The changes follow from bill 2025/26:175, which the Riksdag passed on 29 April 2026. The main changes:
- The main habitual-residence rule rose from 5 to 8 years.
- Group-specific periods: stateless persons 5 years, recognised refugees 7 years, spouse/partner/cohabitant of a Swedish citizen 7 years, and those who cannot prove their identity earliest after 10 years.
- A self-support requirement was introduced (around SEK 20,000 per month before tax, tied to the price base amount — check the current figure).
- Knowledge of Swedish and of society became mandatory for applicants aged 16–66.
- The new rules apply to all cases not decided before 6 June 2026 — including earlier applications.
Because several thresholds changed and the amounts are indexed, always confirm exactly what applies to your group with Migrationsverket. Read more about the Swedish citizenship laws and rules.
Sources
- Migrationsverket — becoming a Swedish citizen
- Riksdagen — government bills
- Riksdagen — the Swedish Citizenship Act
- The Government of Sweden — migration and asylum policy
Official details can change. Always confirm what applies to your own case directly with the responsible authority.
