The new self-support requirement for Swedish citizenship

What is the new self-support requirement?

The self-support requirement is part of the Swedish citizenship rules that began on 6 June 2026. In general, it means that an adult applicant must be able to support themselves with their own income. Migrationsverket, not MedborgarPrep, assesses whether the requirement is met in an individual citizenship case.

Who may be covered by the requirement?

Migrationsverket’s current adult guidance says the maintenance requirement applies to people between 18 and 67 years of age who apply for Swedish citizenship. Children do not need to support themselves. This article gives general information only and does not decide whether a specific applicant is covered.

What kind of income may count?

The income must normally be the applicant’s own regular income from employment or self-employment. Migrationsverket states that, for 2026, the income level is at least three income base amounts: SEK 250,200 per year, or SEK 20,850 per month before tax. The income also needs to be stable over time.

What usually does not count?

Official guidance says partner income, assets such as savings or property, capital or investment income, and temporary employment without long-term stability cannot be counted. Migrationsverket also says subsidised employment and benefits such as unemployment benefit, activity support, development allowance and establishment allowance do not count.

Income support during the last three years

There is also a look-back rule for income support (försörjningsstöd/social assistance). During the three years before the citizenship decision, the applicant must not have received income support for more than a total of six months.

Possible exemptions

Migrationsverket lists possible exemptions, including certain pension situations, full-time studies with approved results, upper secondary studies, and situations where meeting the requirement cannot reasonably be expected, for example because of a disability. Check the official wording before relying on an exemption.

Why this is separate from the citizenship test

The self-support requirement is not the same as the Swedish citizenship test (medborgarskapsprovet). The test concerns knowledge of Swedish society and, later, Swedish language requirements. Passing or taking a test does not by itself show that a person meets the self-support requirement.

What to check with Migrationsverket

Check Migrationsverket’s current page for the exact income amount, income types, excluded benefits, income-support period and possible exemptions. For salary, contracts, studies, benefits, disability, pension or household finances, rely on official guidance or qualified advice, not a general article.