The increase in easy access to international mobility has fostered the desire for acquiring citizenship of other countries. In addition, the overall greater acceptance of dual citizenship by countries has also propelled people to covet and scramble to obtain the advantages of dual nationalities. While all this holds true, there are certain caveats to gaining citizenship that must be kept in mind before making a leap. Citizenship through naturalization-- one of the many ways of acquiring citizenship-- can become a daunting and challenging task for some due to stringent rules and regulations of some countries, as well as poor integration of immigrants leading to slower access to nationality, making them the hardest countries to gain citizenship by naturalization.
Naturalization: An Overview
The process for naturalization varies across countries, with some making it reasonably easy and others making it downright impossible. For instance, certain Gulf countries make the citizenship by naturalization process so arduous that it becomes nearly impossible to attain. Qatar, for example, not only requires an exceptionally long continuous duration of residency (25 years) but also demands proficiency in Arabic, impeccable behavior, and substantial proof of financial means to support oneself, as well as renunciation of previous citizenship. Saudi Arabia is another country with similar prerequisites, albeit with a shorter duration requirement of 10 years. Some Asian countries like Japan and China also impose complicated rules surrounding naturalization, often discouraging potential applicants. Likewise, North Korea is yet another country where obtaining citizenship is nearly unattainable.
While Europe, in general, has been associated with slightly better ease regarding citizenship, even here, some countries make the process difficult. The variation among countries regarding naturalization rules, integration, and immigration policies has a far-reaching impact on naturalization rates. This is evident in the 2022 naturalization rates for Europe, where the lowest rates were recorded in Latvia (0.4), Estonia (0.4), Austria (0.7), Bulgaria (0.7), Malta (0.8), and Czechia (0.8).
The US-- the country which attracts the largest inflow of immigrants-- has also, over the years, made the citizenship process somewhat stringent. Since 1970, naturalization rates in the country have fallen behind many others. Here, the application fee alone could handicap many potential applicants, having risen about 800% in real terms since 1985. On top of this, there are other associated costs such as English classes and immigration lawyers. It is noted that the cost of obtaining citizenship in the US alone can hinder some 9.2 million immigrants living in the country who are eligible for naturalization. According to the Pew Research Center, cost is the main reason why most Mexican immigrants have not been able to obtain US citizenship.
Positive Impact of Naturalization to Host Economy
Immigrants flowing into countries can have a substantially positive impact on the economy. With easier citizenship processes, these immigrants would be motivated to stay and continue their contributions to the country's growth. According to a CATO Institute report from 2023, immigrants in the US can not only prevent labor and population declines but also alleviate labor shortages, particularly with expected new job openings reaching 1 million. Their role in US entrepreneurship is also expected to counteract the decline seen in the US since the 1970s-- immigrants are 80% more likely to start a new business compared to the US-born population. They have already founded 45% of the Fortune 500 companies and more than $1 billion worth of businesses.
Some notable names in this category include Apple Inc (NASDAQ: APPL), whose founder was the son of a Syrian immigrant; Google (NASDAQ: GOOG), which was co-founded by a Russian immigrant; Amazon.com, Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN), founded by the son of a Cuban immigrant; and Costco, founded by the sons of Canadian immigrants. In this digital age, tech giants like Apple Inc (NASDAQ: APPL), Google (NASDAQ: GOOG), and Amazon.com, Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN) play significant roles in the US economy. Apple Inc's (NASDAQ: APPL) $430 billion investment in the country in 2021 is a five-year project aimed at generating job-related growth for the economy. Amazon.com, Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN), on the other hand, leads approximately 37.8% of all online retail sales in the US. Google's (NASDAQ: GOOG) 2022 Economic Report revealed that the company added $700 billion in economic activity for millions of American businesses.
16 Hardest Countries to Get Citizenship by Naturalization
16 Hardest Countries to Get Citizenship by Naturalization
Methodology
To determine the 16 Hardest Countries to Get Citizenship by Naturalization, we relied on our previous article's methodology, 18 Hardest Countries to Get Citizenship in 2023, and selected the worst countries for access to nationality. We then used the number of years for residency requirements for naturalization from various sources and ranked the countries accordingly. One distinction we made from our previous article was to exclude countries that strictly prohibit dual citizenship. This allowed us to assess the hardest countries for naturalization based solely on the number of years required.
