How To Get Mexican Citizenship

Mexico holds the top spot as the number one expat destination in the world, beckoning with its irresistible, unique charm. An impressive of 91% of expats living in Mexico attest their love for the country, and it’s not difficult to see why.

With its pristine beaches, hospitable people and vibrant festivities, Mexico stands tall as a destination for those seeking an escape. This might sound like a fantastic vacation spot, but it’s more than that – it’s a country that caters to all kinds of expats. Whether you want to retire, work as a digital nomad or even invest in real estate, Mexico has something for everyone. Perhaps you’ve already visited the country or lived there for a while, so it’s time to get a Mexican passport to fully immerse yourself in the culture and lifestyle. 

That’s why, if you want to further enjoy the wonders of this country, in this article, we’re delving into the various ways you can get Mexican citizenship. Regardless of your situation, you’ll find the path of least resistance, demystifying the process and helping you get your Mexican passport the fastest way possible. 

According to the Political Constitution of Mexico in article 30, there are two ways to obtain citizenship, either by birth or naturalization

WHAT’S A MEXICAN CITIZEN? TWO MAIN ANSWERS

Before we jump into how you can become a Mexican citizen, it’s important to understand what a Mexican citizen is according to the Political Constitution of Mexico. According to Article 30, Mexican citizenship can be obtained by birth or naturalization.

On the one hand, Mexicans by birth are:

• Those born within the territory of the Republic, regardless of their parents' nationality (jus soli);

• Those born abroad, children of Mexican parents, a Mexican mother, or a Mexican father (jus sanguinis). More on the next section;

• Those born abroad; children of Mexican parents by naturalization, a Mexican father by naturalization, or a Mexican mother by naturalization;

• Those born on board Mexican vessels or aircraft, whether they are war or merchant vessels.

On the other hand, Mexican citizens by naturalization are: 

• Foreigners who get a naturalization letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – which we’ll break down;

• The foreign woman or man who marries a Mexican man or woman who establishes their domicile without the national territory and fulfills the other requirements established by law for this purpose. 

In the following sections, you’ll better understand how to get your Mexican passport. Also, we’ll approach this topic by following these two main routes: birth and naturalization. 

Related content: The Beauty Of Living In Mexico

By demonstrating permanent or temporary legal residence for a specified period of time, you can obtain Citizenship by Naturalization by Residence

CITIZENSHIP BY BIRTH

As long as you’re born in Mexico, you’re Mexican, even if your two parents are foreigners. Note that Mexico is an excellent Birth Tourism destination; therefore, as a parent yourself, you can leverage the jus soli principle to make your kid automatically a Mexican citizen while you get permanent residency and, potentially, citizenship, too.

CITIZENSHIP BY NATURALIZATION 

Naturalization is a pathway for foreigners wishing to reside in Mexico without residency in their home country. This might be the route with the most cases to consider. Becoming a citizen by naturalization can be done in the following ways:

NATURALIZATION BY RESIDENCY

If you demonstrate legal permanent or temporary residency in Mexico for at least five consecutive years, and in the last two years, you have not been out of the country for more than 180 days, you can obtain Citizenship by Naturalization through Residency.

This process, managed by the Secretary of Foreign Relations – Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE) – may also consider cultural integration, family ties or marriage. 

Related content: Mexico Permanent Residency Made Easy

Mexico is a very popular Birth Tourism destination, there you can have children granting them citizenship automatically and putting you on the path to Mexican citizenship

NATURALIZATION FOR BEING ORIGINALLY FROM A LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRY OR THE IBERIAN PENINSULA

If you are originally from a Latin American country or the Iberian Peninsula and can demonstrate that you have been a resident in the national territory with a card issued by the Ministry of the Interior confirming your status as a temporary or permanent resident for at least the last two years before the date of application, you’ll get a letter of naturalization.

Note: when referring to residency, the following cases also require a card issued by the Ministry of the Interior confirming one’s status as a temporary or permanent resident.

NATURALIZATION FOR HAVING MEXICAN CHILDREN 

As mentioned above, Mexico is an excellent Birth Tourism destination where you can have kids, granting them citizenship automatically and getting you on the fast track to Mexican citizenship. Before applying, you just need to be a temporary or permanent resident in the country for at least the last two years. 

If you are married to a Mexican citizen and can prove residency for two years immediately prior to the application date, you may apply for citizenship-by-marriage

NATURALIZATION BY ADOPTION

This is the perfect pathway to citizenship for foreign minors who are adopted children or descendants up to the second degree of Mexican citizenship. To qualify, the minor must be under parental authority and prove their continual residence in the country for one year immediately before applying. 

NATURALIZATION BY RENDERING DISTINGUISHED SERVICES OR ACHIEVING REMARKABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN VARIOUS FIELDS

This is the perfect pathway for foreigners who have rendered distinguished, beneficial service in culture, society, science, technology, arts, sports, or business and who prove they’ve been residents in Mexico for the last two years.

NATURALIZATION BY MARRIAGE

If you’re married to a Mexican national and can demonstrate residency for at least two immediate years before the date of application, you can opt for the citizenship-by-marriage route. 

Mexico is part of the group of countries that allow dual citizenship under the Mexican Nationality Law

DUAL CITIZENSHIP AND MEXICAN NATIONALITY LAW

Since 1998, Mexico has allowed dual citizenship under the Mexican Nationality Law, expanding employment opportunities and granting access to social benefits, property rights and unrestricted residency in both countries. 

However, you must face certain responsibilities, too. When travelling abroad with dual nationality, you must leave and re-enter Mexico using your Mexican passport if you hold Mexican nationality alongside other nationalities. Other obligations include taxes or military service. 

Related content: The Basics Of How To Get A Second Passport Or A Second Residency

Although it may take a few years to obtain your Mexican passport, it may be worth it with these benefits:

BENEFITS OF MEXICAN CITIZENSHIP

Going through all the paperwork and waiting for years until you get your Mexican passport will pay off. Some of the benefits of being a citizen of Mexico are: 

• Obtain Mexican dual citizenship, allowing eligibility for a Mexican passport (Note: Some countries may prohibit dual citizenship, but the U.S., Canada, and most European and Latin American countries don’t);

• Acquire direct property ownership in restricted areas without the need for a Mexican Bank Trust (fideicomiso);

• Have the option to dissolve a trust and receive a rewritten title deed in your name;

• Gain the right to participate in Mexican elections and vote;

• No longer required to report every change of address or job to the National Institute of Immigration (INM);

• Eliminate the need to pay for changes in immigration status or annual visa renewals;

• Enjoy shorter wait times in immigration lines at Mexican airports.

You will enjoy the rich culture, vibrant lifestyle and diverse opportunities when you acquire your Mexican citizenship

CONCLUSION

Obtaining Mexican citizenship opens up the door to a world of opportunities and benefits. Whether through birth or naturalization, the path to citizenship is well-defined and accessible. Dual citizenship, permitted by the Mexican Nationality Law, adds to the allure of the Mexican passport. Also, be mindful of the responsibilities that come with citizenship, such as tax obligations and military conscription. By embracing Mexican citizenship, you can immerse yourself fully in the country's rich culture, vibrant lifestyle and diverse opportunities, making it a rewarding experience.