Dual Citizenship in Mexico: Rules for Mexicans by Birth and Naturalized Citizens

Yes, for Mexicans by birth. Article 37 of the Constitution says: "No Mexican by birth may be deprived of their nationality." This rule came from a constitutional reform published on March 20, 1997, which took effect on March 20, 1998. Before it, Mexicans who took another nationality could lose Mexican nationality.

The rules are different for naturalized Mexicans:

"Mexican by birth" includes people born in Mexico and people born abroad to a Mexican parent. See citizenship by descent.

When you naturalize, Article 19 of the Nationality Law requires you to renounce your previous nationality and any allegiance to a foreign state. Whether your other country accepts that renunciation as ending your citizenship is a matter for that country's law; many countries do not.

Article 37 of the Constitution says a naturalized Mexican loses Mexican nationality by:

• Voluntarily acquiring a foreign nationality, presenting themselves as a foreigner in any public document, using a foreign passport, or accepting noble titles that imply submission to a foreign state; or
• Living abroad for 5 continuous years.

The Foreign Ministry (SRE) must give the person a hearing before revoking nationality. If you are a naturalized Mexican with another passport, talk to a lawyer about how these rules apply to your travel. See naturalization.

Article 12 of the Nationality Law says Mexicans by birth must enter and leave Mexico as Mexicans, even if they have another nationality. In practice, that means showing a Mexican passport or other proof of Mexican nationality to Mexican immigration. The law provides fines for entering or leaving in breach of this rule.

For other countries, use the passport that country expects. For example, many countries require their own citizens to enter on their own passport.

Under Article 13 of the Nationality Law, Mexicans by birth with another nationality are treated as Mexicans for:

• Legal acts in Mexico.
• Owning shares in or controlling Mexican companies, and lending to them.
• Owning real estate in Mexico or rights that can only be exercised in Mexico.

For these acts, you cannot ask a foreign government for protection. Article 14 says anyone who does so loses the property or rights involved.

A practical benefit: as a Mexican, you are not subject to the restrictions on foreigners owning property in Mexico's restricted zones near borders and coasts. See buying property with a fideicomiso for how foreigners buy there.

Article 32 of the Constitution reserves certain public offices for Mexicans by birth who have not acquired another nationality. Other laws must say so expressly (Nationality Law, Article 15). Examples include high federal offices and active service in the armed forces.

A dual national who wants one of these positions must obtain a certificate of Mexican nationality from the SRE, which requires renouncing the other nationality (Articles 16 and 17). If they later acquire another nationality while in office, they must leave the position.

Children of a Mexican parent are Mexican by birth wherever they are born, so many children in binational families are dual nationals from birth. Registering the birth with a Mexican consulate or civil registry gives the child Mexican documents; it does not create the nationality, which exists from birth.

Practical tips for families:

• Register births early. It is simpler while both parents are available to sign and documents are fresh.
• Keep both passports valid, and use the Mexican one to enter and leave Mexico.
• Minors traveling with only one parent may be asked for consent documents; check current INM rules before you travel.
• Mexican nationality gives children the right to live, study, and later work in Mexico without residency. See schools in Mexico.

• Mexican birth certificate (acta de nacimiento), from the civil registry in Mexico or from a consulate if you were born abroad.
• CURP, Mexico's population registry number. See getting a CURP.
• Mexican passport, issued in Mexico or at a consulate. For example, the Toronto consulate's July 2026 fee table lists passport fees in US and Canadian dollars.
• Voter ID (credencial para votar): Mexicans abroad can request one through consulates.

If you were born abroad and have not registered as Mexican, start with citizenship by descent.