Obtaining Swedish citizenship while married and residing with a Swedish citizen abroad
For third-country nationals seeking Swedish citizenship, there are specific criteria they must meet. However, there are exceptions to these rules, particularly for those third country nationals married to a Swedish citizen living abroad. Let's explore by way of an example how you as Canadian citizen married to a Swedish citizen can navigate the process of acquiring Swedish citizenship while residing in the U.S. and what considerations you need to keep in mind.
The General Rule:
To obtain Swedish citizenship through naturalization you must meet several criteria:
Verify your identity (passport).
Be 18 years or older.
Hold permanent residence in Sweden.
Reside in Sweden for at least five years.
Maintain an honest lifestyle in Sweden.
However, there's an exemption if you are married to a Swedish citizen and you are not living in Sweden. To qualify for this exemption, the Swedish citizen and you must fulfill specific conditions:
You must reside in a country where the you do not hold citizenship. If you are living in Canada, this exemption wouldn't apply.
You must have been married together with your Swedish spouse for at least 10 years. Documentation proving this is essential.
You must demonstrate connections to Sweden or Swedish society. This could include working for a Swedish employer, previous residency in Sweden, proficiency in Swedish, or frequent visits to Sweden.
Evaluating each individual case:
It's crucial to assess each individual case to determine if there is a connection to Sweden. You do not have an unconditioned right to obtain Swedish citizenship just because you are married to a Swedish citizen living abroad. Important questions you might have to answer before you submit the application are: do I work for a Swedish employer? Did I maintain ties with Sweden during the last years? Or do I have any other connections to Sweden?
It's also essential to consider why you as a Canadian national needs Swedish citizenship. For example, if there is a plan to move to Sweden, this could be a compelling reason.
Conclusion:
Navigating the path to Swedish citizenship can be complex, but for third country nationals like those mentioned above, who are married to Swedish citizens, there are exemptions that may apply. By understanding the requirements and exceptions outlined in Swedish Citizenship legislation, you can take the necessary steps to achieve Swedish citizenship while living in the U.S.
Do you want us to assess you specific case, please do not hesitate to contact Momentius team.