Sweden Citizenship Test 2026–2027: Format & Prep Guide
The Sweden citizenship test is no longer a rumour. Since new citizenship rules took effect on 6 June 2026, most adult applicants must be able to show good knowledge of the Swedish language and of Swedish society, and the first civics sitting has already been held. If you are planning to apply, you need to know whether the test applies to you, what it looks like and how long you have to get ready.
This guide uses official sources only: Migrationsverket, the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) and the regulation SFS 2026:451. Where something has not been announced, we say so instead of guessing. Civolu is an independent site; read how we research and write our guides.
Applicants aged 16–66 must show knowledge of Swedish and of Swedish society. You can do that with school grades, SFI course D, komvux or folk high school. If you cannot, Migrationsverket sends you a letter that lets you register for the test run by UHR. The civics part is a paper-based, multiple-choice test in Swedish. In the first sitting on 15 August 2026 the pass mark was reported as 28 out of 40. The next sitting is planned for April–May 2027, and a 2,000 SEK fee applies to tests held from 2027. The Swedish-language part comes later.
Who must take the Sweden citizenship test, and who does not
The test is a way to prove a requirement, not a requirement in itself. Under the rules in force since 6 June 2026, the general residence period rises from five to eight years (some groups have different periods), and knowledge of Swedish and Swedish society becomes mandatory for applicants aged 16 to 66, according to Migrationsverket.
You can show that knowledge in several ways:
- School grades.
- Completed SFI (Swedish for Immigrants) course D.
- Municipal adult education (komvux).
- Folk high school studies.
If you cannot show it in one of those ways, you take the citizenship test. You do not choose to sit it: UHR states that only people who receive an assignment letter (anvisningsbrev) from Migrationsverket can register. Under SFS 2026:451, Migrationsverket directs applicants to UHR, which develops and runs the test.
Likely outside the requirement: applicants younger than 16 or older than 66, because the knowledge requirement is set for ages 16–66. Check your own case with Migrationsverket, since details such as age limits and special groups can matter.
Fee exemption: the regulation says the test fee does not apply to a stateless person who has been given refugee status or a travel document by a Swedish authority.
Format and pass mark
According to UHR, the August 2026 sitting was a paper-based test in Swedish only. The questions were multiple choice with four options and one correct answer. UHR describes that sitting as a trial test (utprövningsprov): participants answered 60 questions, but only 40 counted toward the score, because the rest were being tested for quality.
| Item | What is known |
|---|---|
| Medium | Paper-based, not on a computer (UHR) |
| Question type | Multiple choice, four options, one correct |
| Language | Swedish only |
| Scored questions in the first sitting | 40 (out of 60 answered) |
| Pass mark in the first sitting | 28 out of 40, as reported by Hurbra; UHR shows the limit in each participant’s results account |
| Test time | Not yet published for future sittings |
The same report says roughly 80 percent of the 875 participants passed. UHR says the pass limit was set on the recommendation of an expert group. Because the first sitting was a trial, do not assume the number of questions or the pass mark will stay identical. Treat 28/40 (70 percent) as a realistic target, not a guarantee.
Accommodations exist for people with a disability or other personal circumstances, such as dyslexia, ADHD or visual impairment. These need documentation and must be applied for before the deadline.
Dates and fee
- First civics sitting: 15 August 2026 at Stockholmsmässan in Älvsjö. UHR published results on 22 October 2026, according to Hurbra.
- Next sitting: planned for April–May 2027. UHR has not announced an exact date, and registration is closed for now. You must register again when it opens.
- Fee: 2,000 SEK, paid to UHR. The regulation says the fee applies for the first time to tests held in 2027, so the August 2026 sitting was free.
- Swedish-language part: not yet available. Migrationsverket reports that UHR recommends postponing it and that the government will decide when it can start. The civics test continues as planned. Until the language test exists, you can show Swedish skills in other ways, such as school grades in Swedish or the Tisus test.
If you fail, UHR says you may get a chance to show your knowledge again, and that you should contact Migrationsverket about what applies to you. A retake means a new registration and a new invitation letter.
