Since 6 June 2026, most people aged 16–66 who apply for Swedish citizenship must show knowledge of the Swedish language and of Swedish society. The first civics test (medborgarskapsprovet) took place on 15 August 2026, on paper and in Swedish only, while the Swedish language test has not started yet. Below I explain what changed, what you can already use as proof, and how to prepare step by step.
In short: New citizenship rules apply from 6 June 2026 with no transition period, also for pending applications. The main residence rule is now 8 years, and you must support yourself. The civics test is multiple choice and in Swedish; the next sitting is planned for spring 2027. Until a language test exists, you can show Swedish with approved grades, the highest SFI course or TISUS. Always check Migrationsverket and UHR.
What changed on 6 June 2026?
According to Migrationsverket, the new citizenship rules apply from 6 June 2026 without a transition period. This means that applications submitted before 6 June, but not decided by then, are also assessed under the new rules.
The main changes:
- Longer residence. As a main rule, you must have lived in Sweden for at least 8 years (previously 5). Some groups have different periods, for example Nordic citizens, stateless people, refugees, and spouses or partners of Swedish citizens.
- Self-support. You must be able to support yourself with your own lasting income from work or business. Migrationsverket describes the level as at least three income base amounts per year, roughly SEK 20,000 a month before tax, and lists some exemptions.
- Knowledge of Swedish and Swedish society. If you are between 16 and 66 years old, you must show knowledge of both.
- Stricter conduct requirement. The waiting period after a crime is longer.
- Children apply on their own. A child can no longer be included in a parent's application.
The new rules at a glance
| Requirement | From 6 June 2026 |
|---|---|
| Residence (main rule) | 8 years (previously 5) |
| Knowledge of Swedish | Required for ages 16–66 |
| Knowledge of Swedish society | Required for ages 16–66 |
| Self-support | Own, lasting income from work or business |
| Pending applications | Assessed under the new rules |
Your situation may fall under an exception, so read the official page carefully. Questions about your case go to Migrationsverket; questions about the test go to UHR.
The civics test (medborgarskapsprovet i samhällskunskap)
The test is run by UHR, the Swedish Council for Higher Education. Here is what UHR says so far:
- Format: on paper, in Swedish only, with multiple-choice questions. Each question has four options and one correct answer.
- First sitting: 15 August 2026. UHR describes it as a trial test, where the questions were used in a real setting for the first time.
- Next sitting: planned for April–May 2027. The exact date, place, number of questions and test time will be announced later.
- Registration: you can only register after you receive a letter from Migrationsverket. Registration is closed at the moment.
- Adjustments: available, for example for dyslexia, ADHD or visual impairment.
Be careful with unofficial "practice tests" online: UHR warns that they are not checked or approved by UHR or any other authority.
One important point: the civics test is also a reading test. The questions and all four answer options are in Swedish. Even before the separate language test starts, you need to read Swedish confidently to pass the civics part.
How to study for the civics test
Start with UHR's free official study material, Sverige i fokus. Here is a method I recommend to my Swedish students:
- Read one chapter at a time and underline every word you do not know.
- Make a word list with each Swedish word and a short explanation in your own language.
- Summarise the chapter in five simple Swedish sentences, out loud.
- Write your own multiple-choice questions and test a friend, a family member or your tutor.
- Read the same chapter again a week later. Repetition with breaks helps you remember.
These civics words appear again and again in texts about Swedish society, so learn them early:
| Swedish | English |
|---|---|
| riksdagen | the Swedish parliament |
| regeringen | the government |
| kommun | municipality |
| region | region (responsible for healthcare) |
| grundlag | fundamental law (constitution) |
| yttrandefrihet | freedom of expression |
| jämställdhet | gender equality |
| allemansrätten | the right of public access to nature |
| rösträtt | the right to vote |
| myndighet | government agency |
The Swedish language requirement: what counts right now
The law also requires knowledge of Swedish, and a Swedish test in reading and listening is planned. However, the start date is moving. In its final report, UHR recommends introducing the reading and listening test in autumn 2029 instead of October 2027, with a writing and speaking part in 2030 at the earliest. The government makes the decision, so the timing is not final.
