How to Get Mexican Citizenship [Full Guide 2025]

Considering becoming a Mexican citizen? 

Whether you want to reconnect with your roots, relocate for a better lifestyle, or plan a new future abroad, obtaining Mexican citizenship can open doors to a rich culture, warm communities, and financial benefits, such as lower taxes.

Mexico allows dual citizenship, which means you don't have to give up your original nationality. This makes the process particularly appealing for Mexican-Americans, foreign spouses of Mexican citizens, and expats who've lived in Mexico for years and want to officially become citizens.

So, how to get a Mexican citizenship? This article will walk you through who may qualify, how to apply, where to go, and more. 

Who qualifies for Mexican citizenship? 

Mexico offers several paths to citizenship, depending on your personal background or life situation. Listed below is a quick breakdown of who may qualify: 

• By birth: You're automatically a Mexican citizen if you were born in Mexico, regardless of your parents' nationality. Moreover, you may also qualify if you were born outside of Mexico but have at least one parent or grandparent who is a Mexican citizen by birth. 

• By marriage: If you're married to a Mexican citizen, you may apply for citizenship after residing in Mexico as a legal resident for at least two years (this will be discussed further in the next section). Remember, you need to show proof of the marriage and legal residence.

• By residency or naturalization: Foreigners who have lived in Mexico as permanent residents can apply for citizenship after five years of continuous residence. In some cases, such as for refugees or people with Mexican children, the wait time may be shorter.

• By investment: This is a less common path, but those who make substantial economic contributions (such as large-scale business investments) may be considered for faster naturalization. However, this option requires legal residency first.

No matter which approach applies to you, Mexican citizenship brings lasting benefits, including the right to vote, live, and work freely in the country.

Mexican citizenship through parents or grandparents

For people born abroad to Mexican parents or grandparents, it is easy to get Mexican citizenship. 

Jus Sanguinis: What it means

Mexico grants citizenship based on ancestry. If either parent is Mexican by birth¹, you are entitled to citizenship, even if you were born outside Mexico. 

The law may also apply in some cases to individuals with Mexican grandparents, although this is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

How to prove descent

To confirm your eligibility, you'll need:

• Your parents or grandparents' Mexican birth certificate
• Your birth certificate (which shows the connection)
• IDs and passports
• In specific cases, marriage certificates to establish lineage
• Translations (if any of the documents are in English)

Where to apply

If you're living abroad, you can apply through a Mexican consulate in the United States (such as those in Los Angeles, Houston, or Chicago). 

However, if you're already in Mexico, you can apply through the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM)² or SRE (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores)³ office.

Citizenship by marriage or naturalization

Looking to become a Mexican citizen but don't qualify by descent? Fret not. You can still apply for citizenship through marriage to a Mexican citizen or by naturalization after residing in Mexico for a specified period.
Let's explore each option in detail.

Mexican citizenship by marriage

If you're married to a Mexican citizen, you may apply for citizenship after living in the United Mexican States (Mexico) for at least 2 years⁴ continuously from the date of your marriage. 

The marriage must be legally recognized in Mexico, and you'll need to show that it's still valid and ongoing at the time of your application.

Here's what you'll typically need:

• Marriage certificate⁵ (official Mexican document)
• Proof of continuous residence in Mexico for at least two years
• Valid passport and photo ID
• Passport-sized photos
• Application form from the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE)

Citizenship by residency (Naturalization)

If you're not married to a Mexican citizen but have legally resided in Mexico, you can apply for naturalization after:

• 5 years⁶ of continuous legal residency
• 2 years if you're from a Latin American country, Spain, or if you have Mexican children
• In addition to the residency requirement, you must:
• Show basic knowledge of Mexican history and culture
• Speak and understand Spanish
• Provide a clean criminal record

This process also involves submitting your legal residency documents, proof of address, and identification, as well as undergoing an interview and exam with Mexican authorities.

Whether through love or long-term residence, both of these tracks provide a legal and respected route to becoming a Mexican citizen.

How to apply for dual citizenship in Mexico

If you're eligible for Mexican citizenship and want to keep your original nationality, too, here's the good news.

Mexico allows dual citizenship. That means you don't have to give up your U.S., Canadian, or any other citizenship. You can legally hold two passports and enjoy the benefits of both countries.

What dual citizenship means

Being a dual citizen of Mexico means you're officially a citizen of two countries at once. In Mexico, this gives you:

• The right to vote, own property, and work without a permit
• The ability to enter and exit Mexico freely, with no visa or permit required
• Protection from both countries, depending on where you are

Your original country may also allow you to retain your rights, such as using your other passport, voting abroad, or accessing government services. For example, the U.S. allows dual citizenship, so you won't lose your American rights.

That said, let's jump to learning how to apply for it.

Step-by-step guide: How the process works

Applying for dual citizenship in Mexico often depends on how you qualify – most commonly, through a Mexican parent or grandparent (called citizenship by descent). 

Here's a simple step-by-step breakdown of how to apply:

Prepare the right documents

Gather the necessary paperwork before scheduling any appointments. You'll likely need:
Your birth certificate (if you were born outside Mexico), parents' or grandparents' Mexican birth certificates

• Valid photo ID (such as a passport or driver's license)
• Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement)
• Two to four passport-sized photos (check local consulate rules)

If your documents were issued outside Mexico (such as a U.S. birth certificate), you'll need to legalize and translate them. More on that in the next section.

