How to Get Swedish Citizenship
It has always been my 30 things to do before turning 30 to be able to legally live and work in a foreign country. I can check that off the list, as living in Sweden has completed this bucketlist task for me. But then I started thinking bigger. How can I actually obtain dual citizenship in Europe so I can work, live, and wander as much as I want?
In Sweden, it is easy to get a Swedish citizenship if you tick all the right boxes, and you put in the time of integrating into society. Here are things you need to have.
How long have you lived here?
Depending if you are a love-refugee (moved here for a Swede), you will either have to have been here 3-5 years legally.
Do you have a permanent residence card (PUT) and valid passport?
Yes, you need to have your PUT to apply for a citizenship. When you first arrive in Sweden, you are granted a residence permit (usually given for 1-2 years) and then register for your permanent residence permit for another 1-2 years. If you reach 3 or 5 years, you can think about applying for citizenship in Sweden.
Are you in a serious relationship with a Swedish citizen (by birth)?
This is not necessary, put it makes the process smoother. I have friends that are married to EU citizens living in Sweden, and they had to give a lot more paperwork. Plus, the Migration board will ask if your Swedish boyfriend or girlfriend is a birth citizen. It is fine if they are not, but it might add some new questions to your form.
Do you have a job, and have paid your Swedish taxes?
Be prepared to tell the Migration board all about your work experiences in Sweden, and submit 5 years of what you made while in Sweden.
You got the doe?
It costs 1,500 SEK (roughly $150 USD.)
The process for getting a Swedish Citizenship can be anywhere from 3 months – 1 year. This is because they need to go through everything to make sure it all lines up. If you fit the mold to get a Swedish Citizenship, make sure you visit Migrationsverket for more information.
Tina Dudue Antonio
May 18, 2019Hello, my name is Tina Duque Antonio-Olsson ( 19611027-9525) I already apply my Swedish citizenship since 2017 February , but until now I did not get a decision . its already 28 months since I apply.
Lindsey
May 31, 201928 MONTHS? Tina, that is insane. Have you checked with your caseworker? I know they are backed up, but that is unreasonable unless they gave you a decision and you did not receive it? I would contact Migrationsverket as soon as you can. You should be able to log in and check your case here: https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Private-individuals/Becoming-a-Swedish-citizen/Nyhetsarkiv/2019-05-16-Send-secure-messages-through-My-page.html
Bobby Applegate
March 25, 2019Hi I am wondering how hard it would be to gain citizenship? my family migrated from around that area as well some still live there. I am looking for a change that the Us cant offer me such as coulter as well family. I have taken the 23 and me test and have found that , Sweden , Irish is more in my blood lines than anything here any help on how I. can make this change would be very helpful thank you.
Lindsey
March 26, 2019Hej hej! You have to have to be a direct decedent of a Swedish person, like a parent. You cannot be a distant relative. Otherwise, you can try getting a visa here which can lead to citizenship 5 years from now: http://www.everyoneinbetween.com/2017/06/swedish-visas-for-american-citizens/
Tobias
June 3, 2017Swedish life style isn’t for me. I’m far too social for Swedes. You know Swedes don’t talk to people they don’t know since kindergarten unless it’s in a professional capacity and that really mad me feel uneasy. Plus not being “jantelagen” or “lagom” didn’t help either. It’s kind of like they expected me to be like them because of my name. Sweden is great for me to visit in the summer but I know I could never live there again.
Lindsey
June 4, 2017Hello, Tobias! Thanks for stopping by. To each their own. Some Swedes are more reserved, and some are crazy social. I personally am drawn to Swedes that can be on the same level as my sense of humor, and can keep up with my energy. But when the country is 10 million people, with no history besides the last 30 years of taking in immigrants, they didn’t have to put much effort into impressing others with their culture. It’s their traditions and type of person, and we are the guests. I just believe in surrounding myself with people who like me for me (very un-lagom), and everyone else can live their lives 😊 It’s not for everyone, but as far as it being a good life in Sweden, there is no doubt that is true.
Resfredag/Annika
October 14, 2016Välkommen till Sverige! 🙂
Lindsey
October 14, 2016Tack tack!
Anonymous
August 25, 2016Thank You Lindsey! This information was very helpful!
Carlos Becerril (FB friend)
Lindsey
August 28, 2016Thanks, Carlos! Hope you found the info you were looking for 😀