Summary: Since 6 June 2026, Sweden requires most citizenship applicants to have lived longer in Sweden, demonstrate good conduct, support themselves financially, and show knowledge of both the Swedish language and Swedish society. The new rules also apply to applications that were submitted before 6 June 2026 if they had not yet been decided.
What Changed on 6 June 2026?
Sweden has introduced stricter citizenship rules designed to ensure applicants have established themselves in Swedish society before becoming citizens.
The new law introduced several major requirements at the same time, including:
- Longer residence requirements
- Good conduct requirements
- Financial self-support requirements
- Knowledge of Swedish society
- Swedish language knowledge
- New application rules for children
Important: No Transitional Rules
One of the biggest surprises is that the law contains no transitional period.
If your citizenship application had not been decided before 6 June 2026, it will be assessed under the new rules—even if you submitted your application months or years earlier.
New Residence Requirement
The standard residence requirement has increased significantly.
| Applicant | Residence Requirement |
|---|---|
| Most applicants | 8 years |
| Nordic citizens | 2 years |
| Former Swedish citizens | 2 years |
| Stateless persons | 5 years |
| Refugees | 7 years |
| Applicants under 21 | 7 years |
| Married/cohabiting with Swedish citizen | 7 years* |
| Identity cannot be proven | 10 years |
*To qualify, you must have lived together or been married for at least five years, and your partner must have been a Swedish citizen for five years.
Example
If you previously expected to qualify after five years of residence, you may now need to wait another three years unless you belong to one of the exempt categories.
Good Conduct Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate that they have lived a responsible and law-abiding life.
If you have committed criminal offences, you must wait through a longer qualifying period before becoming eligible for citizenship.
This waiting period (called the qualifying period or karenstid) has been extended under the new law.
Financial Self-Support Requirement
Most applicants must now prove they can financially support themselves.
Your annual income must equal at least three income base amounts, which currently corresponds to approximately 20,000 SEK per month before tax.
To qualify you must:
- Have a stable income from employment or self-employment.
- Your employment cannot be wage-subsidised.
- Have received social assistance for no more than six months during the previous three years.
- Show that your income is stable over time.
The following do NOT count:
- Your partner's income
- Savings or investments
- Property ownership
- Temporary employment without long-term stability
Who May Be Exempt From the Income Requirement?
Certain applicants may be exempt, including:
- People receiving an old-age pension.
- Applicants with permanent disabilities.
- Certain students studying full-time in Sweden in programmes leading to a degree.
Each case is assessed individually.
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Language and Society Knowledge Requirements
Applicants between the ages of 16 and 66 must now demonstrate knowledge of:
- The Swedish language
- Swedish society
Many applicants will not need to sit the official citizenship tests if they can already prove their knowledge through previous education.
Education That May Replace the Tests
You may already meet the requirements through previous studies completed in Sweden.
- Swedish compulsory school
- Swedish upper secondary school
- Komvux
- Folkhögskola
- SFI Course D
- University studies
If you cannot prove your knowledge through education, you will instead take the citizenship examinations.
Citizenship Tests
The citizenship examinations are introduced gradually.
Knowledge requirements become law.
The Swedish society knowledge examination begins.
The Swedish language examination will be introduced.
The tests are organised by UHR.
You can only register after receiving a letter from the Swedish Migration Agency.
Initially, the examination takes place in Stockholm.
Children Must Submit Their Own Application
From 6 June 2026, children can no longer be included in a parent's citizenship application.
Every child must now submit their own application signed by their legal guardian.
Citizenship Rules for Children
- Permanent residence permit is normally required.
- Identity must normally be proven.
- Residence requirements depend on age and nationality.
- From age 15, children must meet good conduct requirements.
- From age 16, language and society knowledge requirements apply.
- Children do NOT need to meet the financial self-support requirement.
Residence Requirements for Children
| Child Category | Residence Requirement |
|---|---|
| Under 15 | 3 years |
| Stateless under 15 | 2 years |
| 15 years or older | 5 years |
| Nordic citizens | 2 years |
Changes to Citizenship by Notification
The rules for acquiring Swedish citizenship through notification have also changed.
From 6 June 2026, notification is mainly available for:
- Adult Nordic citizens
- Stateless children
- Young adults born in Sweden
- Certain children born before 1 April 2015 to a Swedish father
Everyone else must apply through the normal citizenship application process.
Some Former Swedish Citizens Can Regain Citizenship
People who previously lost Swedish citizenship at age 22 may now be able to regain it.
This primarily applies to people who:
- Were born abroad.
- Never lived in Sweden.
- Lost citizenship automatically at age 22.
Migrationsverket will assess whether losing citizenship caused disproportionate consequences for the applicant or their family.
Need to Do Anything Right Now?
For most applicants, the answer is no.
Migrationsverket continues processing applications as normal and will contact you if additional documents or information are required.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do the new rules apply to applications submitted before 6 June 2026?
Yes. If your application had not been decided before 6 June 2026, it is assessed under the new law.
How long must I live in Sweden before applying?
Most applicants now need eight years of residence, although shorter periods apply for certain groups.
Do I have to take the citizenship tests?
Not necessarily. Previous education in Sweden may already satisfy the knowledge requirements.
Can my partner's salary count toward the income requirement?
No. Only your own qualifying income is considered.
Will children need to support themselves financially?
No. Children are exempt from the financial self-support requirement.
Where is the first citizenship test held?
The first citizenship knowledge test will initially be held in Stockholm after applicants receive an invitation from Migrationsverket.