How a Californian Can Become a Dual Citizen of Mexico (Step-by-Step Guide)

🇲🇽 How a Californian Can Become a Dual Citizen of Mexico (Step-by-Step Guide)

Dual citizenship between the United States and Mexico is legal—you can hold both nationalities at the same time. Many Californians pursue Mexican citizenship for family, cultural, business, or retirement reasons.

✅ What Is Dual Citizenship?

Dual citizenship allows a person to be a legal citizen of two countries at the same time. As a dual citizen of Mexico and the United States, you can:

• Live and work in both countries without a visa

• Own property in restricted zones in Mexico

• Vote in Mexican elections

• Access healthcare and social services in both countries

• Travel freely with either passport

📌 Who Is Eligible for Mexican Citizenship?

There are five main pathways for a U.S. citizen (including Californians) to obtain Mexican citizenship:

1. By Birth to Mexican Parent(s)

If you were born in the U.S. but have at least one Mexican parent, you can apply for citizenship by descent.

2. By Marriage to a Mexican Citizen

If you’re married to a Mexican citizen, you can apply for naturalization after 2 years of legal residency in Mexico.

3. By Residency (Naturalization)

If you’ve lived legally in Mexico for at least 5 years (or 2 years for Latin American or Iberian citizens), you can apply.

4. By Having Mexican Children

If you are the parent of a Mexican-born child, you may be eligible for expedited residency and naturalization.

5. Through Investment or Business

Establishing a business or making significant investments in Mexico may accelerate the residency process.

🪪 Step-by-Step: How to Become a Dual Citizen of Mexico

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

The first step is to assess which pathway applies to you: ancestry, marriage, long-term residency, or parenthood.

If you’re unsure, consult the official Mexican Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE):

🔗 https://www.gob.mx/sre

Step 2: Obtain Legal Residency in Mexico (if applicable)

If you’re not applying based on ancestry, you’ll need to become a permanent resident of Mexico first.

• Apply through a Mexican consulate in California, such as:

• 📍 Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles

• 📍 Mexican Consulate in San Diego

• Provide documents such as:

• Valid U.S. passport

• Proof of income, marriage, or family ties

• Background check

More info on visa types:

🔗 Mexican Visa Information – SRE

Step 3: Gather Required Documentation

Commonly required documents include:

• U.S. passport

• Birth certificate (apostilled + translated)

• Proof of Mexican parentage (for descent cases)

• Marriage certificate (for spousal route)

• Permanent resident card (if applying through naturalization)

• 2 recent passport photos

• Proof of legal entry and residence in Mexico

Step 4: Apply for Naturalization (Carta de Naturalización)

If you’re applying through residency, marriage, or parenthood, you’ll need to apply for naturalization.

Submit your application to:

• Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE)

• Dirección General de Asuntos Jurídicos

Download the application form here:

🔗 https://www.gob.mx/tramites/ficha/nacionalidad-por-naturalizacion/SRE277

Fee: MXN $5,600 – $9,000 depending on your application type (check latest rates)

Step 5: Take the Mexican History & Culture Exam

If applying for citizenship through naturalization, you must pass a basic test on Mexican history, culture, and Spanish language.

Study guide provided here:

🔗 Mexican Naturalization Exam Guide (PDF)

Exceptions: If you are over 60 or have a disability, you may be exempt.

Step 6: Receive Your Mexican Citizenship Certificate

Once approved, you will receive your Carta de Naturalización, which proves your Mexican citizenship.

You can now apply for:

• A Mexican passport

• A CURP (Mexican tax ID number)

• Voter registration (INE)

Apply for a Mexican passport at your nearest SRE office:

🔗 https://citas.sre.gob.mx

Step 7: Keep Both Citizenship Documents Updated

Now that you’re a dual citizen, maintain the following:

• Renew both U.S. and Mexican passports on time

• Notify both governments of address changes

• Ensure compliance with taxation and legal obligations in both countries

🧾 Does the U.S. Allow Dual Citizenship with Mexico?

Yes. The United States does not require you to renounce your U.S. citizenship when you acquire Mexican citizenship. However, always use your U.S. passport to enter and exit the U.S., and your Mexican passport when entering and exiting Mexico.

More info from the U.S. Department of State:

🔗 https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/travel-legal-considerations/us-citizenship/Dual-Nationality.html

⚠️ Tips & Common Pitfalls

• Don’t skip the apostille: U.S. documents used in Mexico must be apostilled and officially translated. Learn more about apostilles here:

🔗 https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/records-and-authentications/authenticate-your-document/apostille-requirements.html

• Use legal experts: Consider hiring a Mexican immigration lawyer or service to ensure paperwork is correct.

• Be patient: Naturalization can take 6–12 months depending on your route.

📚 Helpful Resources & Backlinks

🇲🇽 Final Thoughts

Becoming a dual citizen of Mexico as a Californian is absolutely possible—and incredibly rewarding for those with family ties, cultural interests, or plans to live, retire, or do business in Mexico.

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