The Hardest European Countries to Get Citizenship: Full 2025 Overview

While many European nations offer clear and accessible citizenship pathways, others are notoriously difficult. Strict residency rules, language exams, and long naturalization timelines make some EU countries the hardest in the world to naturalize into.

Europe’s Hardest Citizenship Processes

1. Switzerland

Often considered the toughest in Europe.

• 10 years of residency

• Local municipality approval

• Stringent language requirements

• Community integration tests
  Even permanent residents are not automatically accepted.

2. Austria

Citizenship is extremely restrictive.

• 10+ years residency

• Strict language exams

• Little tolerance for dual citizenship

• Exceptional talent routes rarely approved

3. Germany (Until 2024 Reform)

Before reforms, Germany was strict. Now easier — but still requires:

• 5 years residency

• Language test

• Civic exam

4. Liechtenstein

One of the hardest worldwide:

• 30 years residency (reduced to 10 if approved by a local municipality)

• Requires community voting

5. Denmark

Highly restrictive approach:

• 9 years residency

• Tough Danish language exam

• Mandatory citizenship test

Why Some Countries Are So Strict

• Small populations

• Protection of cultural identity

• High social benefits requiring strict eligibility

• Political resistance to immigration

Bottom Line

While countries like Cyprus, Italy, and Portugal offer accessible routes, places like Switzerland, Austria, and Denmark are at the opposite extreme—making EU citizenship far from equal across the continent.

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