Have you considered expanding your global reach by obtaining dual citizenship in Mexico? The Mexican government 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,聽
- demonstrate ties to the community,聽
- pass exams on Mexican history and culture, and聽
- 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.
Steps to Become a Naturalized Citizen of Mexico
Let鈥檚 examine the process to naturalization by residency and registration of birth for Mexicans born abroad.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
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) and have a clean criminal record.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
When you make sure your conditions cover the basic requirements, you can start collecting documents like
- Valid passport,聽
- Residency card,聽
- Proof of address,聽
- Proof of your Mexican parent’s citizenship (for Mexicans born abroad) and聽
- Evidence of financial solvency.
Step 3: Visit the SRE (Secretar铆a 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.
Step 4: 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.
Step 5: 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.
Mexican Citizenship: Dual Nationality for Americans
Do you wonder “how to get 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.).
Naturalization through Residency
If you are asking, 鈥淗ow can I get dual citizenship in Mexico?鈥� This is the most common option for dual citizenship for U.S. citizens. The basic requirements include:
- Reside in Mexico for at least five years (permanent or temporary).聽
- 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 parent is Mexican, you can register your birth at a Mexican consulate and acquire Mexican nationality.聽
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)
Eligibility for Dual Citizenship
Dual citizenship allows you to hold citizenship in two countries simultaneously. Here are some details for Mexicans and U.S. citizens:
Eligibility for Dual Citizenship for Mexicans
Mexico allows its citizens to hold dual citizenship. However, Some countries may not recognize dual citizenship and require you to choose only one citizenship.
Some countries, such as Austria, China, India, and Japan, generally do not allow dual nationality.
Eligibility Criteria
- If one of your parents or grandparents was a citizen of a country, you could acquire Mexican nationality, too, even if you weren’t born there.
- If you’ve lived in a country for a few years, you could become a citizen.
- Some countries offer citizenship programs where you can become a citizen by investing.
- Some countries grant citizenship if you’re married to a citizen, but you may need to live there for a while.
- Some countries give you citizenship if you serve in that country鈥檚 army, etc.
Eligibility for Dual Citizenship for Americans
U.S. citizens may obtain foreign citizenship by birth, ancestry, naturalization, or any other means of their citizenship, with permission from U.S. agencies.
You don’t have to choose between citizenship in the U.S. 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.聽
- 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.
The Pros and Cons of Becoming a Mexican Citizen
While the application process can involve some steps, the benefits can be significant.
The Pros 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.
Can Mexicans Get a Second Citizenship?
The excellent news for Mexicans is that their home country generally allows dual citizenship. This means you can become a citizen of another nation without losing your Mexican citizenship.
This opens doors to new opportunities and experiences abroad while retaining your connection to Mexico.
How to Get Second Citizenship
Yes, there are options for parents that would make you a dual citizen, such as marriage or having Mexican children. However, if neither applies in your case, don’t worry. You can also obtain citizenship through admission.
Of course, for this to happen, the country you are a citizen of must also accept dual citizenship.
This usually requires a five-year period of residence. You can get a residence permit through investment, visa types such as digital nomad visas, etc.
Residency by Investment Programs for Mexicans
Some Mexicans might also be interested in exploring residency options in other countries. Residency by Investment programs allows individuals to obtain residency status in a country through investment.
Spain Golden Visa – Residency by Investment
The Spain Golden Visa program is a well-established option for international investors seeking residency in Spain.
Investment Options
- Real Estate: The most common option is to invest a minimum of 鈧�500,000 in Spanish residential or commercial property.
- Spanish Government Bonds: Another qualifying option is to invest at least 鈧�2,000,000 in Spanish government bonds.
- Spanish Companies: You can also qualify for the program by investing a minimum of 鈧�1,000,000 in shares of Spanish companies or investment funds.
Benefits
- You’ll receive a residency permit in Spain upon successful investment and application.
- The residency permit allows visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
- Residency via the Golden Visa program may lead to Spanish citizenship after a typical 10-year period, though not guaranteed.
- You do not need to spend a minimum amount of time in Spain each year to maintain residency.
Greece Golden Visa – Residency by Investment
Greece also offers a Residency by Investment program, attracting international investors with its beautiful coastline and rich history.
Investment Option
The minimum investment required is 鈧�250,000 in Greek real estate until 31st August 2024. This investment can be in a single property or spread across multiple properties.
Benefits
- A successful investment and application will grant you a Greek residency permit.
- You can extend your residency permit to include your spouse and dependent children.
- The residency permit allows visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
- Investment-based residency in Greece can lead to citizenship after a typical seven-year period.
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 鈧�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 鈧�500,000 in an existing Portuguese company that creates at least five new full-time jobs for three years.
- Donation: You can donate 鈧�250,000 to the conservation of national heritage in Portugal or at least 鈧�500,000 to a research and development activity in Portugal.
Benefits
- 鈧�250,000 is one of the lowest investment thresholds in Europe.聽
- You do not need to move to Portugal to maintain your residence permit.聽
- 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 鈧�600,000, or after 12 months of residence, invest 鈧�750,000.
- Real Estate Investment: Buy a residential property in Malta worth at least 鈧�700,000. Hold it for at least five years. Instead, you can rent a house with an annual rental value of 鈧�16,000.
You must donate 鈧�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.聽
- Your children have access to Maltese schools and universities.聽
- The University of Malta is publicly funded and free for Maltese citizens.聽
- 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 by investment programs in countries such as Spain, Greece, and Portugal 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
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.
What are the benefits of becoming a Mexican citizen?
Beyond residing and working freely in Mexico, Mexican citizenship grants you the right to vote in Mexican elections, own property, and enjoy free healthcare benefits.
You’ll also benefit from visa-free travel to many countries thanks to a Mexican passport.
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.
