If you’re looking for clear and complete information on obtaining Mexico citizenship, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll explain the different ways to obtain Mexican citizenship, the general requirements, and the specific criteria for each method. We’ll guide you through the application process, how to apply, and the benefits of holding Mexican citizenship and a passport.
Many people choose to become Mexican citizens for various reasons. Mexico is a wonderful country, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, warm and welcoming people, and low taxes. It can easily become a second home for those who want to embrace Mexican citizenship and everything it offers.
How to Get Mexican Citizenship?
Obtaining Mexican citizenship is a significant and formal process. There are two main ways for a foreign national to become a Mexican citizen: by birth or through naturalization. If you or your child is born in Mexico, no further action is required, as your child automatically acquires Mexican nationality.
The second route is naturalization. To become a Mexican citizen through naturalization, you must live in Mexico, learn the Spanish language, understand Mexican laws and traditions, establish ties within the country, and secure a stable job and livelihood in Mexico.
There are certain circumstances that can expedite the naturalization process. For instance, if you marry a Mexican national, your naturalization process will be faster. Additionally, if your child is born in Mexico, you may also become eligible for citizenship more quickly than under usual circumstances.
Mexico Citizenship By Naturalization
If You’re interested in obtaining Mexican citizenship through naturalization, here’s a simple guide to the steps you’ll need to follow:
1. Enter Mexico Legally: First, you’ll need to enter Mexico with a valid visa. Once you’re in the country, you can apply for a temporary residence permit.
2. Temporary to Permanent Residency: After holding temporary residency for a certain period—usually around two years, depending on your situation—you may become eligible for permanent residency.
3. Residency Requirements: You’ll need to live in Mexico for at least five years with a temporary or permanent residence permit. When applying for citizenship, it’s important that your residency visa is still valid.
4. Language Proficiency: You will need to learn Spanish. You should be able to read, write, and speak the language fluently.
5. Clean Criminal Record: It’s essential to have a clean criminal record. You’ll be required to present a police clearance certificate.
6. Proof of Income: When you apply for citizenship, you’ll need to prove that you have a source of income. This can be done through a bank statement, a job contract, or a similar document.
Mexico Citizenship by Marriage
Have you ever dreamed of marrying the love of your life and starting a new chapter in a new country? If you’re in a relationship with a Mexican citizen, that dream might be closer than you think! By marrying a Mexican national, you could become eligible for Mexican citizenship in a shorter time than usual.
If you’re planning to marry a Mexican citizen, here’s some good news: you’ll only need to live in Mexico for two continuous years before you can apply for citizenship. After that, you’re free to live in Mexico, your home country, or wherever you choose.
Read this also: How to Obtain Paraguay Citizenship?
However, it’s important to be aware that Mexico has strict rules for those seeking citizenship. You must not have any criminal record, as this could disqualify you from the process. It’s crucial to stay out of any situations that could jeopardize your journey to becoming a Mexican citizen.
During the two years in Mexico, you’ll not only meet the residency requirement but also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Spanish language and culture, and make new friends—skills that are essential for obtaining Mexican citizenship, as you’ll need to communicate in Spanish.
Additionally, you must demonstrate that you have a stable, livable income when you submit your citizenship application. This can be proven with documents such as bank statements, payslips, or a work contract.
Mexico citizenship by birth
Mexico recognizes birthright citizenship, meaning any person born on Mexican territory automatically becomes a Mexican citizen, regardless of their parents’ nationality. It doesn’t matter if the parents are residents or just tourists in Mexico—the law grants citizenship to any child born on Mexican soil, independent of the parents’ situation.
Not only does a child born in Mexico receive Mexican citizenship, but their parents can also acquire Mexican nationality. The parents must wait for two years, after which they become eligible to apply for Mexican citizenship.
When a baby is born in Mexico, the parents should obtain the birth certificate from the hospital and then register the child with the civil registry. The parents must also provide their legal residence documents in Mexico.
Those who acquire Mexican citizenship by birth will not lose their nationality easily; they are considered 100% Mexican. On the other hand, individuals who obtain Mexican citizenship through naturalization may lose it if they live outside of Mexico for more than five years. However, those born in Mexico will not lose their citizenship, even if they live abroad for an extended period.
Mexico citizenship by investment
Yes, investing in Mexico can be a great option to gain residence, but it’s not possible to obtain citizenship simply by investing. You cannot get a Mexican passport by investment alone. While there is a residence permit program for investors, citizenship is only granted to foreign nationals who meet the naturalization requirements.
Mexico has a strong passport, offering visa-free access to 152 countries, including the Schengen Area and the United Kingdom. Therefore, it’s not possible to acquire it just through investment.
However, there is an option for a residence visa for investors. By investing in Mexican companies or real estate, you can obtain temporary and permanent residence visas, which could eventually lead to citizenship after living in the country for five years.
Investors can start with a minimum investment of $220,000 in real estate to qualify for a temporary residence visa, which can later be converted into a permanent residence visa. There are other options for investment-based residence permits, such as those based on income or savings. You can read more about it here: Residence Visa Mexico.
How to apply for Mexico Citizenship?
Applying for Mexican citizenship through naturalization is a structured process that involves several steps. Here’s a detailed overview of the application process:
1. Gather Required Documents
To apply for Mexican citizenship, you will need to prepare the following documents:
Residency Proof: You must have legally resided in Mexico for at least five years (or two years in specific cases like marriage to a Mexican citizen).
This is proven through your FM2/Temporary Resident Card or FM3/Permanent Resident Card.
Birth Certificate: This must be apostilled and officially translated into Spanish.
Passport and Legal Entry Documents: Your current passport and any documents proving your legal entry into Mexico.
Criminal Record: A certificate showing you have no criminal record in Mexico and in your country of origin.
Photos: Recent passport-sized photos that meet the specifications provided by the SRE.
Payment Receipts: Proof of payment of the naturalization application fee, which is around $7,790 MXN.
2. Submit Your Application
Once your documents are in order:
Submit Application: You need to submit your application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) in Mexico. You must present all the required documents and fill out the naturalization application form (available at the SRE office or online).
Appointment Scheduling: An appointment must be scheduled through the SRE portal to submit your application in person. During this appointment, you will present your documents and might be asked questions about your application.
3. Examination
After your application is reviewed and accepted:
Spanish Language Test: You will need to take a test that assesses your ability to read, write, and understand Spanish.
Cultural Knowledge Test: This test covers Mexican history, culture, and civics. You must pass these tests to proceed. The tests are generally taken in a quiet office, and you have three attempts to pass. If you fail all three attempts, you must wait a year to reapply.
4. Review and Decision
Background Check: During the review process, the SRE will conduct a background check. This may involve verifying your residency and examining your criminal record.
Notification of Decision: If your application is approved, you will be notified by the SRE. This process can take several months to a couple of years.
5. Naturalization Ceremony
Oath of Allegiance: Once approved, you will be invited to a naturalization ceremony where you will swear allegiance to Mexico.
Receive Naturalization Certificate: After the ceremony, you will receive your “Carta de Naturalización” (Naturalization Certificate).
6. Post-Naturalization
Apply for Mexican Passport: With your naturalization certificate, you can apply for a Mexican passport, often on the same day at the SRE.
Obtain INE Card: You should also apply for an INE card (voter’s ID), which serves as the primary identification card in Mexico.
