Have you considered expanding your global reach by obtaining dual citizenship in Mexico? Since 1998, Mexican Nationality Law allows dual citizenship in certain situations.
Here’s how it works:
If you are a foreigner seeking Mexican citizenship, you can get a residency first. You’ll need to:
- Live legally in Mexico for at least five years,
- Demonstrate ties to the community,
- Pass exams on Mexican history and culture,
- Then apply for naturalization.
If you have Mexican parents or children, or are a Mexican seeking to live abroad, you might be eligible for Mexican citizenship at birth, even if born outside Mexico.
What You Will Find in This Article
- Eligibility Criteria for Dual Citizenship in Mexico
- The Pros and Cons of Becoming a Mexican Citizen
- Application Process to Become a Naturalized Citizen of Mexico
- Dual Citizenship for Children With Mexican Parents
- Mexican Citizenship: Dual Nationality for Americans
- Tax and Financial Considerations For Dual Citizenship in Mexico
- European Citizenship: Dual Citizenship for Mexicans
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions on Dual Citizenship in Mexico
Key Takeaways of Dual Citizenship in Mexico
- Dual citizenship or dual nationality means that the individual is a national of two countries at the same time.
- Individuals can get dual citizenship in Mexico through descent, naturalization and birthright without restriction.
- The benefits of dual citizenship in Mexico include visa-free travel opportunities, job opportunities, better life quality (healthcare, education, and other social services), and the right to vote at the elections.
- The drawbacks of dual citizenship include complex application procedures, dual legal obligations, and potential double taxation.
- The application price for dual citizenship in Mexico is 8,755 Mexican Pesos in 2025 (Note that additional fees may change).
- Depending on your situation, you may need to pass a history and culture test and Spanish language exam. In the history and culture test, you need to answer 8/10 correctly, while in the language test 5/6.
Eligibility Criteria for Dual Citizenship in Mexico
Mexico allows its citizens to hold dual citizenship by naturalization, birthplace and descent.
Citizenship by Naturalization
Let’s examine the eligibility criteria of naturalization by residency and registration of birth for Mexicans born abroad.
- The age limit is first to consider before starting your residency process. You must be at least 18 years old.
- Mexican naturalization also requires you to hold legal residency (temporary or permanent) for at least five years (exceptions apply).
- You also need to have a clean criminal record.
Citizenship by Birthplace
To get dual citizenship in Mexico by birthplace, applicants must be born in Mexico even if they are a citizen of another country. However, some people may find it difficult to prove their birthplace. In this context, they need to check the government’s database of birth certificates. If your birth certificate is not registered, you may consult a lawyer.
Citizenship by Descent
No matter where you are born, if your parents are Mexican, you can claim dual citizenship. Nevertheless, note that citizenship by descent is not granted through grandparents. Therefore, you cannot apply for citizenship if none of your parents are born in Mexico.
The Pros and Cons of Becoming a Mexican Citizen
While the application process can involve some steps, the benefits can be significant.
The Benefits of Becoming a Mexican Citizen
There are many advantages to becoming a Mexican citizen. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Mexican citizenship grants you the freedom to live and work anywhere in Mexico.
- A Mexican passport allows visa-free travel to many countries.
- Mexican citizenship allows you to own property anywhere in Mexico.
- You’ll gain the right to vote in elections and participate fully in civic life.
- Mexican citizenship can simplify life for mixed-nationality families; children born in Mexico are automatically Mexican citizens.
The Cons of Becoming a Mexican Citizen
There are also some potential challenges to consider, particularly for those obtaining citizenship by descent:
- Collecting the necessary documents, especially if your Mexican parent wasn’t born in Mexico, can involve some effort. You may need to track down birth or marriage certificates from years ago.
- If your documents aren’t in Spanish, you’ll need to have them translated by a certified translator.
- The application process for birth registration can take several months, so be prepared for some waiting time.
Addressing the Challenges:
Fortunately, these challenges are manageable. Mexican consulates and embassies are there to assist you. They can provide guidance on document requirements and the application process.
