Carta de naturalización por residencia
Ley de Nacionalidad, arts. 19-20
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) issues a naturalisation certificate (carta de naturalización) to foreign nationals who have lived in Mexico as temporary or permanent residents for the 5 years immediately before applying. The period is 2 years for people from Latin American countries or the Iberian Peninsula, descendants of Mexicans by birth, parents of Mexican-born children, and people with outstanding contributions, and 2 years living together in Mexico for spouses of Mexicans. Applicants must pass exams in Spanish and in Mexican history and culture, and renounce their foreign nationality once approval is decided.
Life in Mexico
Money
3
Currency
Mexican Peso
MXN
Mexican Peso
Cost of living
59
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
1.92–35%
Income tax (national)
VAT (IVA) 16%
Federal annual ISR tariff; 35% above about MXN 4.51 million (2025 bands). Some states add a payroll tax paid by employers.
Living
1
Happiness
#12 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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Who it’s for
Adult temporary or permanent residents of Mexico (not student residents) who want Mexican nationality.
Eligibility
Adult with full civil rights
You must be of age and in full use of your civil rights (SRE).
Residence: 5 years
Show at least 5 years of residence in Mexico immediately before applying, as a temporary or permanent resident.
5 years
Residence required
- Time as a temporary student resident does not count
Official wording
Residence in Mexico for at least the last 5 years immediately before applying, as a temporary or permanent resident (Ley de Nacionalidad art. 20; Reglamento art. 14). Time as a temporary student resident does not count (SRE).
Residence: 2 yearsLatin American or Iberian nationals; descendants or parents of Mexicans; distinguished contributors
A shorter residence of 2 years applies to certain groups, such as Latin American or Iberian nationals and parents or descendants of Mexicans.
2 years
Residence required for these groups · before applying
- Applies to people from a Latin American country or the Iberian Peninsula
- Applies to direct descendants of a Mexican by birth
- Applies to parents of Mexican-born children
- Also covers outstanding cultural, social, scientific, technical, artistic, sporting or business contributions
Official wording
2 years for people from a Latin American country or the Iberian Peninsula, direct descendants of a Mexican by birth, parents of Mexican-born children, or people with outstanding cultural, social, scientific, technical, artistic, sporting or business contributions (art. 20(I)).
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementSpouses of Mexicans
- Document checklistApplication form SRE-02-011 (DNN-3)
- FeesReceipt, study and issue of the naturalisation certificate
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- 6 more requirements
- 9 documents
- 1 fee
- 7 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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Official sources
Other routes to Mexico
- Visit & tourismVisitor visa without permission to work (Visa de Visitante sin permiso para realizar actividades remuneradas) for tourism
- Investors & entrepreneursVisa de Residente Temporal por solvencia económica
- Asylum & protectionRecognition of refugee status and complementary protection
