Diverse paths to Swedish citizenship: A guide for various scenarios
Sweden's citizenship rules can be considered complex and encompassing, catering to a wide range of situations and backgrounds. Whether you are married to a Swedish citizen, are born abroad to Swedish parents, possess a residence permit in Sweden, or have lost your Swedish citizenship there are specific criteria and pathways available for acquiring Swedish citizenship. In this blog post, we will explore the distinct criteria for some of these scenarios.
1. Married or cohabiting with a Swedish Citizen
If you are married or cohabiting with a Swedish citizen and you live together in Sweden, you can apply for a citizenship after you have resided three years in Sweden. You and your partner must have lived together for the last two years. It is essential that you have maintained a genuine relationship throughout this period, as the Swedish Migration Agency will assess the authenticity of the relationship. You should also fulfill general requirements such as having a clean criminal record, financial stability, and paying the fees associated with the application.
If you are married or cohabiting with a Swedish citizen and you live together abroad, you can apply for Swedish citizenship after ten years of marriage. You must live together in a country other than the one where you are a citizen, and you must be able to show that you have a close affiliation with Swedish society or a specific need to acquire a Swedish citizenship.
2. Born Abroad to Swedish Parents
Citizenship by descent, also known as "jus sanguinis" (right of blood), allows individuals with at least one Swedish parent to apply for Swedish citizenship. If you were born abroad to Swedish parents, you may already be a Swedish citizen by descent or have the right to become one. However, it's crucial to investigate your situation and the process may involve submitting a declaration of citizenship together with required documentation supporting your descent.
3. Holding a Residence Permit in Sweden
Foreign nationals with a valid residence permit in Sweden can usually apply for Swedish citizenship after five years of continuous residence with a valid permit. The general criteria for residence permit holders include a clean criminal record, financial stability, and the ability to support yourself and your family in Sweden.
4. Regaining Swedish Citizenship
If you previously were a Swedish citizen but lost it due to older regulations, you may be eligible to reclaim your Swedish citizenship. The criteria for this process can be complex and depend on factors like when and why you lost your citizenship, as well as changes in Swedish legislation. It's advisable to contact a legal expert to discuss your specific circumstances and understand the requirements for regaining citizenship.
In all these scenarios, it's vital to follow the application process carefully, provide the necessary documents, and fulfill the requirements stipulated by the Swedish Migration Agency. The waiting period for a decision can vary, so patience is also essential.