A landlocked country in central Europe has such strict immigration laws that it can take decades to get citizenship. Lichtenstein is a German-speaking nation located between Austria and Switzerland, and one of Europe’s smallest countries, covering only around 62 square miles.
The microstate also has a tiny population, of just 39,850 as of 2023, according to the World Bank.
It’s also holds the title of the world’s smallest country that borders two nations.
Despite its small size, the country is a financial powerhouse, with a high performing banking sector, and is reportedly a rare example of a nation without debt, The European magazine reports.
But anyone wishing to settle down there to enjoy its high standard of living, rolling green hills, and medieval castles has to be in it for the long haul.
Foreigners can become citizens through naturalisation if various conditions are met.
Global Relocate, which provides information on immigration rules for countries around the world, says to get citizenship via naturalization, “you must have lived in Liechtenstein for 30 years”.
However, in rarer cases you may be able to get it in 10 years “with the permission of local authorities”.
Other pathways include through marriage, with foreigners who had children with a resident of the country able to obtain citizenship after living together for five years, according to the website.
In both cases, applicants have to renounce citizenship of any other countries.
Children born with at least one parent who is a Liechtenstein citizen also get automatic citizenship, irrespective of their place of birth.
