Obtaining permanent residency status or gaining citizenship in a foreign county may seem like a good idea for those who no longer want to live in the country where they were born or whose passport they hold. But some nations make that transition especially difficult unless you marry a citizen of that country or – in some cases – have ancestors who were citizens.
If you are planning to have a Dual Citizenship or to obtain Permanent Residency watch this video: This are the list of Hardest Countries to Obtain Citizenship.
Austria
Many EU countries have tough immigration laws, but Austria seems to have one of the longest processes to become a citizen. Anyone who is not a citizen of an EU country and staying longer than six months must have a resident permit before entering the country.
People who plan to stay longer than 24 months must also sign an Integration Agreement, a process designed to enhance their German-language skills and ability “to participate in the social, economic and cultural life in Austria.”
Permanent residents must live in the country continuously for a period of 15 to 30 years before being eligible to apply for citizenship. If approved, applicants must renounce any other citizenship.
Switzerland
To obtain a settlement, or permanent residence visa (unless you are an EU citizen), you must have lived in the country for 10 years. If you qualify for permanent residence by the length of time you have lived in the country, you also qualify to apply for citizenship, but that is not guaranteed; applicants for citizenship must also prove they are assimilated into Swiss society and do not pose a threat to security. What’s more, all cantons and municipalities have their own rules about granting citizenship. Switzerland permits dual citizenship.
The Bottom Line
Moving from a temporary visa to permanent resident status – or citizenship – is particularly difficult
