Sweden has announced plans to tighten its citizenship requirements, including raising the income threshold for applicants, as part of a sweeping overhaul of its naturalisation rules.
The proposed changes would significantly alter the pathway to Swedish citizenship by introducing stricter residency and financial criteria.
Under the new proposals, individuals seeking Swedish citizenship would be required to have lived in the country for at least eight years, an increase from the current five-year residency requirement. The reform is aimed at ensuring that applicants have stronger and longer-term ties to Swedish society before being granted citizenship.
In addition to the extended residency period, applicants would also be required to demonstrate financial stability. The proposal sets a minimum monthly income of more than 20,000 Swedish crowns, equivalent to about $2,225, as a key eligibility criterion.
Commenting on the proposed reforms, Swedish authorities noted that the new rules represent a significant shift from the existing framework.
“These requirements are much tougher than the situation as it is today because currently there are basically no requirements to become a citizen,” a government representative was quoted as saying.
The proposed changes form part of Sweden’s broader efforts to reform its immigration and integration policies, with a focus on self-sufficiency, social integration and long-term economic contribution. The government has argued that stricter rules would strengthen the value of Swedish citizenship and encourage better integration of migrants into the labour market and wider society.
If adopted, the new measures could affect thousands of migrants currently living and working in Sweden who are planning to apply for citizenship under the existing rules. Further details, including when the new requirements would come into effect, are expected to be clarified as the legislative process continues.
