Migrationsverket Waiting Times for Citizenship – And How to Request a Decision on Your Case
Waiting times at Migrationsverket (the Swedish Migration Agency) for Swedish citizenship applications are often long. Here we review current processing times, what affects your waiting period, and how you can submit a 'request for a decision' if you've been waiting a long time.
What affects your waiting time?
Submitting a complete application with all the correct documentation upfront usually shortens the processing time. Missing documents, ID papers, or ambiguities regarding residence will cause the case to be paused.
Records of crimes, debts with Kronofogden (the Swedish Enforcement Authority), or ongoing investigations can also extend the time, as the requirement for an orderly lifestyle is carefully assessed.
Request for a decision on the case
If your case has not been decided within six months, according to Section 12 of the Administrative Procedure Act (förvaltningslagen), you can request that Migrationsverket (the Swedish Migration Agency) make a decision on your case. This is called a 'request for a decision' or a 'delay complaint'.
The request must be submitted in writing to Migrationsverket. Within four weeks, they must either make a decision on the case or issue a specific decision to reject your request. A rejection of the request can be appealed to the migration court.
You can find the form and instructions on migrationsverket.se. There is no cost to request a decision on your case.
What to do in the meantime?
Use the waiting time to prepare for the citizenship test which will be introduced in 2026. On Medborgarprovet.com, you can practice module by module and take complete practice tests based on UHR's 'Sverige i fokus' (Sweden in Focus).
Frequently asked questions
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