Swedish Citizenship FAQ 2026 — Common Questions Answered
Last updated: 2026-05-14 · Source: Migrationsverket, UHR, Regeringen.se
Answers to the questions we see most often about applying for Swedish citizenship — based on official information from Migrationsverket and UHR.
General
Can I keep my original citizenship?
Yes. Sweden has allowed dual (and multiple) citizenship since 2001. You do not need to renounce your current citizenship to become a Swedish citizen. Note that your country of origin may have its own rules — check whether they allow you to retain their citizenship.
When can I apply for a Swedish passport?
You can apply for a Swedish passport as soon as you receive your citizenship decision. Apply at Polismyndigheten (the Swedish Police Authority). Bring your citizenship decision, a current valid passport or other ID, and a passport photo. Processing usually takes 1–3 weeks.
Processing
How long does it take to get citizenship?
75% of cases are decided within 56 months (about 4.5 years). The median time is lower for simpler cases. Migrationsverket publishes current processing times on their website. You can prompt a decision using form 301011 if you have waited more than 6 months.
Can I ask Migrationsverket to decide faster?
Yes. If you have waited more than 6 months since submitting, you can use form 301011 ('Begäran om att avgöra ärende' — Request for a decision). Migrationsverket must respond within 4 weeks. This tool can only be used once per application.
Residency
Does time abroad count against my residency period?
Short trips abroad (holidays, business travel) are normally not deducted. However, longer continuous stays abroad — typically more than 6 months — can interrupt your residency period. Migrationsverket makes an overall assessment. If you plan to live abroad for more than half a year, contact Migrationsverket to avoid resetting your clock.
From what date do the 8 years count?
Residency is counted from the date you were granted permanent residence (PUT) and were registered in the Swedish population register. Temporary permits do not count. If you have been married to or living with a Swedish citizen for at least 2 years, 7 years applies instead of 8.
Finances
Do I need to meet the income requirement?
Yes, for applications assessed from 6 June 2026. The requirement is SEK 20,850/month net (SEK 250,200/year) in stable, ongoing income for the past 2 years. Income can come from employment, self-employment, unemployment benefit (A-kassa), or pension. Children under 18 are exempt.
How do I prove my income?
Most common: payslips for the past 24 months, employer certificate, income tax return (K1/K10 for self-employed), A-kassa or pension decision. Migrationsverket may request additional evidence. Continuity matters — occasional high income is not enough.
Good conduct
Does a criminal record affect my application?
Yes. Migrationsverket conducts a good conduct assessment. Fines and older entries carry less weight than prison sentences. There is no absolute bar, but as a rough guide: fines clear after 5 years, short prison sentences after 7–10 years, serious offences longer. Consult an immigration lawyer if you have entries in the criminal record.
Documents
What if I have changed my name?
All name changes since you arrived in Sweden must be documented. Include each change decision or proof (e.g. from Skatteverket). If your name is spelled differently across documents (common with transliteration from Arabic or Cyrillic) — include a written explanation and all relevant documents.
Children
Can my children become Swedish citizens at the same time as me?
From 6 June 2026, each child must apply separately. Children can no longer be included in a parent's application. The income requirement does not apply to children under 18. Good conduct applies from age 15, the knowledge test from age 16.
Does my child automatically become Swedish if born in Sweden?
No. Sweden does not apply jus soli (citizenship by birthplace). The child's citizenship is determined by the parents' citizenship at birth (jus sanguinis). If one parent is a Swedish citizen at the time of birth, the child automatically receives Swedish citizenship.
New rules
Does my pending application get hit by the new rules from 6 June 2026?
It depends on when your case is decided. Applications that were assessed and decided BEFORE 6 June 2026 are unaffected. If your case has not been decided when the new rules take effect, the new requirements apply — including the income requirement and knowledge test. Read more on the pending applications page.
Do I have to take the citizenship test?
Yes, if you are between 16 and 66 and your application is decided after the test launches. The civics test starts at the latest 17 August 2026 (administered by UHR, free). The language test is delayed to at the latest October 2027. You are invited by Migrationsverket — you cannot register yourself.
Rejection
What do I do if my application is rejected?
You have 3 weeks from the decision date to appeal. Send your appeal to Migrationsverket, who forwards it to Migrationsdomstolen in Malmö. Alternatively: if the reason for rejection is that you do not meet a requirement (e.g. residency period), it may be more practical to wait and reapply.
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This information is intended as general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current information with Migrationsverket and consult a qualified lawyer for your specific situation.