religious roles, such as cardinals, clergy, or Swiss Guards.
• It is strictly functional—once the role ends, so does the citizenship.
• No naturalization process exists for civilians or long-term residents.

Vatican City is, without question, the hardest country to get citizenship in 2025, as there is no pathway open to the general public.

3. Liechtenstein: Even the Neighbors Must Approve

This tiny alpine principality is known for its stable economy and picturesque setting, but its citizenship laws are among the strictest in Europe.

• 30 years of legal residence is required to apply for citizenship.
• Applicants must demonstrate deep integration, including language proficiency and cultural assimilation.
• In many municipalities, citizenship requires approval from local neighbors via a public vote.

Liechtenstein’s demanding process makes it one of the hardest countries to get citizenship in 2025, especially for non-Europeans.

4. Bhutan: The Fortress of the Himalayas

Bhutan is famous for measuring national success in terms of Gross National Happiness. But when it comes to citizenship, the doors are tightly shut.

• Citizenship by birth is not recognized unless both parents are Bhutanese.
• Marriage to a Bhutanese citizen does not guarantee naturalization.
• Residency for over 15 years may only lead to a discretionary review—not a guarantee.

Bhutan remains one of Asia’s hardest countries to get citizenship in 2025, as the country seeks to preserve its unique culture and values.

5. Saudi Arabia: Strict Despite Recent Reforms

While Saudi Arabia introduced reforms in 2021 to allow some professionals to apply for citizenship, the country remains largely closed.

• Naturalization is rarely granted, except for distinguished individuals in science, medicine, or culture.
• Long-term residency alone does not qualify for citizenship.
• Even naturalized citizens often lack equal rights with native Saudis.

Saudi Arabia continues to be one of the hardest countries to get citizenship in 2025, especially for non-Muslims and non-Arabs.

6. Kuwait: Demographic Protection Over Inclusivity

Kuwait’s large population of expatriates faces significant legal hurdles when it comes to citizenship.

• Naturalization is limited to Arab Muslims, often with familial or tribal ties.
• Residency, even for multiple decades, does not guarantee citizenship.
• The government is committed to preserving national identity through strict quotas.

Kuwait is undeniably one of the hardest countries to get citizenship in 2025, despite its economic dependency on foreign labor.

7. Switzerland: A Bureaucratic Labyrinth

Switzerland may be known for democracy and neutrality, but its citizenship process is long, complex, and heavily localized.

• At least 10 years of residence are required, with 3 of the last 5 years before application.
• Language fluency and integration into Swiss society are mandatory.
• In some cantons, approval by neighbors or local committees is still required.

Switzerland ranks among the hardest countries to get citizenship in 2025 for its rigorous standards and decentralized process.

8. China: A Citizenship Wall No One Can Climb

China has one of the most restrictive citizenship regimes in the world.

• The country does not recognize dual citizenship.
• Citizenship is only granted in extremely rare, strategic cases—such as to foreign athletes or scientists.
• Birth in China offers no automatic right to citizenship unless at least one parent is Chinese.

China is firmly among the hardest countries to get citizenship in 2025, with little indication of policy change.

9. North Korea: Where Citizenship Is Not a Concept

North Korea does not have a public or transparent citizenship policy.

• Foreigners are not allowed to immigrate or apply for citizenship.
• Citizenship is defined by loyalty to the regime and birth within elite families.
• No known cases of naturalization have been reported in recent history.

North Korea is effectively the hardest country to get citizenship in 2025 because the process does not officially exist.

10. Japan: Homogeneity and Legal Complexity

Japan remains cautious about immigration and nationality issues.

• Five years of continuous residence are required for naturalization.
• Applicants must renounce other nationalities (dual citizenship is not allowed).
• Language skills and cultural adaptation are evaluated carefully.

Japan remains one of the hardest countries to get citizenship in 2025, driven by its strong desire to maintain cultural homogeneity.

11. United Arab Emirates: Golden Visas, Not Passports

While the UAE has been issuing long-term residence visas for investors and skilled professionals, citizenship remains rare.

• Only a few hundred people have received citizenship in recent years.
• Criteria are vague and include contributions to science, culture, or the economy.
• Naturalization is not open to application—it is by invitation only.

The UAE is among the hardest countries to get citizenship in 2025, despite its appeal to expats and investors.

12. San Marino: A Tiny Republic with High Hurdles

San Marino, one of the world’s smallest countries, has extremely selective citizenship rules.

• Requires 30 years of uninterrupted legal residence.
• Every application undergoes deep scrutiny and parliamentary approval.
• The country aims to maintain demographic balance due to its small size.

San Marino stands as one of the hardest countries to get citizenship in 2025, especially given its cautious and slow bureaucracy.

13. Sovereign Order of Malta: A Unique Exception

The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is a religious and diplomatic entity recognized as sovereign under international law, though it has no territory.

• Citizenship is purely honorary and restricted to Catholic leaders and high-ranking officials.
• There is no application process for the public.
• Passports are issued rarely, often for diplomatic purposes only.

The Order of Malta ranks symbolically among the hardest countries to get citizenship in 2025, as its status is not accessible to ordinary people.

Why Do These Countries Resist Naturalization?

Across these 13 nations, a pattern emerges: a desire to protect national identity, religious or cultural purity, and political stability. In many cases, the citizenship process is designed not to welcome, but to deter. Even in nations with high foreign populations or global economic ties, the gate to full belonging remains tightly closed.

Whether for strategic, ideological, or historical reasons, these countries have made it clear: not everyone can be one of them. In 2025, global citizenship is still a luxury—and in some cases, a nearly unreachable dream.