Migrationsverket has confirmed that the language requirement is not removed in the meantime. For now, you can show your Swedish with a pass in:
- Swedish or Swedish as a second language from year 9 of compulsory school (or the equivalent)
- Swedish or Swedish as a second language from upper secondary school, adapted upper secondary school or folk high school (folkhögskola)
- Swedish or Swedish as a second language from municipal adult education (komvux)
- the highest course in Swedish for immigrants (SFI)
- Swedish from compulsory or upper secondary school in another Nordic country
- TISUS, the test of Swedish for university studies
SFI or TISUS: which route fits you?
SFI has four courses, A to D. According to Skolverket, course D roughly corresponds to CEFR level B1. TISUS is a test from Stockholm University with three parts: reading, writing and speaking. Each part is pass or fail, and you must pass all three. It is designed for people who want to study at university in Swedish, so it is more demanding.
| SFI course D | TISUS | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The highest course in Swedish for immigrants | A test of Swedish for university studies |
| Level | Roughly B1 (Skolverket) | Swedish good enough for academic studies |
| Format | Course with a final grade | Reading, writing and speaking, each pass or fail |
| Good for | Most adults living and working in Sweden | People whose Swedish is already strong and academic |
A six-month plan for the spring 2027 sitting
If you are aiming for the civics test planned for April–May 2027, you have roughly six months.
Months 1–2: check and build
- Read the Migrationsverket page and check which residence period, exceptions and proof apply to you.
- Decide how you will prove your Swedish: school grades, SFI course D or TISUS.
- Start Sverige i fokus, one chapter per week, with your own word list.
Months 3–4: read faster, speak more
- Read easy-Swedish news, for example 8 Sidor or SVT Nyheter Lätt, a few times a week.
- Summarise what you read out loud in Swedish to make the vocabulary stick.
- Practise grammar that often confuses readers in long texts: word order after time words, passive forms (-s verbs) and words like dock, däremot and därför.
Months 5–6: test practice
- Make multiple-choice questions from each chapter and answer them without notes.
- Practise reading questions carefully: one small word, such as inte or alltid, can change the correct answer.
- Go back to the chapters where you make the most mistakes.
How I can help
I teach Swedish one-to-one on Google Meet. I can explain grammar and civics vocabulary in English, Turkish or Arabic, which helps when Swedish is your second or third language. Together we can read Sverige i fokus, practise reading under time pressure and work towards SFI course D or TISUS.
See my Swedish lessons online: lessons are ₺1,400 each, and packages of 30, 60 or 90 lessons save 14–25% (details on the pricing page). If you are not sure about your current level, start with the free level test or a 30-minute trial lesson for ₺550.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Swedish citizenship test in English?
No. According to UHR, the civics test is in Swedish only. The questions and all four answer options are in Swedish, so you need good reading skills in Swedish even for the civics part.
When is the next Swedish citizenship test?
UHR plans the next civics test for April–May 2027. The exact date and place have not been announced yet, and you can only register after you receive a letter from Migrationsverket. Check the UHR website for updates.
Do the new rules apply if I applied before 6 June 2026?
Yes. Migrationsverket says the new rules apply without a transition period, so applications that were not decided before 6 June 2026 are assessed under the new rules. Migrationsverket will contact you if it needs more information.
Can I use SFI to meet the Swedish language requirement?
For now, yes. Migrationsverket lists a pass in the highest SFI course as one way to show knowledge of Swedish until a language test is introduced. Approved school grades in Swedish and a pass on TISUS also count.
When will the Swedish language test start?
The date is not final. UHR has recommended autumn 2029 for the reading and listening test instead of October 2027, and the government will decide. Until then, you can meet the requirement with grades, SFI or TISUS.
