FAQ about Swedish citizenship

Guidance on the most common questions. Always check current rules with Migrationsverket.

• How do you become a Swedish citizen?You become a Swedish citizen through an application (naturalisation) if you can prove your identity, have a permanent residence permit, meet the residence requirement, can support yourself, have knowledge of Swedish and have lived responsibly.
• How long does it take to get Swedish citizenship?Processing time at Migrationsverket varies greatly – from a few months to several years. Complete applications with clear supporting documents are usually decided faster.
• What is residence time?Residence time is the continuous period you have lived legally in Sweden with the intention to stay. As a general rule 8 years are required for citizenship under the rules that apply from 6 June 2026.
• Do you have to take a language test for citizenship?Yes, from 2026 approved knowledge of Swedish is required. The requirement can be met through the citizenship test or through approved grades, for example SFI course D, compulsory school or upper secondary school.
• Do you have to take a civics test for citizenship?Yes, the rules that apply from 2026 include a requirement for knowledge of Swedish society. The requirement is tested in the citizenship test organised by UHR.
• What happens if I have debts when applying for citizenship?Debts with the Swedish Enforcement Authority can affect the assessment of your way of life and ability to support yourself. Paid debts normally do not prevent citizenship, but active debts can lead to refusal or a requirement for a debt-free period.
• Can I travel abroad while my application is being processed?Yes, you may travel during processing. Bear in mind that you need valid travel documents and that longer stays abroad can affect the assessment of your residence in Sweden.
• How do I submit additional documents to Migrationsverket?Follow the instructions in the letter from Migrationsverket. Always state your case number, send copies of requested documents and meet the deadline in the letter.
• What does a request for additional documents mean?A request for additional documents means Migrationsverket needs more information or documents to decide your case. It is not a decision – but your response is important for the outcome.
• What does passport inspection (passport control) mean?Passport inspection means you must present your passport or identity document in original at Migrationsverket so they can verify your identity and travels.
• How does a request for a decision work?If your case has not been decided within six months you can in writing request that Migrationsverket decide it under Section 12 of the Administrative Procedure Act. The authority must then decide the case or reject the request within four weeks.
• Can my child get Swedish citizenship?Yes. Children can become Swedish citizens automatically at birth if a parent is a Swedish citizen, through notification, or as a co-applicant in a parent's citizenship application.
• Can I have dual citizenship?Yes, Sweden fully allows dual and multiple citizenship. You do not need to give up your current citizenship when you become a Swedish citizen.
• What does it cost to apply for Swedish citizenship?Migrationsverket charges an application fee for adult citizenship (1,500 SEK has long been the standard fee). The fee is paid when applying and is not refunded if refused.
• What happens after a citizenship decision?If granted you become a Swedish citizen on the same day the decision is made. You can then apply for a Swedish passport and ID card. If refused you can appeal to the Migration Court within three weeks.
• What happens after I submit my application?After submission the case is registered and you receive confirmation with a case number. Migrationsverket then checks your information against registers, may request additional documents and normally summons you for identity verification before a decision is made.
• What is identity verification at Migrationsverket?Identity verification is a personal visit where Migrationsverket examines your identity document in original – to check that it is genuine and belongs to you. It is a normal step in most citizenship cases.
• How do crimes affect a citizenship application?Crimes can entail a waiting period (qualifying period) before citizenship can be granted. How long depends on the sanction – from about a year for fines to considerably longer for prison sentences. Information is retrieved automatically from the criminal record.
• Do different rules apply if I am married to a Swedish citizen?Yes, those married to, in a registered partnership with, or cohabiting with a Swedish citizen can apply after shorter residence time than the general rule. You must have lived together for a certain period and other requirements must be met.