Could You Pass Your Country’s Citizenship Test?

Documents. Interviews. Quizzes? Embarking on the journey to gain citizenship in a foreign country is a huge endeavour and can be extremely time-consuming and challenging.

Each country’s citizenship process is slightly different. However, most nations will have some form of citizenship test: an assessment that is designed to assess applicants' knowledge, values and commitment to their adopted nation. Some tests focus primarily on language proficiency, asking for fluency in the country's native tongue as a prerequisite for naturalisation, while others delve into the depths of history, quizzing applicants on key historical events and laws in the nation. The pass rate of citizenship tests around the world also varies because of this, with the difficulty of the test itself, and the education of each country’s history and culture, being just a couple of factors affecting how easy it might be to achieve a high score on a country’s citizenship test.

With so many of our customers at Remitly undergoing the citizenship process in a country different to the one they were born in every single year, we wanted to delve into some of the most formidable citizenship tests around the world and see how many people would actually pass their own country’s citizenship assessment.

To put this to the test, we conducted a study analysing 2,100 global participants from some of the most popular nations people want to move to: the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, and Spain, to see how many citizens in each country would pass their own country’s citizenship test.

Whether you're contemplating a new beginning in a distant land, or are simply curious about the trials and triumphs of citizenship acquisition, read on to find out more about which citizenship tests are most difficult to pass.

Key findings

Australian citizens are most likely to pass their own nation’s citizenship test with 96% of participants passing our practice test (by achieving a score of 75% or more).
German residents placed in second position, with a 95% pass rate.
The UK’s citizenship test ranks as one of the more difficult citizenship tests, with only 42% of UK citizens passing their test.
A mere 7% of Canadians passed their own citizenship test, according to our study.

Why do people apply for citizenship in another country?

There are a range of different reasons people might apply for citizenship in a different country from where they were raised - ranging from the practical to the emotional. Economic opportunities play a pivotal role, with many people seeking citizenship in countries where job opportunities are rife and wages are competitive. By securing citizenship, people can gain access to a broader range of employment opportunities, paving the way for career advancement and financial stability for themselves and their families back home.

Similarly, many people will apply for citizenship in order to achieve a better quality of life - whether that is access to world-class healthcare or better education systems, a better standard of living is a big drive for many.

Finally, in such a multicultural world, people will also seek citizenship due to familial ties or personal connections - so that they can live in countries where their loved ones are based, or in their ancestral homelands. Reuniting with family members or partners, building stronger bonds with relatives, and preserving cultural heritage are all common reasons for people to undergo the citizenship application process in a foreign country.

With such powerful motivation behind this life-changing decision, which countries make it easier or harder to gain full citizenship via their residency tests?

The most pass-able citizenship tests around the world

To find out where it’s easiest (and most difficult) to obtain citizenship around the world, we conducted a study of 2,100 global participants, in some of the world’s most popular relocation capitals. We tested participants on a simplified version of their nation’s citizenship test, using a selection of 15 questions from their country’s official practice assessments.

Our research found that it was Australia where it was easiest for citizens to pass their nation’s citizenship test, with 96% of Australians polled passing their own citizenship test, with an average score of 13.3 out of 15 practice questions. Following closely behind were German citizens, with a pass rate of an impressive 95%.

The US citizenship test ranked in third spot, with an average pass rate of 93%, while France and Spain tied in the fourth spot, both with an average pass rate of 61%.

Meanwhile, ranking at the bottom of our study was the UK, where 42% of participants passed the test, while Canada ranked in seventh spot, with only 7% of participants meeting the 75% correct-answer pass rate.

How many people could pass their own country's citizenship test?

Based on a 75% pass rate

Rank	Country	Percentage of citizens passing citizenship test	Cost of citizenship tests
1	Australia	96%	$330 - $550 (AUD)
2	Germany	95%	€225 (adult) €51 (child)
3	US	93%	$725 (USD)
=4	France	61%	€55
=4	Spain	61%	€85
6	UK	42%	£69.20 - £219.20 (+ £1,330 for citizenship application)
7	Canada	7%	$630 (CAD)

Australia’s citizenship test - average pass rate of 96%

According to Australian Home Affairs statistics,[1] almost 193,000 people became Australian citizens in 2022 - 2023, representing over 200 different nationalities. Designed to assess applicants' understanding of Australian values, traditions, and governance, the Australian citizenship test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions, drawn from a pool of over 200 possible questions. Covering a wide range of topics, including Australian history, government structures, cultural practices, and societal norms, the test aims to ensure that applicants possess a comprehensive understanding of life down under. Example questions include: ‘What do [Australians] commemorate on Anzac Day?’ and ‘What are the colours of the Australian Aboriginal Flag?’.

