The Swedish government has proposed a bill that significantly raises the requirements for candidates for citizenship in the country. The new set of rules aims to make the process more transparent, stricter, and focused on real integration.
According to the government, applicants must reside in the country for a certain period, demonstrate language proficiency, and prove financial self-sufficiency. Sweden’s Minister for Migration, Johan Forsell, said at a press conference that citizenship applicants must “live honestly,” be proficient in Swedish, and have the means to support themselves.
“live honestly,” speak Swedish, and be able to support themselves.– Johan Forsell
Key Points of the Bill
The standard residence period for applying is planned to be increased from five to eight years. The rules will also introduce stricter income requirements – about 20,000 kronor per month – and a stricter interpretation of the “honest life” criterion for applicants.
Mandatory language tests and civics knowledge tests are to be introduced. The first citizenship knowledge tests are expected as early as August, with language tests in fall 2027.
Most changes are set to take effect on 6 June 2026, Sweden’s National Day. The new rules will apply to all applications that have not yet been processed at that time.
Under the new requirements for “honest life,” offenses committed outside Sweden will also be taken into account. The waiting periods for those convicted of imprisonment before applying for citizenship will also be extended.
In addition, the government announced a new aid package to Ukraine totaling 1 billion Swedish kronor, intended to support the country in the energy sector.
