Guide to Mexican Dual Citizenship

A growing number of U.S. residents and Mexican-Americans are exploring Mexican dual citizenship, a path that allows people claim both U.S. and Mexican nationality.

For some, becoming a dual citizen is about reconnecting with the heritage of parents and grandparents. For others, it’s a practical choice that makes it easier to live, work, study, and even retire in Mexico. Dual citizenship offers a bridge between both countries.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through Mexican dual citizenship such as who qualifies, the key benefits, and how the application process works.

Whether you’re planning to start a business, reconnect with family, or want to make it easier to send money to Mexico, dual citizenship could open doors for you in both countries.

Key takeaways

• Mexican dual citizenship allows you to legally hold status as both a U.S. and Mexican citizen at the same time.
• Eligibility is based on birthright, descent, or naturalization, with different requirements for each path.
• Dual citizens enjoy full rights in Mexico, including property ownership, voting, and access to public services.
• Responsibilities include following both countries’ laws, managing any potential tax or civic duties, and using the correct passport when traveling.
• The process begins with the Mexican consulate or the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE) and may require translated or certified documents.

What is Mexican dual citizenship?

As it implies, dual citizenship means you’re a citizen of two countries at the same time — in this case, a dual citizen of Mexican and the U.S. This legally recognized status is different from being a U.S. citizen and having a residency in Mexico, which only grants permission to live there but doesn’t provide full rights.

As a dual citizen, you would enjoy the same legal standing as someone born and raised in Mexico, even if the U.S. is your primary home. This includes the ability to vote, own property without restrictions, and access to public services. You can also travel more easily between the two countries, carry both passports depending on where you cross the border.

Of course, these rights also come with responsibilities. These include following Mexican laws, paying applicable taxes, and completing civic duties. But unlike only holding residency in Mexico, citizenship gives you a stronger legal and cultural connection.

Who qualifies for Mexican dual citizenship?

There are several pathways to becoming a Mexican citizen while keeping your U.S. nationality. Eligibility depends on your family background or the time you’ve spent living in Mexico. Here’s a breakdown:

• By birthright: If you were born in Mexico, you are automatically considered a Mexican citizen by birthright citizenship, even if you later move abroad.
• By descent: If you were born outside of Mexico but have at least one Mexican parent (and in some cases, grandparents), you may claim citizenship through family ties.
• By naturalization: Foreign residents can apply for citizenship after meeting certain requirements including several years of legal residency, passing language and cultural knowledge exams, and formally applying through the Mexican government.

Each route has its own process and requires its own set of documents, but all lead to the same outcome: the full rights and responsibilities of Mexican citizenship, without giving up your U.S. citizenship.

How to get Mexican dual citizenship

If you’re wondering how to get Mexican citizenship while keeping your U.S. citizenship, the process depends on whether you qualify through family ties or through naturalization. In either case, everything starts by contacting your nearest Mexican consulate or, if you’re currently living in Mexico, the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE).

1. Gather your documents

The first step is collecting the right paperwork. If you qualify by birth or descent, you’ll need to present your U.S. birth certificate (often with an apostille and official translation) along with your parent’s or grandparent’s Mexican birth certificate or passport. You’ll also need valid photo IDs.

For naturalization applicants, requirements include proof of legal residency in Mexico, a birth certificate, and in many cases proof of employment or income and local police records. Having everything in order before your appointment can help avoid delays.

2. Register or apply

Once you’ve pulled all your documents together, the next step is registering or submitting your application.

Those claiming citizenship by descent must have their U.S. birth officially recorded with the Mexican government through the consulate. This registration generates a Mexican birth certificate, known as an acta de nacimiento, which then allows you to apply for a Mexican passport and national ID.

If you are applying through naturalization, you will file the official application form with the SRE, submit your supporting documents, and complete a Spanish language and civics test to demonstrate your integration into Mexican society.

3. Pay applicable fees

Registering a foreign birth certificate at a consulate is typically free or involves a nominal fee. Naturalization, on the other hand, does require government processing fees, which vary depending on where and how you apply.

Because fees can change, it’s always best to confirm the exact cost with your consulate or SRE office before you submit your application.

4. Allow time for processing

After applying, you’ll need to allow time for your request to be processed. Consular birth registrations can often be finalized in just a few weeks, though timelines depend heavily on appointment availability and document review.

Naturalization takes much longer, often several months to a year. That’s because it involves background checks, interviews, and exam scoring. Patience is key during this stage as waiting periods are common.

5. Collect your documents and passport

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive official proof of Mexican nationality. At this point, you can request a CURP (the national identification code), apply for a Mexican passport, and, if you are over 18, register for a voter ID card known as the INE.

With these documents in hand, you’ll have full access to the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in Mexico, while maintaining your U.S. nationality.

Benefits of Mexican dual citizenship

Having dual citizenship offers practical and cultural advantages. As a dual citizen, you gain access to the full rights of both countries while staying connected to family and heritage. Key benefits include:

• Visa-free travel between the U.S. and Mexico, with the ability to use both passports.
• Property ownership rights in areas where foreigners face restrictions, such as near coastlines or borders.
• Easier financial access, including the ability to open a bank account in Mexico without extra requirements. If you’re planning an extended visit or move, look into the best banks in Mexico for expats.
• Support for family members since your children may also qualify for citizenship.
• Cultural and community connections, strengthening ties to your roots and identity.
• Inheritance and residency advantages, simplifying legal processes if you own property or assets in Mexico.
• Potential tax benefits, depending on your residency status and where you earn income.

Together, these perks make dual citizenship a powerful way to simplify life across two countries while opening new opportunities for work, travel, and family.

Things to consider before applying

While there are many advantages, it’s important to weigh the responsibilities that come with dual citizenship in Mexico. Dual nationals are subject to the laws of both countries, which means you’ll need to stay informed and organized.

For example, depending on your residency and income, you could face dual tax obligations and may need to file returns in both the U.S. and Mexico. Male citizens may also be required to register for military service in Mexico, though for those living abroad this is typically an administrative process handled through consulates.

In addition, dual citizens are expected to use the correct passport when entering or leaving each country. Keeping track of these responsibilities ensures that you enjoy the benefits of dual citizenship without unexpected complications.

Tips for applicants

If you’re planning to apply for dual citizenship, the following prep can make the process smoother.

• Find your nearest Mexican consulate and check their specific requirements online before booking an appointment.
• Translate and apostille any U.S. documents (like your birth certificate) if required.
• Keep multiple copies of all documents, including your application and ID.
• Rely on official sources, such as the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE) or your consulate’s website, for the most accurate information.

These preparations can help you avoid delays, making it easier to enjoy the benefits of dual citizenship as soon as possible.

Managing money abroad

Pursuing Mexican dual citizenship can be meaningfully beneficial for expats, families, and Mexican-Americans alike. Beyond the cultural connection, it offers practical benefits such as travel flexibility, property rights, and easier access to local services.

It can also simplify cross-border financial planning, whether that means knowing how to transfer money to a Mexican bank account or how much money to bring to Mexico when you move or visit.

With the right preparation, dual citizenship can help you strengthen financial ties while enjoying the freedom to build a life across two countries.