Sweden Lowers Citizenship Requirement for Under-21s

Sweden has introduced a special citizenship residency rule for foreigners under the age of 21, effective June 6, 2026. The Swedish Migration Agency announced that adult applicants must now have lived in Sweden for at least eight years to qualify for citizenship, a significant increase from the previous five-year requirement.

However, applicants under 21 benefit from a reduced requirement of seven years. This adjustment acknowledges that younger residents often have deeper ties to Sweden despite shorter residency periods.

The changes are part of a broader effort by the Swedish government to tighten citizenship criteria, reflecting a shift in migration and integration policy. The residency requirement specifically refers to habitual residence, meaning applicants must prove that Sweden has been their primary place of living for the required duration.

Consequently, many foreigners who anticipated applying under the old five-year rule may face longer waiting periods for citizenship.