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Language test may be delayed to 2029, the civics test continues

UHR tells the government that the test in Swedish cannot be ready by 1 October 2027 and proposes autumn 2029. The language requirement still applies, and the civics test is not affected.

Published: · Reading time: about 4 min

Shayan Parsai, kursansvarig och kursutvecklare
Written byCourse developerLinkedIn

On 30 September 2026, UHR submitted its final report on the citizenship test to the government. UHR writes that the test in Swedish cannot be ready by 1 October 2027 and proposes autumn 2029 instead. The requirement to know Swedish stays. The civics test is not affected and continues as planned.

What has happened?

The citizenship test is being introduced in three steps. Step one is the civics test, first held on 15 August 2026. Step two is a test in reading and listening comprehension in Swedish. Step three is tests in speaking and writing Swedish.

Under the law, step two must exist by 1 October 2027 at the latest. UHR now writes that this is not possible, for two reasons:

  • Stockholm University, which develops the test, can deliver it on 1 October 2028 at the earliest. UHR calls that timeline very optimistic.
  • The test is to be taken digitally. UHR expects to have a digital test platform at the end of 2027 at the earliest, and the universities need about two years after that.

UHR therefore proposes that step two starts in autumn 2029. Step three, speaking and writing, is judged possible in 2030 at the earliest.

This is UHR’s proposal, not a decision. The Swedish Migration Agency writes that the government will consider it and decide when the test in Swedish can begin.

Is the language requirement removed?

No. The Migration Agency states clearly that the requirement to know Swedish remains. You show your knowledge in other ways, for example with a pass

  • grade in Swedish or Swedish as a second language from year 9, upper secondary school, folk high school or municipal adult education (komvux)
  • grade in the highest course of Swedish for Immigrants (SFI)
  • grade in Swedish from compulsory or upper secondary school in another Nordic country
  • result on Tisus
  • result on another test in Swedish that shows knowledge at a functional level.

The full list is in the guide to the language requirement.

Should I wait for the language test?

If you already have such a grade or result, you are not affected at all.

If you do not, waiting is not a good idea. UHR writes that a person who cannot show Swedish in another way will either have to wait for citizenship or show the knowledge another way, even after 1 October 2027. UHR also expects more people to turn to SFI course D and Tisus. So start in good time.

What about the civics test?

It continues. UHR writes that the test on 15 August went well: 875 people sat it at Stockholmsmässan in Älvsjö, without incidents. The results and the pass mark are expected to be ready in the second half of October 2026.

In 2027, UHR plans for more test takers and more test sites. The test stays on paper for the next sittings. From 2027, sitting the test costs SEK 2,000.

When is the next test, and what will it look like?

UHR has not published a date. In an appendix to the report, the University of Gothenburg, which develops the test, writes what it expects:

  • First regular test in March 2027, if the results from August are satisfactory.
  • Two tests a year after that, suggested for March and September.
  • About 40 questions in 60 minutes, plus a few trial questions that do not count. Those who need accommodations get 20 to 30 minutes extra.

The August test had 60 questions in 90 minutes. The figures above are the university’s assessment, not a decision by UHR. We will change the mock test in the course when UHR has confirmed the format.

Will there be a fixed pass mark?

Probably not as one fixed number. The University of Gothenburg writes that the pass mark should be set after each test, because different versions of the test are not exactly equally hard. The number of correct answers needed can therefore differ between sittings. The university mentions that a likely interval might be given in advance in the future.

So be careful with sites that say you need a certain percentage.

Will Sverige i fokus change?

It may. UHR writes that the study material will be evaluated, and the University of Gothenburg wants it reviewed and developed soon. When UHR changes the material, we change the course and write the date it was done.

I have already applied. What happens now?

The Migration Agency continues to process applications under the rules that apply. If they need more documents in your case, they will contact you.

Medborgarskapskursen is an independent course. We are not connected to UHR, the Migration Agency or the government.

The course

The full course, all 13 chapters

  • Lessons for all 13 chapters
  • Questions with explanations
  • A mock test like the August test
  • Difficult words in plain Swedish
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