Published: 18.08.2026

• 2026-08-18Sweden has tightened the requirements for citizenship

  From 6 June 2026, the standard residence requirement for Swedish citizenship increased from five to eight years. The new rules also require Swedish-language skills, financial self-sufficiency and good conduct; rejections under the new requirements have already begun, including for applications submitted earlier.

• 2026-08-18Sweden is tightening family-reunification rules

  From 1 October 2026, maintenance requirements will apply in more family-immigration cases, including some extensions of temporary permits. As a general rule, a sponsor with a temporary residence permit must have lived in Sweden with a permit for at least two years; for certain applicants, the possibility of applying from inside Sweden will temporarily expand.

• 2026-08-18Sweden will consider conduct more closely when granting or maintaining residence permits

  From 13 July 2026, Swedish authorities have broader powers to consider an alien’s conduct when granting or withdrawing a residence permit. Grounds for refusal or withdrawal may include, among other things, breaches of laws or official decisions, substantial debts or earning a living dishonestly.

• 2026-08-18Sweden has removed eligibility for permanent residence for several migrant categories

  From 12 July 2026, people holding permits based on asylum, subsidiary protection, exceptionally distressing circumstances or long-term residence are no longer eligible for permanent residence under the new rules. After five years of continuous residence, they instead receive EU long-term resident status, which must be renewed every five years; eligibility for permanent residence remains for work migrants, entrepreneurs, self-supporting people and researchers.