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Swedish citizenship by Birth
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Citizenship of Sweden via child birth-Requirements to obtain residence via child birth
Citizenship by birth in Sweden follows the principle of jus sanguinis, meaning a child born in Sweden inherits their parents’ citizenship. If the parents are non-EU citizens, they must apply for the child’s residence permit. Foreign citizens can obtain Swedish citizenship after 5 years of permanent residence. If neither parent is a Swedish citizen, the tax office determines the child’s citizenship based on the parents’ nationality and the child’s birthplace. Children born to parents on a tourist visa do not automatically receive Swedish citizenship. This article explores the various aspects, conditions, and implications of Swedish citizenship by birth.

Topics covered in this article:
– Requirements for acquiring Swedish citizenship at birth
– Regulations for birth in Sweden
– Gaining parental residence in Sweden via childbirth
– Dual citizenship for children born in Sweden
– Swedish residency via adoption
– Childbirth in Sweden while on a tourist visa
– Advantages of gaining residence in Sweden by birth
– Commonly Asked Questions
– Last words about the topic
Requirements for acquiring Swedish citizenship at birth
Swedish citizenship by birth is subject to specific criteria. A child must be born in Sweden, and at least one parent must be a Swedish citizen or legal resident. Children born in Sweden acquire the same citizenship as their parents. If the parents are citizens of a non-EU country, they must apply for the child’s residence permit.
To automatically obtain Swedish citizenship at birth, the following conditions must be met:
– The mother is a Swedish citizen.
– The father is a Swedish citizen and the child was born in Sweden.
– The father is a Swedish citizen and is married to the child’s mother.
– The father is deceased but was a Swedish citizen at the time of his death, and the child was born in Sweden.
Regulations for birth in Sweden
regarding citizenship are straightforward. Swedish citizenship by birth is governed by Swedish citizenship law, which is based on the principle of blood (jus sanguinis). This means that citizenship is primarily granted to children born to Swedish parents, regardless of the place of birth.
Rules for obtaining residence by birth in Sweden:
– A child born on or after July 1, 1979, automatically acquires Swedish citizenship if the child’s mother is a Swedish citizen.
– If the child’s father is a Swedish citizen and married to the child’s mother, the child receives Swedish citizenship at birth, regardless of where the child was born.
– A child born after April 1, 2015, automatically receives Swedish citizenship, regardless of where the child was born, if one of the parents was a Swedish citizen at the time of the child’s birth.
– In cases of adoption, the adoption must be valid in Sweden, and the child must have been adopted in Sweden by a decision approved after June 30, 1992, or by a foreign adoption decision approved in Sweden by the Swedish General Administration.
Additional information:
– All pregnant women in Sweden are entitled to free check-ups during pregnancy, which are voluntary. The first examination is usually done in the 8th-12th week of pregnancy.
– Parental Leave: Parents can receive 10 days of leave in relation to the birth of a child or adoption.
– Maternity Benefits: Pregnant women in Sweden are entitled to cash maternity benefits, which are about 80% of their salary.
Gaining parental residence in Sweden via childbirth
The birth of a child in Sweden does not grant the parents a residence permit. The child’s citizenship is determined based on the citizenship of the parents and the place of birth. If a child is born in Sweden to non-Swedish parents, they cannot obtain a permit until they have a passport. To legally reside in Sweden, parents must comply with the country’s immigration laws and regulations, including obtaining a residence permit, which is influenced by factors such as employment in Sweden, family ties, or asylum applications.
Dual citizenship for children born in Sweden
It is possible to be born in Sweden with dual citizenship. Swedish citizens are allowed to have dual citizenship, but there is debate over whether dual citizens who commit certain crimes should have their Swedish citizenship revoked. Potential risks and disadvantages of dual citizenship include:
– Possible future changes in Swedish citizenship law.
– Variations in dual citizenship laws from country to country.
– Non-recognition of Swedish citizenship by other countries.
– Complications in marriage, divorce, and child custody across two countries.
Swedish residency via adoption
If a child is adopted by Swedish citizens, the child automatically receives Swedish citizenship. If the child is adopted by foreign nationals, the adoptive parents must have a valid residence permit or other legal status that allows them to stay in Sweden for an extended period. Additionally, adoptive parents must meet the requirements for Swedish citizenship.
Childbirth in Sweden while on a tourist visa
A child born in Sweden to parents on a tourist visa will not automatically receive Swedish citizenship. It is not possible to give birth in Sweden with a tourist visa, which is issued for short-term visits for tourism, business, or other purposes and does not permit long-term stays. To give birth in Sweden, the parents must have a valid residence permit or other legal status that allows them to stay in Sweden for an extended period.
Advantages of gaining residence in Sweden by birth
– The right to live, work, or study anywhere in Sweden without restrictions.
– Political rights, including the ability to vote in national and European elections.
– Access to social services: Individuals who acquire Swedish citizenship by birth, whether through biological birth or adoption, have access to Sweden’s comprehensive social services, including health care, education, and social welfare programs.
– Inclusive society: Swedish citizenship by birth fosters an inclusive society that embraces diversity.
– Educational opportunities: Swedish citizens, including those naturalized by birth, have access to the country’s world-class free education system.
– Child benefits provided by the Swedish social security system, available to all children living in Sweden, regardless of their parents’ income or employment status.
– Opportunities for investment in Sweden.
Commonly Asked Questions
✔️ If the parents are not Swedish, can their child acquire Swedish citizenship by birth?
No, Swedish citizenship by birth primarily follows the principle of jus sanguinis, meaning citizenship is mainly granted to children born to Swedish parents, regardless of their place of birth.
✔️ What are the advantages of Swedish citizenship?
Swedish citizenship offers benefits such as access to social welfare, freedom of movement within the EU, and the right to reside, work, or study anywhere in Sweden without restrictions.
✔️ Is dual citizenship permitted in Sweden?
Yes, Sweden allows dual citizenship.
✔️ Can a child be born in Sweden while the parents hold a tourist visa?
No, giving birth in Sweden on a tourist visa is not possible. Parents must possess a valid residence permit or another legal status allowing long-term stay in Sweden.
Last words about the topic
As of 2024, Swedish citizenship by birth primarily adheres to the principle of jus sanguinis, granting citizenship mainly to children born to Swedish parents, regardless of where they are born. Dual citizenship is permitted in Sweden. A tourist visa does not permit long-term residency, and parents must have a valid residence permit or other legal status enabling long-term stay in Sweden to give birth there. The Swedish government is planning stricter citizenship laws to streamline the citizenship acquisition process in Sweden.

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We highly recommend that you independently verify this information and consult with a qualified local attorney to ensure it is applicable to your specific situation.