Extremely Exclusive Citizenship: Vatican City is the smallest country in the world with around 800 residents, of which only 450 are citizens.
To become a resident in Vatican City, you must first be a Catholic cardinal who is already residing in Rome or Vatican City.
The alternative route to obtain citizenship is to apply directly to the church administration. However, this option is only available to those who have special permission to reside in Vatican City, including spouses and children.
Bhutan
Stringent Criteria: Bhutan, being one of the most unique countries globally, closely monitors all incoming travelers.
According to Bhutan’s Nationality Act, to acquire citizenship by birth, both parents must be Bhutanese citizens.
Individuals with only one Bhutanese parent must wait until they are 15 years old before applying for citizenship.
Foreign-origin individuals who wish to apply for Bhutanese citizenship must reside in the country for 20 years and work for the government for 15 years.
Additionally, any individual who speaks against the king or the country can lose their citizenship.
China
Highly Selective: According to China’s 2020 census, out of over a billion people, only 941 individuals were granted citizenship.
Chinese law allows foreign-born individuals to become citizens if they have Chinese relatives, permanently reside in China, or have other “valid reasons.”
Germany
Knowledge and Language Requirements: Obtaining German citizenship requires fluency in the German language, knowledge of the country’s political system and society, and proof of employment and housing.
The applicant must have lived in Germany for a minimum of 8 years and renounce any other citizenship.
Japan
Long-Term Residency Required: To become a Japanese citizen, you must reside in Japan for at least five years and renounce any other citizenship.
After meeting these criteria, you can apply for citizenship. The application process includes a review and interview, which can take several years to complete.