The topics and what to study for each
UHR’s official study material, Utbildningsmaterial om det svenska samhället, has 14 chapters. The regulation SFS 2026:451 also lists subject areas the test should cover, including historical events, traditions, the welfare state, the labour market and personal finance, the democratic system and constitution, rights, religion, the media, geography and the EU. Use the table below as a map. The study tips are our suggestions for how to approach each chapter.
| UHR chapter | How to study it |
|---|---|
| Landet Sverige | Geography and natural resources; learn names and locations |
| Sveriges demokratiska system; Så här styrs Sverige | Who decides what: riksdag, government, municipalities, the head of state |
| Politiska val och partier | How elections work and who can vote |
| Lag och rätt | Courts, the police, the fundamental laws |
| Mediernas roll; Mänskliga rättigheter | Freedom of expression and the role of free media; rights and equality |
| Arbetsmarknad och privatekonomi; Välfärdssamhället | Working life, taxes, benefits, health care, school |
| Sveriges moderna historia; Sverige och omvärlden | Key events and dates; the EU, the UN and other international cooperation |
| En sekulär stat och ett mångreligiöst land; Traditioner och högtider | Freedom of religion; the calendar of holidays and traditions |
Two example questions
These match the style of the test (four options, one correct answer) but are not taken from it.
Civolu example, not an official question
Which body in Sweden decides on new laws?
- The Riksdag
- The county administrative board
- The Swedish Tax Agency
- The Swedish Police Authority
Answer: A, the Riksdag, the Swedish parliament.
Civolu example, not an official question
Which of these is one of Sweden’s fundamental laws?
- The Parking Act
- The Instrument of Government (Regeringsformen)
- The Tax Procedure Act
- The Road Traffic Ordinance
Answer: B, the Instrument of Government.
An 8-week plan for the Sweden citizenship test
This plan assumes 4–5 short sessions a week and the 14 official chapters. Adjust it once UHR announces the exact test date.
- Week 1: read the introduction and Landet Sverige. Listen to the mp3 while commuting. Do the five official sample questions on the UHR site.
- Week 2: the democratic system, how Sweden is governed, elections and parties. Write a one-page summary of who decides what.
- Week 3: law and justice, the media, human rights. Review the fundamental laws.
- Week 4: labour market, personal finance and the welfare society. Mid-point check: answer practice questions on weeks 1–3 without notes.
- Week 5: modern history and Sweden in the world (EU, UN). Build a short timeline.
- Week 6: secular state, religion, traditions and holidays. Revisit the weakest chapter from the mid-point check.
- Week 7: mixed practice. Aim for 70 percent or higher on timed sets of 40 questions in Swedish.
- Week 8: review wrong answers, re-read the corrected passages, rest the day before and check your identity documents and registration details.
Since the test is in Swedish, learn key terms in Swedish from week 1 (riksdag, regering, kommun, grundlag), not only their English translations.
Get ready before the next sitting
Civolu is building a practice trainer for Sweden’s citizenship civics test. Until it launches, our free guides explain each part of the test in plain English, chapter by chapter.
FAQ
Do I have to take the citizenship test?
Only if you are 16–66 and cannot show knowledge of Swedish and Swedish society through grades, SFI course D, komvux or folk high school. Migrationsverket decides who is invited to the test.
What is the pass mark?
In the first sitting on 15 August 2026, 28 out of 40 scored questions was reported as the pass mark. UHR has not confirmed the format and limit for later sittings, so check uhr.se before you register.
When is the next sitting and how much does it cost?
The next civics sitting is planned for April–May 2027, with no exact date yet. The fee is 2,000 SEK for tests held from 2027, with an exemption for stateless people with refugee status or a travel document from a Swedish authority.
Is the test available in English?
No. UHR states the August 2026 test was in Swedish only. The study material is also in Swedish, so learn the key terms in Swedish.
What if I fail?
UHR says you may get another chance to show your knowledge. Contact Migrationsverket about your case. A retake needs a new registration and a new invitation letter.
Civolu is not affiliated with Migrationsverket or UHR. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm current rules on migrationsverket.se and uhr.se. Spotted an error? Tell us.
