Skip to content

Residence & citizenship

Mexican Naturalisation by Residence (Carta de Naturalización)

The route to Mexican nationality for foreign residents who have held legal residence for the required period and pass the required exams.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Book a consultation

Under review — check current rules

The exact number of years of residence required (general rule and reduced periods for Latin American/Iberian nationals, spouses of Mexicans, etc.) should be confirmed against the current SRE instructivo before publication, as this route was intentionally not given a specific figure here.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Mexico government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Carta de naturalización por residencia
Route type
Acquisition of Mexican nationality by naturalisation
Authority
Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE)
Key condition
Legal residence for the required period; student-resident time does not count
Exams
Knowledge and Spanish-language exams (can be sat up to twice)

Who it is for

  • Foreign residents who have held legal residence in Mexico for the required period
  • Adults in full exercise of their civil rights
  • Nationals of Latin American / Iberian countries and other special cases with reduced requirements

Requirements

  • Naturalisation request form (DNN-3)
  • Valid temporary or permanent resident card proving regular stay in Mexico
  • Foreign birth certificate, legalised or apostilled and translated into Spanish by an authorised translator
  • All pages of the valid foreign passport (original and copies)
  • Pass the knowledge and Spanish-language exams (refugees, minors and people over sixty need only demonstrate they can speak Spanish)

What you can do

  • Acquire Mexican nationality on approval
  • Live, work and remain in Mexico as a national
  • Re-sit the exams up to twice, with a waiting period of up to one year before a fresh request if not passed

How to apply

  • Prepare the DNN-3 form, resident card, legalised/apostilled and translated birth certificate and passport
  • Submit the application to the SRE
  • Sit the required exams and complete the process to obtain the carta de naturalización

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

Related Mexican visas

Book a consultation