Sweden’s Citizenship Law Overhaul — What Happens Next and When
Sweden’s centre-right government has unveiled a major overhaul of the country’s citizenship eligibility rules, proposing what ministers describe as “stricter and more meaningful” requirements for becoming a Swedish citizen. The draft bill — published in early February — represents one of the most significant changes to the Swedish citizenship regime in decades and is expected to take effect on June 6, 2026, Sweden’s National Day.
What the Proposed Law Would Change
Under the current Swedish nationality law, most foreign nationals can apply for citizenship after five years of continuous residence in the country, with shorter periods for Nordic citizens or those married to Swedish citizens. Applicants must also demonstrate an “upstanding way of life.”
The government’s draft proposes far more demanding requirements:
- Extended residency requirement — The standard waiting period would increase from five to eight years for most applicants.
Higher self-sufficiency threshold — Applicants may need to show they have earned a minimum income and are not heavily reliant on social benefits, aligning with broader policy goals of economic integration.
Language and civics testing — New language proficiency and knowledge of Swedish society tests are expected. Initial civics tests could begin as early as August 2026, with Swedish language exams to follow later.
Stricter “honest life” criterion — Behaviour both in Sweden and abroad, including criminal convictions outside Sweden, could be considered when assessing eligibility.
Taken together, these changes mark a shift from Sweden’s traditionally relatively open path to citizenship toward a model emphasizing integration and self-sufficiency.
Impact on Pending Cases and New Applicants
One of the most contentious aspects of the proposal is its treatment of applications already submitted to the Swedish Migration Agency. The government has confirmed that applications pending as of June 6 will be assessed under the new rules, not the old ones. That means many applicants who believed they were close to meeting the requirements under the current system could find their cases assessed against tougher criteria — a development that has sparked anxiety and frustration among those waiting.
Critics argue this retroactive application could penalize people who filed under the previous rules, while supporters of the tougher regime say it is necessary to ensure fairness and consistency in the awarding of citizenship.
Legislative and Political Steps Ahead
Before the proposed changes become law, several political and legislative hurdles remain:
- Parliamentary debate and approval: The draft citizenship bill must be formally debated and approved by the Riksdag, Sweden’s parliament. While the government controls the legislative agenda, the current minority coalition depends on support from the Sweden Democrats (SD) — a party that has long advocated tighter immigration and citizenship policies.
- Committee review and possible amendments: As with all legislative proposals, the bill will be examined by relevant parliamentary committees, where MPs can propose amendments, seek clarifications, and weigh practical impacts.
- Final vote and enactment: If the Riksdag passes the law without substantive changes, it is scheduled to come into force on June 6, 2026. Should amendments be introduced, the timeline could shift slightly — though lawmakers have signaled a desire to implement the reforms by National Day.
A separate issue is public and legal debate around related aspects of citizenship law — for example, proposals to strengthen protections for children and adults against being forced to relinquish citizenship in certain circumstances, which have been under discussion since 2024.
Broader Context
Sweden’s tougher approach to citizenship is part of a wider tightening of migration and integration policies adopted by successive governments since 2015, including stricter asylum and residency rules. Supporters argue that raising requirements will encourage genuine integration and ensure that citizenship remains meaningful. Critics contend that the changes could make legal nationality unattainable for many long-term residents and undermine Sweden’s reputation for inclusive immigration policy.
What Comes Next
For applicants and long-term residents, the immediate months ahead will be critical:
- Prepare for new tests: Migration authorities are expected to roll out the new civics and language tests incrementally, so prospective applicants should monitor official guidance closely.
- Track parliamentary developments: Any changes or delays in parliamentary approval could affect when and how the new rules apply.
- Seek legal advice if needed: Those with pending applications may want to consult immigration experts to understand how the new criteria might affect their cases.
Overall, Sweden’s citizenship law reform represents a significant shift in policy with practical effects for thousands of migrants and would reshape how the country defines membership and belonging in the years ahead.
