Sweden is planning a major shake-up of its citizenship process, introducing tougher conditions that would make it significantly harder for immigrants to become naturalised citizens.
The proposed reforms, reported by Economic Times, and sighted on Thursday, February 13, would extend the minimum residency requirement from five years to eight years, meaning applicants would need to live in Sweden for much longer before becoming eligible to apply.
Prospective citizens would also need to prove financial stability, with the government proposing a minimum monthly income threshold of more than 20,000 Swedish crowns, equivalent to approximately $2,225.
Migration Minister Johan Forssell described the changes as a deliberate move away from Sweden’s currently lenient citizenship requirements.
“These requirements are much tougher than the situation as it is today because currently there are basically no requirements (to become a citizen),” he said.
The minister also outlined stricter rules for individuals with criminal histories, both in Sweden and abroad.
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“Anyone with a criminal record, either in Sweden or abroad, will have to wait longer before they can apply,” Forssell said.
“Someone who had served a four-year prison sentence, for example, would have to wait 15 years before being able to apply for citizenship,” he added.
Beyond income and residency, applicants would be required to sit a language and culture test evaluating their command of Swedish and their understanding of Swedish society and civic values.
Government officials framed the changes as necessary to improve integration and ensure that new citizens can support themselves financially whilst being genuinely familiar with Swedish norms and culture.
Proponents of the reforms argue that raising the bar for citizenship will foster greater social cohesion and long-term stability.
Opponents, however, express concern that the higher financial threshold and extended waiting periods could disadvantage lower-income workers and make genuine integration more difficult for some immigrant communities.
The proposals must pass through parliament before becoming law.