The language requirement for citizenship: level B1 and A2

Since 6 June 2026, knowledge of Swedish is required to become a Swedish citizen. The Swedish Migration Agency states which levels apply and how you can prove them. Here we go through the requirement, accepted qualifications and the situation for the test in Swedish.

Who the requirement applies to

The requirement for knowledge of Swedish and of Swedish society applies to you if you are between 16 and 66 years old. Nordic citizens who make a notification of Swedish citizenship are exempt. If you have a disability or other reasons that mean you cannot meet the requirements, you can be exempted.

Which levels apply

Language skills are assessed at different levels according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR. Reading and listening comprehension must be at level B1, and spoken and written skills at level A2.

Accepted qualifications

You can meet the requirement with passing grades. A passing grade in Swedish or Swedish as a second language from year 9 of compulsory school, from upper secondary school or folk high school studies, or from municipal adult education, is enough. So is a passing grade in the highest course in Swedish for immigrants (sfi), a passing grade in Swedish from compulsory or upper secondary school in another Nordic country and a passing result on Tisus, the knowledge test for higher education studies in Sweden. Another knowledge test that shows skills at a functional level with a high degree of certainty can also be accepted.

The test in Swedish

If you cannot show sufficient knowledge of Swedish through accepted qualifications, you can be given a citizenship test in Swedish. But the Swedish Migration Agency writes, in a news item on 30 September 2026, that the test in Swedish may be introduced later than planned. The requirement remains, but for the time being you can show your knowledge in other ways, for example through grades from Komvux (municipal adult education), the highest sfi course or Tisus.

The transitional period

During the transitional period you can also show your knowledge through results from another knowledge test in Swedish that shows skills at a functional level with a high degree of certainty, for example Swedex. The Swedish Migration Agency writes that from 31 December 2026 it will no longer be possible to take the Swedex test. The Swedish Migration Agency writes that it will publish information about when you can take the test in Swedish.

Knowledge of society is something else

Knowledge of Swedish society is assessed separately, with a grade in civics (samhällskunskap) or, if you do not have one, with the citizenship test that UHR held for the first time in August 2026. Read more about who has to take the test and the requirements.