Pending Swedish Citizenship Application — What Happens After 6 June 2026?
Last updated: 2026-05-15 · Source: Migrationsverket
If you have already submitted a Swedish citizenship application and are waiting for a decision, the new rules that take effect on 6 June 2026 apply directly to your case. Here is exactly what happens — and what you can do now.
Will Migrationsverket use the new rules on my application?
Yes. There are no transitional provisions. It does not matter when you submitted your application — if it has not been decided before 6 June, the new, stricter requirements apply.
“Migrationsverket kommer att pröva alla ansökningar om svenskt medborgarskap enligt de nya reglerna efter den 6 juni 2026. Det gäller även om du har ansökt innan dess och ditt ärende inte är avgjort innan 6 juni.”— Migrationsverket, May 2026
What this means: Your existing application will be assessed under the new rules — 8-year residency, income floor (~SEK 20,850/month), and requirements for language and civic knowledge. If you no longer meet the new criteria, you risk rejection even if you would have qualified under the old rules.
Your three options
Depending on your situation, there are three paths forward. Read all of them before deciding.
Wait — if you already meet the new requirements
If you already meet all new criteria, you do not need to do anything. Migrationsverket will process your case and contact you if they need more information.
This fits you if:
- ✓ You have lived in Sweden for at least 8 years (or 7 years as spouse/partner of a Swedish citizen)
- ✓ Your income exceeds ~SEK 20,850/month gross from employment or self-employment
- ✓ You have no unpaid debts to the state and no recent criminal convictions
- ✓ You have documentation of Swedish/civic knowledge (SFI-D, school grades, etc.)
Withdraw and reapply when you qualify
If you know you do not meet the new requirements, withdrawing now may be better than receiving a formal rejection.
Keep in mind:
- ⚠ You lose the application fee (SEK 1,500)
- ⚠ You must submit a new application when you meet the criteria
- ✓ You avoid a rejection on your record
- ✓ You can reapply as soon as you meet all requirements
To withdraw, contact Migrationsverket via “Min sida” (their online portal) or by phone.
Consult a lawyer — if your situation is unclear
If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, or if your situation is complex, speaking with an immigration lawyer before deciding is worth it.
Common complex situations:
- → Income from self-employment or freelance work
- → Periods of unemployment benefits or social assistance in the last 3 years
- → Residency close to the threshold (e.g. 7.5 years)
- → Fines or a suspended sentence
- → Children included in the application (new rules require separate applications)
Can I pause my application?
No. There is no way to “pause” a pending application. Migrationsverket processes all cases continuously. Your only options are to let it continue or to formally withdraw.
How to withdraw: Contact Migrationsverket via “Min sida” (their online portal) or by phone. Withdrawing is straightforward — you state that you wish to withdraw your case. Note that the SEK 1,500 application fee is not refunded.
Children in your application?
From 6 June 2026, children can no longer be included in a parent's application. If you have children listed in your pending case, Migrationsverket will contact you.
“I pågående ärenden där det finns barn som ingår i sin förälders ansökan, kommer vi att kontakta barnets vårdnadshavare.”— Migrationsverket, May 2026
What this means: You will need to submit a separate application for each child. Children are assessed under their own criteria — shorter residency requirements, no income threshold, but conduct rules apply from age 15 and knowledge requirements from age 16.
Read more about children's citizenship applications →
New requirements — quick check
These requirements apply to all applications assessed after 6 June 2026 — including yours.
| Requirement | Old rules | New rules (6 June) |
|---|---|---|
| Residency (standard) | 5 years | 8 years |
| Married/cohabiting with Swedish citizen | 3 years | 7 years |
| Refugee | 4 years | 7 years |
| Stateless | 4 years | 5 years |
| Nordic citizen | 2 years | 2 years (unchanged) |
| Income requirement | None | ~SEK 20,850/month gross |
| Language/civics knowledge | None | Required (ages 16–66) |
| Children in application | Can join parent's | Separate application required |
Want to see all requirements in detail? Read the full requirements guide →
Unsure about your situation?
If you have a pending application and are not sure whether you meet the new requirements, an immigration lawyer can review your case and give you a concrete answer. Many offer a first consultation at a fixed price.
Find an immigration lawyer →Frequently asked questions
Do the new rules apply to my already-submitted application?
Yes. Migrationsverket assesses all pending cases under the new rules after 6 June 2026 — no matter when you applied. There are no transitional provisions.
Can I speed up my case before 6 June?
If you have been waiting at least 6 months, you can request that Migrationsverket make a decision using form 301011 (begäran om att avgöra). Note: this can be used once and does not guarantee approval — it only accelerates processing.
What happens if I get rejected after 6 June?
You have 3 weeks to appeal to the Administrative Court (Förvaltningsrätten). Alternatively, you can wait until you meet the new requirements and reapply. A lawyer can help assess whether an appeal is realistic.
Does my self-employment income count toward the income requirement?
Yes, but with conditions. The income must be stable, and you must not have received social assistance for more than 6 months in total in the last 3 years. Migrationsverket makes an overall assessment of your financial situation.
Migrationsverket told me I 'don't need to do anything' — is that right?
Partly. If you clearly meet all new requirements, that is correct. But if you are close to the residency threshold, have irregular income, or have children in your application, you should actively review your situation.
The information on this page is intended as general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Rules may change — always verify with Migrationsverket or a qualified lawyer for your specific situation.