Good conduct and citizenship
What good conduct means for citizenship: debts, offences, self-support, and how Migrationsverket assesses your application.
What does good conduct mean?
You should have lived and continue to live in a responsible manner. Migrationsverket assesses this based on debts, offences, self-support, and how you have followed Swedish rules. The assessment is overall – a single factor rarely decides the outcome on its own.
Debts and Kronofogden
Migrationsverket obtains information from Kronofogden. Active debts, especially to public authorities, can affect the outcome negatively. Paid debts are better, but a period of good conduct may be required after debts have been settled.
Offences and convictions
Previous offences may result in a waiting period before citizenship can be granted. Always state offences honestly in the application – register checks are carried out automatically. Concealing offences can lead to refusal and, in serious cases, revocation.
Self-support
You should be able to support yourself. Income from employment, self-employment, or pension is proven with certificates. Long-term reliance on social assistance can affect the assessment negatively if there is no good explanation.
Deportation and removal
Previous deportation decisions from any country should be stated. This affects the assessment of whether you meet the requirements for good conduct.
Common mistakes
Not stating debts or offences, assuming old offences will not show up, or applying while large debts remain unpaid without a plan to settle them.
Practical advice
Pay off debts if possible, keep receipts and decisions. Be transparent in the application. If you have a complicated history, it may be wise to wait until the situation has stabilised before you apply.
Related questions
Related letters
Common questions
Do debts block citizenship?
Active debts can affect the outcome negatively. Paid debts and good conduct afterwards strengthen your application.
How long after an offence can I apply?
The waiting period depends on the nature of the offence. Migrationsverket makes an individual assessment.
Do I have to declare old offences?
Yes, always. Information is checked against registers.
Related guides
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Important to know
- • Migrationsguiden is a private service and is not affiliated with Migrationsverket (the Swedish Migration Agency) or any other authority.
- • The information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. We make no decisions and do not determine whether an application will be approved.
- • Always check the current rules with Migrationsverket before submitting your application.