New requirements for Swedish citizenship 2026

On 6 June 2026 a new citizenship law takes effect. The requirements are tightened on several points at once. Here is what changes — according to Migrationsverket and the government.

What changes on 6 June 2026?

The parliament (riksdag) has decided on new rules for Swedish citizenship. The requirements on residence and conduct are tightened, and new requirements are introduced on self-support and on knowledge of the Swedish language and of Swedish society.

1. Longer residence time

The main rule for how long you must have lived in Sweden is raised from 5 to 8 years. Shorter times apply to certain groups:

• 2 years – Nordic citizens and former Swedish citizens
• 5 years – stateless persons
• 7 years – refugees (with a declared refugee status)
• 7 years – married to, registered partner of, or cohabiting with a Swedish citizen (if you have been married/cohabiting for five years and your relative has held Swedish citizenship for five years)
• 7 years – young adults under 21

Those who cannot prove their identity can obtain Swedish citizenship at the earliest after 10 years in Sweden.

2. New income requirement

A completely new requirement is that you must be able to support yourself. Your annual income must correspond to at least three income base amounts — which for 2026 is SEK 250,200, i.e. at least about SEK 20,850 per month before tax. To meet the requirement you must:

• have a lasting income from work or business that is not subsidised
• not have received income support for more than a total of six months during the last three years
• be able to show that your support is stable over time

Some people can be exempted from the income requirement, for example people with an old-age pension, lasting disabilities, or full-time students in an education leading to a degree.

3. Stricter requirement on conduct

Higher demands are placed on an orderly and honest way of life. If you have committed a crime, a certain period — known as a qualifying period (karenstid) — must pass before you can become a citizen, and that period is extended under the new rules.

4. Knowledge requirement

Knowledge of Swedish and of Swedish society becomes mandatory for applicants between 16 and 66 years old. The knowledge can be proven through school grades, SFI course D, komvux or a folk high school. If you cannot prove it in another way, you are offered to take the citizenship test. The test is introduced in stages: the civics part in August 2026 and the language test at a later time.

5. Identity and other changes

You must be able to prove your identity, and in many cases you are called to a personal visit at Migrationsverket for an identity check. In addition, the possibility of becoming a citizen through notification (anmälan) is limited, and from 6 June 2026 children must submit their own application signed by a guardian, instead of being included in a parent's application.