Background & Purpose
The government wants to increase the status of Swedish citizenship and ensure that new citizens have better opportunities to participate actively in society.
The Decision
The Swedish parliament decided to make it harder to become a citizen by introducing longer residency times, mandatory language and society tests, and requirements for financial self-sufficiency.
Does this affect you?
- Foreign citizens in Sweden: Individuals planning to apply for citizenship will face longer waiting times and must prepare for new mandatory tests.
- Parents of children: New rules allow children to acquire citizenship independently through an application made by their legal guardians.
In Practice
- You must generally have lived in Sweden for eight years instead of five to be eligible.
- You must prove that you can support yourself financially.
- You must pass a test showing you have sufficient knowledge of the Swedish language and how Swedish society works.
- Your general conduct and lifestyle will be subject to higher scrutiny during the application process.
- Children can acquire citizenship independently after an application by their legal guardian.