Pending citizenship applications can fail Sweden's new language rule

People who applied for Swedish citizenship before tougher language rules took effect on 6 June can still be refused if they cannot provide an accepted form of proof.

The Migration Agency says there are no transitional arrangements: every undecided application is assessed under the requirements now in force.

The consequence is now visible in Värmland. SVT reports that Jamil Albakar's 1.5-year-old application was refused because he lacked accepted documentation of his Swedish. He left SFI early to work and later started a business.

Applicants can currently prove their language knowledge with passing grades in Swedish or Swedish as a second language from compulsory, upper-secondary or adult education. A passing grade in SFI course D is also accepted.

The new requirements took effect on 6 June. SVT says a separate language test is expected in 2027, leaving applicants without accepted school or SFI records unable to use that route yet.

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