The Swedish Citizenship Tests: B1 Swedish, the Society Test From August 2026, and How to Prepare

For the first time, becoming a Swedish citizen means showing that you know Swedish and know how Swedish society works. The requirement came with the new rules on 6 June 2026. Here is what level you need, how you can prove it and how to prepare.

What level of Swedish you need

The levels follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). They differ by skill.

Skill	Level	In plain words
Reading	B1	You follow everyday texts, letters and simple news.
Listening	B1	You follow clear speech on familiar topics.
Speaking	A2	You handle simple, routine conversations.
Writing	A2	You write short, simple notes and messages.

You also need knowledge of Swedish society. The requirement applies to applicants aged 16 to 66.

Where this fits with the other requirements

Language and society knowledge is one requirement. You also need the residence time (the general eight-year requirement), not too much time abroad (the six-week rule), your own income, proven identity and an orderly life.

Preparing for a test takes months. Knowing when you can apply tells you when to start.

Ways to show what you know

You don't always have to sit a test. Migrationsverket accepts several kinds of evidence:

• School grades: a pass in Swedish or Swedish as a second language from year 9, upper secondary school or a folk high school.
• Adult education (komvux): a pass in Swedish or Swedish as a second language.
• SFI (Swedish for Immigrants): a pass in the highest SFI course.
• Tisus, the test of the Swedish needed for university studies.
• For society knowledge: a pass in civics (samhällskunskap) from year 9, upper secondary level or komvux.
• The citizenship tests run by UHR.

If you already have Swedish grades from school or komvux, check whether they cover what you need before you book a test.

The citizenship tests at UHR

The tests are run by the Swedish Council for Higher Education, UHR (Universitets- och högskolerådet). Migrationsverket says the test is held in Stockholm.

• To register, you need a letter from Migrationsverket. You can't simply sign up on your own.
• The first society test was held in August 2026. UHR says information about the next test will follow.
• The Swedish language test comes later. Until it starts, you can show your Swedish in other ways, such as grades, the highest SFI course, Tisus or another reliable Swedish test.

Dates and practical details can move, so check UHR's website for the next test and how registration works.

A prep plan

Six to twelve months before you apply

• Find out what level you are at. If you finished SFI or komvux, collect your grades.
• If you haven't studied Swedish formally, ask your municipality about SFI. Municipalities must offer it to those who are entitled.
• Read a little Swedish every day: news written in simple Swedish, your municipality's website, letters from authorities.

Three to six months before

• Listen every day. Swedish radio and podcasts on topics you already know are good practice for B1 listening.
• Practise short conversations. A2 speaking means everyday situations: work, shopping, the doctor, the school.
• Start on society: how elections work, the role of the municipality and regions, rights and duties, the welfare system, how laws are made.

When you apply

• Attach the grades or results you already have.
• If you need a test, wait for Migrationsverket's letter, then register with UHR.

Amira, who works in English at a tech company, started SFI two evenings a week a year before her residence time was complete. By the time she could apply, she had her grades.

What the society part covers

"Knowledge of Swedish society" is broad. UHR publishes free study material for the test, Sverige i fokus, as a PDF and as audio. Its chapters cover the country, the democratic system and how Sweden is governed, elections and parties, law and justice, the media, human rights, work and personal finances, the welfare society, modern history, Sweden and the world, religion in a secular state, and traditions and holidays.

The test is set by UHR. Use its material rather than lists from other websites.

Common mistakes

• Waiting for the letter before studying. The letter from Migrationsverket lets you register for a test. It doesn't give you time to prepare. Start well before you apply.
• Assuming work in English is enough. The levels are about Swedish, whatever language your job uses.
• Losing old grades. Download your SFI or komvux grades now and keep them with your other application papers.
• Forgetting the cost of a rejection. The application fee is SEK 2 900 and isn't refunded. Apply when every requirement is in place.

If you are under 16 or over 66

The requirement applies from 16 to 66. Children under 16 and adults aged 67 or older don't have to show language or society knowledge. People with a disability or other reasons that prevent them from meeting it can also be exempt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What level of Swedish do I need for citizenship?

B1 for reading and listening and A2 for speaking and writing, on the CEFR scale. You also need knowledge of Swedish society.

Who runs the Swedish citizenship test?

UHR, the Swedish Council for Higher Education, runs the tests, held in Stockholm. To register you need a letter from Migrationsverket.

When does the society test start?

The first society test was held in August 2026, and UHR will announce the next one. The Swedish language test starts later, and until then other credentials such as grades, the highest SFI course or Tisus are accepted.

Do I have to take a test if I studied SFI or komvux?

Not necessarily. A pass in Swedish from komvux or in the highest SFI course is among the ways to show your Swedish. Check whether your grades are on Migrationsverket's list before you book a test.

Does the language requirement apply to everyone?

It applies to applicants aged 16 to 66. People younger than 16 or aged 67 or older don't need to show language or society knowledge.

How Settio helps

Find your own date with our free Citizenship Countdown: it counts your years and your days abroad, privately, on your phone.

For employers and agencies, Settio keeps every employee's permit on track from the first application, through the move and each renewal, until they no longer need one: plans for every case, an employee portal and permit and salary monitoring. See how it works.

Sources

6 official sources

• Migrationsverket: Citizenship for adults
• Migrationsverket: New rules for Swedish citizenship from 6 June 2026
• UHR: Om medborgarskapsprovet (about the citizenship test)
• UHR: Utbildningsmaterial (Sverige i fokus study material)
• Skolverket: Rätt till sfi
• Riksdagen: Lag (2001:82) om svenskt medborgarskap

Settio is a platform HR teams and immigration agencies use to keep work permits on track. The Citizenship Countdown is free and runs in your browser.