Countries with tough citizenship requirements for foreigners

Several countries are notorious for their stringent citizenship requirements for foreigners. North Korea, the Gulf region's Qatar, Liechtenstein, Equatorial Guinea, Bhutan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, China, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria are among the most restrictive. North Korea restricts citizenship opportunities for foreigners, while Qatar in the Gulf has strict naturalisation requirements.

Liechtenstein, despite being small, has tough rules, demanding long-term residence and substantial community integration. Equatorial Guinea and Bhutan also present significant challenges, including cultural and language prerequisites. Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have traditionally limited citizenship, with naturalisation being selective.

China rarely grants citizenship, reserving it for those with familial ties or substantial contributions. Japan requires lengthy residence, language proficiency, financial stability, and societal integration. Switzerland and Austria in Europe have demanding naturalisation processes, involving years of residence, local integration, and approval through multiple government levels.