Application Process to Become a Naturalized Citizen of Mexico
The application process includes applicants who were born in a country other than Mexico and whose parents are not Mexican citizens. Before applying for citizenship, they must reside in Mexico for at least five years with a valid visa before applying for citizenship.
Naturalization is possible after just two years when applicant:
- have a Mexican child,
- is from a Latin American or Iberian Peninsula country,
- is married to a Mexican citizen for at least two years.
Step 1: Gather Documents
When you make sure your conditions cover the basic requirements for naturalization, you can start collecting documents like
- Valid passport,
- Residency card,
- Proof of address,
- Proof of your Mexican parent’s citizenship (for Mexicans born abroad),
- Evidence of financial solvency,
- Clean criminal record,
- Two passport photos,
- Two copies of your Unique Population Registry Code (CURP).
- Application form listing your entry and exit dates for the past two years (You must not have been outside the country for more than six months during this time),
- Both the original and a copy of your receipt for the application payment (As of January 2025, the fee is 8,755 Mexican Pesos).
Step 2: Visit the SRE (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores)
Find your local SRE office and schedule an appointment. Please be aware that you may need to take a Spanish language and Mexican history exam here.
To pass the history and culture test, you must answer at least 8 out of 10 questions correctly. For the language proficiency test, a minimum of 5 correct answers out of 6 is required. These assessments evaluate your knowledge of the country’s heritage and your ability to communicate in Spanish.
However, you have only two chances to complete these tests successfully. If you do not succeed on the first try, you must wait 15 days for a retake exam. If you fail in the second attempt, you need to wait one year before you can try again.
Step 3: Application and Fees
Then, you are ready to submit the completed application form and supporting documents. In this step, you will pay the processing fees. Since January 2025, the application fee is 8,755 Mexican Pesos. Note that additional charges may change.
Step 4: Interview and Oath of Allegiance
In the last step of your naturalization process, you will attend an interview with immigration officials. Upon approval, you will also participate in a ceremony where you swear loyalty to the Mexican Constitution.
After these, you will receive a reply within 3 months whether your application is approved or denied. If your citizenship is approved, you can apply for your Mexican passport by submitting these documents:
- Your letter of naturalization
- Your ID
- Two passport photos
- Mexican passport application form
On the other side, if your application is rejected, it may be helpful to consult a trusted immigration lawyer. So that you can review the reasons for the refusal and discuss your options for what to do.
Dual Citizenship for Children With Mexican Parents
When one of your parents is a citizen of Mexico, the dual citizenship application procedure becomes simple compared to other citizenship options.
Required Documents
To be eligible for dual citizenship in Mexico, you must provide the following documents:
- An application form which you can find on the government website.
- A birth certificate for both you and your parents (There must be two copies of each, and if your parents passed away, a death certificate as well.)
- Two copies of your passport photo and your parents.
- Your parents’ marriage certificate if they get married before you are born.
Appointment Process
Right after you gather your documents, you can apply for an appointment:
- Visit the government website, then create yourself an account and take your appointment from a consulate.
- After taking your appointment from a consulate, register for a passport application by using the same account.
- Your father must participate in the consulate appointment and give his approval for you to be a citizen. Also, you must be accompanied by two witnesses.
- If your father doesn’t attend, you need an attorney or a Mexican consulate.
Mexican Citizenship: Dual Nationality for Americans
Do you wonder “how to get a double nationality in Mexico?” There are some exceptions that allow for naturalization after two or three years under specific circumstances (marriage to a Mexican citizen, etc.).
Eligibility for Dual Citizenship for Americans
The US citizens may obtain foreign citizenship by birth, ancestry, naturalization, or any other means of their citizenship, with permission from US agencies.
- You don’t have to choose between citizenship in the US or another country. However, you owe allegiance to the U.S. and any other country you are a citizen of.
- You must comply with the laws of both countries, and both countries have the right to implement their laws.
- Each country has its citizenship process. Get details from the embassy or consulate where you apply for second citizenship.
Important Steps
- First, investigate the laws and regulations of the other country you wish to become a citizen of.
