What happens if you fail Sweden’s citizenship test?

Failing Sweden’s new citizenship test does not come with an automatic retake. UHR says a candidate who receives a failing result may be allowed to demonstrate their knowledge again, but Migrationsverket decides what applies in the individual citizenship case.

Results from the first test on 15 August will appear in the candidate’s account during autumn and be sent automatically to Migrationsverket. UHR says the date of the next test will also be announced in autumn. Anyone offered another sitting will have to submit a new registration.

The test is only one route to meeting the knowledge requirement. Migrationsverket says applicants can instead use approved grades in social studies from compulsory school, upper-secondary school, folk high school or municipal adult education. The requirement generally covers applicants aged 16 to 66, although exemptions can apply for disability or other reasons.

The first 2026 sitting is free. Under Sweden’s citizenship-test regulation, tests held from 2027 will normally cost SEK 2,000, with an exemption for certain stateless refugees. A failed attempt could therefore mean a longer wait and, if the next sitting falls in 2027, a new cost.

The practical next step is to check the UHR account for the result and contact Migrationsverket about the individual application. UHR has not promised an immediate second sitting, so candidates should not assume either that the case is closed or that a new test place is automatic.

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