The new requirements mean, among other things, that foreigners must have been domiciled in Sweden for at least eight years, compared with five years today, before they can apply for citizenship.
A passing score on a special citizenship test in Swedish and social studies will also be required for those over the age of 16. However, the introduction of the language test may be delayed until October 1.
Also new is a financial requirement of an annual income of 241,800 kronor and stricter standards for orderly and honest conduct.
On National Day
The tougher requirements will apply to everyone from June 6, even if the application was submitted several years ago.
Before the parliamentary decision, S, V, MP and C had agreed on a reservation that transitional rules should apply to those who have already applied.
"People must be able to trust the rules that applied when applying for citizenship," said Tony Haddou (V) in the debate.
The Green Party's Annika Hirvonen believed that the consequences would be significant for those who, due to long processing times at the Swedish Migration Board, have been waiting for a decision for several years.
"Tens of thousands of people who are already in the system today have been scammed," she said.
"They have behaved, they have contributed. They have done all the things that the Moderates say you should do and be rewarded for."
Prevent criminals
Moderate Viktor Wärnick referred to Sweden's security and pointed out that the new requirements are, among other things, about preventing criminals from becoming citizens.
"Therefore, we want the new legislation to have full impact as soon as possible," he said.
The opposition's demand for transitional rules was voted down by 147–146.
M, SD, KD and L supported the government's bill with the new requirements in its entirety. V and MP wanted, in addition to introducing transitional rules, to reject large parts of the bill.
S voted yes to most parts, but wanted to see certain changes, such as the design of the support requirement and that the requirements to speak and understand Swedish and social studies should only apply when a person turns 18.
C also wanted certain changes, including an 18-year age limit for the knowledge requirements and that people should be able to apply for citizenship after just five years in Sweden if they have paid at least 500,000 kronor in taxes.
The government's new, stricter requirements were approved by a vote of 258–33, while 58 members were absent.
