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Loss of Citizenship

Conditions under which Swedish citizenship may be lost or renounced, and the process for doing so.

Sections

1. Legal Framework for Loss of Swedish Citizenship

The loss of Swedish citizenship is governed by the Swedish Citizenship Act (Lag om svenskt medborgarskap, 2001:82). This law outlines the conditions under which Swedish citizenship can be lost, voluntarily renounced, or revoked. Sweden generally adheres to principles of dual citizenship, but there are specific circumstances where citizenship may be forfeited.

2. Ways to Lose Swedish Citizenship

There are three primary ways in which Swedish citizenship can be lost:

A. Automatic Loss of Citizenship

Swedish citizenship can be lost automatically in the following cases:

  1. Born with Dual Citizenship and Living Abroad:

    • A person born with dual citizenship (Swedish and another nationality) automatically loses their Swedish citizenship if:
      • They were born outside Sweden.
      • They have never lived in Sweden or been registered in the Swedish Population Register (Folkbokföring).
      • They turn 22 years old without applying to retain their Swedish citizenship.
    • Exception: If the individual applies to retain their Swedish citizenship before turning 22, they can keep it. This application must be submitted to the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket).

  2. Adoption of Another Citizenship (Before 2001):

    • Before July 1, 2001, Swedish citizens who voluntarily acquired another citizenship automatically lost their Swedish citizenship. However, this rule no longer applies, as Sweden now allows dual citizenship.

B. Voluntary Renunciation of Citizenship

Swedish citizens can voluntarily renounce their citizenship if they meet the following conditions:

  • They are at least 18 years old.
  • They hold or will acquire citizenship in another country (to avoid statelessness).
  • They submit an application to the Swedish Migration Agency.

C. Revocation of Citizenship

Sweden does not revoke citizenship for natural-born Swedish citizens. However, for individuals who acquired Swedish citizenship through naturalization, revocation may occur in cases of:

  • Fraudulent application: If the individual provided false information or concealed relevant facts during the naturalization process.
  • Threat to national security: In rare cases, citizenship may be revoked if the individual poses a significant threat to Sweden’s security.

3. Procedures for Loss of Citizenship

The process for losing Swedish citizenship depends on the specific circumstances:

A. Automatic Loss (22-Year Rule)

  • No formal application is required for automatic loss. However, individuals who wish to retain their Swedish citizenship must apply to the Swedish Migration Agency before their 22nd birthday.
  • Application to Retain Citizenship:
    • Submit the application form (available on the Migration Agency’s website).
    • Provide proof of ties to Sweden (e.g., visits, family connections, or cultural engagement).
    • Pay the application fee (see costs below).

B. Voluntary Renunciation

  • To renounce Swedish citizenship, follow these steps:
    1. Submit an Application:
      • Complete the application form for renunciation of citizenship (available on the Migration Agency’s website).
      • Provide proof of citizenship or pending citizenship in another country.
    2. Pay the Application Fee:
      • The fee must be paid before the application is processed.
    3. Await Decision:
      • The Migration Agency will review the application and issue a decision. Processing times vary but typically take several months.

C. Revocation of Citizenship

  • If the Migration Agency or another authority initiates a revocation process, the individual will be notified and given an opportunity to respond. Legal representation is recommended in such cases.

4. Costs Associated with Loss of Citizenship

The Swedish Migration Agency charges fees for processing applications related to citizenship. As of 2023:

  • Application to Retain Citizenship (22-Year Rule): SEK 475.
  • Application to Renounce Citizenship: SEK 475.
  • Payment is made online or via bank transfer, and proof of payment must be included with the application.

5. Considerations Unique to Sweden

Sweden has several unique aspects regarding the loss of citizenship:

A. Dual Citizenship

  • Since July 1, 2001, Sweden allows dual citizenship. This means Swedish citizens can acquire another nationality without losing their Swedish citizenship, and foreign nationals can become Swedish citizens without renouncing their original nationality.
  • However, individuals born with dual citizenship must be mindful of the 22-Year Rule to avoid automatic loss.

B. Statelessness

  • Sweden is a signatory to international conventions aimed at reducing statelessness. Therefore, Swedish authorities will not approve the renunciation of citizenship unless the individual holds or is guaranteed citizenship in another country.

C. Ties to Sweden

  • For individuals applying to retain citizenship under the 22-Year Rule, demonstrating ties to Sweden is crucial. Examples of ties include:
    • Regular visits to Sweden.
    • Family connections in Sweden.
    • Knowledge of the Swedish language or culture.

D. Impact on Family Members

  • The loss of citizenship by one family member does not automatically affect other family members. For example, a parent’s renunciation of Swedish citizenship does not affect their children unless the children are included in the application.

E. Reacquisition of Citizenship

  • Individuals who lose their Swedish citizenship (e.g., through renunciation or the 22-Year Rule) may apply to regain it later. The process involves submitting an application to the Swedish Migration Agency and meeting specific requirements, such as residency in Sweden.

6. Practical Tips

  • Plan Ahead: If you are approaching the age of 22 and were born with dual citizenship, ensure you apply to retain your Swedish citizenship well in advance.
  • Keep Records: Maintain documentation of your ties to Sweden, such as travel records, family correspondence, or participation in Swedish cultural events.
  • Seek Legal Advice: For complex cases, such as revocation or reacquisition of citizenship, consult a legal expert specializing in Swedish immigration law.
  • Stay Informed: Regulations may change, so regularly check the Swedish Migration Agency’s website for updates.

7. Contact Information

For further assistance, you can contact the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket):

  • Website: www.migrationsverket.se
  • Phone: +46 (0)771-235-235
  • Email: Use the contact form on their website.
  • Address: Migrationsverket, 601 70 Norrköping, Sweden.

This guide provides a detailed overview of the loss of Swedish citizenship. If you have additional questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!