One of the ways through which a person can obtain a passport in Mexico is citizenship by descent. Even though available for only certain people, this is one of the simplest ways of becoming a citizen of this country.
If you are interested in descent/ancestry or citizenship by birth in Mexico, this article is for you. Our Mexican lawyers can help you determine if you are eligible for any of them.
Table of Contents
Who is eligible for a passport according to Mexico’s citizenship by descent rules?
Compared to other countries, obtaining citizenship in Mexico through ancestry implies meeting several requirements that are not limited to kinship only.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Means to acquire citizenship in Mexico |
– naturalization, – marriage, – ancestry. |
|
Special requirements to get citizenship by descent |
The applicant must have ties to at least one Mexican citizen. |
|
Access to citizenship based on the relation with Mexican parents (YES/NO) |
Yes. |
| Access to citizenship based on the relation with other Mexican ancestors (YES/NO) | Yes, through grandparents. |
| Authorities in charge of the issuance of Mexican documents |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. |
| Permanent residence requirement (YES/NO) |
No. |
| Possibility to acquire Mexican citizenship automatically (YES/NO) |
No, temporary residency is required. |
| Special procedure to complete to gain citizenship by birth |
No, there is no special procedure to complete in order to gain Mexcian citizenship by descent. |
| Degree of difficulty in obtaining citizenship |
It is one of the easiest ways to obtain a Mexican passport. |
| Option to apply for citizenship by other means (YES/NO) | Naturalization is an alternative to citizenship by heritage. |
| Requirement to live in Mexico (YES/NO) |
The applicant must have lived in Mexico for a minimum period of 2 years. |
| Possibility to pass on citizenship to descendants (YES/NO) |
Yes, citizenship can be passed on to children. |
| Citizenship application processing timeframe (approx.) |
6 to 12 months, depending on the Mexican state the application is lodged in. |
| Support in applying for citizenship by descent (YES/NO) |
Yes, we can assist with the citizenship by descent application procedure. |
| Other immigration services (if any) | We also offer support in applying for permanent residency, residency by investment, citizenship by other means. |
Here is a list of the people who can apply for Mexican citizenship by descent:
- those who are direct descendants of Mexican nationals;
- people who are born in Mexico and who are eligible for citizenship by birth;
- people who are born abroad from Mexican nationals.
No matter the case, one must have lawfully resided in Mexico for a minimum period of at least 2 years prior to the application date. Depending on where and under which category you apply for citizenship, additional criteria may apply. Please note that if you are eligible for naturalization only, the term of maintaining the Mexican residence permit is longer.
Feel free to ask our law firm in Mexico about the requirements for each scenario.
Conditions for obtaining Mexico citizenship by descent
You will still be regarded as a naturalized Mexican citizen if your parents (or single parent) are citizens of this country, but you were born outside of the nation. You must have resided in Mexico for a year as a temporary or permanent resident. Here are some requirements that you need to fulfill in order to obtain citizenship by descent in Mexico:
- You are required to enter personal information such as your address, any property you own, and your family, among other things;
- Several official documentation proving your identification and residency will be required. Ensure you have your residency card, birth certificate from another country, and passport from another country. You should also make two copies of each document you bring in;
- Provide a copy of your permanent residency card and a bill with your current address;
- You will need to keep track of all the times you have left and returned to Mexico in the last two years;
- To establish that you have no criminal history, you will need a federal and state “Carta de antecedentes no penales.” You will need to go to your local police station in Mexico and the police headquarters in Mexico City to accomplish this.
You may be required to bring proof of your eligibility in addition to documents establishing your identity and residence. Examine the eligibility requirements and, if necessary, bring in further documentation. Additional paperwork that may be required includes a marriage certificate and birth certificates for both parents to pursue the application process for citizenship by descent in Mexico.
We also have an infographic on this subject:
In addition to this, you can interact with our immigration lawyers in Mexico if you want to relocate to Mexico. They can help you in the application, and submission process. Living in Mexico has many advantages and has long been a favorite among Americans who reside north of the border. It offers wonderful cross-cultural exposure. Due to its proximity to the US, it is also a well-liked retirement destination for Americans. Beautiful beaches, intriguing landmarks, welcoming inhabitants, a pleasant environment all year round, inexpensive cost of living, and a high standard of living are all features of Mexico. So if you are interested in relocating to Mexico, get in touch with our lawyers.
Documents required to obtain citizenship by descent in Mexico
Mexico’s citizenship by descent rules are not that different in terms of paperwork compared to naturalization. This means that one will need to prepare the following:
- a valid passport;
- the residence card;
- a certified copy of your birth certificate.
Depending on your place of origin, either an apostilled or legalized birth certificate is required. For information on such details, you can rely on our lawyers in Mexico. Please note that you will need the Spanish-translated version of your birth certificate.
