Mexican Citizenship by Naturalization

Mexican naturalization is the process by which a foreign national can obtain Mexican nationality by meeting the requirements set by law.

It is processed before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), which reviews the documents and determines whether the applicant meets the conditions. You submit the required documents, prove your time of residence in Mexico according to your case and pass an exam on Mexican history and culture.

Once the application is approved, you receive the Naturalization Letter (Carta de Naturalización), the document that officially certifies your Mexican nationality.

In every case you must hold a valid temporary or permanent resident card; a temporary resident student card does not count toward the residence period.

Types of naturalization

By residence (5 years)

This is the standard route for people without a special condition, such as a family tie. You must prove five years of residence in Mexico immediately before applying.

By marriage to a Mexican citizen (2 years)

You must prove two years with any type of residence in Mexico and two years of marriage to a Mexican citizen, with your marriage certificate.

By having Mexican children (2 years)

You must prove two years with any type of residence in Mexico and submit the birth certificate of at least one Mexican child.

By descent (2 years)

For foreign nationals who are direct descendants of a Mexican by birth and who have at least two years of residence in Mexico. Second-degree descendants without any other nationality may be exempt from the residence requirement.

By Latin American or Iberian origin (2 years)

For citizens of a Latin American country, Spain or Portugal with at least two years of residence in Mexico. You prove it with your passport and birth certificate from that country.

By outstanding services or contributions (2 years)

For people who have provided outstanding services or contributions to Mexico in culture, science, technology, art, sports, or social or business activities. The file must include official documents proving these merits, and approval is not automatic.

General requirements

• Form DNN-3: official application form for Mexican nationality by naturalization.
• Foreign birth certificate: apostilled or legalized, depending on the issuing country, and translated into Spanish when applicable.
• Valid foreign passport: original and two copies, valid for at least 6 months.
• Valid resident card: a temporary resident card must be valid for at least 6 more months.
• CURP and personal details: must match your resident card.
• Proof of government fee payment.
• Federal criminal record certificate: issued no more than three months before.
• State criminal record certificate: issued no more than three months before.
• Travel statement: signed statement listing every exit from and entry into Mexico during the last two years.
• Two recent color photos, passport size (4.5 x 3.5 cm), white background, front view, no glasses, head uncovered.
• Pass the exam on Mexican history and culture.

Additional requirements by type

Marriage

• Certified copy of the Mexican marriage certificate, or the registration in Mexico of a marriage performed abroad.
• Proof of the spouse’s Mexican nationality: Mexican birth certificate, certificate of Mexican nationality or naturalization letter.
• Sworn statement signed in person by the Mexican spouse confirming you live together in Mexico.
• Valid official photo ID of the Mexican spouse.

Children

• Certified copy of the Mexican birth certificate of at least one of your children.

Descent

• Certified copy of the Mexican birth certificate of your Mexican parent or ancestor.

Latin American or Iberian origin

• Passport and birth certificate from the Latin American country, Spain or Portugal.

Outstanding services or contributions

• Official documents from universities or public institutions proving your services or contributions.

Mexican history and culture exam

You must pass the exam on Mexican history and culture to continue with the process. If you fail, you usually get a second chance about 15 days later. If you fail the second attempt, you must wait one year before applying again.

People over 60 do not take this exam.

Government fees

• All types of naturalization: MXN $9,500, paid before submitting the application.