Dual citizenship means being a legal citizen of two countries, with all the rights and responsibilities of both. If you’re considering dual citizenship, Mexico offers you the chance to reconnect with your heritage, enhance your freedom while traveling, or live and work there long-term.
However, many applicants raise questions about eligibility and legal implications. That’s why we’ve created this Remitly guide to help you navigate the application process. We’ll cover eligibility, benefits, and legal considerations for obtaining dual citizenship in Mexico.
Whether you’re applying through family ties, residency, or marriage, our in-depth guide will help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Eligibility criteria for dual citizenship in Mexico
Mexico allows dual citizenship, creating opportunities for individuals with ties to the country.
Who can apply for dual citizenship?
Mexico is a multicultural hub that appeals to many expats. You can apply for dual citizenship here under one of several eligibility criteria:
- By birthright: If you’re born in Mexico, you automatically qualify for Mexican citizenship, regardless of your parents’ nationality. This also applies to those born in Mexican embassies or consulates abroad.
- By descent: If you were born outside of Mexico to at least one Mexican parent, you’re eligible for Mexican citizenship. To claim it, you may need to register your birth with Mexican authorities. This applies whether you have US citizenship or are a national from another foreign country.
- By naturalization: Foreign nationals can apply for Mexican citizenship after meeting residency requirements. You must also show language proficiency, knowledge of Mexican culture, and a clean legal record.
Understanding the requirements for naturalization
If you’re a foreign national applying for Mexican citizenship through naturalization, here are the requirements:
- Age: This path is only open to those who are 18 or older.
- Residency: You have to live in Mexico for at least five years. However, two years may be enough if you’re married to a Mexican citizen or have Latin American ancestry.
- Language proficiency: A basic understanding of the Spanish language is helpful. You can demonstrate this knowledge using a language test or show proof of past education in Spanish.
- Cultural knowledge: Knowing a bit about Mexican history, culture, and geography is essential. A short test may also be required.
- Legal requirements: You might have to show proof that you’ve been living legally in Mexico.
Now that you understand the eligibility criteria and naturalization requirements, let’s discuss the application process for obtaining dual citizenship in Mexico.
Application process for Mexican dual citizenship
Dual citizenship applications in Mexico involve a structured process that varies depending on your eligibility pathway.
Required documentation and legal procedures
Planning to pursue dual nationality in Mexico? Here are the required documents you’ll need to provide for each pathway:
Citizenship by birthright
- Dully filled birth registration form. Download the form here.
- Mexican birth certificate.
- Parents’ government-issued ID, such as a Voter ID, passport, or Consular ID.
- Death certificate, if parents are deceased.
- Valid photo ID.
- Two passport photos.
Citizenship by descent:
- Completed Civil Registry application, required to register your citizenship by descent.
- Your Mexican parent’s birth certificate.
- Parent’s official Mexican ID; provide the original and two copies.
- Original birth certificate showing parental relationship, plus two copies.
- Parents’ marriage certificate.
- Parent’s death certificate, if applicable.
- Valid photo IDs for you and both parents.
- Filing fee payment receipt.
Citizenship by naturalization:
- Completed application form, which you can download here.
- Mexican residency card valid for at least six months beyond the application date.
- Proof of legal residency showing you haven’t spent more than six months outside Mexico in the last two years.
- Valid passport.
- Birth certificate.
- Spanish language certificate as proof of proficiency.
- Documentation or test results proving knowledge of Mexican culture.
- Criminal record certificates from Mexican federal and local authorities, as well as from your country of origin.
- Marriage certificate, if applicable.
- Unique national ID number, locally known as CURP (Clave Única de Registro de Población).
- Payment receipt for 8,755 MXN, approximately 450 USD, as of January 2025.
- Passport-size photos.
You might also need to have any foreign documents translated into Spanish by a certified translator, and depending on your country of origin, they may need to be apostilled or legalized. Always confirm document requirements with the Mexican consulate.
Steps to follow for application
If you’re eligible by birthright:
- Step 1: Book an appointment through the MiConsulado online system to register your birth in Mexico.
- Step 2: Upload digital copies of all required documents.
The process can take up to three hours. The first birth certificate is free if approved, but extra copies cost 374 MXN—around 19 USD, depending on the exchange rate between currencies.
- Step 3: Request a certified copy of your Mexican birth certificate from the local civil registry in the municipality where you were born or through the Mexican government portal.
- Step 3: Apply for your Mexican passport. Book an appointment with the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE), or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and bring all necessary documents. After submitting your application, your passport will be processed and issued.
If you’re eligible by descent:
- Step 1: Create an account on the official Mexican government website and book your Registro Civil appointment to register as a Mexican citizen.
- Step 2: Attend your appointment with all the required documents. Be ready to answer follow-up questions or provide additional clarification if needed. If your parents weren’t married when you were born or got married afterwards, they must appear in person or through a power of attorney.
- Step 3: After your application is processed and approved, you’ll receive your Mexican birth certificate, which serves as proof of your Mexican nationality. The certificate costs 256 MXN, 13 USD, while the registration fee is 532 MXN, or 27 USD. Fees are subject to change.
- Step 4: With your Mexican birth certificate in hand, schedule an appointment with the SRE to apply for a passport. Gather all required documents, including two witnesses aged 18 or older. After completing these steps, the consulate will process and issue your passport.
Citizenship by descent in Mexico has no age requirements, but children require legal guidance during the application process.
If you’re eligible by naturalization:
- Step 1: With all your documents ready, schedule an appointment via the SRE website.
- Step 2: At your appointment, you might be required to take a history test; out of ten questions, you only need eight correct answers to pass. You could also take a language test, which includes reading, writing, and a brief interview.
