🇲🇽 How to Become a Dual Citizen of Mexico: A Complete Guide

✅ Overview

Dual citizenship with Mexico allows individuals to hold Mexican nationality while retaining their citizenship in another country (such as the United States). Mexico permits dual nationality under Article 32 of the Mexican Constitution, and many individuals become eligible through:

1. Birth in Mexico
2. Parentage (Mexican parent)
3. Naturalization
4. Marriage to a Mexican citizen
5. Residency and cultural integration

🔍 Paths to Mexican Dual Citizenship

1. 

Citizenship by Birth in Mexico

If you were born in Mexico, you are automatically a Mexican citizen. You can claim dual nationality by registering your birth at a Mexican civil registry and applying for your passport.

Required documents:

• Original Mexican birth certificate (Acta de nacimiento)
• Valid photo ID
• Proof of address
• CURP (Clave Única de Registro de Población)

Official source:

Mexican Government – Registro Civil

2. 

Citizenship by Descent (Parentage)

If one or both of your parents are Mexican citizens, you can acquire Mexican nationality by birth—even if you were born abroad.

Steps:

• Register your birth at the Mexican consulate in the country of your birth
• Obtain a Mexican birth certificate (Acta de nacimiento mexicana)
• Apply for CURP and a Mexican passport

Required documents:

• Your foreign birth certificate (apostilled and translated if needed)
• Parent’s Mexican birth certificate and valid ID
• Application for registration of birth abroad

Official source:

Embassy of Mexico in the U.S. – Birth Registration Abroad

3. 

Citizenship by Naturalization

Foreign nationals who meet residency and integration requirements may apply for naturalization through the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE).

General Requirements:

• 5 years legal residency in Mexico (2 years for Latin Americans, Iberians)
• Good conduct and no criminal record
• Demonstrated integration (language, culture, history exam)

Steps:

1. File application with SRE
2. Submit documents and pay fee
3. Pass a Spanish language and Mexican history exam
4. Await resolution

Required documents:

• Valid immigration card (permanent resident status)
• Passport
• Birth certificate (apostilled and translated)
• Proof of residency (utility bills, bank statements)
• 2 letters of recommendation
• No criminal record

Official resource:

Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores – Naturalization

4. 

Citizenship by Marriage

Foreigners married to a Mexican citizen may apply for naturalization after 2 years of legal residency in Mexico.

Requirements:

• Marriage registered in Mexico
• Valid marriage certificate
• Proof of cohabitation
• Permanent residency card
• Good conduct and integration

Case Study:

A U.S. woman married a Mexican national and moved to Mexico. After receiving permanent residency and living for two years in Guadalajara, she applied for naturalization through marriage and passed the required integration exam.

5. 

Citizenship by Residency (No Family Ties)

Those without Mexican heritage or marital ties can still become citizens after 5 years of continuous legal residency.

Exceptions:

• 2 years for cultural contributors, athletes, scientists
• 1 year for children or spouses of Mexican nationals

Official source:

Article 20 of the Nationality Law

📚 Case Studies

Case Study 1: U.S.-Born Son of Mexican Parents

Miguel, born in California to Mexican parents, obtained a copy of his U.S. birth certificate, had it apostilled, and registered his birth at the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles. He was issued a Mexican birth certificate, CURP, and a passport.

Key Tip: Use VitalChek for official U.S. birth certificates.

Case Study 2: Retiree Living in Mexico

Linda, a 68-year-old retiree, lived in San Miguel de Allende for 5 years on a temporary and then permanent resident card. She applied for naturalization, passed the language and history test, and was granted dual citizenship.

Case Study 3: Child of a Naturalized Mexican Citizen

Aaron, born in the U.S., had a father who became a naturalized Mexican citizen. He applied for citizenship by “parental acquisition” (through Article 30 of the Mexican Constitution), submitting his father’s naturalization certificate and other required documents at the consulate.

Case Study 4: Dual Citizenship for Business

Sofia, a Canadian entrepreneur with a Mexican spouse, obtained permanent residency through marriage and used her two-year window to apply for citizenship. Her dual status enabled easier business registration and tax structuring within Mexico.

📌 Key Documents and Where to Get Them

📝 How to Apply at a Mexican Consulate (Abroad)

1. Contact the nearest consulate to schedule an appointment.
2. Complete forms and gather documents.
3. Submit translations and apostilles.
4. Receive registration confirmation and issue of Mexican documents.

U.S.-based Mexican Consulates Directory:

https://directorio.sre.gob.mx/index.php/consulados-de-mexico-en-el-exterior

⚠️ Important Considerations

• Mexico does not require renouncing your original citizenship.
• Children of dual nationals can often inherit citizenship.
• Always ensure documents are apostilled if issued outside Mexico.
• If applying through naturalization, fluency in Spanish is essential.
• Naturalization may affect tax residency status—speak with a cross-border tax advisor.

🔗 Helpful Resources and Backlinks

• Gob.mx – Mexican Government Services Portal
• SRE – Nationality and Naturalization
• INEGI – CURP Registration
• U.S. Embassy in Mexico – Dual Nationality
• Mexican Constitution – Article 30
• INM – Instituto Nacional de Migración
• SRE – Naturalization Exam Study Guide

🧾 Summary Checklist

• Determine your eligibility path (descent, marriage, residency, etc.)
• Gather vital records and apostilles
• Schedule appointment at consulate or SRE
• Submit application with required documents
• Complete any necessary integration exams
• Obtain CURP and Mexican passport