If you want to get dual citizenship in Mexico, then read this guide to see what to do. We’ll go over all the important details.
January 3, 2025
By: Bobby Casey, Managing Director GWP
When it comes to dual citizenship, there are many pros for Americans. Not only can you enjoy better global mobility, but you can also expand your business opportunities and experience other cultures while gaining more security too.
You may not want citizenship somewhere far away from home though, so Mexico can be a great pick. But while this country is close by and allows dual citizenship, things can get complicated and confusing.
This is where a guide to dual citizenship in Mexico can come in handy. Keep reading to learn key details so your process goes as smoothly as possible.
How to Get Dual Citizenship in Mexico
First of all, are you even eligible to apply for dual citizenship in Mexico? Not everyone who wants it can get it, so check your eligibility first.
Below are the ways you can get dual citizenship in Mexico.
By Birth
If you were born on Mexican soil, then you should already be a citizen. It doesn’t matter what nationality your parents are, as Mexico follows the principle of “jus soli.” In theory, if you were residing or traveling in Mexico and gave birth, then your baby would be eligible for dual citizenship, even if you don’t have Mexican citizenship.
You can also be eligible by birth if you were born outside of Mexico but at least one of your parents is a Mexican citizen (this includes if they got it through naturalization). This is due to the principle of “jus sanguinis.” Your birth must be registered at a Mexican consulate or within Mexico to formalize citizenship though.
Don’t worry if you’re in this second category and your parents never registered your birth. You can claim Mexican citizenship by presenting proof of your parents’ nationality and your birth certificate at a consulate or the Registro Civil in Mexico.
Through Naturalization
As a foreign national, you can get dual citizenship in Mexico through naturalization under specific conditions.
If you’re there on your own, you have to be a legal resident for five consecutive years before applying. This means you have either a permanent resident visa or a temporary visa that’s been renewed repeatedly.
If you’re a spouse of a Mexican citizen or a child of naturalized Mexicans, the required residency period is reduced to two years. You must be living with your spouse to qualify.
Those who are citizens of countries with bilateral agreements (such as those in Latin America or Iberian Peninsula, like Spain or Argentina) can naturalize after just two years of Mexican residency as well.
To naturalize, you must have a clean criminal record in both Mexico and your country of origin. Plus, you have to demonstrate proficiency in Spanish (except if you’re over 60 or have a disability), as well as pass a test on Mexican culture, history, and national symbols.
You can then file your naturalization application with the Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE).
Through Marriage
As we’ve said above, you only need two years of legal residency in Mexico to apply for naturalization if you’re married to a Mexican citizen.
In addition, you have to show documentation that you’ve been married to your spouse for at least two years. Provide proof of cohabitation too.
You’ll have to go through a similar naturalization process as the general one, with tests on the language and culture.
Your Rights and Obligations
You’ll get the same rights and responsibilities as any other Mexican citizen. One of these is voting and running for office, although there are some restrictions for naturalized citizens in high-level government positions.
On a more practical level, you’ll have the freedom to live and work in Mexico without additional permits. You’ll also have access to public healthcare and education.
One perk you may be particularly interested in is that you can own property near coastlines or borders. This is usually off-limits for foreigners unless they purchase through a trust with a Mexican bank.
Limitations
We’ve written this article with the idea in mind that the reader is a US citizen. The US does allow dual citizenship, but some countries (like Japan) require you to renounce one nationality. Make sure your country of origin isn’t one of these before you start the application process.
Also, while you’re in Mexico, you’ll be treated as a Mexican citizen. This means that the Mexican government won’t offer consular protection from your other country.
As far as taxes go, if you have citizenship in Mexico and want to give up tax residency, you have to prove that you have residency in another country. If being a digital nomad is what you desire, then it may be easier to just get residency in Mexico without citizenship, as you won’t be considered a tax resident if you’re using real estate for touristic purposes.
How to Apply for Dual Citizenship in Mexico
Applying for dual citizenship will depend on which situation you’re in. We’ll break it down in detail below.
Applying as a Mexican Citizen by Birth
First, gather the required documents:
- Your birth certificate
- Your parent(s)’ Mexican birth certificate(s) or proof of naturalization
- Valid ID for both you and your Mexican parent(s) (i.e. passports or national IDs)
- Proof of your parent(s)’ martial status if both are Mexcian
You can get an application form from the consulate or the Registro Civil. Once you’ve completed it, you can go to the nearest Mexican consulate (if you live abroad) or visit the Registro Civil office in the state where your parent is registered.
When submitting your application, provide all documents and make sure they’re translated into Spanish if needed. They should also be apostilled/legalized in the country of origin.
After your application’s processed, you’ll be issued a Mexican birth certificate. This confirms your Mexican citizenship, which means you can apply for a CURP (Unique Population Registry Code) and passport.
Expect this process to take between a few weeks and a few months.
Applying for Naturalization
After meeting the residency requirements, you can apply. The documents you’ll need here are:
- Valid immigration card
- Birth certificate
- Passport or other valid ID
- Proof of address in Mexico
- Certificate of no criminal record in Mexico and your country of origin
- Two recent passport-sized photos
- Receipt of payment for the application fee (approximately $7,000 MXN)
If you’re applying as a spouse of a Mexican, you’ll also need:
- Marriage certificate registered in Mexico
- Your spouse’s birth certificate or proof of Mexican citizenship
- Proof of cohabitation
- Your immigration card
Once you’ve gathered these documents, you should book an appointment with the SRE. Bring all the required documents and submit your application.
Next, you’ll have to pass the exams. There’s a language test and a knowledge test.
When you’re approved, you’ll get a Carta de Naturalización. You can then apply for a CURP and a passport.
Typically, the processing times can take six months to a year or more.
Get on Track With Dual Citizenship in Mexico
Dual citizenship in Mexico can be a good thing to have, especially if you don’t live in your home country full-time. However, as with all things legal, the application process can be long and anxiety-inducing, especially if you’re really counting on a smooth experience.
In that case, it never hurts to consult with a legal professional. They’ll have extensive immigration knowledge and can guide you through the process with their expertise.
Get in touch with us if you want to learn more about tax implications with a dual citizenship in Mexico. We have over 20 years of experience supporting location-independent entrepreneurs.
