How to Obtain Mexican Citizenship

The Mexican citizenship application process is relatively easy. Just be prepared to fill out a lot of paperwork and to sit and wait patiently. Here is how to get the citizenship process rolling.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Money
• Passport
• Attorney
• FM-2 or FM-3 card
• Photograph

1. Move to Mexico. Before you can even begin the citizenship process you have to legally reside in Mexico for five years. You can prove your legal status and residency through your FM-3 document.

2. Start studying. According to Mexican law, every citizen must be able to speak Spanish and have basic knowledge of Mexican history. However, a basic ability to speak Spanish usually suffices as the government rarely administers the written test.

3. Hire a lawyer. The application processes can be frustrating and burdensome. If you check the wrong box or turn a form in at the wrong time, you could find yourself back at square one. By hiring an attorney who specializes in immigration to Mexico, you can have an experienced professional jump through the right hoops for you.

4. Get familiar with the Immigration and Naturalization office. It is here that you will start creating your paper trail. Set up an appointment and have the official walk through the entire process with you. Be sure you are clear on what documents you are required to have at the initial meeting and thereafter.

5. Fill out your forms and deliver them to the local immigration office with the appropriate accompanying documents. Have a copy of your passport and several photographs ready to submit with the forms.

6. Write your check. Becoming a citizen is not cheap. You will be required to make several payments during the process.

7. Be patient. After all your forms are filed, be prepared to wait up to two years. The government will review everything and contact you with their decision.

Tips & Warnings

• All of Mexico’s immigration laws are found in Article 30(B) (ii) of the Constitution and Articles 17, 19 and 20 of the Law of Nationality.
• If you are a citizen of Spain, Portugal or any Latin American nation, have married a Mexican citizen, or have adopted a Mexican child, you only need to reside in Mexico during the two years prior to your citizenship application.
• As of January, 2007, US citizens require a passport for travel between the US and Mexico by air. In January, 2008, the requirement will extend to include travelers by land or sea.
• Mexico does not recognize dual citizenship. In order to complete the citizenship process, you must renounce your original nationality.

[mexicokevin]

on 3/17/2009 eswildchild Thay say you have renounce your american citizenship but it's NOT true. SRE tells you that to scair you. It can only be done with a U.S.government offical. NOT a Mexican offical. You must understand that once you become a Mexican you give up your right to get the U.S. goverment involved if you have a legal problem in Mexico. Yes, you still get your Social security.

[mexicokevin]

on 3/17/2009 I agree with bajamama. After you have your FM-3 or FM-2 for 5 years. At that point thay speek spanish with you before you can file. Then you can file it takes 2 years of waiting to get a responce. You can not leave Mexico 2 years prior to filing or the time you wait for the goverment to get back to you.(4 to 5 years)then thay call you in for your Mexican history test.(in spanish)the questions change every 6 mo. Mexican citizens can't answer them so study. Then you wait 6 mo to a Year. You DON"T need a Lawyer!!!!! SRE is very helpful.

[bonesecos]

on 3/8/2009 The last time I inquired about Mexican citizenship, the country was allowing citizenship to children born in another country who's parents were Mexican citizens. I am not sure if the rules have changed. The best way to find out is contacting the Mexican consulate in your state. Social Security benefits can be received and electronically deposited into a Mexican bank. Your SSA office can assist with that. If you are already in Mexico, you can visit the American consulate in Mexico closest to you.

[eswildchild]

on 11/8/2008 how much does it cost to live there what would be agood amount of starting money can you still get american social security and how do they treat imagrants

[eswildchild]

on 11/8/2008 can you still get american social security even though you renounce america citizenship what does it cost to live there and how do they treat immagrants