Naturalisation by residence in Mexico (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Naturalisation needs five years of residence in Mexico, with two years or one year for some groups. Applicants must show they speak Spanish, know the country's history and are integrated into the national culture. The language level and the renunciation rules are not verified.

RuleWhat applies
Years of residence requiredOrdinary naturalisation by residence5 years [1]
Shortened residence periodsOrdinary naturalisation by residenceTwo years for direct descendants of a Mexican by birth, people with Mexican-born children, nationals of a Latin American country or of the Iberian Peninsula, and people with outstanding services to the nation. Two years of marital residence in Mexico for spouses of Mexicans. One year for adopted persons and minor descendants under parental authority of Mexicans. [1]
Language level requiredOrdinary naturalisation by residence⚠ Not yet verified
Integration or civic knowledge testOrdinary naturalisation by residenceYes [1]
Giving up previous nationalityOrdinary naturalisation by residence⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • The residence must fall in the five years immediately before the application. Temporary absences do not interrupt residence unless they fall in the last two years and exceed six months in total. The applicant must also make the renunciations and the protest of allegiance set out in article 17 before the carta de naturalización is issued.
  • A direct descendant in the second degree of a Mexican by birth, with no other nationality, is exempt from proving residence. In exceptional cases the head of the federal executive may waive residence for people with outstanding services.
  • The law requires proof of knowledge of the country's history and integration into the national culture. How this is shown is set by the regulation, which was not read.

Sources

  1. Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (copy of the text of the Cámara de Diputados): Ley de Nacionalidad (texto vigente, última reforma DOF 23-04-2012) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.