Sweden allows foreigners without permanent permits to apply for citizenship

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Sweden introduced new citizenship eligibility rules on July 12, 2026, affecting holders of temporary residence permits

- The Swedish Migration Agency will assess each application individually to determine whether applicants qualify for the exemption

- Applicants must still hold a valid permit at the time of application and meet all other existing citizenship requirements

Sweden changed the rules governing who can apply for citizenship, allowing certain holders of temporary residence permits to pursue naturalisation without first securing a permanent residence permit.

The Swedish Migration Agency announced the policy shift in July 2026, stating that because permanent residence permits will generally no longer be issued going forward, an exemption has been created for a specific group of temporary permit holders.

Who qualifies to apply for Swedish citizenship?

The exemption covers individuals holding temporary residence permits on the basis of long-term resident status in Sweden, refugee or subsidiary protection status, exceptionally distressing circumstances, or certain persistent impediments to the enforcement of expulsion.

Family members of individuals holding any of those permit types are also covered.

To be eligible, applicants must generally demonstrate well-founded prospects of being granted a long-term residence permit in the future.

The Swedish Migration Agency will evaluate this on a case-by-case basis, considering whether a person has a reasonable chance of having their permit extended.

However, applicants who have lived in Sweden for at least ten years and satisfy all other citizenship requirements are exempt from proving those future prospects.

What has not changed in Swedish citizenship applications?

Despite the new pathway, several existing requirements remain firmly in place. Applicants must hold a valid residence permit at the moment they submit their citizenship application.

Those awaiting a decision on a permit extension cannot apply for citizenship during that waiting period.

Standard citizenship criteria, including proven identity, habitual residence, and the maintenance requirement, continue to apply as before.

Individuals who already hold a permanent residence permit are unaffected by the changes and continue under the existing framework.

The Swedish Migration Agency, which is responsible for processing applications from people seeking to live, seek protection, or obtain citizenship in Sweden, said decisions will be guided by Swedish law and international conventions, with an emphasis on legal certainty.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.