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Citizenship for Minors

Guidelines for children under 18 to acquire Swedish citizenship, either through parents or special applications.

Sections

1. Overview of Swedish Citizenship for Minors

Swedish citizenship for minors (children under 18 years old) can be obtained through birth, adoption, or application. The process is governed by the Swedish Citizenship Act (Lag om svenskt medborgarskap, 2001:82). The rules are designed to ensure that children with strong ties to Sweden can acquire citizenship in a straightforward manner.

2. Ways Minors Can Acquire Swedish Citizenship

a) By Birth

A child automatically becomes a Swedish citizen at birth if:

  • At least one parent is a Swedish citizen, regardless of where the child is born.
  • The child is born in Sweden and either parent is stateless or has unknown citizenship.

b) By Adoption

A child under 12 years old automatically becomes a Swedish citizen if adopted by at least one Swedish citizen, provided the adoption is recognized under Swedish law.

c) By Application (Ansökan om svenskt medborgarskap)

If a child does not automatically acquire Swedish citizenship, an application can be submitted to the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket). This is common for children born abroad or to non-Swedish parents who later acquire Swedish citizenship.

3. Eligibility for Citizenship by Application

To apply for Swedish citizenship for a minor, the following conditions generally apply:

  • Age: The child must be under 18 years old.
  • Parental Consent: Both legal guardians must consent to the application unless one parent has sole custody.
  • Residence in Sweden: The child must have a permanent residence permit (permanent uppehållstillstånd) or a right of residence in Sweden.
  • Connection to Sweden: The child must have lived in Sweden for a certain period, depending on their circumstances:
    • If the child is stateless: No minimum residence period is required.
    • If the child has a foreign nationality: The child must have lived in Sweden for at least 3 years.
  • Parental Citizenship: If one or both parents are Swedish citizens, the process is typically faster and more straightforward.

4. Application Process

Step 1: Prepare the Application

  • The application is submitted online or via a paper form to the Swedish Migration Agency.
  • Use the form "Application for Swedish citizenship for a child under 18 years" (Form 317011).
  • Required documents include:
    • The child’s passport or identity document.
    • Proof of the child’s residence in Sweden (e.g., residence permit card).
    • Birth certificate showing the child’s relationship to the parents.
    • Custody documents, if applicable.
    • Consent from both parents/legal guardians.

Step 2: Submit the Application

  • Applications can be submitted online via the Migration Agency’s website or by mailing the completed form and supporting documents to the Migration Agency.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

  • The fee for applying for citizenship for a minor is SEK 175 (as of 2023). Payment instructions are provided during the application process.

Step 4: Wait for a Decision

  • Processing times vary but typically take 3–6 months. Complex cases may take longer.
  • The decision will be sent to the applicant’s registered address in Sweden.

5. Costs

  • Application Fee: SEK 175 (non-refundable).
  • Additional costs may include fees for obtaining required documents (e.g., birth certificates, translations, or notarizations).

6. Special Considerations

a) Stateless Children

  • Stateless children are given priority in the citizenship process. They are not required to meet the standard residence period and can apply immediately upon receiving a residence permit in Sweden.

b) Children Born Abroad

  • If a child is born abroad to Swedish parents, the parents must register the child’s birth and citizenship with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) and/or the nearest Swedish embassy or consulate.

c) Dual Citizenship

  • Sweden allows dual citizenship. A child acquiring Swedish citizenship does not need to renounce their original citizenship. However, parents should check the laws of the other country, as some nations do not permit dual citizenship.

d) Children of Refugees or Asylum Seekers

  • If the child’s parents are refugees or asylum seekers, the child must first obtain a permanent residence permit before applying for citizenship.

e) Custody Issues

  • If only one parent has custody, that parent can apply for the child’s citizenship without the other parent’s consent. Proof of sole custody must be provided.

7. Benefits of Swedish Citizenship for Minors

  • Access to Swedish healthcare, education, and social benefits.
  • The right to vote in Swedish elections (once the child turns 18).
  • Freedom to live, work, and study in any EU/EEA country.
  • Protection under Swedish law, even when abroad.

8. Key Authorities Involved

  • Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket): Handles citizenship applications.
  • Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket): Registers births and citizenship for children born to Swedish parents.
  • Swedish Embassies/Consulates: Assist with citizenship registration for children born abroad.

9. Additional Resources

If you have specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!