Yes, cousin marriage is legal in Sweden under specific conditions. The Swedish Marriage Code permits marriages between first cousins if both parties are 21+, provide genetic counseling certificates, and secure approval from the Kammarkollegiet (Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency). No blanket prohibition exists, but compliance with public health safeguards is mandatory.
Key Regulations for Cousin Marriage in Sweden
- Genetic counseling requirement: Couples must obtain a certificate from a licensed genetic counselor confirming no elevated risk of hereditary disorders, per SFS 2006:228.
- Age threshold: Both parties must be at least 21 years old; minors cannot marry even with parental consent.
- State approval: The Kammarkollegiet reviews applications to ensure compliance with Äktenskapsbalken (Marriage Code), particularly for foreign nationals or dual-citizenship cases.
Sweden’s framework reflects the 2023 amendments to the Socialstyrelsen (National Board of Health and Welfare) guidelines, which emphasize genetic risk mitigation over outright bans. The Försäkringskassan (Social Insurance Agency) does not recognize cousin marriages for certain welfare benefits unless genetic counseling is documented. Foreign marriages between cousins are recognized if they meet Swedish legal standards, per EU Regulation 2016/1191.
Violations may result in annulment proceedings under Äktenskapsbalken Chapter 5, with penalties for fraudulent genetic disclosures. The Domstolsverket (Swedish Courts Administration) prioritizes cases where genetic risks were concealed. No 2026 compliance shifts are anticipated, as current regulations align with EU public health directives.