The application fees for gaining Australian citizenship depend on a number of different factors, such as age, application type and circumstances - with prices ranging from $330 to $550. [2] Applicants will also need to meet some general requirements in order to obtain citizenship status - these include:

Being an Australian permanent resident.
Living in Australia for at least four years with absences of fewer than 12 months.
Living in Australia for the last 12 months as a permanent visa holder with absences of fewer than 90 days.
Having good character.
Demonstrating adequate knowledge of responsibilities and privileges as an Australian citizen.
Intending to reside in Australia or maintain a close connection with the country.

With an average pass rate of 96% according to our study, it’s clear that as long as prospective citizens throw themselves into Australian culture, and revise their knowledge of the nation’s history and popular facts, it’s very possible to pass the test and become an official resident.

Germany’s citizenship test - average pass rate of 95%

About 200,100 people were granted German citizenship in 2023, according to the Federal Statistical Office [3] - an increase of 19% compared to 2022. The German citizenship test, officially known as the Einbürgerungstest, consists of 33 questions including three questions which apply only to the state where the applicant lives. Applicants must choose the correct answer from four multiple-choice options.

To pass, applicants must answer 17 questions correctly, meaning that in more recent years, more than 90% of applicants have passed the test. [4] In our test, over 95% of tested participants from Germany achieved the 75% pass rate, showing that native Germans are clued up on the historical and cultural facts of their nation.

To undergo the citizenship test, applicants must have lived in Germany lawfully for at least eight years, and must also meet other requirements including (but not limited to): being able to support themselves without social assistance; having oral and written German language skills equivalent to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages; and have no criminal convictions. The fee to gain citizenship (or naturalization as it's known in Germany) is 255 euros per adult and 51 euros per child.

"Only 7% of Canadians were able to pass the Canadian citizenship test."

This was the lowest of any country in the Remitly study.

The US citizenship test - average pass rate of 93%

As part of the naturalization process in the United States (US), applicants must undergo a two-part assessment. The first part is an English test that assesses the applicant’s ability to read, write, and speak in the (American-English) language. The second, a civics test, evaluates the applicant’s knowledge of the history and governmental structure of the United States.

If you aren’t eligible for acquired citizenship (being born in the US, including on a US military base, or by being born to American parents overseas), you can still become a US citizen through naturalization if you meet the eligibility requirements. In most cases, you’ll need to be a lawful permanent resident or green card holder to be eligible.

The US government also allows for dual citizenship, which means you may be able to remain a citizen of your country of birth or residence if that country also allows it. The citizenship application process is costly, and can take several years. The cost to file for naturalisation is a one-time fee of $725 although other expenses are often incurred along the way - such as application fees for permanent residency or consultancy fees for an immigration lawyer.

=4. France’s citizenship test - average pass rate of 61%

In 2022 France received almost 60,000 naturalizations, with people from all around the world applying to be permanent residents in the highly sought-after European country. [5]

The French citizenship test, officially known as the "Test de Connaissance du Français" (TCF), assesses candidates' proficiency in French language and knowledge of French civics and culture. Sample questions for the culture portion of the test might include: ‘Who was the first President of France's Fifth Republic?’; ‘What are the colours of the French flag, and what do they represent?’; and ‘Can you name three French overseas territories?’.

France’s citizenship test, although one of the more difficult assessments to undertake, is also one of the least expensive too, with an admin fee of just 55 euros. [6]

=4. Spain’s citizenship test - average pass rate of 61%

Ranking in joint fourth position with the French citizenship test was the Spanish citizenship assessment, where 61% of our study participants passed. In 2022, the number of people who gained Spanish nationality rose to the highest figures since 2014, up to 181,581 people, despite its challenge, many are still getting to call the sunny European country home. [7]

Obtaining Spanish citizenship requires passing two exams: the CCSE (Constitutional and Sociocultural Aspects of Spain) - a test that assesses the applicant’s knowledge of Spanish culture and society - and the DELE A2, the language test. If you are from a Latin American country, you don't have to take the DELE A2 test, and you do not have to take the CCSE test if you went to school or high school in Spain. The cost of taking the Spanish citizenship test is €85 - one of the cheaper fees analysed in our study. [8]

The UK citizenship test - average pass rate of 42%

Ranking in sixth place was the UK citizenship test, where we found that 42% of UK participants surveyed passed the assessment. When submitting your citizenship application, you’ll need to meet the eligibility criteria of the British Nationality Act 1981.

For most UK naturalisation pathways, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

You must be at least 18 years of age.
You must meet the good character requirement, which means that you have no criminal convictions and are not a threat to the security of the UK.
You must have lived in the UK for at least the past five years.
You must have spent no more than 450 days outside the UK during those five years.
You must have spent less than 90 days outside the UK in the last year.
You must have a good knowledge of English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic and pass the Life in the UK test, a citizenship test that includes questions on the history and culture of the United Kingdom.
You must be of sound mind.
You need to be free of immigration time restrictions and in compliance with immigration laws.
You must intend to live in the UK.