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Let us now take a look at our list for 16 Hardest Countries to Get Citizenship by Naturalization.
16. Serbia
Residency Requirement for naturalization: 3 years
The country has been placed in the slightly unfavorable category regarding access to nationality. With issues in immigrant integration and obstacles to naturalization, it is one of the hardest countries to obtain citizenship through naturalization. However, the number of years required for residency is lower than in some other countries.
15. Chile
Residency Requirement for naturalization: 5 years
While Chile has accepted the concept of dual citizenship, the naturalization process in the country is still not highly favorable, making it difficult to obtain citizenship through naturalization. Although there is no test, the interview might include an assessment of proficiency in Spanish and knowledge of Chilean culture, traditions, values, and history. Additionally, applicants are required to reside in the country for 5 years before becoming eligible for citizenship.
14. Turkey
Residency Requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Since 2017, Turkey has allowed dual citizenship and it can be gained after continuous stay of 5 years. However, the naturalization process requires proof of integration into the society with means to language, economic, and other requirements. For example, applicants should have command over the national language, have enough money to support themselves, and have no disease that could become public safety risk.
13. Russia
Residency Requirement for naturalization: 5 years
The difficulties encountered in acquiring Russian citizenship through the naturalization process entail at least a 5-year stay in the country, a clean criminal record, fluency in the Russian language, a comprehensive understanding of Russian history, culture, and the constitution, as well as financial stability indicating the ability to support oneself.
12. Mexico
Residency Requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Mexico has been placed in the slightly unfavorable category for obtaining nationality, mainly due to its complicated naturalization process based on integration into the country and language requirements. The country requires fulfilling the requirement of at least five years of legal residency, proving ties to the country, and passing a history, culture, and language exam.
11. Bulgaria
Residency Requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Bulgaria is also one of the countries with heavy restrictions on access to nationality due to its strict eligibility criteria. It requires the applicant to hold long-term permanent residence for five years, have a clean criminal record (no conviction of a premeditated crime), support themselves through income, and pass a Bulgarian language exam. Additionally, Bulgaria has restrictive policies regarding dual citizenship. While non-native Bulgarians are generally not allowed dual citizenship, certain exceptions exist. For example, spouses of Bulgarian citizens, citizens from EU member states, and citizens of countries with which Bulgaria has a reciprocal treaty.
10. Cyprus
Residency Requirement for naturalization: 7 years
Not only is Cyprus's access to nationality difficult, but the residency time required for attaining it is also on the high side. Even when immigrants become eligible for citizenship after a long period of seven years, the process is costly and complex, making it one of the hardest countries to obtain citizenship through naturalization.
9. Germany
Residency Requirement for naturalization: 8 years
The road to German citizenship through naturalization is quite demanding. Applicants must live in the country for at least 8 years, declare allegiance to the German constitution, demonstrate sufficient command of the German language, have no criminal record, and possess funds or income to support themselves. Thus, Germany becomes one of the hardest countries to obtain citizenship through naturalization. While the country allows dual nationality, prior permission from the government is required.
8. Romania
Residency Requirement for naturalization: 8 years
Romania is considered to have one of the vaguest citizenship requirements, and therefore, is included in the list of the hardest countries to obtain citizenship through naturalization. The required legal residency time amounts to 8 years, which, however, reduces to 5 years if married to a Romanian national. Applicants should also demonstrate, through their behavior, actions, and attitudes, that they are loyal to the country. Additionally, they should have the means to support themselves, no prior convictions, and knowledge of the Romanian language, culture, and civilization to facilitate their integration into society.
7. Hungary
Residency Requirement for naturalization: 8 years
Hungary is among the countries with one of the hardest and most restrictive citizenship policies. Not only is the applicant required to reside in the country for at least 8 years, but they must also have a clean criminal record, a stable source of income, good character, and pass a test in constitutional studies.
6. Denmark
Residency Requirement for naturalization: 9 years
The complicated and lengthy procedure for obtaining Danish citizenship through naturalization places this country among the hardest for gaining citizenship through this process. Among various requirements, uninterrupted residency for at least 9 years, declaration of allegiance and loyalty, financial support, proficiency in the Danish language, and passing a citizenship test are required.
