Applying for Swedish citizenship in 2026

Check the adult requirements together

Migrationsverket assesses identity, age, qualifying residence status, habitual residence, conduct, self-support and knowledge. Meeting one condition does not settle the others. Children have a separate application route and their own conditions.

Since 12 July 2026, specified permit holders can meet an exception to the citizenship requirement for permanent residence. The ten-year rule removes the “well-founded prospects” condition within those specified groups; it is not a universal waiver of the permit requirement. A valid qualifying permit is still needed.

Count residence, not just years on a card

Since 6 June 2026 the main rule is eight years. Shorter periods include two years for Nordic or former Swedish citizens, five for stateless applicants and seven for specified refugee, under-21 and qualifying Swedish-partner cases. The partner route has additional five-year conditions. Read how residence is counted.

Example: a worker’s years before permanent residence may count towards citizenship if they meet the habitual-residence rules. Getting PUT does not automatically restart the clock. Equally, four years with a work permit plus four with PUT is not a guaranteed citizenship date: absences, status and the other conditions still matter.

Income and evidence of knowledge

The 2026 citizenship income threshold is 250,200 kr a year before tax, equivalent to 20,850 kr a month. It is three income base amounts, with conditions on income type and stability and on financial assistance. Exceptions exist. Read the income requirement.

Knowledge requirements generally apply at ages 16–66. Separate the evidence for Swedish from the evidence for society. SFI D is language evidence. Migrationsverket decides whether you need a civics test; UHR registration is currently closed. The future Swedish test has no confirmed bookable sitting.

Prepare and submit your application

1. Collect identity documents, permit decisions, your travel timeline, income records and relevant grades. Check Migrationsverket’s checklist for your route.
2. Use the official e-service or form. An adult application costs 2,900 kr; a separate application under age 18 costs 475 kr unless an exemption applies. Since 6 June 2026 children cannot be included in a parent’s application.
3. Keep the receipt and respond to requests in Min sida. Follow any identity-check or test instructions. If refused, read the appeal instructions in your decision. A citizenship ceremony is a welcome event, not an additional qualification.

Plan without promising a passport date

Application fees, test fees and waiting times are separate questions. Use the fee guide, the waiting-time guide and the language evidence guide. No example here predicts when your case will be approved.