What are the requirements to become a Mexican citizen?

To apply for citizenship in Mexico, you must already be a permanent resident; or have family ties. Naturalization in Mexico requires a minimum of five consecutive years of residency prior to the application date, which may include temporary or permanent status depending on your situation.


Who qualifies for Mexican citizenship?

Legal and physical residency requirement

Importantly, you must have at least 5 consecutive years of legal residency (temporary and/or permanent) and you must prove that you have been situated physically in Mexico for at least 18 months in the past two years preceding your application date.

What documents do I need to become a Mexican citizen?

How to become a Mexican citizen: Important documents
  1. A completed DNN-3 application form.
  2. Two copies of your Mexican residency card (valid for at least six months from the application date)
  3. A CURP–Clave Única de Registro de Población (Unique Population Registry Code)


How much does it cost to get Mexican citizenship?

Pay a filing fee: of $3,205.00 pesos (approximately $300 US dollars). 9. Evidence that you can speak Spanish, that you know Mexican history and that you are integrated into the national culture.

Is Mexican citizenship easy to get?

Once you have your permanent residency, it is fairly easy to obtain Mexican citizenship. While there are options to become a Mexican citizen through birth abroad to Mexican parents, through marriage, or by having Mexican children, most foreigners will qualify for citizenship through naturalization.


Requirements for Mexican Citizenship (2022)



Can I live in Mexico if Im a U.S. citizen?

Yes, you can go all in and decide to make your move to Mexico permanent but there are also lots of other options. Think about the lifestyle you want and what makes the most sense for you and your family.

Can US citizens have Mexican dual citizenship?

A U.S. citizen may acquire foreign citizenship by marriage, or a person naturalized as a U.S. citizen may not lose the citizenship of the country of birth. U.S. law does not mention dual nationality or require a person to choose one citizenship over another.

How long can US citizens stay in Mexico?

Mexico's visitor visa allows entry into the country for leisure or business visits lasting maximum 180 days. The immigration official at the port of entry will grant a specific number of days (not exceeding 180) when you arrive in Mexico.


What are the benefits of becoming a Mexican citizen?

You can vote in Mexico. You can study in public schools in Mexico. You can enroll in Mexico's health insurance program. You can work in Mexico without a work visa.

Can I become a Mexican citizen if I marry a Mexican?

Marrying a Mexican does not automatically give you Mexican citizenship, but it will allow you to skip a few steps in the immigration process, proving your marriage to a Mexican citizen will grant you a one-year Temporary Residency with the opportunity to renew for a total of two years.

What is required for a U.S. citizen to move to Mexico?

In general, you'll need to provide a form of photo identification (such as your passport), proof of residency (like a recent utility bill), and proof of legal entry into Mexico (such as a residency card or visa).


How can I permanently live in Mexico?

You have to apply for a Mexican Permanent Resident Card at the National Immigration Institute (Instituto Nacional de Migracion (INM)) upon arrival to Mexico. Prior to that, you have to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa at a Mexican embassy in your country, depending on your purpose of travel.

Can I drive in Mexico with a US driver's license?

Valid U.S. Driver's License

If you have a valid driver's license for any U.S. state, you can legally drive across the border to Mexico. Like your passport, your driver's license should be valid for at least another six months, just to be safe so you have no issues crossing the border into Mexico.

What is the safest place in Mexico to live?

Seven of the safest cities in Mexico
  1. Merida. Widely acknowledged as the safest city in Mexico (and even Latin America), your biggest safety concern in Mérida will probably be the busy traffic. ...
  2. Playa del Carmen. ...
  3. Mexico City. ...
  4. Puerto Vallarta. ...
  5. San Miguel de Allende. ...
  6. Sayulita. ...
  7. Huatulco.


How long does it take a US citizen to become a Mexican citizen?

Naturalization in Mexico requires a minimum of five consecutive years of residency prior to the application date, which may include temporary or permanent status depending on your situation. Two years legal residency if you are married to a Mexican or you have a child born in Mexico.

Do you have to speak Spanish to become a Mexican citizen?

Obtaining citizenship in Mexico usually requires you to be resident for 2 to 5 years depending on your situation. You'll also need to prove you can speak Spanish and have a reasonable understanding of the history and culture of Mexico.

What is the downside of dual citizenship?

Drawbacks of being a dual citizen include the potential for double taxation, the long and expensive process for obtaining dual citizenship, and the fact that you become bound by the laws of two nations.


How long can a U.S. citizen stay out of the country?

Absences of more than 365 consecutive days

You must apply for a re-entry permit (Form I-131) before you leave the United States, or your permanent residence status will be considered abandoned.

Can I collect Social Security and live in Mexico?

If you are a U.S. citizen, you may receive your Social Security payments outside the U.S. as long as you are eligible for them.

Can a U.S. citizen move to Mexico and still collect Social Security?

Can I Collect Social Security if I Live Outside the U.S.? If you are a U.S. citizen and qualify for Social Security retirement, family, survivor or disability benefits, you can receive your payments while living in most other countries.


Do I have to pay US taxes if I live in Mexico?

How U.S. taxes work for Americans living in Mexico. Expat tax rules state that if you're a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder, you have to file a U.S. tax return each year, even if you live and work in Mexico. The United States tax system is based on citizenship, not place of residency.

Can I take my car to Mexico permanently?

Import A Car to Mexico

Mexican law states that you have to hire a customs agent (agente aduanal) to facilitate importing a car to Mexico permanently. You must go to a customs agent when crossing the border, to get the import request and pay all fees and taxes.

Can you turn right on red in Mexico?

No Right Turn on Red

It is illegal to turn right on a red light in Mexico unless there is a sign that says you may proceed with caution after stopping. But this does not stop the taxis from doing it all the time.


How far can you drive into Mexico without a permit?

Driving to Mexico

Permits are enforced when driving approximately 20 kilometers into Mexico. Permits are NOT needed in the Baja Peninsula. Banjercito is the government authority that issues vehicle permits. The process can be done online, at the Mexican border, or at certain Mexican consulates in the United States.

Can an American live in Mexico full time?

According to the Mexican Government's last estimate, there are roughly 127.5 million people living in Mexico. And some sources state there are more than 1.5 million U.S. citizens living in Mexico full-time.