- Each country has its citizenship criteria, including residency, language tests, or financial investments. Review the specific requirements for your chosen country and route.
- Dual nationality brings rights and responsibilities, such as military service, tax liability, etc. Make sure you research all of this thoroughly.
- You should contact the embassy or consulate of the other country to inquire about its specific requirements, required documents, and its stance on dual citizenship.
Naturalization through Residency
If you are asking, “How can I get dual citizenship in Mexico?” This is the most common option for dual citizenship for the US citizens. The basic requirements include:
- Reside in Mexico for at least five years (permanent or temporary).
- Be 18 years old or older.
- Have a clean criminal background.
You can obtain a residence permit by applying to your local Mexican consulate in the U.S. before coming to Mexico. Since there are various types of residency, it makes your process easier to apply for the one that suits you best.
The application procedure is as follows:
- Gather documents like a valid passport, residency card, proof of address, etc.
- Visit your nearest SRE.
- Depending on the situation, you may take a Spanish language and Mexican history exam.
- Submit the completed application form (DNN-3) with all necessary documents and pay fees.
- Attend an interview and, if approved, join a ceremony where you promise to follow the Mexican Constitution.
Marriage to a Mexican Citizen
If you’ve been married to a Mexican citizen for at least two years, you may qualify for naturalization after two years of residency in Mexico. The process is similar to standard naturalization but requires extra documentation to prove your marriage.
Having Mexican Children or Parents
- Children: If your child is born in Mexico, they automatically acquire Mexican citizenship. As a parent, you can apply for Mexican citizenship after two years of residency.
- Parents: If at least one of your parents is Mexican, you can register your birth at a Mexican consulate and acquire Mexican nationality.
Latin American and Iberian Nationals
Citizens of Latin American countries and the Iberian Peninsula (Spain, Portugal) can leverage their cultural ties to Mexico for a faster naturalization process. This is because of the historical and cultural connections between these regions.
So, if you are a citizen of one of these countries, you may qualify for a shorter residency requirement (often two years).
Contributions to Mexico
In rare cases, individuals who have made significant contributions to Mexican culture, science, or other fields may be granted Mexican citizenship through a special process.
Essential Documents (regardless of your path):
- Valid U.S. passport
- Mexican residency card with at least six months validity
- Proof of address in Mexico
- Proof of financial solvency
- Passport photos
- Proof of fee payment
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Birth certificates (yours and any Mexican children)
- Proof of Mexican parent’s citizenship (if applicable)
Tax and Financial Considerations For Dual Citizenship in Mexico
Dual citizens of the US and Mexico must manage tax obligations in both countries as they might potentially face double taxation. Mexico taxes income earned while living there. And if you stay in Mexico for over 183 days, your income becomes taxable in Mexico. Similarly, the US taxes global income, regardless of your residence.
However, US programs like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) help reduce this burden. For example, FEIE allows exclusion of up to $126,500 in foreign-earned income from the US taxes while FTC reduces the US taxes based on foreign taxes paid.
Your social security payments and benefits may be affected if you have worked in both the US and Mexico. Luckily, the two countries have a totalization agreement. This ensures that you receive the benefits you are entitled to from both systems. For example, if you worked in the US for 5 years and in Mexico for 10 years, this agreement may allow you to combine those years to qualify for social security benefits in one or both countries.
Lastly, US citizens must report their foreign financial assets and bank accounts. There are two rules for this:
- FATCA, which requires reporting if you have certain types of foreign assets,
- FBAR, which requires reporting if your foreign bank accounts have more than $10,000.
Not following these rules can lead to fines, so it’s a good idea to ask a tax expert for help.
European Citizenship: Dual Citizenship for Mexicans
Citizenship programs offer attractive options for Mexican citizens seeking residency and, potentially, citizenship in Europe.
Portugal Citizenship through Golden Visa
Portugal Golden Visa is one of the most popular programs. Moreover, anyone who is not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen and is over 18 years of age can apply for the Portugal Golden Visa.
Investment Options
- Fund Subscription: A minimum subscription of €500,000 in a qualifying Portuguese fund is required. It does not include funds with direct or indirect real estate ties.
