Mexican Naturalization: How to Become a Mexican Citizen

Article 20 of Mexico's Nationality Law (Ley de Nacionalidad) sets the residence you must prove, counted immediately before your application:

The residence must be as a legal temporary or permanent resident. According to the SRE's requirements, time as a temporary resident student does not count.

A spouse who naturalizes through marriage keeps Mexican nationality after divorce, unless the marriage is annulled for reasons attributable to them (Article 22).

Article 21 says temporary absences do not interrupt your residence, unless they happen in the 2 years before you apply and add up to more than 6 months. For the 1-year cases, residence must be uninterrupted.

The SRE asks for a signed statement listing your exits and entries during the 2 years before your application so it can count your absences. Keep your travel records, boarding passes, and passport stamps.

Under Article 19 of the Nationality Law, you must:

1. Apply to the SRE, stating that you want to acquire Mexican nationality.
2. Make the renunciations and pledge in Article 17: renounce your other nationality and any allegiance to a foreign state, and pledge obedience to Mexican law. The SRE only asks for this after it has decided to grant nationality, and issues the certificate once you have done it.
3. Prove you speak Spanish, know Mexican history, and are integrated into Mexican culture. This is done by exam. The SRE's requirements exempt applicants over 60 from the exam.
4. Prove your residence for the period that applies to you.

The SRE's document list for naturalization includes the DNN-3 application form (downloaded during online pre-registration), your resident card, passport, birth certificate (apostilled and translated), federal and local criminal record certificates, the statement of exits and entries, photos, and proof of paying the fee.

Article 20 of the Nationality Law includes several details that matter for some families:

• Grandchildren of Mexicans by birth. A direct-line descendant in the second degree (a grandchild) of a Mexican by birth is exempt from proving residence if they have no other nationality when they apply, or if their rights from birth are not recognized. Many grandchildren are already Mexican by birth through a Mexican parent; see citizenship by descent.
• Spouses of Mexicans posted abroad. The marital home does not need to be in Mexico if the Mexican spouse lives abroad on assignment for the Mexican government.
• Foreign couples. If one foreign spouse naturalizes after the marriage, the other spouse can then naturalize by meeting the spouse rules.
• Minors and adopted children. One year of uninterrupted residence is enough for adopted children and minor descendants in the custody of Mexicans. If the parents never applied, the child can apply within one year of turning 18.
• Exceptional services. The SRE can reduce the requirement for people who have made outstanding contributions to Mexico, and in exceptional cases the President can waive the residence requirement.

1. Pre-register online with the SRE and download the DNN-3 form.
2. Gather documents, including criminal record certificates and proof of residence.
3. Submit your file at the SRE and pay the fee. The SRE sets and publishes the current amount.
4. Background review. The SRE must ask the Interior Ministry (SEGOB) for its opinion on every case (Article 23).
5. Take the exam on Spanish, history, and culture, unless exempt.
6. Decision. If the SRE decides to grant nationality, you make the renunciations and pledge.
7. Receive your naturalization certificate. It takes effect the day after it is issued. You can then apply for a Mexican passport and voter ID.

• Criminal proceedings. The process is suspended if you are formally charged in Mexico or abroad (Article 24).
• Prison sentence. The SRE will not issue the certificate while you are serving a sentence for an intentional crime (Article 25).
• Not meeting requirements, such as too many absences.
• SRE's judgment. The SRE can refuse when naturalization is "not convenient," but it must give reasons.

If you have a criminal record anywhere, talk to a licensed Mexican immigration lawyer before applying.

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

• Voluntarily acquiring another nationality, presenting themselves as a foreigner in a 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 SRE must hold a hearing before revoking nationality. Mexicans by birth cannot lose their nationality. See dual citizenship for how the renunciation interacts with your other country's rules.

• Make sure you hold temporary or permanent residency for the full period.
• If you are married to a Mexican, you can apply after 2 years of living together in Mexico, even if you are still a temporary resident.
• If your parent or grandparent was Mexican, check first whether you are already Mexican by birth. See citizenship by descent.
• Read the Mexico citizenship overview.