The cost of applying to become a British citizen can vary wildly, ranging from £69.20 - £219.20 to take the test, plus an additional £1,330 for the citizenship application admin costs. [9] Despite the UK citizenship test emerging as one of the more difficult to pass in our study, over 202,000 people were granted British citizenship in 2023. [10]

Canada’s citizenship test - average pass rate of 7%

Our study revealed that only 7% of Canadians were able to pass the Canadian citizenship test. A prerequisite to becoming a citizen of Canada is to be a permanent resident of Canada at the time of your application, however permanent residency is not the same as citizenship, so any prospective citizens will need to acquire proof of residency first.

The Canadian citizenship test costs $630 CAD to undertake [11] and consists of 20 questions on the history, economy, and geography of Canada - and unlike some other countries’ citizenship tests, does not test your language proficiency in English or French. The test takes 30 minutes and participants need 15 correct answers (out of 20) to pass. Despite the low pass rates in our study, over 354,000 people were granted Canadian citizenship in 2023 [12]. In the real assessment, the 20 questions asked are randomly generated - so while many of the questions are multiple choice, there are no hacks or ways to cheat on the test - those looking to gain Canadian citizenship will just have to study hard!

To conclude, no matter where you’re trying to gain citizenship, the process will take time, patience and some studying, but gaining citizenship in the country you want to call home will make all the hard work worth it. For more information on how to gain residency and citizenship in a new country, and the visas and processes involved in this journey, check out our immigration guides.

Methodology: How we discovered the world’s most difficult citizenship tests

Using survey platform Prolific, we tested 2,100 participants from seven countries around the world: the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Spain, Germany, and France.

Testing 300 participants from each country, we gave each participant 15 questions taken from the practice version of their respective country’s citizenship test.

With the average pass rate needed to successfully pass a citizenship test in the UK, Australia, Canada, and France being 75% or above (the US and Spain are 60% and Germany is 50%), those who scored more than 11 out of 15 (73%) on the practice tests were given a ‘pass’ rate. From each participant’s results, the percentage of citizens who passed their country’s citizenship test was calculated.

All data is correct as of May 2024.

Sources

References

[1] Australian Government, Department of Affairs, ‘Australian Citizenship Statistics’ https://homeaffairs.gov.au/research-and-statistics/statistics/citizenship-statistics
[2] Migration Door Australia, ‘How Much Does it Cost to Become an Australian Citizen’
https://migrationdoor.com.au/how-much-does-it-cost-to-become-an-australian-citizen/
[3] German Federal Statistics, ‘Federal Statistical Office of Germany’
https://www.destatis.de/EN/Home/_node.html
[4] Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community, ‘Naturalization’ https://www.bmi.bund.de/EN/topics/migration/naturalization/naturalization-node.html#:~:text=The%20test%20consists%20of%2033,applicants%20have%20passed%20the%20test.
[5] Statista, ‘Total number of acquisitions of French nationality by naturalization from 1999 to 2022’ https://www.statista.com/statistics/1259675/number-naturalizations-france/
[6] The Local France, ‘How much does it cost to get French citizenship’ https://www.thelocal.fr/20230222/how-much-does-it-cost-to-get-french-citizenship
[7] Instituto Nacional de Estadistica, ‘Statistics on Acquisition of Spanish Citizenship of Residents’, https://www.ine.es/en/prensa/aner_2022_en.pdf
[8] El Pais, ‘Why Spain’s citizenship test contained a few nasty – and incorrect – surprises for aspiring applicants’
https://english.elpais.com/spain/2021-12-09/why-spains-citizenship-test-contained-a-few-nasty-and-incorrect-surprises-for-aspiring-applicants.html#
[9] Immigration Advice Service, ‘UK CItizenship Cost’ https://iasservices.org.uk/uk-citizenship-cost/
[10] GOV UK, ‘How many people are granted settlement or citizenship?’
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/immigration-system-statistics-year-ending-december-2023/how-many-people-are-granted-settlement-or-citizenship#:~:text=There%20were%20202%2C041%20grants%20of,19%25%20more%20than%20in%202022.
[11] Government of Canada, ‘Fee List’ https://ircc.canada.ca/english/information/fees/fees.asp#citizenship
[12] Y-Axis, ‘How many people are granted settlement or citizenship?’
https://www.y-axis.com/news/354000-people-became-canadian-citizens-in-2023/

Explore more of our research

The Cities the World Wants to Move to

Which cities around the world are the most popular for people looking to move abroad?

The Cities With the Most Community Spirit in the World

How easy is it to find a community of friends and peers in different cities around the world?