Obtaining Swedish citizenship by descent is an option available for people with Swedish origins, provided that they can prove their ties to the country. This process involves proving lineage through birth certificates, marriage records, and other official documents, which can be challenging to gather and interpret correctly without legal guidance.
Our immigration lawyer in Sweden can provide assistance in understanding citizenship laws and addressing any potential complications that may arise during the application process. Below, our immigration lawyers explain how you can obtain citizenship by descent in Sweden.
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Who is eligible for Sweden citizenship by descent?
According to the Citizenship Act, not all persons automatically qualify for citizenship by descent in Sweden. So, here are those who do:
- a person whose mother is a Swedish citizen;
- a person who is born in Sweden and whose father is a Swedish citizen;
- a person whose father is a Swedish citizen and is married to his/her mother (who can be a foreigner);
- a person who was born in Sweden and whose father is dead but was a Swedish citizen at that time;
- a person whose father is dead, but was a Swedish citizen and married to his/her mother at the respective time.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Means to acquire citizenship in Sweden |
– naturalization, – adoption, – legitimization, – descent. |
|
Special requirements to get citizenship by descent |
Yes, citizenship by descent implies kinship to a Swedish citizen. |
|
Access to citizenship based on the relation with Swedish parents (YES/NO) |
Yes. |
| Access to citizenship based on the relation with other Swedish ancestors (YES/NO) | No, there is no option to apply for citizenship through a relation with other relatives. |
| Authorities in charge of the issuance of documents |
Passport offices administered by the Swedish Police Authority. |
| Permanent residence requirement (YES/NO) |
No, applicants are not required to live in Sweden. |
| Possibility to acquire Swedish citizenship automatically (YES/NO) |
Yes, for children born after 2015 to at least one Swedish parent, citizenship is awarded directly. |
| Special procedure to complete to gain citizenship by ancestry |
No, there is no special procedure to complete. |
| Documents required when applying for citizenship by lineage |
– notification form issued by the Migration Agency, – applicant’s birth certificate, – proof of having at least one parent who is a Swedish citizen. |
| Degree of difficulty in obtaining citizenship | Swedish citizenship by lineage is one of the simplest to obtain. |
| Option to apply for citizenship by other means (YES/NO) |
Yes, naturalization is an option for those who have Swedish grandparents, for example. |
| Possibility to pass on citizenship to descendants (YES/NO) |
Yes, Swedish citizenship can be passed on. |
| Citizenship application processing timeframe (approx.) |
The procedure can take up to a few years. |
| Support in applying for citizenship by descent (YES/NO) |
Yes, you can rely on our immigration lawyers in Sweden for support with the application. |
| Other immigration services (if any) | Yes, our lawyers in Sweden can also help with applications for citizenship by naturalization, adoption, marriage, and notification. |
Swedish citizenship is primarily determined by jus sanguinis, meaning it’s acquired if you are born to a Swedish parent. You must know that having a Swedish grandparent or great-grandparent will not make you a citizen. You can only trace your Swedish citizenship back to one generation.
What should be noted is that Sweden citizenship by descent can be passed on by mothers starting with July 1979. If you need assistance in applying for citizenship by birth in Sweden, our law firm can help you trace your roots and file your request with the Migration Agency.
The main ways of obtaining citizenship in Sweden
There are several ways through which foreign citizens can acquire Swedish citizenship. Moreover, the country has a special naturalization scheme for citizens of neighboring Northern countries who can obtain citizenship here by filing a notification with the Swedish Migration Agency.
For other persons, the following options are available:
- Citizenship by birth or descent is the first and foremost way of obtaining Swedish citizenship;
- Citizenship by adoption enables the adopted children of Swedish citizens to become themselves citizens of this country;
- Citizenship by naturalization or application which is the main pathway through which foreign citizens can acquire Swedish passports through residency;
- Citizenship by legitimization which is an option for foreign citizens to marry Swedish ones;
- Citizenship by descent in Sweden is the simplest way of acquiring a passport, as it only implies proving the ties a person has with citizens in this country.
