Does SFI D count for Swedish citizenship? How to meet the language requirement
Since 6 June 2026, anyone applying for Swedish citizenship must show knowledge of Swedish and of Swedish society. The test in Swedish meant to measure the language does not exist yet, and under UHR’s recommendation of 30 September it will not arrive until autumn 2029. If you are studying SFI, your course D grade is therefore the most direct route to the language requirement. Here is what applies.
Two requirements, not one
The knowledge requirement applies to applicants aged 16 to 66 and has two parts: Swedish and civics. Each part is shown separately, and a grade that covers one says nothing about the other.
A pass in SFI course D can meet the language part. Civics is shown instead with a civics grade or with the citizenship test, first held on 15 August 2026. Which grades can replace that test is covered in Can grades replace the Swedish citizenship test?
How you can show your Swedish
Migrationsverket lists, among others:
- a pass in the highest SFI course, which is course D,
- a pass in Swedish or Swedish as a second language from compulsory school, upper secondary school, folk high school or komvux,
- passing grades in Swedish from another Nordic country,
- a Tisus result,
- a result from another Swedish test that shows, with a high degree of certainty, knowledge at a functional level. As an example for a transitional period, Migrationsverket mentions Folkuniversitetet’s Swedex.
Migrationsverket decides what counts in your case, so work from its information rather than from any third party, ourselves included.
Why SFI D matters more now
Under the government’s assignment, the test in Swedish must be fully developed by 1 October 2027. In its final report on 30 September 2026, UHR instead recommends introducing the reading and listening test in autumn 2029, with writing and speaking tested from 2030 at the earliest. The government has not decided.
If the government follows the recommendation, there will be no citizenship language test for several years. Until then, grades such as SFI D and tests such as Tisus are the routes available. The full background is in The Swedish language test for citizenship.
If you are studying SFI now
- Aim for course D. It is the highest SFI course and the one Migrationsverket names. You have the right to study all the way to course D, within the three-year time limit.
- Keep your grade. You get it from your school when the course is finished. If you have lost it, ask the municipality where you studied.
- Prepare for the D test. The national test in course D covers reading, listening, writing and speaking, and the grade is Pass or Not passed. How to prepare: How to prepare for the SFI D test.
The courses are renamed in 2027
Courses that start from 1 January 2027 follow new syllabuses. Course D is then called 1D, 2D or 3D, depending on your study path, and every path ends with a D course. Migrationsverket says a grade in the highest SFI course counts, but has published nothing about how that applies to the new names. If you are unsure, ask Migrationsverket. More on the changes in SFI in 2027: new courses and new national tests.
In summary
The language requirement for citizenship has applied since 6 June 2026, and a pass in SFI course D is one of the ways to meet it. The test in Swedish is delayed, to autumn 2029 under UHR’s recommendation, so for anyone studying SFI the D grade is the most direct route. Civics is a separate requirement, shown with a grade or the citizenship test. The other citizenship requirements are covered in Swedish citizenship 2026: all the new requirements.
SFI Prov is a free app for SFI learners, with practice tests in reading, listening and writing for courses C and D and AI feedback on what you write.
Download SFI Prov on the App Store → · Google Play →
For the civics part, the Bli Svensk app has practice questions for all 13 chapters plus a simulated UHR test with 60 questions and a 90-minute countdown. Three chapters are free.
Sources
In Swedish.
- Migrationsverket: The citizenship test in Swedish may be postponed (30 September 2026)
- Migrationsverket: New rules for Swedish citizenship from 6 June 2026
- Migrationsverket answers: How do you become a Swedish citizen?
- UHR: Final report on introducing the citizenship test
- Skolverket: SKOLFS 2026:67, the regulation with the new sfi syllabuses
SverigeFokus publishes independent study material and is not affiliated with Migrationsverket, UHR, Skolverket or any other authority. Migrationsverket decides what applies in your case.
Frequently asked questions
Does SFI D count for Swedish citizenship?
A pass in SFI course D is one of the ways to meet the language requirement. Citizenship also requires knowledge of Swedish society, which you show with a civics grade or the citizenship test. Migrationsverket decides what applies in your case.
Who does the language requirement apply to?
The knowledge requirement applies to applicants aged 16 to 66 and has done since 6 June 2026. It has two parts: knowledge of Swedish and knowledge of Swedish society.
When is the citizenship test in Swedish coming?
It has not been decided. On 30 September 2026 UHR recommended introducing the reading and listening test in autumn 2029, with writing and speaking from 2030 at the earliest. The government will take a position on the recommendation.
What other ways are there to show my Swedish?
A pass in Swedish or Swedish as a second language from compulsory school, upper secondary school, folk high school or komvux, Swedish grades from another Nordic country, Tisus, or another Swedish test showing a functional level.
Does SFI D still count when the courses are renamed in 2027?
From 2027 course D is called 1D, 2D or 3D depending on your study path, and every path ends with a D course. Migrationsverket says a grade in the highest SFI course counts, but has published nothing about the new names. Ask Migrationsverket if you are unsure.
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