Guides and articles about the citizenship test

New rules for Swedish citizenship from 6 June 2026

From 6 June 2026 Swedish citizenship requires eight years of residence, self-support and knowledge of Swedish and of Swedish society. Here is our summary of the new rules.

The citizenship test: what we know and what we do not

The test is in Swedish, on paper and with multiple-choice questions. The number of questions, the time allowed and the pass mark have not been published. This is the position in October 2026.

Who has to take the citizenship test?

The Swedish Migration Agency decides who is to take the citizenship test. Only those who can show the knowledge in another way are excused. Here is how it works.

The support requirement: three income base amounts

Citizenship requires an annual income of at least three income base amounts, SEK 20,850 a month in 2026. How the support requirement and the exceptions work.

Time of residence: eight years and the exceptions

The main rule is eight years of residence in Sweden. Nordic citizens, partners of Swedes, young people and stateless people have a shorter period. Here is how the time of residence is counted.

Test day: identification and rules

How test day works according to UHR: valid Swedish identification, the notification, what you may bring and the rules in the room. Foreign passports are not accepted.

Failed the citizenship test: what happens?

What happens if you fail the citizenship test? UHR refers to the Swedish Migration Agency. This is what the authorities have said, and this is unclear.

Way of life and waiting periods after crime and debts

You must have an orderly and honest way of life to become a Swedish citizen. How debts and crime affect this, under the Migration Agency's waiting periods.

Applying for citizenship: how it works

Apply in the Swedish Migration Agency's e-service with an e-ID, or with form 316011. The fee is SEK 2,900 for adults. How the application works step by step.

Online practice tests: what UHR says

UHR does not stand behind practice tests produced by others. How to use practice questions sensibly while the official test is still new.

The language requirement: Swedish at level B1 and A2

The Swedish language requirement for citizenship applies from age 16 to 66: reading and listening comprehension B1, speaking and writing A2. How to prove it, and what the test in Swedish means.

Citizenship for children: how to apply

The guardian applies, the fee is SEK 475 and the child must have lived in Sweden for at least three years. How to apply for Swedish citizenship for your child.

Automatic citizenship for children: birth and adoption

Children born after 1 April 2015 become Swedish citizens if a parent is one. How the rules work for birth, adoption and parents who marry.

Dual citizenship in Sweden: what applies?

Sweden allows dual citizenship, but your previous home country may say no. What applies for travel, military service, loss and keeping your citizenship.