If you are interested in moving to Sweden, our lawyers are at your disposal with information on the immigration legislation of this country, including how to get a permanent residence visa.
Obtaining citizenship by descent in Sweden automatically
Over time, the legislation has suffered various changes, and according to the latest, children born after April 1st, 2015, will automatically be granted Sweden citizenship by descent no matter his or her place of birth provided that any of the parents is a Swedish citizen.
There is also an exception to this rule: a child born abroad before this date and who has a Swedish father and foreign mother who are not married to each other will not automatically be recognized as a Swedish citizen. Persons found in this situation, however, can obtain citizenship by notification, to be more specific, if the father files a notification for Swedish citizenship. The main condition to acquire Sweden citizenship by descent this way is for the child to not have turned 18 of age.
Our immigration lawyers in Sweden are at your service with detailed information on how to apply for citizenship by birth under the conditions presented above. Also note that Swedish citizenship by birth is acquired when an individual is born on Swedish territory, automatically making them a citizen. On the other hand, citizenship by descent is obtained through one or both parents who are Swedish citizens. In the latter case, the individual inherits citizenship through his/her familial connection, demonstrating a link between the individual and Sweden through ancestry rather than being born within the country’s borders. Our lawyers can guide you more about citizenship by birth in Sweden if you are interested.
We also have an infographic on this subject:
Can grandparents pass Swedish citizenship to grandchildren?
No, Swedish grandparents cannot pass the citizenship to their grandchildren. Because simply having Swedish heritage does not guarantee eligibility for citizenship, except in cases involving direct parental relationships. If either or both of your parents hold Swedish citizenship, you have the opportunity to apply for Swedish citizenship through ancestry. This means that individuals with at least one Swedish citizen parent are eligible to pursue citizenship based on their lineage.
If you possess Swedish parental ties and are interested in claiming your right to citizenship, our legal team can provide invaluable assistance throughout the application process. With our expertise, you can navigate the intricacies of Swedish citizenship acquisition.
Documents to file for obtaining citizenship by birth in Sweden
The following documents must be filed when seeking to obtain Sweden citizenship by descent:
- the notification form issued by the Swedish Migration Agency;
- a certificate of paternity (if the request is filed by the father);
- proof of the parent being a Swedish citizen;
- the child’s birth certificate.
Other documents can be requested, which is why we recommend you discuss them with our Swedish immigration lawyers. According to a report submitted to the Swedish government, new citizenship requirements would take effect on January 1, 2025. The report states that candidates must exhibit civic education abilities as well as strong Swedish language proficiency. So, if you are planning to apply for citizenship in Sweden, you can rely on our specialists to speed up the process.
Benefits and responsibilities of Swedish citizenship
Swedish citizenship comes with certain rights and responsibilities. These include exclusive privileges like voting and running for the Swedish Parliament (Riksdagen), conscription into the National Service, obtaining a Swedish passport, and receiving consular assistance abroad. Being a Swedish citizen is also a requirement to represent the country in sports and is essential for specific public sector jobs, including positions in the Police Service and the Swedish Armed Forces. However, many other rights and obligations, such as social insurance, compulsory education, and taxation, are generally determined by your place of residence and employment.
Does Sweden allow dual citizenship?
Yes, Sweden allows dual citizenship. Swedish citizens are permitted to hold dual citizenship, which means that they can be citizens of both Sweden and another country simultaneously without losing their Swedish citizenship. However, if you are born outside Sweden and hold another country’s citizenship, you could lose your Swedish citizenship at age 22, unless special permission is granted to keep it.
It’s important for individuals considering dual citizenship to be aware of the specific regulations and requirements related to their other country of citizenship, as these rules can vary from one nation to another. If you are embarking on the journey of acquiring citizenship by descent in Sweden, it is recommended to get legal help. The services of our immigration lawyers in Sweden are at your disposal. They can help you comply with the regulations of relocation.
