Swedish citizenship by application
medborgarskap för vuxna
Since 6 June 2026, stricter rules apply to Swedish citizenship by application, with no transitional rules, so pending cases are also judged under them. The main rule is now 8 years of habitual residence. Applicants must also prove their identity in person, show knowledge of Swedish (B1 reading and listening, A2 speaking and writing) and of Swedish society, earn at least three income base amounts a year (SEK 250,200 in 2026), and have lived an orderly and honourable life. Sweden allows dual citizenship.
Life in Sweden
Money
3
Currency
Swedish Krona
SEK
Swedish Krona
Cost of living
91
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
20%
Income tax (national)
VAT 25% · social security 7%
No state income tax below SEK 643,000 taxable income; 20% above. Municipal tax averages 32.38% on all earned income.
Living
1
Happiness
#5 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Dual citizenship for you Members
Whether this country allows dual citizenship, and what it means for your own passports
Who it’s for
Adults with a permanent residence permit, residence status, EU right of residence or residence card, or Nordic citizenship, and some holders of temporary protection-based permits, who have lived in Sweden long enough.
Eligibility
Residence status
You need a permanent residence status or Nordic citizenship; some temporary permit holders can apply if they have well-founded prospects of a long-term permit.
From 12 July 2026 (temporary permit holders)- Covers long-term resident, refugee, subsidiary protection, exceptionally distressing circumstances, impediments to expulsion, and family members
- That condition does not apply after 10 years of residence
Official wording
You need a permanent residence permit, residence status, a right of residence or residence card, or Nordic citizenship. Since 12 July 2026, some holders of temporary permits (long-term resident, refugee, subsidiary protection, exceptionally distressing circumstances, impediments to expulsion, and their family members) can apply if they have well-founded prospects of a long-term permit. That condition does not apply after 10 years of residence.
Main rule: 8 years
You need at least 8 years of continuous habitual residence in Sweden.
8 years
Residence required
Official wording
At least 8 years of continuous habitual residence in Sweden.
Shorter periodsNordic citizens, partners of Swedes, under-21s, stateless persons, refugees
Some groups can apply after a shorter period of residence in Sweden.
Years of residence required
- Nordic citizens
- 2 years
- Former Swedish citizens
- 2 years
- Spouse or partner of Swedeliving together last 5 years
- 7 years
- Under 21
- 7 years
- Refugee status declaration
- 7 years
- Stateless person
- 5 years
- Partners include spouses, registered partners and cohabiting partners of Swedish citizens
Official wording
2 years for Nordic citizens and former Swedish citizens; 7 years for spouses, registered or cohabiting partners of Swedish citizens (living together for the last 5 years); 7 years if under 21; 5 years for stateless persons; 7 years for holders of a refugee status declaration.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementHow residence is counted
- Document checklistOnline application (e-service) or form 316011
- FeesApplication fee, adult citizenship
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 7 more requirements
- 9 documents
- 1 fee
- 7 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Sweden
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Sweden
- Visit & tourismSchengen tourist & business visa
- StudyResidence permit for higher education studies
- Work permitsWork permit for employees
- FamilyResidence permit to live with a partner
- Asylum & protectionInternational protection (asylum) in Sweden
Citizenship in other countries
- SloveniaSlovenian citizenship by naturalisation
- SlovakiaSlovak citizenship by naturalisation
- San MarinoSan Marino citizenship by naturalisation
- TunisiaTunisian nationality by naturalisation or marriage declaration
- TürkiyeTurkish citizenship by exceptional acquisition through investment
- Trinidad & TobagoCitizenship by registration and naturalisation
