Documents for Swedish Citizenship Application — Complete Checklist
Last updated: 2026-05-14 · Source: Migrationsverket
Incomplete documentation is one of the most common reasons for delayed processing. Here is a complete guide to what you need — and what to do when documents are missing or in a foreign language.
Standard documents for adults
All documents must be submitted as originals. Photocopies are not accepted for identity verification.
Identity document
Valid passport or national ID card issued by your country of origin's authority. Migrationsverket verifies your identity in person at a service centre.
Personal identity number (personnummer)
You must be registered in the Swedish population register (folkbokförd) and have a personnummer issued by Skatteverket.
Marriage certificate (if married)
If you are applying under the cohabitation/marriage rule (7 years instead of 8), you need to document the relationship with a marriage certificate or cohabitation agreement.
Cohabitation evidence
Population register confirmation of shared address, or other documentation demonstrating a lasting cohabitation relationship.
Name change documents
If you have changed your name since arriving in Sweden, include documentation for every name change.
When is a certified translation required?
Migrationsverket requires that all documents not in Swedish or English be accompanied by a certified (authorised) translation.
“Handlingar på andra språk än svenska och engelska ska åtföljas av en auktoriserad översättning. Skicka med originaldokumentet och översättningen.”— Migrationsverket, maj 2026
Documents that commonly require certified translation
- → Birth certificate issued in your country of origin
- → Marriage certificate (if not in Swedish or English)
- → Divorce judgements
- → Adoption documents
- → Academic diplomas (if relevant)
- → Police clearance certificates from your country of origin
What is a Kammarkollegiet-authorised translator?
Kammarkollegiet (the Swedish Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency) authorises translators in Sweden. Only translators approved by Kammarkollegiet can issue “certified translations” (styrkt översättning) that are accepted by authorities and courts.
You can find authorised translators via Kammarkollegiet's register at kammarkollegiet.se. Search by the language you need translation from.
Common document problems — and how to solve them
Problem: Passport has expired
Solution: Migrationsverket sometimes accepts expired passports for older applicants if no new one can be issued. Contact Migrationsverket to discuss alternative identity documents.
Problem: No birth certificate (common in some countries)
Solution: Contact your country of origin's embassy or consulate. In some cases, witness statements from credible persons may be accepted — consult Migrationsverket.
Problem: Name spelled differently across documents
Solution: If your name appears in multiple spellings (e.g. due to transliteration from Arabic or Cyrillic), include an explanation and all relevant documents.
Problem: Marriage certificate from a country with no official register
Solution: Religious marriage certificates or local authority certificates can work if officially stamped. A certified translation is always required.
Frequently asked questions
Does Migrationsverket accept photocopies?
No, not for identity verification. You must present original documents at a service centre.
Can I use Google Translate for my documents?
No. Migrationsverket requires a certified translation from a Kammarkollegiet-authorised translator. Machine translations are not accepted.
How much does a certified translation cost?
Prices vary by language and document length. Budget SEK 500–2,000 per document for common European languages, more for rare languages.
What if I genuinely cannot get a birth certificate?
Contact your country of origin's embassy. In some cases, a statutory declaration or witness statements may be accepted. Discuss options with Migrationsverket before submitting.
This information is intended as general guidance. Always verify with Migrationsverket for your specific situation.