Our website uses  cookies for statistical purposes.

Our Articles

Obtain Citizenship in Mexico

Obtain Citizenship in Mexico

If you are a foreigner interested in obtaining Mexican citizenship in 2024, you do not need to worry about renouncing your previous one. Because dual citizenship in Mexico is allowed, you can become a citizen of this country and your home country at one time without leaving any of these. If you were born in Mexico or have a Mexican parent in a foreign country, you might already be a Mexican citizen. If you are unable to claim your citizenship on behalf of your birth, you can switch to the naturalization process.

You are welcome to get in touch with our experienced lawyers in Mexico. They will provide you with thorough guidance regarding citizenship in Mexico and its benefits.

 Quick Facts  
 Nationalities accepted (EU/Non-EU) Both 

 Types of Immigrant Permits in Mexico

 Non-immigrant and immigrant permits 

 Citizenship by Birth

 Mexico practices jus soli, which means individuals born on Mexican soil automatically acquire citizenship 

 Dual citizenship permitted (Yes/No) Yes 
 Living requirements in Mexico (Yes/No)

 To be eligible for the application, it is required that you have maintained legal residency in Mexico continuously for a minimum of five years, and you must provide evidence of having physically resided in Mexico for at least 18 months within the two years prior to your application date

 Mexican citizenship option

 In order to pursue Mexican citizenship, you must either possess permanent residency status or have family ties in Mexico. The process of naturalization in Mexico mandates a minimum of five continuous years of residency prior to the application date, which can encompass both temporary and permanent residency depending on your individual circumstances

Direct immigration with family members (Yes/No) 

 Yes, by requesting permission for family reunification at the National Immigration Institute (Instituto Nacional de Migracion (INM)) in Mexico

 Minimum age required to apply for Mexican citizenship

 You should be 18 years old to apply for citizenship in Mexico

 Mexican citizenship processing time (approx.)

 After applying for citizenship in Mexico, the procedures take about a year to complete and may take longer in some cases

 Language Requirement  To become a Mexican citizen, applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in Spanish and have a basic understanding of Mexican history
 Rights and privileges

Right to vote, right to hold public office, access to social services, right to social security, dual citizenship 

 Renunciation of previous citizenship (yes/no)

 No

Reasons to Choose Mexico 

 Economic opportunities, affordable living, Dual citizenship, geographical location 

Personal income tax rate 

0 – 125,900 MXN (exempt), 125,900 – 1,000,000 MXN (15%), 1,000,000 and above MXN (30%) 

Visa-free travel to other countries (approx. number of countries)   120 countries

You can also interact with our lawyers if you want to obtain citizenship by investment in Mexico.

Citizenship by naturalization

The Secretara de Relaciones Exteriores oversees the naturalization process for applicants. If you have any questions or concerns related to visas or immigration to Mexico in 2024, you may reach out to our team for complete information on the requirements set forth by the SRE or the Mexican Embassy or Consulate. Getting in touch with our immigration lawyers in Mexico will mean that you will obtain detailed information and practical assistance.

There are several methods by which you can get naturalized citizenship in Mexico in 2024. It may include meeting residency timelines, marriage, family ties, and cultural integration, etc.  However, Mexican residence permits come with their own benefits. Except for the right to vote, a permanent resident card confers to its possessor privileges comparable to those of a citizen of Mexico. With a Mexican permanent resident card, you do not need to obtain a work permit to be able to work. Applying for free health insurance is possible. You may learn more about the Mexican healthcare system and expat health insurance from our lawyers. 

When applying for Mexican citizenship as a descendant of Mexican citizens, you usually only need to stay in Mexico for two years. However, this residency requirement may be waived for individuals who can demonstrate a close connection to Mexico, such as through their family ties.

The process of acquiring citizenship might be lengthy and it is hard for a layperson to comply with the rules and regulations, so it is recommended to obtain legal services for a quick procedure. Our attorneys in Mexico can help you understand all the Mexican rules so that you do not encounter any trouble in the procedure. It is also necessary that you know the history and the national culture of the country. The concerned authorities will also run a criminal background check on you. In addition to all these requirements, you will be required to pass a test about the culture and history; however, you may only be required to have an interview if you are above sixty years. If you want permanent residence in this country, you can consider applying for an immigrant permit.

If you need assistance regarding preparing your test for obtaining citizenship in Mexico, you can rely on the legal backing of our lawyers. After acquiring Mexican citizenship, you can get legal assistance from our lawyers if you want to start a business in this country. Being new to the Mexican business market might cause trouble for you, but with the legal support of our lawyers, you can flourish your business.

Benefits of naturalized citizenship

If in 2023 you have already been living in Mexico with no intention of returning to your home country, you can get citizenship in this country. The Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores handles the process of citizenship in Mexico. The citizenship comes with the following benefits:

  • You get the right to vote;
  • You can buy property in the restricted area;
  • You get priority at airport immigration;
  • You can change your job or residence without informing the immigration authorities;
  • You do not need to renew your temporary residency anymore.

If you want all these benefits after acquiring citizenship, it is necessary to be aware of some things. To apply for citizenship, you need to prove legal residency in Mexico for at least five years. However, if you have a Mexican spouse or child, you only need to demonstrate legal residence of two years. Furthermore, you cannot stay outside Mexico for more than 180 days in the two years before your application. If you have further questions regarding the requirements for obtaining Mexican citizenship, you can get guidance from legal persons. Our seasoned lawyers in Mexico City can help you understand the whole set of citizenship requirements in this country. Furthermore, if you need help choosing an appropriate visa before immigrating to Mexico, consult with our lawyers. You must apply in person for your visa(s). But you may engage a representative to assist you and handle the appointment setting, paperwork, and filing on your behalf. Our immigration Mexican lawyers can offer you their services in this regard.

