Frequently asked questions

For citizenship by application you must prove your identity, be 18 or older, hold permanent residence or right of residence, have lived in Sweden long enough (habitual residence) and live an orderly life. Since 6 June 2026 there is also a self-support requirement and a requirement to show knowledge of Swedish and of society.

New, stricter rules apply from 6 June 2026. The main habitual-residence rule rose from 5 to 8 years, a self-support requirement was introduced, and knowledge of Swedish and society became mandatory for applicants aged 16–66. The new rules also apply to applications not yet decided before that date.

The citizenship test is a knowledge test run by UHR and one way to meet the requirement to show knowledge of Swedish society. The first test is on 15 August 2026. Migrationsverket decides who needs to take it — many can instead prove their knowledge with school grades, SFI or komvux.

A permanent residence permit (PUT) lets a non-EU citizen live and work in Sweden with no time limit and without a separate work permit. A temporary permit expires and must be extended. Neither is citizenship: you are still a foreign national, get no Swedish passport, and a PUT can be lost.

You must have held a residence permit for a qualifying period (the length depends on your permit type), meet a self-support requirement with a stable income, and meet a conduct requirement. Family members over 18 must support themselves. Exemptions exist. Check what applies to you with Migrationsverket.

On asylum-related grounds, largely yes. Under bill 2025/26:262, from 12 July 2026 Migrationsverket can no longer grant a PUT to people whose permit is based on protection status or similar grounds; they instead get extended time-limited permits. People who already hold a PUT are not affected. Check your options with Migrationsverket.

If you are a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland and will study for more than three months, you generally need a residence permit for studies, granted before you travel. EU/EEA and Nordic citizens need none. Rules vary by case — confirm with Migrationsverket.

This changed in 2026. Under the old rule there was no fixed hourly cap. For permits granted on or after 11 June 2026, bachelor's- and master's-level students may work at most 15 hours per week during the semester; in June–August work is unrestricted. Earlier permits keep the old rules — check with Migrationsverket.