Swedish citizenship by marriage

It is possible to become a Swedish citizen by marriage, but the process is not automatic. Swedish citizenship is not automatically granted to people who marry Swedish nationals. However, the naturalization procedure may offer a route to citizenship.

How to get citizenship by marriage in Sweden

To become a Swedish citizen through marriage, you generally need to meet the following requirements:

  1. Length of the union. You must have lived with your Swedish spouse for a specific time when you married them. Typically, you need to have been married for at least three years, although there are certain exceptions, such as if you have kids together.
  2. Dwelling in Sweden. You must possess a valid residence visa and have lived in Sweden for a predetermined amount of time, often at least two years. If you have a close connection to Sweden – for example, if you have children together or if your spouse is a Swedish national who is employed abroad, the residency requirement may be waived.
  3. Basic language skills. You will need to demonstrate basic proficiency in the Swedish language. This typically involves passing a language test, such as the Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) course or the Swedish as a Second Language (SAS) test.
  4. Good conduct. You should have a clean criminal record and be considered a person of good behavior. This means that you should not have any serious criminal convictions or ongoing legal issues.
  5. Stable relationship. You will need to provide evidence that your marriage is genuine and not solely to obtain Swedish citizenship. This can include documentation such as joint bank accounts, shared assets, photos together, and testimonies from friends and family.
  6. Financial stability. You should be able to support yourself and your family without relying on social welfare benefits.

Documentation and Application

To apply for Swedish citizenship through marriage, you must gather certain documents and submit them along with your application to the Swedish Migration Agency. Generally, you will need the following:

  1. Application form. You need to complete the application form for Swedish citizenship. This form can be obtained from the Swedish Migration Agency’s website or their local office.
  2. Passport and identification.
  3. Marriage certificate. Submit a copy of your marriage certificate as proof of your marital status.
  4. Residence permit.
  5. Proof of language proficiency.
  6. Proof of cohabitation. Gather documents to demonstrate that you have been living together with your spouse in Sweden. This can include rental agreements, utility bills, joint bank accounts, or other documents that show a shared residence.
  7. Financial documents. Include proof of your financial stability, such as employment contracts, pay stubs, or bank statements, to demonstrate that you can support yourself and your family.
  8. Good conduct certificate. Obtain a certificate of good conduct (police clearance certificate) from your home country or any other country where you have resided for a significant period.
  9. Photos. Provide passport-sized photographs of yourself.
  10. Application fee. Pay the required application fee, which is subject to change.

Dual Citizenship

Dual citizenship is permitted in Sweden. This indicates that if you marry a Swedish citizen, you can usually keep your original citizenship as well. Without compelling individuals to give up their prior citizenship, Sweden acknowledges and allows its citizens to hold dual or multiple citizenships.

FAQ

Can I automatically become a Swedish citizen by marrying a Swedish citizen?

No, marriage to a Swedish citizen does not automatically grant you Swedish citizenship. You will need to go through the process of naturalization and meet certain requirements to become a Swedish citizen.

What are the residence requirements for Swedish citizenship through marriage?

Typically, you must have been married and living together with your Swedish spouse for a certain period, usually at least three years. Additionally, you need to have a residence permit and have been living in Sweden for a specific period, usually at least two years.

Do I need to speak Swedish to become a Swedish citizen through marriage?

Yes, basic language skills are generally required. You will need to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in the Swedish language, usually by passing a language test such as the Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) course or the Swedish as a Second Language (SAS) test.

Can I retain my original citizenship if I acquire Swedish citizenship through marriage?

Yes, Sweden generally allows dual citizenship. You can typically retain your original citizenship while acquiring Swedish citizenship through marriage.

Can I apply for Swedish citizenship if I have children with a Swedish citizen but we are not married?

Yes, having children together can be a basis for applying for Swedish citizenship, even if you are not married.

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