The Swedish citizenship test – everything you need to know

What is the citizenship test?

New rules for becoming a Swedish citizen apply from 6 June 2026. One requirement is basic knowledge of Swedish and of Swedish society. One way to show your knowledge of society is to pass the citizenship test in civics. The Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) is responsible for the test.

The test is being introduced step by step. The first civics test was held in August 2026. A test in the Swedish language will come later.

Who has to take the test?

The Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) decides who should take the test. You can only register if you have received a letter (anvisningsbrev) from the Migration Agency.

In some cases you can show your knowledge in other ways, for example with school grades. Then you don't need to take the test. Ask the Migration Agency about your own case.

When is the next test?

According to UHR, the next civics test is planned for April–May 2027. Dates, locations and when registration opens have not been published yet. The registration fee has not been decided either.

What does the test look like?

• The test is only in Swedish. You cannot take it in your native language.
• It is taken on paper.
• All questions are multiple choice with four options, one of which is correct.
• There are no minus points – so answer every question.
• The first test in August 2026 had 40 questions, and 28 correct answers were needed to pass.
• The test time and number of questions for the next test have not been published yet.

What should I read?

The test is based on UHR's study material Sverige i fokus. It is free and available as a PDF from UHR (in Swedish). It has 13 chapters:

1. Landet Sverige
2. Sveriges demokratiska system
3. Så här styrs Sverige
4. Politiska val och partier
5. Lag och rätt
6. Mediernas roll
7. Mänskliga rättigheter
8. Arbetsmarknad och privatekonomi
9. Välfärdssamhället
10. Sveriges moderna historia
11. Sverige och omvärlden
12. En sekulär stat och ett mångreligiöst land
13. Traditioner och högtider

Test day – remember

• Bring valid Swedish ID: an ID card from the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket), a Swedish driving licence or a Swedish SIS-marked ID card. A foreign passport or e-ID is not enough.
• Print the notice (kallelse) that appears in your registration account and bring it.
• Phones, smartwatches and headphones are not allowed at your desk.
• Arrive early – there may be a queue at the ID check.

Do you need adjustments?

If you have, for example, dyslexia, ADHD or impaired vision, you can apply for adjustments such as extra time or larger text. You usually need a certificate.

How to prepare

• Read one chapter at a time in Sverige i fokus.
• Practise questions in Swedish – just like the real test.
• Read the explanation in your own language when something is difficult.
• Repeat the questions you got wrong until you know them.
• Take a full timed practice test before test day.