- Company: Create at least 10 new full-time jobs in a business in Portugal. Another option is to invest a minimum of €500,000 in an existing Portuguese company that creates at least five new full-time jobs for three years.
- Donation: You can donate €250,000 to the conservation of national heritage in Portugal or at least €500,000 to a research and development activity in Portugal.
Benefits
- €250,000 is one of the lowest investment thresholds in Europe.
- You do not need to move to Portugal to maintain your residence permit.
- When you become a Portuguese citizen, you have the right to visa-free access to 191 countries.
You can apply for citizenship five years after obtaining a Golden Visa in Portugal. However, keep in mind that this requires:
- No outstanding tax payments in Portugal.
- Clear criminal records from Portugal and your home country.
- A language certificate in Portuguese at the A2 level.
Malta Citizenship by Investment
Malta’s Citizenship by Investment program offers another path to European citizenship. First of all, you must be 18 years or older.
Investment Options
- Government Contribution: There are two ways to do this. If you have completed 36 months of residence in Malta, invest at least €600,000, or after 12 months of residence, invest €750,000.
- Real Estate Investment: Buy a residential property in Malta worth at least €700,000. Hold it for at least five years. Instead, you can rent a house with an annual rental value of €16,000.
You must donate €10,000 to an approved cultural, scientific, or animal welfare organization upon citizenship approval.
Benefits
- You and your family can live, work, or study in the EU.
- Your children have access to Maltese schools and universities.
- The University of Malta is publicly funded and free for Maltese citizens.
- You enjoy EU benefits, plus visa-free access to the USA, Canada, and 186 countries.
Conclusion
We provided answers to “How to obtain dual citizenship in Mexico?” with various options. The journey to obtaining dual citizenship in Mexico offers numerous benefits and is a multi-faceted process.
The path to Mexican citizenship through naturalization, marriage, parentage, or special residence programs is accessible and full of opportunities. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently meet the requirements and enjoy the benefits of Mexican citizenship.
Additionally, for Mexicans, various residency and citizenship programs in countries such as Spain, Greece, and Portugal Golden Visa programs offer more benefits of dual citizenship.
These programs increase your global mobility and opportunities by providing a gateway to European residence and citizenship.
In conclusion, whether you are a foreigner seeking Mexican citizenship or a Mexican exploring options abroad, dual citizenship can enrich your life.
Frequently Asked Questions on Dual Citizenship in Mexico
I’m not married to a Mexican citizen. Can I still become a Mexican citizen?
Absolutely! Non-married individuals can obtain naturalization through residency. You’ll need to hold a permanent residency visa for at least five years and meet other eligibility criteria.
Will I lose my current citizenship if I become a Mexican citizen?
The Mexican government allows many nationalities to have dual citizenship. However, it is crucial to check your home country’s laws on dual citizenship.
Can I get Mexican citizenship through my parents?
Yes, if one or both of your parents are Mexican citizens, you can obtain Mexican citizenship by registering your birth at a Mexican consulate.
Can I keep my Mexican citizenship if I become an American?
Yes, the U.S. and Mexico allow dual citizenship, so you can keep your Mexican citizenship if you become an American.
Do I have to pay taxes to Mexico if I have dual citizenship?
Yes, the government will tax you on the income you earned in Mexico. And after spending 183 days in Mexico, you have to pay all taxes regardless of where you live.
Can I buy a house in Mexico with dual citizenship?
Is it possible to obtain dual citizenship in Mexico without being born there?
Yes, it is possible. Although you are not born there, you can apply for citizenship after living in the country for a few years.
Do I have to speak Spanish to become a Mexican citizen?
You need evidence that you can speak Spanish in order to apply for becoming a Mexican citizen.
Does Spain allow dual citizenship with Mexico?
Yes, Spain allows dual citizenship with Mexico. Individuals can obtain dual citizenship through descent, legal residency, and special requirements.
What are the benefits of having a Mexican passport?
The power of the Mexican passport includes visa free access to 159 countries, which gives the opportunity for global mobility.
