Citizenship in Europe: Where Will It Be Most Difficult to Obtain a Passport in 2026?

Obtaining citizenship in European countries can take years and require passing language exams, proving income, and going through complex naturalization procedures. Find out which European countries will be the hardest to obtain a passport in 2026 and what requirements apply to immigrants

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A passport from a European Union country opens up a wide range of opportunities: it allows you to live, work, and study in any EU member state, and also simplifies travel and access to social programs. That is why obtaining citizenship remains an important goal for many migrants.

However, naturalization rules vary significantly across European countries. Different countries have their own requirements regarding length of residence, language proficiency, income, and integration into society. In some countries, the process can take many years and involves difficult exams and bureaucratic procedures.

Let’s take a look at where in Europe obtaining a passport may be the most difficult today.

Top European Countries with the Most Difficult Citizenship Processes in 2026

Sweden

Sweden’s naturalization system has long been considered fairly lenient, but the government plans to significantly tighten the rules as early as 2026.

Key requirements:

residency — 5 years, but an increase to 8 years is planned

mandatory language test at approximately B1 level starting in June 2026

stable income — approximately 20,000 kronor per month

average application processing time — up to 47 months

application fee — approximately 120 euros, but plans are in place to raise it to 250 euros

Dual citizenship is permitted in Sweden.

Germany

In 2024, Germany reformed its citizenship laws and shortened the naturalization period. However, the procedure remains quite bureaucratic.

Main requirements:

residence — 5 years

knowledge of German — B1 level

passing a test on legislation and life in the country

proof of financial independence

application fee — approximately 255 euros

Following the reform, dual citizenship is permitted.

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France

One of the main challenges in France is the high language requirements.

Main requirements:

residency — 5 years (sometimes 2 years after studying at a French university)

knowledge of French — B2 level

an integration and civics exam

strict verification of financial stability

application fee — 255 euros

Dual citizenship is permitted.

Spain

Spain has one of the longest standard naturalization procedures in Europe.

Main requirements:

residency — 10 years

knowledge of Spanish — A2 level

passing a test on culture and the political system

after approval, you must take an oath to the King of Spain

application fee — approximately 104 euros

Dual citizenship is permitted only for citizens of certain countries.

Italy

In Italy, obtaining a passport can take many years due to the lengthy residency requirement and long application processing times.

Main requirements:

residency — 10 years (or 4 years for EU citizens)

knowledge of Italian — B1 level

proof of stable income

application processing time — 24–36 months

application fee — approximately 250 euros

Dual citizenship is permitted.

Austria

The Austrian naturalization system is considered one of the strictest in Europe.

Main requirements:

residence — 10 years, of which 5 years with a permanent residence

knowledge of German — B1 level

citizenship test

proof of financial independence

the total cost of the procedure may exceed 1,300 euros

Dual citizenship is not permitted in most cases.

Denmark

Denmark has some of the strictest citizenship requirements in Europe.

Main requirements:

residence — approximately 9 years

Danish language proficiency — B2 level

a difficult citizenship test

a mandatory ceremony involving a handshake with an official

application fee — approximately 800 euros

Dual citizenship is permitted.

Switzerland

The complexity of naturalization in Switzerland stems from a multi-tiered decision-making system.

Main requirements:

residence — 10 years

decisions are made by the federal government, the canton, and the local community

language proficiency — A2 written / B1 oral

active integration into the local community is important

application fee — starting at 90 euros plus local fees

Dual citizenship is permitted.

Norway

After Norway permitted dual citizenship, the number of applications increased significantly.

Main requirements:

residency — 5–8 years

Norwegian language proficiency — B1 level

social studies test

application fee — approximately 555 euros

Dual citizenship is permitted.

The main reasons for difficulties in obtaining a passport are long residency requirements, high language proficiency standards, strict integration checks, and complex bureaucratic procedures.

At the same time, even in countries with strict passport issuance rules, it remains possible for those who have lived in the country for a long time, work, pay taxes, and integrate into society.

Applying for citizenship in European countries can be a complex process that requires knowledge of the law, proper preparation of documents, and compliance with all naturalization requirements.

The lawyers at Visit Ukraine help immigrants navigate the rules for obtaining citizenship, prepare the necessary documents, and assist applicants at every stage of the process.

Reminder! For many Ukrainians, obtaining a foreign passport outside Ukraine has become not just a convenience, but a necessity. However, in 2025, the rules for conscripts changed, and the usual procedures no longer work as before. The new requirements relate to military registration and digital data verification, which raises many questions for applicants abroad. Find out whether it is possible to obtain a foreign passport without ‘Reserve+’ and what nuances are important to consider.

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