Important changes for people applying for Swedish citizenship

New measures are being introduced to improve security in Swedish citizenship cases. The new measures also affect people who have already applied and are waiting for a decision.

Changes are now being made to the way the Swedish Migration Agency investigates applications for Swedish citizenship. The changes also affect those who have already applied for Swedish citizenship and are waiting for a decision.

The changes include the requirement for proven identity, which will now mean that, with certain exceptions, anyone wishing to become a Swedish citizen must visit the Swedish Migration Agency in person (so-called “personal appearance”). Anyone wishing to become a Swedish citizen will also need to provide more information to the Swedish Migration Agency in connection with their application.

Personal appearance

If you are applying for Swedish citizenship, you will need to visit the Swedish Migration Agency in person to prove your identity.

More information when you apply

To become a Swedish citizen, you will now have to provide more information in connection with your application or by providing supplementary information. This includes information about your identity documents, travel, family, work and studies.

The Swedish Migration Agency will contact you

If you have already applied for citizenship but have not yet received a decision, the Swedish Migration Agency will contact you if we need further information. We will tell you what you need to do. You do not need to contact us or send us anything yourself.

Questions and answers about the changes

The requirements to be granted citizenship are the same as before. The changes involve the Swedish Migration Agency tightening its controls, in order to further increase security when we process and make decisions about citizenship.

Anyone who has applied to become a Swedish citizen and has not yet received a decision will be affected by the changes. If you have already applied for citizenship but have not yet received a decision, the Swedish Migration Agency will contact you if we need further information. We will tell you what you need to do. You do not need to contact us or send us anything yourself.

Why are the new measures being introduced?

On January 9, 2025, the Swedish Migration Agency was tasked by the Government with improving security in its examination of Swedish citizenship applications. The purpose of this mission is to prevent people who pose a security risk or who are living in Sweden under a false identity from being granted Swedish citizenship. In consultation with other relevant authorities, the Swedish Migration Agency has analysed and investigated the Government’s assignment and has now decided on the new measures it will take.

The Swedish Migration Agency is responsible for considering applications from people who want to live in Sweden, seek protection or become Swedish citizens. Our work is based on Swedish laws and international conventions, with a focus on legal certainty and effective reception and return.