The Swedish government is set to tighten its citizenship criteria following an investigation into “numerous questionable” citizenship decisions. Proposed changes include extending the residency period from five years to eight, introducing language and cultural knowledge tests, and raising the income threshold for applicants.
The new measures aim to ensure that applicants for citizenship demonstrate financial self-sufficiency, with a gross monthly salary requirement of SEK 20,000 (around €1,815). Applicants will also be required to live an “honest and responsible lifestyle” without any criminal history or unpaid debt.
These proposed reforms come in the wake of Sweden’s broader efforts to manage migration, which have already seen reduced asylum approvals and stricter family reunification rules. In 2024, Sweden recorded the lowest number of asylum applications in nearly three decades.
As part of its ongoing migration policy shift, the Swedish government is also working on a bill to prevent rejected asylum seekers from reapplying without leaving the country. Additionally, the government has introduced financial incentives for migrants to voluntarily return to their home countries.
While Sweden remains a leader in refugee integration, recent studies highlight challenges such as high unemployment rates in immigrant neighborhoods and difficulties in integrating migrant children into Swedish schools. The government continues to balance its “open-door” migration policy with efforts to improve the long-term integration of newcomers.
