Sweden’s general elections take place on the second Sunday in September 2026. Voting rights vary significantly depending on the type of election and your citizenship status. Here is what foreign residents need to know.
Quick Facts
- Election date: September 13, 2026 (second Sunday in September)
- Minimum age: 18 years old on election day
- Registration requirement: Must be in the Swedish Population Register 30 days before the election
- Voting card: Sent automatically by post to all eligible voters
Riksdag (Parliament) Elections
Only Swedish citizens who are or have previously been registered in Sweden can vote in parliamentary elections. This means permanent foreign residents who have not acquired Swedish citizenship do not have the right to vote in Riksdag elections, regardless of how long they have lived in Sweden.
Sweden’s 2026 elections have different rules depending on citizenship and election type.
Municipal and Regional Elections
The rules are broader for municipal and regional elections. The following groups are eligible:
- Swedish citizens
- EU/EEA citizens (including Norwegians and Icelanders) registered in Sweden
- Citizens of other countries who have been continuously registered in Sweden for at least three consecutive years before election day
All eligible voters must also be at least 18 years old and registered in the Swedish Population Register at least 30 days before the election.
European Parliament Elections
For European Parliament elections, both Swedish citizens and citizens of other EU member states who are registered in Sweden can vote. One important rule: you cannot vote in two EU countries in the same election. If you have already voted or plan to vote in your home EU country, you cannot also vote in Sweden for the European Parliament.
Foreign residents need to understand their eligibility based on citizenship and registration history.
What You Need to Vote
Voting cards are automatically sent by post to all eligible voters registered in the Swedish Population Register. Valid ID is required to vote. This makes it essential for foreign residents to ensure they are properly registered with Skatteverket well in advance of the election, ideally at least a month before September 13.
A community discussion on voting eligibility for non-Swedish residents in Sweden’s elections.
Final Thoughts
If you are a non-Swedish citizen planning to stay in Sweden long-term, prioritize getting registered with Skatteverket as early as possible. For municipal and regional elections, three consecutive years of registration opens the door. For Riksdag elections, only Swedish citizenship grants voting rights.
Check your eligibility and register at Skatteverket before the deadline. Source information is available at Info Norden and Malmo City.
