Citizenship without a permanent residence permit: what applies after 2026?

By Mikkel Gerdes, Kliently. Published 2 November 2026.

Short answer: since 12 July 2026 permanent residence permits are generally no longer granted, and the Migration Agency guidance states that some people with time-limited permits can apply for citizenship without holding a permanent one. This is not a general exemption, however: your permit ground, residence period and other conditions decide whether you specifically can apply. The answer is therefore individual and should be checked with a lawyer before you submit.

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In short:

• Permanent residence permits are generally no longer granted, according to Migration Agency guidance from 12 July 2026.
• Some people with time-limited permits can still apply for citizenship without a PUT.
• Who is covered depends on permit ground and other conditions, not on a general rule.
• A strong application still requires identity, residence period and conduct.
• Speak with a migration lawyer before applying, since the assessment is individual.

Table of contents

• What has changed?
• Who can apply without a PUT?
• Other conditions carry weight
• Risks of applying too early

What has changed?

On 12 July 2026 the practice for permanent residence permits changed. The Migration Agency states that permanent permits are generally no longer granted, and that the consequence is that some people with time-limited permits can instead apply for citizenship without going via a PUT. For many applicants this is one of the biggest practical changes in a long time, since the old order was permanent permit first, citizenship second.

Who can apply without a PUT?

The Migration Agency guidance does not give a complete list of who is covered. It is determined by your permit ground, that is, the reason for your current permit, in combination with the other conditions in the Citizenship Act. For example, a person with a permit on refugee grounds or family ties may be assessed differently from a person with a work permit. Because the legal situation is new and the guidance is still developing, it is extra important not to draw general conclusions from other people's cases.

Other conditions carry weight

That the PUT requirement is relaxed for some does not mean the other requirements disappear. Identity, residence period in Sweden and conduct are examined as before, and the requirements in Swedish and civic knowledge apply to most adult applicants. In addition, a previously rejected application can affect a new one. So collect the entire evidence base, not only the permit decisions, before considering applying.

Risks of applying too early

A rejected citizenship application is not free. Besides the fee, a refusal can affect your residence period calculation and mean you must wait before a new application can be examined, depending on the reason for the refusal. If you are unsure whether your permit ground suffices, have a migration lawyer review your situation first. An hour of advice can save you both the fee and the waiting time.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a PUT to apply for citizenship?

No, not always. Since 12 July 2026 permanent permits are generally not granted, and some people with time-limited permits can apply for citizenship anyway.

Who is the exemption for?

It depends on your permit ground and other conditions. There is no general list, so the assessment is individual.

What is required besides the permit?

Identity, residence period and conduct, and for most adults also knowledge of Swedish and society.

Can an earlier refusal matter?

Yes, depending on the reason for the refusal it can affect when a new application can be examined.

What does a citizenship application cost?

The fee is set by the Migration Agency and changes at intervals. Check the current fee before submitting.

Sources

• Swedish citizenship, Swedish Migration Agency

Recommendations

• Swedish citizenship 2026, legal help
• Permit extensions, migration lawyer
• Family immigration and ties, legal help

This is general information about rules that may change and does not constitute legal advice. For an assessment of your specific case, contact a lawyer.