Mexico · Citizenship
Mexico citizenship for Americans: how many years, and can you keep US citizenship?
Short answer
Apply after 5 years on a residence card, or 2 in some cases. Mexico asks you to give up your other nationality.
The rules
| 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. |
Not yet verified Rules read in the nationality law; the final check at the official source is pending.
Good to know
- 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
- Keeping it: naturalised Mexicans lose citizenship by using a foreign passport or living 5 years in a row abroad.
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.
Links
Citizenship in Mexico, in full → The full Mexico guide →
Questions people ask
How many years until I can become a citizen of Mexico?
About 5 years on a temporary or permanent residence card, then apply
Can I keep US citizenship if I become a citizen of Mexico?
No: Mexico asks you to renounce your US nationality. Whether the US accepts that is a US-law question.