Swedish Citizenship
Swedish legislation on citizenship is based on the jus sanguinis principle, which means that citizenship is acquired at birth if either of the parents are Swedish citizens. Another fundamental principle is to avoid statelessness. Since 2001, Sweden has accepted dual citizenship.
Becoming a Swedish citizen
People wishing to apply for Swedish citizenship or wanting to know more about citizenship issues should primarily approach the Swedish Migration Board.
What does Swedish citizenship entail?
Citizenship is a legally binding relationship between the state and the individual. The most tangible proof of citizenship is the Swedish passport or the national identification card.
People with permanent residence permits
Foreign nationals who have permanent resident permits (PUTs) and are registered as resident in Sweden largely have the same rights and obligations as Swedish citizens. There are, however, some differences. Only Swedish citizens have an absolute right to live and work in Sweden, and only Swedish citizens are entitled to vote in the Riksdag elections. A foreign citizen cannot be elected to the Riksdag either. There are also a number of posts, such as those of police officers, career officers in the Swedish Armed Forces and some safety service officers, that can only be filled by Swedish citizens. The obligation to do military service only applies to men who are Swedish citizens.
Possibility for dual citizenship
According to the Swedish Citizenship Act in force since 2001, it is now possible to hold dual citizenship. A person acquiring Swedish citizenship can retain his or her previous citizenship if the law in the other country so permits. Similarly, a person who is a Swedish citizen and acquires another citizenship may retain his or her Swedish citizenship if the other country´s legislation does not prevent this.
Reconsideration of citizenship
An inquiry has proposed that it should be possible, in certain cases, to revoke an incorrect citizenship decision. This proposal was presented in the report entitled Reconsideration of Citizenship (SOU 2006:2). Since the proposal entails an amendment to the Constitution, it cannot enter into force before 1 January 2011.
