New rules for Swedish citizenship from 6 June 2026

On 6 June 2026, Sweden's national day, new rules for Swedish citizenship took effect. The Riksdag had decided on stricter requirements, and the rules were introduced without transitional provisions. Here is an overview of what changed, according to the Swedish Migration Agency, the Government and the Riksdag.

What was decided

The Riksdag approved the Government's proposal for stricter requirements for Swedish citizenship in committee report SfU28, with a decision on 29 April 2026. In its press release of 6 June, the Government writes that the legislative changes mean stricter requirements on the time of residence and on an orderly and honest way of life, and that a requirement of self-support is introduced, along with knowledge of Swedish and of Swedish society.

The time of residence rises from five to eight years

The main rule for how long you must have had your residence in Sweden was raised from five to eight years. Other time limits apply to some groups. Nordic citizens and people who have previously held Swedish citizenship need two years, people under 21 and people who live with a Swedish citizen need seven years, and stateless people need five years. Read more in the article on the time of residence.

A new support requirement

A requirement of self-support was added, which does not apply to children. According to the Swedish Migration Agency, you must have an annual income of at least three income base amounts, have a lasting income from employment or business activity, and not have received income support (försörjningsstöd) for more than six months during the past three years. There are exceptions, for example for people with an old-age pension or lasting disabilities. See the support requirement.

Knowledge of Swedish and of society

Knowledge of Swedish and of Swedish society became mandatory for applicants between 16 and 66. The knowledge can be shown with grades from school, Komvux (municipal adult education) and folk high school, or with the highest sfi (Swedish for immigrants) course. If it is not possible to show the knowledge, the applicant is offered the chance to take a citizenship test. The test is being introduced in stages, and the first part, civics, was held in August 2026. Read more about the citizenship test.

Higher requirements on way of life

The requirements on way of life became higher, which according to the Swedish Migration Agency means, among other things, that a person who has committed a crime has to wait longer before they can receive Swedish citizenship. See conduct and waiting periods.

Do the rules also apply to applications already submitted?

Yes. The Swedish Migration Agency writes that the rules are introduced without transitional provisions and that the agency will assess all cases not decided before 6 June 2026 under the new rules. This means that even someone who applied under the old rules is assessed under the new ones.

Further changes

From 6 June 2026, the way of giving notification of Swedish citizenship also changed, and an option was introduced for some people to regain their Swedish citizenship. In addition, since 12 July 2026 new rules on residence permits apply, which mean that some people with a temporary permit can apply for citizenship without a permanent residence permit. Contact the Swedish Migration Agency if you wonder what applies to you.