Do I need to take a citizenship test?
There is no formal citizenship test for granting citizenship by descent in Sweden. However, Sweden intends to implement a societal knowledge test in the year 2025. Besides this, the process of obtaining Swedish citizenship in any other way typically involves meeting certain residency requirements, demonstrating basic proficiency in the Swedish language, and showing good conduct. Additionally, applicants are often required to have a stable source of income, and they should have the right to reside in Sweden indefinitely.
Please note that immigration and citizenship laws and policies can change over time. So it’s advisable to check with our immigration lawyers for the most up-to-date information and requirements for moving to Sweden.
Swedish citizenship application fee
When it comes to citizenship application fees, Sweden offers a relatively low rate compared to many other countries. Typically, the Swedish citizenship by descent application fee amounts to €150. As children can be included in the same application, their inclusion is factored into the overall cost. Furthermore, individuals who previously possessed Swedish citizenship have the opportunity to reclaim it through an application process requiring a fee of only €15.
If you are interested in learning about any other related costs associated with getting Swedish citizenship through ancestry, our lawyers can guide you. Also, the services of our lawyers are at your disposal if you are seeking legal assistance regarding obtaining a residence permit in Sweden.
Sweden citizenship application processing time
The Swedish Migration Agency has experienced prolonged processing durations for citizenship applications. This delay is primarily attributed to the substantial volume of applications. Typically, you can anticipate waiting approximately 37 months after submitting your citizenship application.
Our lawyers can expedite the application process through their expertise in navigating the intricacies of Swedish citizenship laws and regulations. By meticulously preparing your application, ensuring all necessary documentation is in order, and proactively addressing any potential issues or discrepancies, they can streamline the process of your immigration to Sweden.
The irrevocability of Swedish citizenship and loss due to lack of affinity
It is essential to understand that Swedish citizenship is safeguarded by one of the country’s four constitutional laws, rendering it irrevocable. This protection extends even in cases where individuals may have committed a crime or failed to maintain an orderly lifestyle.
Confusion commonly arises between revocation and loss of citizenship, which are distinct concepts. Revocation implies the deliberate removal of citizenship, whereas loss of citizenship occurs under different circumstances. For instance, a Swedish citizen born abroad who has never resided in Sweden and lacks demonstrable ties to the country may lose their citizenship upon reaching their twenty-second birthday. This distinction underscores the importance of understanding the nuanced legal implications surrounding Swedish citizenship.
For more information about moving to Sweden, it is recommended to hire legal help.
How can our lawyers assist you?
Our legal team specializes in assisting individuals through the process of obtaining Swedish citizenship. Whether you are considering Swedish citizenship by descent, or naturalization, need guidance on eligibility criteria, or require assistance with the application process, our lawyers are well-equipped to offer comprehensive support. From evaluating your qualifications to ensuring all required documentation is in order, we are committed to helping you navigate the path to Swedish citizenship successfully. With our legal expertise, you can increase your chances of immigration to Sweden.
We also have a video on this subject:
Migration statistics in Sweden
If you are planning to apply for Sweden citizenship by heritage, please have a look at this country’s immigration statistics below:
- In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, immigration to Sweden dropped to 82,500 individuals, before experiencing a slight uptick in 2021 and 2022;
- Notably, in 2023, a significant portion of immigrants to Sweden were returning Swedes, with nearly 10,600 individuals coming back to their home country;
- During the year 2023, Sweden saw a total of 95,000 immigrants entering the country.
Should you have any questions regarding Swedish immigration matters, our team of skilled lawyers is readily available to provide assistance. Whether you require clarification on visa requirements, guidance through the application process, or legal support for residency permits, our experts are ready to offer comprehensive assistance tailored to your needs. Please contact our lawyers if you are looking for legal help regarding Swedish citizenship through ancestry.
