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How to Get a Mexican Passport and Become Naturalized?

Mexico Naturalization Via Residency TL;DR

If you have at least five years of legal residence in Mexico, you can apply for naturalization by residence through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE). This way you can obtain Mexican nationality with all its rights and obligations. You’ll need to meet a few requirements, present specific documentation and pass language and cultural exams including learning the national anthem.

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Where Do I Go to Get Naturalized in Mexico?

The process of naturalization by residence in Mexico is carried out before the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE) (Spanish). Although the National Immigration Institute (INM) intervenes in certain points of the process, it does not process applications directly.

Who Is Eligible for Naturalization Via Residency in Mexico?

According to Mexican law, foreigners may apply for naturalization by residence in Mexico if they can prove at least five years of legal residence, either temporary or permanent. This period may be reduced in certain cases (for example, marriage to a Mexican citizen or proving Mexican ancestry).

Requirements For Naturalization by Residence in Mexico:

The requirements to start your naturalization process are:

  • Be of legal age
  • Application for a letter of naturalization (DNN-3) (Spanish)
  • Temporary or permanent resident card to prove current immigration status
  • Foreign apostilled birth certificate translated into Spanish from authorized translator
  • Passport
  • Letter that indicates the number of exits and entrances made to and from Mexico in the two-year term prior to application
  • Proof of no criminal record issued by a competent authority at the federal and local level
  • Submit two identical, recent color photographs, passport size (4.5 x 3.5 cm), with white background, front view, without glasses, head uncovered
  • CURP (Unique Population Registry Code) (Spanish)
  • Proof of payment of the corresponding fees
  • Proof via exam that applicant can speak Spanish—that he/she knows history of Mexico and that he/she is culturally integrated
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Steps to Take to Get Naturalized in Mexico

For all documents requested below present an ORIGINAL AND 2 COPIES

  • Register at the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE) (Spanish) to start the process of naturalization
  • Choose the office location you want
  • Schedule an appointment, selecting the day and time you will attend
  • On appointment day, in person, present the following documents:
  • the DNN-3 application, which you can download when you register
  • Temporary or permanent residence card
  • The temporary or permanent residence card must be valid for a minimum of six months after the application is filed
  • Foreign apostilled birth certificate translated into Spanish from authorized translator—Refugees with status recognized by Ministry of the Interior (COMAR) may be exempt
  • Present all pages of the foreign passport (including the outside covers)
  • Present a letter in Spanish, under oath, attesting to the number of exits and entries you’ve made to and from Mexico in the two years prior to application
  • Submit proof of no criminal record issued by a competent authority at the federal level and local level
  • Submit two identical, recent color photographs, passport size (4.5 x 3.5 cm), with white background, front view, without glasses, head uncovered
  • CURP (Unique Population Registry Code) (Spanish)
  • Proof of payment of the corresponding fees
  • Proof via exam that applicant can speak Spanish—that he/she knows history of Mexico and that he/she is culturally integrated
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Pay for the Naturalization Application

To pay for naturalization application in Mexico, visit the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE) (Spanish) where you can fill out the form and pay at a bank. The cost for 2025 is $ 9,155 pesos.

How long does it take to get the letter of naturalization?

6 to 8 months, however you should be notified beforehand of approval or denial—usually within 3 months.

Will I be notified of any progress?

Notifications about the naturalization process will be sent to the e-mail address you provided to the SRE.

What happens if I don’t pass the exam for Mexican naturalization?

If you fail the exam, you’ll need to wait a minimum of fifteen working days to file again. You can take the exam twice. If you fail the second time you have to wait one year from the date of the last exam to submit a new application.

What will I be tested on?

You’ll be tested on the history of Mexico and its culture in addition to Spanish.

What does the knowledge test consist of?

10 multiple choice questions with 4 possible answers and you need 80% or answer 8 out of 10 correctly to pass. You’ll also be asked to sing the Mexican national anthem. Wow that should be fun to watch! You can do it!

What is the Spanish language test like?

Only those whose native language is not Spanish must take the test. If you’re reading this, most likely you’ll have to pass the test. It consists of reading comprehension and answering a few simple comprehension questions. Finally, you’ll be interviewed with some personal questions, nothing to fret.

Resources for Naturalization by Residency Exam in Mexico

Start here and apply when ready.

Mexican Nationality Can Be Lost

Just be aware of the following:

Ojo
  • Voluntarily acquiring another nationality
  • Presenting oneself as a foreigner in public documents
  • Using a foreign passport when entering and leaving Mexico
  • Residing for more than five years outside of Mexico