- Step 3: The final step in the naturalization process is an interview with immigration officials. If approved, you’ll take an oath to the Mexican constitution during a ceremony.
You have two chances to pass the tests. If you fail both attempts, you must wait a year to retake them.
But if your documentation is in order and you pass the tests, you could receive approval within five months. Afterward, you can apply for your Mexican passport.
Navigating the Mexican consulate
First, schedule an appointment by contacting the consulate via phone or email. Consulate officials might ask you to send scanned copies of your documents ahead of time to avoid delays.
Next, prepare for your visit by organizing all your original documents and bringing the required number of copies.
Submit your application and documents during the appointment. Afterward, watch out for follow-up emails or calls from the consulate. Processing times can vary, so be patient.
Once approved, you’ll receive proof of Mexican nationality along with your passport. At this point, you’ll enjoy the full rights and privileges of Mexican citizenship.
Benefits of having dual citizenship in Mexico
Whether you’re a US citizen looking to strengthen your connection to Mexico or you’re aiming to expand your global opportunities, dual citizenship has many benefits:
Legal and mobility advantages
As a Mexican citizen, you have the right to live, work, and study in Mexico without a visa or permits. You can also make property acquisitions, even in restricted zones like coastal areas, where foreign ownership is often limited.
Citizenship also gives you access to Mexico’s healthcare system and social benefits, which are helpful if you’re thinking about retiring there.
Additionally, your Mexican passport boosts your global mobility. It gives you visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 158 countries, including the European Union and much of Latin America.
Having dual citizenship also makes travelling between the US and Mexico easier, as you can choose which passport to use based on each country’s entry rules.
Economic and tax considerations
Dual citizenship can open up economic opportunities in Mexico and your home country. You can invest and start businesses in Mexico without restrictions and be eligible for local jobs.
However, you should be aware of tax implications. Mexico taxes residents on their worldwide income, but countries like the the US have tax treaties with Mexico to prevent double taxation. Consulting a tax professional familiar with both Mexico and US taxes can help you navigate these complexities.
Cultural and social opportunities
Dual citizenship lets you fully experience Mexican culture, partake in local traditions, and strengthen family ties. It also gives you access to social services and education in Mexico, which can improve your personal and professional life.
Long-term implications of dual citizenship in Mexico
Holding dual citizenship comes with responsibilities you should think about carefully.
Legal obligations and responsibilities
Dual citizens follow the laws of both Mexico and their other country. This includes paying taxes, following rules, and understanding the law in both countries.
Failing to meet your legal obligations can lead to serious consequences, including fines, loss of rights, and even deportation. Stay informed about any changes in applicable laws, as they can impact your rights and duties in both countries.
Civic duties and limitations
Mexico requires male citizens to serve in the military. Although enforcement can vary, dual nationals must be aware of this requirement. It’s a good idea to check with Mexican authorities for any responsibilities or exemptions that may apply.
Dual citizens also have the right to vote, but some public offices are reserved for Mexican citizens by birth. As a result, naturalized citizens may be limited in holding certain government positions.
Use of passports and international travel
Mexican laws require citizens to enter and exit the country using a Mexican passport. Dual nationals may need to maintain valid passports from both countries and be aware of travel requirements and restrictions for each.
Double the opportunities
Obtaining dual citizenship in Mexico offers many exciting opportunities, from personal to cultural and even professional. However, you should fully understand the process before making an application. Using these tips will help you get started and make the most of your connection to Mexico.
FAQs
What do I need to get my Mexican dual citizenship?
To get Mexican dual citizenship, you must be eligible by birthright, descent, or naturalization. Depending on your situation, documents like your birth certificate, proof of Mexican descent, Spanish language skills, and a clean criminal record are required. You may also have to take tests to demonstrate your knowledge of Mexican culture.
What is the new law in Mexico for dual citizenship?
The latest change to Mexico’s citizenship laws allows you to hold dual nationalities without giving up your original citizenship. It clarifies that by becoming a Mexican citizen through naturalization, you can hold valid citizenship in more than one country. The new law also updates residency requirements and the application steps for those applying for Mexican citizenship through naturalization.
How much does it cost to get Mexican dual citizenship?
The cost of Mexican dual citizenship depends on how you acquire it. There are no application fees for those eligible by birthright. However, the filing fee costs 3,842 MXN—188 USD—for those eligible by descent, and 8,755 MXN—around 450 USD—for naturalization. Additional costs may include translation, apostille, and legal fees, plus appointment or processing fees at the consulate or immigration offices.
Do I have to pay taxes in Mexico as a dual citizen?
Yes. As a dual citizen living in Mexico, it’s advisable to follow Mexican tax laws. Mexico taxes its citizens, so you might need to file taxes for income earned both inside and outside the country.
How do I get a third citizenship?
Getting a third citizenship usually means meeting the legal requirements for nationality in a specific country. You can get a third citizenship via different routes, like ancestry if you have family ties to that country, marriage, investment, or naturalization. Check the laws of the country you want citizenship from, as requirements can vary widely.
How do I get permanent residency in Mexico?
To get permanent residency in Mexico, you usually need to live in the country for at least four years on a temporary residency visa. Two years might be enough if you’re married to a Mexican citizen or have Mexican children. Applicants also must provide proof of legal income, health insurance, or financial stability. Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for permanent residency through the National Institute of Migration (INM) or your Mexican consulate.
Which Latin American countries allow dual citizenship?
Many Latin American countries allow dual citizenship through birthright, descent, or naturalization. US citizens or nationals of other countries can apply for dual citizenship in states like Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Uruguay.