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How to Get Mexico Citizenship

Requirements, routes and dual citizenship rules · reviewed October 2026

Residence

5 yrs

Via marriage

~2 yrs

By descent

Parent

Dual citizenship

Limited

Naturalisation by residence

5 years of legal residence (2 years for nationals of Latin American countries, Spain and Portugal).

Through marriage

2 years of residence if married to a Mexican citizen.

By descent (ancestry)

Children born abroad to a Mexican parent are Mexican by birth.

Language & tests

Spanish and Mexican history and culture exam.

Dual citizenship

Mexicans by birth can hold other nationalities, but naturalising foreigners are formally asked to renounce their previous nationality.

Frequently asked questions

How many years does it take to get Mexico citizenship?

The standard requirement is 5 years. 5 years of legal residence (2 years for nationals of Latin American countries, Spain and Portugal).

Does Mexico allow dual citizenship?

Limited. Mexicans by birth can hold other nationalities, but naturalising foreigners are formally asked to renounce their previous nationality.

Can I get Mexico citizenship through marriage?

2 years of residence if married to a Mexican citizen.

Can I get Mexico citizenship through my parents or grandparents?

Children born abroad to a Mexican parent are Mexican by birth.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change and individual circumstances matter; confirm with Mexican Foreign Ministry (SRE) or a qualified immigration lawyer before applying.