Sweden intends to tighten certain requirements, so foreigners seeking Swedish citizenship may soon be subject to more stringent regulations.

The Swedish Minister of Migration, Maria Malmer Stenergard, stated in an interview with Sveriges Radio that in order to increase the motivation of foreigners to integrate into society, the existing requirements should be tightened.

As the Minister disclosed, one of the adjustments the nation intends to implement is a longer residency period prerequisite for eligibility to petition for Swedish citizenship.

Sweden wants to make it mandatory for foreigners to legally remain in the nation for a minimum of eight years, as opposed to the present five-year residency time requirement. Only then may they apply for citizenship.

Swedish Language Test to Become Mandatory

In addition, during the same interview, Minister Stenergard said that the country is also considering introducing a Swedish language test for all those who want to become citizens of the country.

By making the Swedish language test mandatory, the Minister emphasised that the country wants to ensure that every new citizen is aware of their rights and responsibilities.

While the authorities have yet to share specific details about the language test requirement, it is believed that the test will be mandatory for those between the ages of 16 and 65.
Sweden Also Wants to Introduce a Culture Test & Financial Requirements

Apart from the language test, Sweden also plans to introduce a culture test. This test will be in a digital format, and its main purpose is to evaluate if foreigners who want to become Swedish citizens have the needed knowledge to live in the country.

The Minister noted that a requirement for financial independence will also be introduced. The aim of this requirement is to ensure that foreigners who want to obtain Swedish citizenship are able to support themselves financially.

The proposal made by the authorities will now be discussed, and a deadline has been set for September 30, 2024, to decide whether the citizenship requirements will be tightened or not.

If the proposal is approved, the new tightened citizenship rules are expected to become effective on January 1, 2025.