The citizenship test is a knowledge exam about Swedish society that became part of the requirements for Swedish citizenship under the reform that took effect on 6 June 2026. It is one way to prove the "knowledge of Swedish society" requirement when applying for citizenship. The test is developed and administered by the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR), and its content is based on the official civics material Sverige i fokus.

The civics test on Swedish society is being introduced from August 2026. A separate test of the Swedish language is planned for a later stage — according to Migrationsverket, from autumn 2027 at the earliest. The two parts are phased in separately, so the first test available to applicants is the society-knowledge (civics) test.

The knowledge requirement applies to applicants aged roughly 16 to 66, but you only need to take the test if you cannot prove your knowledge of Swedish society another way (for example, through approved school grades). Migrationsverket decides who is directed to the test and sends a letter; you can only register once you have received that letter. Nordic citizens and certain other groups are exempt from the knowledge requirement.

The civics test held in August 2026 is free of charge. Note that this is separate from the application fee for citizenship itself, which is SEK 2,900 and is not refunded if your application is rejected.

The test covers basic knowledge of how Swedish society works — areas such as democracy, how Sweden is governed, laws and rights, the labour market, and everyday life in Sweden. The official study material is a civics text called Sverige i fokus, published in connection with the reform. SverigePass organises its lessons around the same 13 chapters so your preparation maps directly to the source material.

The civics test is a knowledge test on Swedish society, expected in a multiple-choice format similar to other standardised knowledge tests. The exact format, number of questions, and pass mark are set by UHR and are being finalised ahead of the test's launch. For the most current official format details, check UHR's website (uhr.se).

You cannot register on your own initiative. Migrationsverket assesses your application and, if you need to take the test to meet the knowledge requirement, sends you a letter instructing you to register. Registration and administration of the test are handled by UHR. Without that letter from Migrationsverket, there is no way to sign up.

The main rule is now eight years of habitual residence in Sweden before you can become a citizen — an increase from the previous five years. Shorter periods apply to some groups: Nordic citizens (two years), spouses or partners of a Swedish citizen (seven years, having lived together for five), former Swedish citizens (two years), applicants under 21 (seven years), and stateless persons (five years). People with a refugee status declaration generally need seven years.

Since 6 June 2026, most applicants aged 18 to 67 must be able to support themselves through their own work or business income. For 2026, this means an annual income of at least SEK 250,200 before tax — about SEK 20,850 per month. Capital or investment income does not count, and you must not have received social assistance for more than six months in total during the three years before the decision. This maintenance requirement had not existed in Swedish citizenship law since 1976.

To qualify for citizenship you must have lived, and be expected to continue living, an orderly and honourable life — broadly, no serious criminal record and no significant unpaid debts. The 2026 reform widened this to also consider conduct abroad and security concerns, and it lengthened the waiting periods (karenstid) that must pass after a crime before citizenship can be granted. Unpaid taxes, fines, or maintenance payments registered with the Enforcement Authority can also delay or block an application.

Yes. The reform was introduced without transitional arrangements, so Migrationsverket assesses every application that had not been decided by 6 June 2026 under the new, stricter rules — even if you applied earlier under the old ones. Because citizenship processing times are long, many already-pending applications fall under the new criteria.

You can meet the society-knowledge requirement with approved grades instead of the test — for example, a pass in social studies from compulsory school (year 9), upper secondary school, or municipal adult education (Komvux). Similarly, the Swedish-language part can be met with approved grades such as the highest level of SFI, or recognised tests like Tisus during the transition period. You only take the citizenship test if you cannot show this knowledge another way.

The knowledge requirement generally does not apply to Nordic citizens, or to stateless persons born in Sweden who are under 21, and exemptions exist for people who cannot meet it due to a disability. The self-support requirement has its own exemptions, including those entitled to an income-based or guaranteed old-age pension, and full-time students with approved results. Individual circumstances are always assessed case by case by Migrationsverket.

The most direct preparation is to study the official Sverige i fokus material and practise with questions that mirror the civics topics it covers. Building a steady study routine — reading each chapter, then testing yourself with practice questions and reviewing the explanations — is more effective than memorising answers. SverigePass provides the 13 chapters in multiple languages with readings, audio, video, and practice quizzes so you can prepare in the language you understand best while learning the Swedish concepts.

No. SverigePass is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with UHR, Migrationsverket, or any Swedish government authority. Official rules, application procedures, and test registration come only from Migrationsverket (migrationsverket.se) and UHR (uhr.se). SverigePass helps you understand and prepare for the material; always confirm current requirements and dates through the official authorities, as rules and timelines can change.