The requirements for Swedish citizenship in brief

This guide summarises the Migration Agency's rules for adults. The citizenship test is only one part of the requirements. The rules changed on 6 June 2026 and may change again.

Age

You must be 18 or older when you apply.

Identity

You must prove your identity with an original identity document from your home country, with a photo. You show it at a personal visit to the Migration Agency.

Residence permit

You must have a permanent residence permit, right of residence, a residence card or residence status, or be a citizen of a Nordic country.

Time of residence (hemvisttid)

Time of residence means how long you have lived in Sweden. The main rule is 8 years. Shorter periods apply to some groups:

Group	Time of residence
Main rule	8 years
Refugee status	7 years
Under 21	7 years
Married to or cohabiting with a Swedish citizen	7 years, of which at least 5 together
Stateless	5 years
Nordic citizen	2 years
Former Swedish citizen	2 years

Trips abroad longer than six weeks in one year are deducted from the time of residence.

Self-support requirement

If you are 18–67 you must be able to support yourself through work or your own business. The income must be lasting. The threshold is three income base amounts per year before tax, which in 2026 is SEK 250,200, about SEK 20,850 per month. Pensioners, full-time students with passing results and people who cannot reasonably meet the requirement are exempt.

Good conduct

You must have lived an honest life. Debts with the Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden), unpaid taxes or crimes can lead to a refusal or a waiting period.

Knowledge of Swedish and of society

If you are 16–66 you must show knowledge of Swedish and of Swedish society. Read more in the guide Who has to take the citizenship test?.

Fee

The application costs SEK 2,900. The fee is not refunded if your application is refused.