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The hardest and easiest countries to immigrate to -

Many countries around the world limit and restrict who enters and gains citizenship. However, Vanuatu, Malta, and Antigua and Barbuda are some of the easiest countries to obtain citizenship, while Liechtenstein and Vatican City are some of the hardest.

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Methods - Marriage -

In some countries, marriage to a citizen is a faster path to citizenship for a foreign-born person.

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Methods - Birthright citizenship -

In many countries, if a child is born within the country's borders or territory, it is automatically granted citizenship. 

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Methods - Exceptional ability -

Extraordinary or exceptional ability, especially in reference to US immigration, refers to a high level of expertise in a particular field, which allows an individual to qualify for immigration benefits like a visa or green card.

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Methods - Military service -

In some countries, foreign-born residents are permitted to serve in the military and are granted fast-tracked citizenship upon completion of service.

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Methods - Blood relatives -

Having a blood relative is the simplest route to citizenship in many countries. If an individual's parents or grandparents are citizens, that individual is also a citizen.

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Methods - Business investment -

Some would-be immigrants with sufficient funds can earn citizenship or a visa by investing in businesses based in their host country.

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Methods - Naturalization -

Naturalization is available for anyone who has been gainfully employed in a country for a certain number of years. Speaking the country's language and demonstrating integration into the host country's society is also usually required.

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Denmark -

Denmark is considered one of the hardest countries to gain citizenship. Applicants must have lived in Denmark for at least nine consecutive years, demonstrate a high proficiency in the Danish language, prove they can support themselves financially, and pass a citizenship test, among other requirements.

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North Korea -

It's almost impossible to immigrate to North Korea unless you were born there or your parents had North Korean citizenship. While citizenship by naturalization is possible, the Supreme People's Assembly regulates it, and specific requirements are unknown.

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Finland -

Foreigners can apply for Finnish citizenship after four or five years of permanent residence. Prospective citizens must have a clean criminal record and must demonstrate high proficiency in Finnish, Swedish, or Finnish Sign Language.

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United States of America -

In the past, the US was one of the easiest countries to immigrate to. However, US immigration laws have tightened over the last two decades. The process of acquiring a "green card," required to become a permanent resident, is growing increasingly difficult.

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United States of America -

The easiest way to obtain a green card in the US is to be sponsored by an immediate family member who is a US citizen or by an employer. There is also a limited "diversity lottery" that awards 50,000 green cards per year to residents of certain countries.

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San Marino -

In San Marino, citizenship is granted after 30 years of uninterrupted residence. Applicants must renounce their previous citizenship and have never been convicted of a criminal offense in San Marino or abroad.

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Germany -

To become a permanent resident in Germany, applicants must demonstrate the ability to speak German and knowledge of the country's political system and society. For citizenship, applicants must have lived in Germany for at least eight years and renounce other citizenships.

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Austria -

Immigrants to Austria must have work skills for the country's 11 in-demand professions. Applicants must learn German, live in Austria for ten years, and renounce citizenship in any other country.

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South Korea -

Those wanting to apply for citizenship in South Korea must have lived in the country for five years, renounce any other citizenships, and learn Korean. Males aged 18 to 35 must also serve for 18 months in the military.

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Bhutan -

Foreign-born individuals with no Bhutanese parents can apply for citizenship after 20 years of living in Bhutan. Applicants must also pledge allegiance to the king, country, and Bhutanese people. 

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Vatican City -

There are only four ways to become a citizen of Vatican City. The first three methods are to be either a Catholic Cardinal living in Rome or Vatican City, a diplomat of the Holy See, or a person whose profession requires them to work and live in Vatican City.

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Vatican City -

Those wanting Vatican City citizenship can also apply directly to the church administration. However, only those who've been granted special permission and the spouses and children of current residents are eligible for this method.

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Saudi Arabia -

To apply for citizenship in Saudi Arabia, you must have lived there for ten years and be employed in one of the country's required professions, such as a scientist or doctor, or be the spouse of a Saudi citizen. 

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Kuwait -

A foreign-born person seeking citizenship in Kuwait must have lived in the country for at least 20 years.  Applicants must speak Arabic fluently and be Muslim by either birth or conversion.

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Japan -

Those seeking Japanese citizenship must live in the country for five years and undertake a review and interview process that may take years to complete. 

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China (PRC) -

Foreigners can become naturalized citizens if they have relatives who are Chinese citizens, have lived permanently in China, or have another "legitimate reason" to become a citizen. If you don't have a relative who is a Chinese citizen and lives in China, becoming a Chinese citizen yourself is extremely difficult.

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Switzerland -

EU nationals, citizens of the US or Canada, or from EFTA must live in Switzerland for five continuous years before applying for citizenship. Those from any other country must live in Switzerland for ten years, be a wealthy investor, or a skilled employee of a Swiss company.

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United Arab Emirates -

Foreign-born residents can apply for United Arab Emirates citizenship after residing in the country for 30 years. For citizens from Oman, Qatar, or Bahrain, the period is three years, and people of Arabian descent born in other countries may apply after seven years.

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Liechtenstein -

To become a citizen, foreign-born residents must live in Liechtenstein for at least 30 years. If a person is under 20 years old, each year counts as two years, and for spouses of a Liechtenstein citizen, the period is shortened to five years.

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Qatar -

Those wanting to apply for citizenship in Qatar must have lived in the country for at least 25 years without leaving for no more than two consecutive months.

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Monaco -

Monaco residents may apply for citizenship after ten years of permanent residency. Applicants must demonstrate French language proficiency, good character and conduct, and integration into local society. 

Sources: (World Population Review) (Yahoo Finance)

See also: Countries with the easiest citizenship options

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