Legalize foreign documents

Mexico won't accept foreign documents unless they've been properly authenticated and translated. Here's what you need to do:

• Apostille your U.S. documents: An apostille⁷ is a special stamp that verifies the authenticity and validity of your documents. In the U.S., you can get this from your state's Secretary of State Office.
• Translate documents into Spanish: Any documents in English must be translated into Spanish⁸ by a certified translator.
• Notarize the translations: Once translated, the documents may need to be notarized in Mexico or by a Mexican consulate.

Schedule an appointment

Once your documents are ready, it's time to book an appointment. You have two options:

You can often schedule appointments online or by contacting the consulate. Depending on location, the wait time for an appointment can range from a few days to a few weeks.

Pay the citizenship application fee

As of 2025, the average fee is between $188 and $450⁹, though it may vary slightly by consulate or process type.

At your appointment, they'll explain how and where to pay. Some locations may ask for payment in Mexican pesos, others in U.S. dollars. Make sure to bring a receipt if required.

Once you submit your application and documents, you may have to:

• Attend a short interview, especially for naturalization applicants.
• Take a Spanish and Mexican culture test – only required if you're applying through residency or marriage, not for those with Mexican parents or grandparents.
• Wait for approval. Processing times vary depending on how you applied.

How long does it take to become a Mexican citizen?

The time it takes to obtain your Mexican citizenship depends on the type of application you submit. Nevertheless, processing can take anywhere from 5 months to a year¹⁰ or more.

After approval, you'll receive your naturalization certificate or proof of citizenship, and you can then apply for a Mexican passport.

Where to apply for Mexican citizenship

You can apply for Mexican citizenship either while living in the United States or from within Mexico, depending on your situation and the type of citizenship you're seeking.

Mexican consulates in the U.S.

If you reside in the U.S. and are of Mexican descent (through parents or grandparents) or seek dual citizenship, you can apply through a Mexican consulate. 

There are over 50 consulates¹¹ across the U.S., including major cities like Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, New York, and Miami.

These consulates can help you:

• Submit your application
• Get Mexican documents
• Request an apostille and translation guidance
• Register your Mexican nationality (if applicable)

Make sure to book an appointment in advance, as availability can vary by location.

Applying from within Mexico

If you already live in Mexico – especially if you apply through marriage or naturalization after residency – you'll need to apply in person through a local:

• Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM)
• Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE) office

Appointments are required, and you may be asked to take a Spanish language test and a basic knowledge exam on Mexican history and culture. Be sure to prepare your documents in advance and arrive on time.

Wherever you apply, planning ahead will help your citizenship journey go smoothly.

Required documents

To apply for Mexican citizenship, you'll have to gather several key documents. While requirements may vary slightly based on how you qualify, here's a common checklist:

1. Your birth certificate
2. Parents' or grandparents' Mexican birth certificate (if applying by descent)
3. Valid ID, such as a passport, consular ID, or driver's license
4. Proof of address, either in Mexico or the U.S.
5. Marriage certificate, if applying through a Mexican spouse
6. Passport-size photos, usually 2 to 4
7. Naturalization or residence card if applying through residency
8. Apostilles and certified translations for any foreign documents not in Spanish

Make sure all documents are clear, unexpired, and officially issued. If you're applying at a Mexican consulate or INM office, always check their website or contact them directly for location-specific requirements. Some may request additional copies or notarized versions.

Stay connected with family in Mexico

Applying for citizenship helps strengthen your connection to Mexico. However, staying in touch with loved ones is just as important – BOSS Revolution can make that happen. 

With BOSS Revolution, you can:

• Send money to loved ones in Mexico quickly and safely with BOSS Money.
• Top up mobile phones instantly.
• Make affordable international calls with crystal-clear quality.
• Use the BOSS Revolution App to manage everything in one place.

Whether you're chatting with grandma or sending funds for a family event, BOSS Revolution helps you stay close, no matter where you are.

Conclusion

Becoming a Mexican citizen can be a deeply meaningful step, whether it's about honoring your heritage, settling in Mexico long-term, or simply expanding your opportunities.

Mexico welcomes dual citizens and offers multiple ways to qualify. With the right documents and a bit of patience, you could be holding a Mexican passport in your hands sooner than you think.

And once you're officially part of the family, don't forget to stay connected with loved ones, culture, and your new community – using the BOSS Revolution app. 

Sources: all third party information obtained from applicable website as of June 16, 2025

1. https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/boston/index.php/servicio-a-personas-mexicanas?id=278
2. https://www.gob.mx/inm
3. https://www.gob.mx/sre
4. https://www.globalcitizensolutions.com/citizenship-by-marriage/
5. https://www.quierosermexicano.com/en/info/apply-for-mexican-citizenship/
6. https://residencies.io/residency/mexico/temporary-residency/mx1
7. https://sos.tn.gov/businesses/faqs/what-is-an-apostille-or-an-authentication
8. https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/sanfrancisco/index.php/servicios-para-extranjeros
9. https://blog.remitly.com/immigration/dual-citizenship-in-mexico/
10. https://newlandchase.com/naturalization-process-mexico/
11. https://mx.usembassy.gov/u-s-mexico-consular-dialogue/

This article is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to address every aspect of the matters discussed herein. The information in this article is not intended as specific personal advice. The information in this article does not constitute legal, tax, regulatory or other professional advice from IDT Payment Services, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “IDT”), and should not be taken or used as such by any individual. IDT makes no representation, warranty or guaranty, whether express or implied, that the content in this article is current, accurate, or complete. You should obtain professional or other substantive advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the information in this article.