Swedish Law on Naturalization: Current Legal Situation, Existing Prohibitions, Exceptions and Reform Agenda in 2026

Is revocation of citizenship possible under Swedish law? A current and comprehensive legal guide on existing constitutional protections in Sweden, loss of citizenship at age 22, voluntary renunciation, the situation of children, and reform proposals for 2027.

Entrance

In Swedish law, the revocation of citizenship is one of the most debated topics in recent years. Particularly due to dual citizenship, tightening immigration policies, national security debates, and allegations of obtaining citizenship through false declarations, the question "Can Swedish citizenship be revoked?" is frequently asked in public. However, a correct answer to this question cannot be given without separating the existing law from proposed political reforms. The current constitutional order in Sweden provides very strong protection against the revocation of citizenship; however, a clear line of reform aimed at limiting this protection has also emerged at the government and Riksdag levels. (Riksdagen)

Therefore, of revocation of citizenship in Swedish law should be examined under three separate headings. The first heading is whether the state can revoke a person's citizenship under the current law. The second heading concerns "loss of citizenship" and "renunciation of citizenship," which are often confused with revocation but are legally distinct. The third heading is the constitutional amendment and legislative initiatives, not yet in effect but seriously advanced during the 2025-2026 period. Confusing these three issues distorts both the legal analysis and creates false expectations in practice. (migrationsverket.se)

Below, I address the issue of revocation of citizenship in Swedish law, based on current official sources as of March 23, 2026, using an SEO-friendly and practical system.

The main rule currently in effect in Sweden is: a general ban on revoking citizenship

The fundamental constitutional rule currently in effect in Swedish law is extremely clear. The Regeringsformen, stipulates that “no Swedish citizen residing in or formerly residing in Sweden may be deprived of their citizenship.” The same constitutional provision also states that laws can only be enacted regarding the transfer of citizenship to a parent or one of a parent, in the case of children under 18 years of age. This provision demonstrates that, under the current constitutional order, there is no power to revoke citizenship on a general basis. (Riksdagen)

The Swedish Migration Agency also reiterates this rule directly on its official information page: the citizenship of a Swedish citizen who is or was previously a resident in Sweden cannot be revoked. This statement is very important in practice because the official narrative of the immigration administration is also established in accordance with the constitutional prohibition. In other words, as of today, there is no general and ordinary state mechanism for "revoking citizenship" in Sweden. (migrationsverket.se)

At this point, it is particularly important to correct the following misconception: In Sweden, a residence permit and citizenship do not have the same level of protection. A residence permit can be revoked under certain conditions; this can result from providing false information, leaving the country for an extended period, or the loss of eligibility for status. Indeed, the Migration Agency clearly explains the circumstances under which residence permits can be revoked. However, the existing constitutional protection for citizenship is much stronger. Therefore, the conclusion that "if a residence permit can be revoked, then citizenship can also be revoked" is incorrect. (migrationsverket.se)

Being stripped of citizenship and losing citizenship are not the same thing

The Swedish Migration Agency clearly makes the most important conceptual distinction in this area: revocation , or the revocation of citizenship, and loss of citizenship are not the same thing. According to the agency, these two concepts are often confused in the public sphere. However, "revocation" refers to the state actively revoking citizenship, while "loss" is a different consequence arising automatically or through application under specific circumstances prescribed by law. (migrationsverket.se)

This distinction is very important in practice. Because what is generally constitutionally prohibited in Sweden today is essentially the revocation of citizenship by the state. However, some individuals may still lose their citizenship; but this loss is either an automatic consequence of age, a voluntary renunciation of citizenship, or a special case stemming from previous legislative periods. Therefore, the legally correct question is sometimes not "Can the state revoke my citizenship?" but "Does my situation fall under the category of loss of citizenship?" (migrationsverket.se)

The main circumstances under which Swedish citizenship can be lost today

1. Automatic loss at age 22

The most well-known loss of citizenship under Swedish law is the 22-year-old rule for some individuals born abroad. According to the Migration Agency, if a person was born outside Sweden, lives there, has never lived in Sweden , and has not had any presence there that would demonstrate a connection to Sweden, they may lose their citizenship upon reaching the age of 22. The agency also states that those wishing to avoid this outcome can apply to retain their citizenship after turning 18 but before turning 22. In most cases, no further application is required for those who have lived in or regularly visited Sweden. (migrationsverket.se)

