New Swedish citizenship rules 2026 – what has changed?
On 6 June 2026 stricter requirements for Swedish citizenship came into force. There are no transitional rules: every case not decided before that date is assessed under the new requirements.
Last updated: 29 October 2026
The new requirements in brief
Residence: eight years
The main residence requirement rose from five to eight years. Some groups have different time limits, so check your situation with the Migration Agency.
Self-support requirement
You must have an annual income of at least three income base amounts (inkomstbasbelopp), about SEK 20,000 per month before tax, with long-term income from employment or self-employment, and must not have received income support (försörjningsstöd) for more than six months in total over the past three years. The requirement does not apply to children.
Stricter requirement of orderly conduct
The assessment of orderly conduct is stricter. People who have committed a crime must wait longer before they can be granted citizenship.
Proof of knowledge of Swedish society and language
Applicants aged 16–66 must prove their knowledge of Swedish and Swedish society, with school grades, SFI course D, municipal adult education or a folk high school. Those who cannot are offered the citizenship test. The first civics test was held in August 2026 (pass mark 28 of 40 points) and the next is planned for April–May 2027; Swedish-language tests come later.
What does this mean for you?
If your case is still pending, it will be assessed under the new rules. Check your length of residence and your income, and prepare proof of your knowledge of Swedish society. For your own case, contact the Migration Agency.
If you need to take the citizenship test, read the Swedish citizenship test 2026 guide or start by going through the 13 chapters of the test in English.
Frequently asked questions
What are the new Swedish citizenship requirements?
From 6 June 2026: eight years of residence instead of five, an annual income of at least three income base amounts (about SEK 20,000 per month before tax), a stricter assessment of orderly conduct, and a requirement to prove knowledge of Swedish and Swedish society for ages 16–66.
Do the new rules apply to my earlier application?
Yes. There are no transitional rules, and every case not decided before 6 June 2026 is assessed under the new rules, regardless of when the application was submitted.
Do I need to take the citizenship test?
Not necessarily. If you can prove your knowledge of Swedish society with school grades, SFI course D, municipal adult education or a folk high school, you do not need the test. Otherwise you are offered the test.
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Sources
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