The Swedish government has announced sweeping changes to its citizenship laws, introducing stricter eligibility criteria that will require applicants to reside longer in the country, meet a minimum income threshold, and pass basic language and civic knowledge tests.
Migration Minister Johan Forssell unveiled the reforms on Wednesday, describing them as part of a broader effort to strengthen integration and raise the bar for naturalisation.
Under the new rules, which will take effect in June, most applicants must have lived in Sweden for at least eight years before applying for citizenship—an increase from the previous five-year requirement. Applicants will also need to demonstrate a monthly income of at least 20,000 Swedish kronor (approximately €1,900 or $2,200) and pass a basic test assessing their knowledge of the Swedish language and society.
Forssell acknowledged that the changes represent a significant departure from the current system. “These requirements are much tougher than the situation as it is today because currently there are basically no requirements,” he told reporters at a press conference.
He characterised the proposed citizenship examination as straightforward, noting that it would cover fundamental aspects of Swedish civic life. “It is reasonable that prospective citizens know whether Sweden is a monarchy or a republic,” Forssell said.
The income requirement has been set below Sweden’s median wage and beneath many entry-level full-time salaries, suggesting that most individuals in regular employment would qualify. Sweden does not operate a statutory national minimum wage, which makes direct wage comparisons more complex.
The reforms also introduce stricter provisions for applicants with criminal records. Individuals convicted of crimes—whether in Sweden or abroad—will face extended waiting periods before becoming eligible to apply. As an illustration, the government said a person who has served a four-year prison sentence would need to have lived in Sweden for at least 15 years before submitting a citizenship application.
The policy shift comes against the backdrop of a decade-long recalibration of Sweden’s migration framework. In 2016, the country received approximately 160,000 asylum seekers, a substantial figure for a nation of fewer than 11 million people. Since then, successive governments have tightened migration and integration policies.
The current minority coalition government is supported by the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, which has argued that previous migration policies contributed to rising gang-related violence. With national elections scheduled for September, migration is expected to remain a central campaign issue.
Sweden’s new approach contrasts sharply with recent developments in Germany, where lawmakers reduced the standard residency requirement for citizenship from eight years to five, signalling a more liberal stance on naturalisation.
The Swedish government maintains that the tougher criteria are intended to promote integration and ensure that new citizens are economically self-sufficient and familiar with the country’s social and political structures.
