The Swedish Ministry of Justice said this week that a series of new citizenship requirements will take effect by June 6th of this year. The ministry said that the measures will seek to “strengthen the importance of citizenship and increase incentives for individuals to become part of Swedish society, which also strengthens the Swedish community.”

According to the MoJ, the government will require migrants to live in the country for at least eight years to become eligible for citizenship, up from the current five-year standard.

It will also become necessary to demonstrate “self-sufficiency”, with a monthly income of around 20,000kr ($2,250).

Finally, prospective citizens will now have to demonstrate the ability to speak Swedish and knowledge of Swedish society.

Migration Minister Johan Forssell said, “Swedish citizenship will mean much more than it does today. It should not only be a travel document, but rather a receipt that one has fully become part of our community.

“It is both reasonable and fair that anyone who wants to become a Swedish citizen is expected to be able to speak Swedish, support themselves, have basic knowledge of our country and live honestly. The proposal we have presented today is an important part of the work to enhance the value of Swedish citizenship.”