Sweden Plans to End Permanent Residence for Some Immigrants & Tighten Citizenship Rules

The Swedish government is considering ending permanent residence permits (PR) for certain groups of immigrants and replacing them with temporary residence permits. At the same time, authorities are preparing stricter citizenship rules, requiring more integration efforts.

Who Will Be Affected?

According to the government-commissioned report, the following groups may no longer be eligible for PR:
- refugees and people in need of international protection;
- quota refugees selected by UNHCR;
- individuals granted permits under exceptional humanitarian grounds;
- long-term EU residents.

Swedish Migration Minister Johan Forssell stated:

“We need to keep asylum immigration at a low level and tighten regulations accordingly.”

Currently, non-EU residents can apply for long-term EU residency after five years in Sweden. These permits ease movement within the EU and are valid for five years. Under the proposed reforms, that route would be blocked for many.

Path to Citizenship Will Be Tougher

Forssell also announced stricter requirements for naturalization, saying new arrivals should learn Swedish, integrate, work, and make a real effort to become citizens.

These changes align with existing plans to introduce language and civic tests from June 2026.

Critics argue that the new rules will make citizenship harder to obtain than permanent residency, possibly leaving migrants in legal limbo.

Public Reaction

Humanitarian organizations, including the Swedish Red Cross, have voiced concerns. Karin Ödquist Drackner said:

“Not knowing if you’re allowed to stay long-term causes anxiety and stress — it deeply affects integration and mental health.”

What’s Next?

The proposals require parliamentary approval and may apply retroactively. If adopted, they would mark a significant shift in Sweden’s traditionally generous asyl