The government is now presenting its bill on stricter requirements for becoming a Swedish citizen.
Applicants must have resided in Sweden for a longer period of time, as a general rule eight years instead of the current five. There will also be higher requirements for an honest lifestyle and a monthly income requirement of approximately 20,000 kronor. In addition, sufficient knowledge of Swedish and Swedish society is also required.
The proposals are set to largely come into force on National Day, June 6, 2026.
These changes are actually historic, says Johan Forssell at a press conference.
Going further
When the law comes into force, it will apply to all cases that have not yet been decided at that time, according to Forssell.
He points out that people have previously been able to become Swedish citizens "without knowing a single word of Swedish."
You have even been able to become a citizen while being held in custody for murder.
When the requirements for having lived an honest life are now tightened, it will apply both within and outside Sweden. Crime or mistreatment committed abroad will also be included. "Mistreatment" can involve things like large unpaid debts or having been given a no-contact order.
The Tidö parties also go further than the investigator when it comes to what waiting periods should apply when a person has been sentenced to prison. For example, a person sentenced to four years in prison will receive a waiting period of fifteen years after serving their sentence.
It will take significantly longer before people who have committed crimes will be able to apply for citizenship, says Ludvig Aspling (SD).
Two different tests
A person's ability to speak Swedish and their knowledge of society will be tested. The Swedish language tests are delayed and are not expected to be introduced until the fall of 2027, but the first social studies tests are planned to be conducted as early as August.
"It's not that you should be questioned in every detail about Sweden's exact history, such as which king took office in a particular year, but rather it's more about the skills needed to get by in Sweden, to be able to participate in a general election, for example," says Forssell.
Do you think there will be many more who do not meet the requirements and are denied citizenship?
"It's hard to predict. The whole point of this is that we want people to become citizens. It's a very crucial part of the integration work," says the Minister of Migration.
