Sweden’s centre-right government has announced plans to significantly tighten its citizenship requirements, extending the minimum residency period and introducing stricter economic and cultural conditions for applicants.
Under the proposed rules, migrants will be required to live in Sweden for at least eight years before applying for citizenship, an increase from the current five-year requirement. Applicants must also earn a minimum monthly income of more than 20,000 Swedish crowns and pass tests assessing their knowledge of the Swedish language, culture and political system.
Migration Minister Johan Forssell said the reforms represent a major shift from existing policy, noting that current citizenship requirements are comparatively limited. He argued that a basic understanding of Sweden’s system of governance should be expected of anyone seeking citizenship.
The government also plans tougher measures for applicants with criminal records. Individuals convicted of crimes, either in Sweden or abroad, will face longer waiting periods. For example, a person who served a four-year prison sentence would be required to wait up to 15 years before becoming eligible to apply.
Sweden has steadily tightened its immigration policies since 2015, when about 160,000 asylum seekers arrived in the country. The minority coalition government, which is supported by the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, says stricter rules are necessary to address long-standing integration challenges and rising gang-related crime.
The government believes the tougher stance on immigration and citizenship could resonate with voters ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for September.
The new citizenship regulations are expected to take effect on June 6.
