Sweden’s citizenship plan leaves dual nationals with unequal protection
Whether someone could avoid revocation would partly depend on the nationality laws of another country.
Some dual nationals could avoid losing their Swedish citizenship under proposed rules by giving up their other nationality. Others would have no such choice: their second country does not allow them to leave its citizenship behind.
The proposal follows parliament’s first vote on a constitutional amendment in May. It would allow citizenship to be withdrawn from dual nationals who obtained it improperly or were convicted of crimes seriously damaging Sweden’s vital interests. The newly elected parliament must approve the same amendment before it can take effect.
A separate government inquiry sets out how revocation could work. In its examination of citizenship obtained improperly, it says the person must still hold another nationality when Sweden decides to withdraw citizenship. Renouncing that other nationality beforehand could therefore prevent revocation.
The inquiry’s detailed proposals acknowledge that some countries forbid renunciation. It rejects a blanket exemption for their citizens, leaving them dependent on an individual assessment of whether revocation would be proportionate. That assessment should consider how they acquired their other nationality and their ties to that country.
The inquiry proposes introducing the rules in January 2028, subject to the constitutional change. Until parliament has voted again and legislation has passed, this remains a proposal. Holding two nationalities would not, on its own, be grounds for revocation.
DailySweden
DailySweden's desk of editors, reporters, researchers and investigative journalists. We bring readers factual, truthful and objective reporting on the issues that matter to them.
Contact the editorial desk ›