The point that needs to be emphasized here is that this mechanism is not "denaturalization" in the classic sense. The state does not deprive a person of their citizenship later on grounds of discipline or security; the loss of citizenship arises due to a weakened bond as stipulated by law. Therefore, the 22-year-old rule should not be placed in the same category as discussions about denaturalization. (migrationsverket.se)

2. Voluntary renunciation of citizenship

In Swedish law, a person voluntarily renounce their citizenship. According to the Migration Agency's "Released from Swedish citizenship" page, if a Swedish citizen no longer wishes to hold this status, to renounce their citizenship, not to be stripped of it . This application is free of charge. If the person already holds another citizenship and the conditions are met, the renunciation will take place. If they do not hold another citizenship, the Migration Agency will only make a decision conditional on acquiring another citizenship within one year; because a person cannot be rendered stateless solely as a result of this process. (migrationsverket.se)

This is also not a revocation of citizenship. Because here the initiative rests with the individual, not the state. Furthermore, the Migration Agency may reject this application in some cases; for example, if there is suspicion that the application is not based on the person's true will, that it was made under duress or threat, or that it was signed by someone else, the agency may not accept the request for renunciation. This shows that Swedish law views even the renunciation of citizenship as a protected and controlled process. (migrationsverket.se)

3. Loss due to children following their parents

The current constitutional provision allows for legislation to be enacted regarding children under 18 following their parents or one of their parents in terms of citizenship. This means that children may be affected by changes in their parents' citizenship status in certain limited circumstances. However, this provision is not a general mechanism for denaturalization; the constitution provides for it as a clear and limited exception. (Riksdagen)

On the other hand, under the current Migration Agency practice, a parent's voluntary renunciation of Swedish citizenship automatically terminate the child's citizenship. The agency explicitly states that the child will not be considered to have renounced citizenship without a separate application. This means that the children's status does not automatically and cumulatively disappear, but requires further assessment. (migrationsverket.se)

4. Cases of historical loss arising from old legislation

The Migration Agency's page on regaining citizenship shows that some individuals may have lost their Swedish citizenship in the past for various reasons. Examples given by the agency include: loss due to an application for or approval of citizenship in another country, loss due to entering public service in another country, or loss due to a child acquiring another citizenship while under the age of 18, as a result of their parent acquiring that citizenship. These examples particularly reflect situations remaining from earlier legislative periods. (migrationsverket.se)

These types of losses are not "expulsion" in the modern sense due to security reasons or false declarations. They indicate that citizenship may have been terminated in different ways under older rules. Indeed, the Migration Agency also explains that these individuals have the possibility of regaining citizenship under certain conditions. (migrationsverket.se)

In Sweden today, is it possible to revoke citizenship due to false statements or criminal activity?

From the perspective of current law, the answer is generally no. In Sweden, current constitutional protection does not permit the revocation of citizenship of a resident or currently resident citizen. Therefore, even if citizenship was acquired through false information, official documents emphasize that, as of today, Sweden does not have a clear, general "revocation" mechanism as in similar cases in Norway or Denmark. Indeed, the Riksdag documents submitted in response to government proposal 2025/26:78 clearly state that under current Swedish law, there is no possibility of revoking citizenship acquired on false grounds. (Riksdag)

The same applies to very serious crimes. As long as the current constitution remains unchanged, there is no general legal avenue for revoking citizenship, even for dual citizens and those who have committed very serious crimes. This is precisely why the government and all investigative documents first mention the need for a constitutional amendment. This shows that, as of today, such a power has not yet been fully implemented. (Regeringskansliet)

2025–2026 reform agenda: What does Sweden want to change?

In Sweden, a significant reform plan regarding the revocation of citizenship has been established, effective from 2025. In an official statement published on May 26, 2025, the government announced the commissioning of an investigation/review to examine the possibility of revoking Swedish citizenship in certain circumstances. The statement explicitly states that the purpose of this investigation is to prepare legislative proposals concerning the revocation of citizenship in specific cases. (Regeringskansliet)

For the constitutional basis of this reform line, the government submitted proposal Prop. 2025/26:78 to the Riksdag in December 2025. According to the proposal in the Riksdag, the government proposes to limit the protection of citizenship in the Constitution and to allow the revocation of citizenship for two main groups: firstly, those who also hold citizenship of another state and have acquired Swedish citizenship through false, deceptive, or other improper means ; and secondly, those who also hold citizenship of another state and have been convicted of crimes that seriously harm Sweden's vital interests . The proposal suggests that this constitutional amendment should come into effect on January 1, 2027. ( Riksdagen )

