Swedish citizenship can be revoked in certain cases from 2027
Sweden will be able to revoke citizenship for dual nationals who obtained it on false grounds or who have been convicted of very serious crimes. The constitutional amendment takes effect on 1 January 2027 and will be supported by changes to the Citizenship Act. The measure applies only to people holding Swedish citizenship together with another nationality.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Swedish citizenship can be withdrawn in specific cases involving dual nationals
- Timing
- The amendment becomes effective on 1 January 2027
- Who is affected
- Dual nationals who obtained citizenship fraudulently or committed very serious crimes
The details
- Announced by
- Swedish Migration Agency
- Takes effect
- 1 January 2027
- Previous rule
- Before the amendment, Swedish citizenship could not be revoked under any circumstances.
- New rule
- The amendment introduces the possibility to withdraw Swedish citizenship for dual nationals who obtained it on false grounds or who have been convicted of crimes that seriously threaten Sweden’s security or vital interests.
Legal amendment
The Riksdag approved a constitutional amendment that creates a legal basis for revoking Swedish citizenship in limited situations. The amendment also requires parallel changes to the Citizenship Act before the revocation power can be exercised.
Scope of revocation
The proposal applies only to persons who hold Swedish citizenship together with another nationality. Revocation may be considered when the Swedish citizenship was obtained through false or misleading information, or when the individual has been convicted of crimes that seriously threaten Sweden’s security or vital interests. The law explicitly excludes cases that would leave the person stateless.
- Dual nationality is a prerequisite
- False or misleading information during naturalisation qualifies
- Conviction for very serious crimes threatening national security qualifies
- Statelessness is prohibited
Implementation timeline
The constitutional amendment enters into force on 1 January 2027. Detailed changes to the Citizenship Act are proposed to take effect on 1 January 2028, according to the government bill SOU 2026:21, although that later date has not yet been formally decided. The Swedish Migration Agency will continue to follow the legislative process and will inform the public once the final regulations are in place.
- 1 January 2027 – amendment becomes law
- Proposed 1 January 2028 – Citizenship Act changes expected
- Migration Agency to issue guidance after final adoption
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Existing travel bookings are not affected by the citizenship revocation rules.
- Entry to Sweden remains based on current visa or residence permits until a revocation decision is made.
Cost and documents
- No new fees are introduced by the amendment.
- No additional documentation is required from travellers at this stage.
What you need to do
- Monitor updates from the Swedish Migration Agency regarding the final implementation.
- Check personal citizenship status if holding dual nationality and concerned about past applications.
- Stay informed about any future forms or procedures that may be introduced after 1 January 2028.
Who this affects
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Dual nationals with fraudulent naturalisation
The amendment targets people who obtained Swedish citizenship by providing false or misleading information.
What to do They may be subject to revocation if the fraud is proven after the law takes effect.
-
Dual nationals convicted of very serious crimes
Citizenship can be withdrawn for individuals convicted of crimes that seriously threaten Sweden’s security or vital interests.
What to do A revocation process could be initiated following a conviction.
-
Dual nationals at risk of statelessness
The law expressly prevents revocation if it would leave the person without any nationality.
Frequently asked questions
When can Sweden start revoking citizenship?
Sweden can begin revoking citizenship under the new rules from 1 January 2027, when the constitutional amendment takes effect.
Who is eligible for citizenship revocation?
Only people who hold Swedish citizenship together with another nationality and who obtained it fraudulently or have been convicted of very serious crimes threatening Sweden’s security are eligible.
Will revocation make someone stateless?
No. The amendment specifically prohibits revoking Swedish citizenship if the action would render the person stateless.
Do I need to apply for anything now?
No application is required at this time; the law will be applied automatically in qualifying cases once the detailed legislation is in force.
When will the detailed citizenship law changes be effective?
The proposed changes to the Citizenship Act are slated to become effective on 1 January 2028, pending final parliamentary approval.
