2025-03-21
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.
You want to apply Retaining Swedish citizenship
If you are a Swedish citizen, were born abroad, and reside abroad, in some cases you can lose your Swedish citizenship when you turn 22. If you do not want this to happen, you can apply to keep your citizenship.
You lose your Swedish citizenship when you turn 22 if you
- were born outside Sweden
- have never lived here
- have not been in Sweden under conditions that show an affinity with Sweden. In this context, an “affinity” means that you have a connection to Sweden, for example that you have stayed here for a lengthy period, or regularly for several shorter periods, prior to turning 22 years old.
You will not lose your Swedish citizenship if it would result in you becoming stateless. You also will not lose your citizenship if you have lived in Denmark, Finland, Iceland or Norway for a total of at least seven years.
Apply to retain your Swedish citizenship
To avoid losing your citizenship, you can apply to retain it. You must do this after you are 18 years old, but before you turn 22. You do not need to make such an application if you have lived in Sweden or if you have regularly visited Sweden.
Prepare this before you apply
You must attach copies of these documents to your application. Make sure that the information on your submitted documents is clearly visible.
Correctly made copies of your passport or other identity document
Read more about what the passport copies must show
Proof of Swedish citizenship
If you have become a Swedish citizen following application or notification.
How to apply
Fill in the form:
Submit the application
Submit the application to your nearest Swedish consulate-general or embassy.
If you are visiting Sweden, you can send your application to:
Migrationsverket
Medborgarskapsenheten
601 70 Norrköping
It costs nothing to apply to retain your Swedish citizenship.
After the decision
The Swedish Migration Agency will send the decision to your home address or to your preferred Swedish embassy or consulate-general, if you live abroad.
News
2025-03-05
The Swedish Migration Agency's new website has now been launched
On 5 March, the Swedish Migration Agency launched a completely new version of migrationsverket.se, with a new structure and a more user-friendly navigation. The purpose of the new website is primarily to make it easier for visitors to find the information they need.