The point to note here is that this is not a rule currently in effect, but an official government proposal. As of March 2026, official documents show that such a constitutional amendment has been proposed and detailed legislative preparations are underway; however, this does not mean a completed “expulsion” regime that can be implemented from today. (Riksdagen)

Why isn't it in effect yet? Because a constitutional amendment is needed

In Sweden, amending constitutional provisions, which are fundamental laws, differs from amending ordinary laws. According to Riksdag sources, a constitutional amendment requires two parliamentary resolutions of the same content , and a general election between these two resolutions . The first resolution puts the amendment proposal on hold; the second resolution can be taken by the new Riksdag that takes office after the election. Therefore, a proposal that restricts constitutional civil protection cannot come into effect immediately on its own, even if submitted by the government. ( Riksdagen )

This procedure also explains why, as of March 2026, “current law” and “future law” will still be different. The constitutional protection currently in effect continues; the proposed new regime can only be implemented if the constitutional amendment is completed and the corresponding ordinary legal regulations come into force. Therefore, when making a legal assessment, the current rule should not be confused with the official reform agenda, however strong it may be. (Riksdagen)

What types of files might be at risk if the reform takes place?

According to today's official proposals and investigative documents, two main areas of risk will arise if the reform is implemented. Firstly, citizenship false or misleading information , or other inappropriate conduct. Allegations of deception regarding identity, age, family ties, country of origin, or other factors determining the application may be particularly significant. Secondly, a person with dual citizenship may have been convicted of crimes that seriously harm Sweden's vital interests. Government and investigative documents link this second point to security and extremely serious crime categories. (Riksdagen)

However, official documents also indicate that this potential regime to dual citizens . The government proposal specifically emphasizes the need for a person to also hold citizenship of another state; that is, the aim is not to create statelessness. This point also demonstrates the balance Sweden is striking between its international obligations and its preparations for constitutional amendments. (Riksdagen)

What can actually be done in Sweden today?

Under current law, there are effectively three types of procedures for renouncing citizenship. First, if a person reaches the age of 22, to retain . Second, if a person no longer wishes to be a Swedish citizen, to renounce their citizenship . Third, if a person is unsure whether they are a citizen or have lost their citizenship, they can apply to the Migration Agency for a declaration of citizenship . These three methods are the main tools for clarifying the status of citizenship under the current system. (migrationsverket.se)

Furthermore, there is also the possibility of regaining citizenship for some individuals who lost it in the past . The Migration Agency provides a procedure for reinstatement under certain conditions, particularly for cases lost during the previous legislation period. This shows that in the current Swedish legal system, the focus is more on "protection, withdrawal, and reinstatement" rather than "expulsion." ( migrationsverket.se )

Conclusion

In Swedish law, revocation of citizenship remains very limited and constitutionally strongly protected area as of March 2026. The main rule currently in effect is that a Swedish citizen who has settled or is currently residing in Sweden cannot be deprived of their citizenship by the state. Therefore, the general mechanism for revoking citizenship on grounds of false representation, serious crime, or national security is not yet an established and enforceable institution in current law. (Riksdagen)

However, loss of citizenship and renunciation of citizenship are separate issues. The 22-year-old rule, voluntary renunciation of citizenship, children following their parents in certain special circumstances, and historical cases of loss arising from previous legislation are separate regimes that should not be confused with "expulsion." The Swedish Migration Agency also officially emphasizes this distinction (migrationsverket.se)

On the other hand, the reform front in Sweden is serious. The investigation launched in 2025 and the government proposal of December 2025 aim to narrow constitutional protection for dual citizens who acquired citizenship through misinformation and for crimes that seriously harm Sweden's vital interests. However, this proposal itself does not mean an expulsion regime in effect as of March 2026; the constitutional amendment procedure must be completed, and the effective date foreseen in the government proposal is January 1, 2027. (Regeringskansliet)

Therefore, the correct legal conclusion for today is this: revocation of citizenship is generally not possible in Sweden; the current debate is more about future constitutional and legal changes. In a specific case, the main task is not to determine whether the person is at risk of "revocation," but rather to clarify whether they are actually a citizen, whether they fall under the 22-year-old rule, whether they have applied for voluntary renunciation, and any issues arising from previous legislation. Until the reforms come into effect, the current rights and risk analysis must be conducted within this existing framework. (migrationsverket.se)