Which language tests are accepted for citizenship today? 2026 checklist

By Mikkel Gerdes, Kliently. Published 2 November 2026.

Short answer: because the dedicated language test will not be ready until 2030, the Swedish Migration Agency assesses alternative tests and certificates in each individual case. The government has referred precisely to the Migration Agency for that assessment, and the division of responsibility has been criticized. That means you cannot rely on a single type of certificate, but several pieces of evidence together are often enough.

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In short:

• There is no official list of accepted alternative tests, because the dedicated test is not ready.
• The Migration Agency makes an individual assessment of SFI grades, exam certificates and other documents.
• The government has referred to the Migration Agency for the assessment, which has created uncertainty about responsibility.
• Save everything: grades, certificates, employer references and course records, including older documents.
• Stay updated through the Migration Agency guidance pages, since the list may change.

Table of contents

• The situation right now
• Evidence that is commonly used
• Checklist: save this
• Where do I find updated guidance?

The situation right now

The new citizenship legislation assumes knowledge of Swedish, but the state test is not ready. The government has referred to the Migration Agency for the assessment of alternative tests, while the agency has pointed to responsibility resting with the government. The disputed division of responsibility is one reason the guidance is not clearer.

In practice, the Migration Agency examines your evidence case by case. An SFI certificate at the right level, grades from studies in Swedish or documented language use at work can together show the required level of knowledge.

Evidence that is commonly used

• SFI grades and exam certificates, especially from higher levels such as course D.
• Grades from upper secondary or other education where Swedish is a subject or the language of instruction.
• Employer references describing language use at work.
• Other documented merits showing the language in practice over a longer period.

No single piece of evidence is a guarantee, but a coherent presentation of several documents strengthens the case considerably.

Checklist: save this

• All SFI grades and exam results, including partially passed sections.
• Certificates from courses, study plans or studies where Swedish is included.
• Employer references describing language requirements and use.
• Documents with dates, so level and time period are clear.

Where do I find updated guidance?

The Migration Agency citizenship pages are updated continuously and are the best source for what applies now. Because the assessment is individual and the rules may change as the test approaches, it is wise to have a migration lawyer review your evidence before submitting. A lawyer can also help structure it so the case officer quickly sees your level.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an official list of accepted tests?

No, not yet. Until the dedicated language test is ready, the Migration Agency makes an individual assessment of the evidence in each case.

Is an SFI grade enough as language proof?

Often yes, especially from higher levels, but the agency weighs several pieces of evidence together and makes an individual assessment.

Should I save old certificates?

Yes. Collect all grades, certificates and employer references with dates, including older ones, since together they show your level over time.

Who assesses alternative tests?

The government has referred to the Migration Agency, which makes the assessment in each individual case.

Can the rules change?

Yes. As the state test approaches, the guidance on alternative evidence may change, so stay updated via the Migration Agency.

Sources

• Government and Migration Agency point fingers over citizenship language test rules, Sveriges Radio

Recommendations

• Swedish citizenship 2026, legal help
• Study permits in Sweden, legal help
• Work permits in Sweden, 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.