New Swedish citizenship rules from June 2026: what actually changed

On June 6, 2026, new rules for Swedish citizenship came into force after a decision by the Riksdag. This article walks through what changed compared with the old rules, based on Migrationsverket's published information. It is an orientation, not legal advice. Updated in July 2026.

Longer residence times

The headline change is time. The main rule rose from 5 to 8 years of residence in Sweden. Several special categories changed too:

• Stateless persons: from 4 to 5 years.
• Recognized refugees: from 4 to 7 years.
• Married to or cohabiting with a Swedish citizen: from 3 to 7 years, with at least 5 years living together.
• People under 21: 7 years.
• If your identity cannot be fully verified: 10 years.

Nordic citizens keep a short path of 2 years.

A new income requirement

For the first time, applicants roughly of working age must show they support themselves. The level is three income base amounts per year, 250,200 kronor in 2026, about 20,850 kronor per month before tax, from stable and unsubsidized work or business. Receiving maintenance support too recently can block the requirement. There are exceptions, for example for pensioners, people with permanent disabilities, and full-time students with approved results.

A new knowledge requirement, and the tests

Applicants aged 16 to 66 must show knowledge of Swedish and of Swedish society. Many people can prove this with existing school grades or qualifications. For those who cannot, Sweden is introducing formal tests:

• The society test, the medborgarskapsprov, starts in August 2026. It is run by UHR and based on the official study material Sverige i fokus. See how the medborgarskapsprov works.
• A Swedish language test is planned to follow, according to Migrationsverket in autumn 2027.

A stricter honest-living requirement

The requirement to have lived an honest life (skötsamt och hederligt levnadssätt▶) remains, and the waiting periods (karenstid) after criminal convictions were extended. From age 15, the honest-living requirement also applies to children.

Children apply individually

Children are no longer included in a parent's application. Each child applies individually, with age-based rules: shorter residence times for younger children, the honest-living requirement from 15, and the knowledge requirement from 16. Children have no income requirement.

The transition rule that surprises people

The new rules apply to applications decided from June 6, 2026 onward. That includes applications submitted earlier that were still waiting for a decision on that date. In other words, applying before the change did not lock in the old rules unless the case was actually decided in time.

If the society test is now part of your path, the material is fixed and public, and that makes preparation very concrete. Start with our study path or check your level with the free mini mock.

Sources: Migrationsverket: nya regler från 6 juni 2026, Migrationsverket: ansök om svenskt medborgarskap, UHR: om medborgarskapsprovet.

Independent study material. Not affiliated with UHR or Migrationsverket. Not legal advice.