With respect to Mexican citizenship by birth, the parents are required to prepare the documents and file them with the nearest Embassy or Consulate in the country they live.
Application process for Mexico citizenship by descent
If you are in Mexico, you will submit your documents to the secretary of the foreign affairs office, either by email or in person, get in touch with them to find out which option is best. If you are not in Mexico, take those documents to the nearest Mexican embassy or consulate. Call ahead to check whether an appointment is necessary or if the forms may be dropped off. The government may take a year or more to review your forms after you submit them. You will be invited to take an exam testing your knowledge of the Spanish language as well as Mexico’s history and culture near the end of the application process. This test includes multiple-choice questions as well as a reading comprehension portion to assess your language skills. After passing your citizenship test, you will be requested to pay a fee of around 1400 pesos, which is the final stage in the process. You will be notified that your paperwork has been cleared and that you are now a Mexican citizen. The method may take a year or more, so be patient.
If you have any further questions regarding citizenship by descent in Mexico, you can rely on the legal services of our lawyers. The seasoned lawyers at our law office in Mexico City can provide you with detailed answers in this regard. We can also advise if you are interested in immigration to Mexico through the investor visa. The seasoned immigration lawyers located at our law firm in Mexico can also guide you if you are interested in applying for citizenship in Mexico. Although there are certain administrative requirements to residing in Mexico, the visa policy enables you to remain for up to 180 days without trouble. A basic tourist visa is renewable if you cross the border and then return, allowing you an additional 180 days in the nation.
How to obtain citizenship by birth
A child is granted Mexican citizenship by birth if he/she is born in Mexico, even to parents who are not citizens of the country, or overseas to at least one parent who is a national of this country.
The following documents must be presented by the parents to the Mexican Embassy or Consulate:
- the foreign birth certificate of the child;
- recent photographs (in the case of children under 7, a pediatrician’s letter with the child’s photo and the full name, parents’ names, and date of birth is required);
- both parents’ birth certificates;
- recent photos of both parents seeking registration.
A special requirement to obtain Mexico’s citizenship by descent this way is to have at least two witnesses who are both adults at the time of the application (usually the parents).
Please note that the parents’ names must match the ones on the Mexican birth certificate of the child.
Along with the birth certificate, if one of the parents is not of Mexican nationality, the passport from their home country or a form of identity issued in the home country must be submitted.
Unless his name appears on the applicant’s foreign birth certificate, the father must also provide the marriage certificate or power of attorney if he is unable to be present at the time of registration. The marriage of the applicant’s parents had to happen before she was born.
You can address all your questions on this citizenship option to our law office in Mexico and you can also grant one of our lawyers a power of attorney for representation purposes.
Does Mexico allow dual citizenship?
It all depends on your origins. Citizens of the United States and the United Kingdom, and most Europeans are permitted to hold dual citizenship. Nonetheless, many countries, particularly certain European ones, do not allow or recognize dual citizenship. Although dual citizenship is allowed in Mexico, nations that permit dual citizenship should have no difficulty obtaining both.
You can interact with our experienced lawyers in Mexico if you want to know whether you are eligible for dual citizenship or not. They will help you obtain citizenship by descent in Mexico. Some applicants may be able to get permanent residency via a Mexican consulate without previously obtaining temporary residency. This mostly pertains to consulates in the United States and Canada, and the choice is dependent on which one you pick. Most of the time, you must be retired and, of course, meet the financial conditions. If you want to learn more about the criteria, get in touch with our immigration lawyers. They can offer you comprehensive information about the application for a Mexican residency permit.
There are numerous advantages to obtaining citizenship by descent in Mexico. Being a Mexican citizen permits you to vote in elections and significantly influence the country’s politics. Furthermore, you are not subject to deportation. Like any other Mexican national, being a citizen gives you access to all of the privileges that come with legal citizenship. Citizenship in Mexico can be obtained through birth or an application process. A person who has at least one Mexican parent can become a citizen by using that parent’s birth certificate.
If you are interested in acquiring citizenship by descent in Mexico, you can get in touch with our lawyer for legal assistance. They can guide you through the process of applying for Mexican citizenship by descent.
Immigration to Mexico is also possible if you marry a citizen of this country and live long enough to apply for citizenship.
Here is also a video on this subject:
Population projections for Mexico
As we get deeper into the twenty-first century, Mexico’s growth rate is likely to decline dramatically. Please find below the forecasted statistics related to the Mexico’s population:
- By 2040, the present annual growth rate of 1.24 percent is predicted to be half of it;
- According to projections, the population will reach 148 million in 2030.
Contact our immigration lawyers in Mexico for their comprehensive assistance. They can provide you with thorough legal help in obtaining Mexico citizenship by descent.
Moreover, you can also obtain legal assistance from our Mexican lawyers if you want to start a business in this country.