The main ways to obtain citizenship are also provided in the infographic below:

Mexican citizenship by birth

Mexican citizenship by birth is automatically granted to individuals who meet certain criteria.

Here’s how you can acquire Mexican citizenship by birth:

Birth on Mexican territory:

  • If you were born within the territory of Mexico, you are generally considered a Mexican citizen by birth;
    • This applies regardless of your parents’ nationality or immigration status.

Birth to Mexican parents:

  • If at least one of your parents is a Mexican citizen at the time of your birth, you are automatically granted Mexican citizenship;
    • This applies regardless of where you were born.

To acquire Mexican citizenship by birth, you typically need to provide the following documents:

  • Birth certificate:
  • If you were born in Mexico, you will need to obtain an official Mexican birth certificate from the Civil Registry (Registro Civil) where your birth was registered;
    • If you were born outside of Mexico to Mexican parents, you will need to provide your foreign birth certificate along with documentation proving your parents’ Mexican citizenship.
  • Parent’s Mexican citizenship proof:
  • If you are claiming Mexican citizenship through your parents, you will need to provide evidence of their Mexican citizenship;
    • This may include their Mexican birth certificates, Mexican passports, or other official documents that establish their Mexican nationality.
  • Identification documents:
  • Depending on the circumstances, you may need to provide identification documents, such as your passport or identification card.

To complete the process, you will typically submit the necessary documents to the appropriate Mexican authorities, such as the Civil Registry, the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores), or a Mexican consulate or embassy. Our Mexican lawyers can help you with the collection and submission of these documents.

Please consult with our immigration lawyers in Mexico to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Mexican citizenship by birth. They can provide guidance based on your specific situation and assist you with the required documentation and procedures.

Furthermore, if you are planning to immigrate to Mexico, our lawyers can help you with relocation.

Mexican citizenship by marriage

To obtain Mexican citizenship through marriage, you need to meet certain requirements and follow a specific process. For instance:

  • Meet the requirements:
  • You must be legally married to a Mexican citizen;
    • Your marriage should be recognized under Mexican law.
  • Temporary residency:
  • As a foreign spouse of a Mexican citizen, you will typically apply for temporary residency first;
  • Gather the required documents, which may include your passport, marriage certificate, proof of your spouse’s Mexican citizenship, financial statements, and a completed application form;
    • Submit your application to a Mexican consulate or embassy in your home country or your place of residence.
  • Residency approval:
  • Once your temporary residency application is approved, you will be granted a temporary resident visa;
    • This visa allows you to live in Mexico legally for a specified period, usually one year, and it can be renewed annually.
  • Permanent residency:
  • After residing in Mexico as a temporary resident for at least two years, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency;
  • Gather the necessary documents, which may include proof of continued marriage, proof of financial stability, a completed application form, and other supporting documentation as required;
    • Submit your permanent residency application to the National Institute of Migration (Instituto Nacional de Migración, INM) in Mexico.
  • Citizenship application:
  • After holding permanent residency for at least three years, you can apply for Mexican citizenship;
  • Check the specific requirements for naturalization, as they may vary depending on factors such as your language proficiency and knowledge of Mexican culture and history;
  • Gather the required documents, which typically include identification documents, proof of residence, marriage certificate, proof of employment or financial stability, and a completed application form;
    • Submit your citizenship application to the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores) or the INM, depending on the jurisdiction.
  • Citizenship approval and ceremony:
  • If your citizenship application is approved, you will be invited to attend a naturalization ceremony;
    • During the ceremony, you will take an oath of allegiance to Mexico, officially becoming a Mexican citizen.

It’s important to note that the process and specific requirements may vary or change over time. So, you are advised to seek professional advice from our law firm in Mexico to ensure you have the most up-to-date information and guidance tailored to your situation.

If you are eligible to acquire a residence permit in Mexico, our lawyers can also help you get one.

Here is also a video on Mexican citizenship:

Foreign direct investment in Mexico

Besides naturalizing, Mexico also offers citizenship by investment. The Mexican authorities receive a tremendous response from individuals regarding investment. Furthermore, countries like the United States, Japan, Germany, and Canada also invest in this country.

A country’s economic development and progress are greatly aided by foreign direct investment (FDI). It increases competitiveness in the global market, increases productivity, generates jobs, and gives access to finance, technology, and knowledge. According to recent data:

  • in September 2023, Mexico saw a USD 908.4 million rise in FDI, up from a USD 4.4 billion increase in the previous quarter;
  • the country’s current account deficit in March 2023 was USD 14.3 billion;
  • in June 2023, Mexico’s direct foreign investment decreased by USD 561.9 million;
  • in September 2023, its foreign portfolio investment dropped by USD 5.1 billion;
  • in March 2023, the Nominal GDP of the country was USD 397.5 billion.

Contact our lawyers if dual citizenship in Mexico attracts you. They will help you throughout the process of obtaining citizenship in this country in 2024. In general, both land law and blood law serve as the foundation for Mexican citizenship. The Mexican Constitution also makes a distinction between Mexican nationals and citizens. A person can become a citizen of Mexico either by birth or naturalization, as stated in Article 30 of the Mexican Constitution. For more information about acquiring Mexican citizenship, you can consult with our lawyers.

Furthermore, if you are facing any issues in Mexico like debt collection, you can also get legal help from our lawyers in this regard. They will start the procedure of debt collection amicably. In case this method does not bring any positive results, our attorneys will further represent you in court.