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Sweden Raises Citizenship Requirements: New Rules Effective 2026

2/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sweden will raise the citizenship residency requirement from five to eight years, effective June 6, 2026.
Applicants must pass language and civics tests.
The first civics test is set for August 2026, and the language test is delayed to October 2027.
The self-sufficiency requirement rises to 20,000 kronor per month, with exemptions possible for students.
Migration Minister Johan Forssell said pending applications will be processed under the new rules.

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Story summary

Sweden will raise the citizenship residency requirement from five to eight years, effective June 6, 2026.
Applicants must pass language and civics tests.
The first civics test is set for August 2026, and the language test is delayed to October 2027.
The self-sufficiency requirement rises to 20,000 kronor per month, with exemptions possible for students.
Migration Minister Johan Forssell said pending applications will be processed under the new rules.