Mexico · Citizenship

Mexico citizenship by naturalization

Source-checked25 sources, 24 officialHow we check

Last checked 13 Nov 2026Written for US citizensSome rules are still being checked

In brief

Apply after 5 years on a residence card, or 2 in some cases. Mexico asks you to give up your other nationality.

CitizenshipAfter 5 years on a residence card

Visa-free (US)Up to 180 days

Residency income fromAbout $4,284 a month

Tax on foreign incomeYes, once your home is in Mexico

Becoming a Mexican citizen

Timeline: About 5 years on a temporary or permanent residence card, then apply
Dual citizenship: No: Mexico asks you to renounce your US nationality. Whether the US accepts that is a US-law question.

What you need

Residence card years: only time on a temporary or permanent card counts; tourist stays don't.
Shorter clock, 2 years: spouses of Mexicans living in Mexico, parents of Mexican-born children, descendants of Mexicans, and Latin American, Spanish or Portuguese citizens.
Few absences: no more than 6 months abroad in total in the 2 years before you apply.
Exams: Spanish, Mexican history and culture; over-60s only need to show Spanish.
Fee: about $510 (9,502 pesos) Not yet verified

Good to know

Keeping it: naturalised Mexicans lose citizenship by using a foreign passport or living 5 years in a row abroad.

Not yet verifiedRules read in the nationality law; the final check at the official source is pending.

Sources (4)

Legal basis and exact figures

Clock: 5 years' residence immediately before applying (Ley de Nacionalidad art 20); 2 years for direct descendants of Mexicans by birth, parents of Mexican-born children, nationals of Latin American or Iberian Peninsula countries, people with outstanding contributions, and spouses living with a Mexican in Mexico (art 20 I–II); 1 year for adoptees and minors.
Proof and absences: only temporary or permanent resident cards prove residence (Reglamento LNac art 14); absences over 6 months in total in the 2 years before filing break it (art 21); declare all exits and entries (Reglamento art 16 VI).
Exams and renunciation: Spanish, history and cultural integration, set by the Instituto Matías Romero; over-60s and minors only Spanish (art 19 III; Reglamento art 15). Renunciation and oath (arts 17, 19 II). Loss: foreign passport or 5 continuous years abroad (Constitution art 37 B). US recognition of the renunciation is a US-law question.
Fee: SRE 9,502.01 pesos in the statutory text (LFD art 26 II); the updated amount isn't confirmed. About $510 at FIX 18.6188.

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