Nationality of Sweden: all obtaining pathways
Sweden tightens its naturalization from June 2026: eight years of habitual residence, Swedish at B1 level, a society-knowledge test and economic self-sufficiency. Marriage or cohabitation with a Swedish citizen requires seven years, and Nordic nationals may opt for notification at two.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- 18 years old
- 8 years of continuous habitual residence in Sweden (main rule since June 2026)
- Permanent residence permit, residence status, EU right of residence or Nordic citizenship
- Identity proven with documents and in-person verification at the Migration Agency
- Good conduct: debts and crimes affect the assessment
- Previous false identity or evasion of expulsion: full 8 years required (no reduction to 7)
Documentation
- Valid passport or national identity document
- Valid Swedish residence permit
- Certificate of Swedish proficiency (SFI course D or equivalent; level B1 from June 2026)
- Proof of means of subsistence
- Criminal record certificate
2Naturalization through marriage to or cohabitation with a Swede
Naturalization through marriage to or cohabitation with a Swede
Requirements
- Being the spouse, registered partner or cohabiting partner of a Swedish citizen
- 7 years of residence in Sweden
- Cohabitation during the last 5 years
- If the partner previously held another nationality or was stateless: ≥5 years as a Swedish citizen
- Permanent residence permit or similar
- Good conduct
Documentation
- Marriage certificate or proof of cohabitation
- Residence certificate
- Identity of the Swedish spouse or partner
- Swedish proficiency certificate
- Criminal record certificate
3Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a Swedish citizen at the time of birth
- If the father is Swedish and the unmarried mother foreign: acknowledgment of paternity
- Children under 12 adopted by Swedes: automatic nationality
- Children born outside Sweden to a Swedish father and an unmarried foreign mother: paternity must be established
Documentation
- Birth certificate of the Swedish parent
- Birth certificate of the applicant
- Where applicable, proof of acknowledgment of paternity
- Swedish civil registry documents
4Nationality by notification (Nordic citizens)
Nationality by notification (Nordic citizens)
Requirements
- Citizenship of Denmark, Finland, Iceland or Norway
- 2 years of residence in Sweden
- No serious debts or crimes
- Notification (anmälan) is simpler than naturalization
Documentation
- Valid Nordic passport
- Residence certificate from the Swedish population register
- Criminal record certificate
- Notification form
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Sweden
How many years of residence does Sweden require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Sweden (Naturalization by residence), the term is 8 years of continuous habitual residence in Sweden. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
How much does the nationality of Sweden cost?
The official fee referenced in the fact sheet is 2,900 SEK. Check the linked official source on each pathway in case it has changed.
Can the nationality of Sweden be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization through marriage to or cohabitation with a Swede pathway (7 years of residence in Sweden + cohabitation for the last 5 years (Swedish spouse/partner with ≥5 years of citizenship); with a referenced cost of 2,900 SEK). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Sweden require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Valid passport or national identity document; Valid Swedish residence permit; Certificate of Swedish proficiency (SFI course D or equivalent; level B1 from June 2026); Proof of means of subsistence; Criminal record certificate.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Sweden?
Sweden provides 4 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Naturalization through marriage to or cohabitation with a Swede, Nationality by descent, Nationality by notification.
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