How To Obtain Swedish Citizenship By Ancestry

Sweden has much to offer people who desire to become citizens of the European Union. This small country of just over 10 million people is noted for its good quality of living, sophisticated infrastructure, and long life expectancy.

Sweden's citizens appreciate living in an eco-friendly society with easy access to beautiful forest-covered terrain and over 95,000 lakes. Sweden is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. The country also offers plenty of work prospects and is experiencing rapid economic expansion.

Swedish citizenship eligibility is governed by Swedish nationality law. Sweden's citizenship is based on the concept of jus sanguinis. In other words, citizenship is granted primarily by ancestry, regardless of birthplace.

Before we start with today's article, claim your free special report, "How To Get A New Passport Fast In 2024." It comes packed with actionable information to help you get a second place you can legally call home and increase your overall freedom. You don’t want to miss it.

Swedish citizenship eligibility is governed by Swedish nationality law

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR SWEDISH CITIZENSHIP BY ANCESTRY?

According to the Citizenship Act, only some people in Sweden are automatically granted citizenship by ancestry. So, here are those who qualify:

• a person whose mother was a Swedish citizen;
• a person born in Sweden whose father is also a Swedish citizen;
• a person whose father is a Swedish citizen and is married to a foreign mother;
• a person born in Sweden whose father is dead but was a Swedish citizen at the time;
• a person whose father is dead but who was a Swedish citizen and married to his/her mother at the time.

It should be noted that beginning in July 1979, mothers could pass on Swedish citizenship via ancestry.

Related content: How Can I Become A Spanish Citizen If My Family Came From Spain?

OBTAINING SWEDISH CITIZENSHIP THROUGH ANCESTRY IS AUTOMATIC

The law has changed throughout time, and according to the most recent amendments, children born after April 1st, 2015, will automatically be given Swedish citizenship by ancestry, regardless of their place of birth, provided that one of the parents is a Swedish citizen. You can check more information about it with all the details on the Swedish Migration Agency’s website.

Except for a child born abroad before this date with a Swedish father and a foreign mother who is unmarried, the child will not be automatically recognized as a Swedish citizen.

On the other hand, people in this circumstance may get citizenship by notification, namely if the father submits a notice for Swedish citizenship. The main requirement for acquiring Swedish citizenship by descent is that the child is under the age of 18.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR OBTAINING SWEDISH CITIZENSHIP BY ANCESTRY

When applying for Swedish citizenship by ancestry, the following papers must be submitted:

• The Swedish Migration Agency's notice form;
• A certificate of paternity (if the father files the request);
• Proof that the parent is a Swedish citizen;
• The birth certificate of the child.

The application fee is €150. ($160 USD).

Related article: The Basics Of How To Get A Second Passport Or A Second Residency

Foreigners may move to Sweden by applying for several types of visas

OTHER POSSIBILITIES FOR SWEDISH CITIZENSHIP (BESIDES CITIZENSHIP BY ANCESTRY)

Sweden's citizenship regulations are among the most permissive in Europe, with no language requirements for new Swedes and just a five-year residence requirement to become a Swedish citizen.

Nonetheless, if you have been married or cohabiting with a Swedish spouse for at least two years, this may be reduced to three years; however, you will be needed to demonstrate that you have properly adapted to Swedish life (through learning the language, for example, but you could also prove this by showing you can support yourself or through the length of your marriage). A shorter procedure will also benefit other Nordic nationals.

Foreigners from all over the globe may move to Sweden by applying for several types of visas, which can be converted into residence permits and Swedish passports. To get citizenship, a person must reside in Sweden for a certain amount of time, which is normally determined by his or her current nationality.

Related content: How Can I Become A French Citizen Through My Parents?

Only time spent in Sweden with a valid residence permit (for non-EU nationals) counts toward your residence

MINIMAL RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

While short vacations abroad are permissible, spending more than six weeks overseas in any one year may cause your citizenship application to be delayed. Furthermore, only time spent in Sweden with a valid residence permit (for non-EU nationals) counts toward your residence; if you came without one and subsequently acquired one, the time spent without one is disregarded.

Swedish language skills are not currently required for citizenship, but there are possibilities it could change in the future: the Swedish Ministry of Justice and Migration proposed introducing an A2 language exam for would-be Swedes in January 2021, with exceptions for vulnerable people who have made a reasonable effort to learn the language. These proposals will go through a long political process before becoming legislation. For now, all you need to verify is your identification, duration of stay in Sweden, and the absence of severe criminal offences or debts.

Related content: Ireland Citizenship By Ancestry

To represent Sweden in sports, you must be a Swedish citizen

TIMEFRAME FOR SWEDISH CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION

It's also worth noting that while qualifying for citizenship is simple, gaining Swedish citizenship is not. According to the Migration Agency, regardless of citizenship route, applicants will take an average of 39 months to become Swedish after completing their application.

RIGHTS  AND RESPONSIBILITIES REGARDING SWEDISH CITIZENSHIP

Swedish citizenship entails specific privileges and responsibilities.

• Only those holding Swedish citizenship, for example, have the right to vote and run for election to the Swedish Parliament (Riksdagen);
• Swedish nationals can be conscripted into National Service, get a Swedish passport, and receive consular aid abroad;
• To represent Sweden in sports, you must be a Swedish citizen;
• Furthermore, some employment in the public sector, the Police Service, and the Swedish Armed Forces need Swedish citizenship.

However, citizenship has minimal bearing on most other rights and duties, such as social insurance, the right to compulsory education, and taxation. This is usually determined by where you live and work.

You can have dual citizenship in Sweden

DUAL CITIZENSHIP

Dual citizenship is permitted in Sweden. You have dual citizenship if you are a citizen of more than one nation. If you get Swedish citizenship, you may keep your foreign citizenship if the other nation allows it. Similarly, if you are a Swedish citizen who becomes a citizen of another nation, you may retain your Swedish citizenship, provided the other country allows it.

CONCLUSION

Citizenship by ancestry is the simplest option to get a Swedish passport since it just needs to verify your genealogical links to Swedish people. Sweden is a destination where you can find an excellent quality of life full of natural beauty. If you intend to live in Sweden someday, there are several ways to apply for Swedish citizenship, and descent is just one of these ways. You can contact us If you need assistance in applying for Swedish citizenship by descent. We'll assist you in tracing your ancestors and submitting your application to the Migration Agency.