Can I become a Swedish citizen in Sweden?
Yes — but the rules tightened sharply on 6 June 2026. The main rule is now 8 years of residence in Sweden, or 7 years if you are married to or cohabiting with a Swedish citizen for at least five years. New is a language and civics requirement for those aged 16 to 66, shown by grades or a citizenship test; the civics test starts in August 2026 and the language test later. You must also be self-supporting and have led an honest life — two requirements that did not exist before. What many worry about needlessly: Sweden allows dual citizenship, so you need not give up your old one. Nordic citizens have a simpler and faster route.
📋 The rules
- Main rule: 8 years' residence in Sweden
- 7 years if married to or cohabiting with a Swedish citizen
- New 2026: a language and civics requirement (ages 16–66)
- Requirement of self-support and an honest life
- Dual citizenship is allowed
🔓 Exceptions
- Nordic citizens have a simpler and faster route
- Children, young adults and stateless people have their own shorter rules
- Under 16 and over 66 are exempt from the language and civics test
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There is no penalty — but there is a cost. The application is refused if the conditions are unmet, and the fee of about 1,500 kr is not refunded: a refusal therefore means both lost time and lost money, and a fresh application must be paid for again. The serious consequence lies further ahead: citizenship can be revoked if it was obtained through bribery or a false identity. The requirements are also cumulative — the residence period, the test, self-support and the honest life must all be met; the eight years alone are not enough.
📎 Official sources
- Migration Agency · New citizenship rules 2026 →
- Prop. 2025/26:175 · Government →
- Citizenship Act (2001:82) · Riksdagen →
❓ Frequently asked
How long must I have lived in Sweden?
Since 6 June 2026 generally 8 years, or 7 years if you are married to or cohabiting with a Swedish citizen for at least five years. Nordic citizens have a simpler and faster route.
Must I take a test?
Yes, if you are aged 16 to 66 a language and civics test is required, or equivalent grades. Those under 16 and over 66 are exempt, and the civics test starts in August 2026.
Must I be able to support myself?
Yes. Since 2026 there is a self-support requirement, and you must also have led an honest life. These apply alongside the residence period, so eight years in Sweden is not enough on its own.
Can I keep my old citizenship?
Yes. Sweden allows dual citizenship, so you do not have to give up your previous one when you become Swedish. That holds regardless of which country you come from.
What does the application cost?
About 1,500 kr, and the fee is not refunded even if the application is refused. A refusal therefore costs both time and money, since a new application must be paid for again.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I become a swedish citizen”
- “citizenship 8 years residence”
- “citizenship language test 2026”
- “self-support requirement citizenship”
- “dual citizenship sweden”
- “married to swede citizenship”