The language test: what is decided and what is not
Independent practice service. Not affiliated with UHR or Migrationsverket, and not an official service.
UHR’s report of 30 September 2026: step two of the language test is recommended for autumn 2029 and step three is judged possible in 2030 at the earliest.
The timetable according to UHR
On 30 September 2026 UHR reported on the government assignment on the citizenship test (reference 00262-2025, in Swedish). Its conclusion is that there are no conditions for introducing a second step with a test in Swedish reading and listening comprehension by 1 October 2027. UHR writes: “UHR recommends that step two is introduced in autumn 2029.” On step three: “Introducing step three, with tests in oral and written proficiency, is judged possible in 2030 at the earliest.” (Our translation.)
The three steps
On 5 February 2026 the government decided that the citizenship test is introduced in three steps. This is how the steps look:
| Step | Content | The government’s decision | UHR’s report of 30 September 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Civics | Held in 2026 | Trial test on 15 August 2026 with 875 test takers at Stockholmsmässan. UHR plans to expand the test with more test takers and test places during 2027 |
| 2 | Swedish: reading and listening comprehension | By 1 October 2027 at the latest | Autumn 2029 recommended |
| 3 | Swedish: oral and written proficiency | No date set | 2030 at the earliest |
In its interim report of 30 September 2025 UHR proposed autumn 2028 for step two. The new report moves the proposal to autumn 2029.
Why UHR lands on 2029
- Stockholm University reports a schedule in which the reading and listening parts can be delivered on 1 October 2028 at the earliest. UHR describes the schedule as very optimistic.
- UHR expects a digital test platform in place at the end of 2027 at the earliest. Both Stockholm University and the University of Gothenburg need about two years to produce digital tests from the point the platform exists.
- The platform and the arrangements for digital delivery are tested thoroughly during 2028.
- For step three the particular challenge is recruiting enough assessors with the right competence.
How the Swedish test is to be run
UHR judges that the Swedish sub-test should be delivered digitally from the start, while the civics sub-test continues on paper. The two sub-tests are held at separate sittings to begin with, and the aim is a shared digital test platform. The Swedish sub-test consists of four parts. The first sitting of step two should be held with a smaller number of test takers, and capacity is then scaled up. For step three UHR gives preliminary test times of about 60 minutes for written proficiency and about 45 minutes for oral proficiency.
What the government has said and what remains
The government’s decision from February 2026 is that the reading and listening test is to be held by 1 October 2027 at the latest. Migrationsverket writes on 30 September 2026: “The government will consider the recommendation and decide when the new citizenship test in Swedish can begin.” (Our translation.) UHR judges that legislative changes decided to take effect during 2027 may need to be adjusted.
How to show your Swedish in the meantime
Migrationsverket writes: “The requirement for knowledge of Swedish remains, but for the time being you can show your knowledge in other ways.” (Our translation.) That can be done with a pass grade in Swedish or Swedish as a second language, a grade in the highest SFI course, or a Tisus result. Everything about which qualifications count and which levels the requirement uses is in the guide Språkkrav för medborgarskap: så visar du din svenska (in Swedish).
What you can do now
The civics test is not affected by the change and continues to be held. It is the test you can prepare for today: it has an official study material and a completed sitting. Medborgarklar covers that test, with a free diagnostic that shows where you stand.
We update this page when the government decides on the timetable.
Sources checked for this page
- UHR: Report on the citizenship test feasibility study, U2025/00202 (30 September 2026)
- UHR: Final report on the introduction of the citizenship test
- Migrationsverket: The Swedish citizenship test may be postponed (30 September 2026)
- The Government: adjustment of the assignment for the Swedish language test (Feb 2026)
We check these pages every fortnight and print the date above even when nothing has changed.
Updated 2026-10-13 · Next review 2026-10-27. Source of the factual content: Sverige i fokus, study material for the citizenship test, UHR and Skolverket, 2026.