In San Miguel de Allende Joanna Francis, a dual citizen will guide you through he citizenship process. Please email Joanna by clicking here.

Category 1

Applicants in this category must have

–       Been born in Mexican territory regardless of parents’ nationality or immigration status in Mexico, OR

–       Been born abroad to a Mexican citizen born in Mexico, OR

–       Been born to an individual after that person has become a naturalized citizen of Mexico

For those who qualify for this category, citizenship is automatic and does not require naturalization. They are not required to take exams nor to speak Spanish.

Category 2

Applicants under this category must have resided in Mexico as legal residents (temporary or permanent) for at least two years AND

–       Be a direct descendant of a Mexican by birth OR

–       Be married to a Mexican citizen, residing in Mexico OR

–       Have Mexican children by birth – either genetic or adopted OR

–       Be from Latin America or the Iberian Peninsula (Spain or Portugal) OR

–       Be recognized for providing outstanding service or achievement that has benefited Mexico in one of a variety of fields including culture, sports, science, business, etc.

Category 3

This category requires applicants to have resided in Mexico as legal residents (temporary or permanent) for at least five years. 

·      Those who are eligible under either Category 2 or 3 must not have been out of the country for more than a total of six months in the past two years 

Requirements:

The following are the required documents for those under categories 2 and 3

1)    Application form

The official application for citizenship is filled out on-line once you have compiled all the necessary documents. It requests all your information including details about family members, any property owned in Mexico and any work or educational experience within the country. It also asks for a very short explanation of why the applicant wishes to obtain Mexican citizenship. 

When you have competed the online form, you will be given a choice of dates for your appointment. Appointments in CDMX can be booked within a couple of days.

2)    Birth Certificate

All applicants must provide a birth certificate apostilled in their place of birth and translated by a translator approved by the Mexican government

If applying based on two years of being married to a Mexican national and married outside of Mexico, your marriage license must be apostilled/legalized and then translated by a certified translator in Mexico

3)    Residency Card and CURP

Applicants need either a temporary or permanent residency card and CURP printed from the government website.

4)    Passport

Applicants must present their passport with copies of every page including the covers

The name on your passport must exactly match the name on the birth certificate. If not, your local consulate or embassy must provide an affidavit stating the documents are for one and the same person.

5)    Constancias de Antecedentes Penales

Applicants are required to show they do not have a criminal record by obtaining official reports from both the state and the federal government.

6)    Letter Documenting Entrances and Exits

Applicants must provide a report of all their entrances and exits with Mexico. It is extremely important that they know the exact dates. Your time out of Mexico will be confirmed by SRE staff using their database. . You must not have been outside of Mexico more than 6 months in the past 2 years.

7)    Payment 

The government fees must be paid at an authorized bank before application using the official form.

Culture and History Exam and Spanish Exam

The testing varies from one SRE citizenship to another. There is no way to know in advance and therefore preparation is key. You may want to study with a tutor.

History and Culture Test

The first component is a multiple choice test about Mexican culture and history. The test consists of 10 questions, and you must receive a score of 8 out of 10 correct answers in order to be successful. You have 10 minutes to complete the culture and history exam. Applicants who are past 60 years of age are exempt from this component.

Spanish Test

The second component tests your Spanish comprehension. You must read out loud a short text and answer multiple choice questions about it. You must also pick an image from a stack of cards, and describe with three complete and orthographically correct sentences what is depicted on the card you chose. There is ten minutes to complete the Spanish component also.

Minors, refugees, and people over 60 years of age are not required to complete the culture in history exam but they must pass an exam to prove proficiency in Spanish. The exam consists of reading passages in Spanish and answering multiple choice questions. You are required to answer 5 of the 6 correctly.

Both exams are challenging and require a more than basic knowledge of Spanish language and Mexican culture. Passing the Mexican citizenship exam requires a well-rounded understanding of Mexican history, culture, and government institutions. Here’s a breakdown of key topics you’ll need to know:

Pre-Hispanic Civilizations – The major civilizations of Mesoamerica, along with their gods and religious symbols

Archaeological Sites – The most renowned sites and their historical significance

The Spanish Conquest – The events around the fall of Tenochtitlan and colonial structure in New Spain

Independence and the Republic – The Mexican War of Independence, independent Mexico, the Porfiriato, and the Revolution

Modern Mexico – Mexico’s path from the Revolution to the present day

Leaders and Figures – Key emperors, presidents, and their roles in shaping Mexico

The Mexican Constitution – Major constitutions and the rights provided by the 1917 Constitution

Government Institutions – Key institutions, when they were founded, by whom, and why

Important Laws and Reforms – Milestone laws, reforms, and the presidents who enacted them

Pioneering Figures – The first individuals in important positions, such as the inaugural Secretary of Public Education

Government Structure – The current political structure and levels of government

States and Capitals – The geography and political divisions of Mexico

Geography – Major natural landmarks, including mountain ranges, rivers, and wildlife reserves

Pop Culture and Icons – Key figures in Mexican pop culture, sports, and arts from past and present

Famous Mexican Figures – Names and contributions of historical and modern icons

Landmarks and Art – Iconic monuments, landmarks, and their creators

Regional Foods – Traditional Mexican dishes and their regional origins

Scientific and Cultural Pioneers – Notable Mexicans known for innovations and achievements

Appointment

–       Make sure to arrive at your appointment with plenty of time.

–       No one may accompany you into the office.

–       The officer will review your documents. If they are all in order they will administer the test. There is no real interview.

–       If you pass the test, they will take your biometrics which includes photos, fingerprints and voice recording.

You will be notified by email when they have approved your application. This usually takes 6 to 8 months. You will be issued a password so you can check your status on-line. 

All your documents will be returned except your birth certificate and you will be able to travel while you await approval.