Mexican Citizenship (Naturalization) — Mexico

Mexican citizenship through naturalization formalizes your legal status based on residency, family ties, origin, marriage, or recognized contributions. You apply using the Form DNN-3 form and complete the process under the authority of the National Immigration Institute (INM).

Routes to citizenship

Mexico grants naturalization through specific legal categories. Your eligibility depends on your circumstances and immigration history.

You may qualify under one of the following routes:

• Naturalization by residency
• Naturalization for having Mexican-born children
• Naturalization for nationals of Latin American countries or the Iberian Peninsula
• Naturalization through marriage to a Mexican citizen
• Naturalization for providing distinguished services or notable contributions

Many applicants first hold a Permanent Resident Visa, including:

• Permanent Resident Visa (Family)
• Permanent Resident Visa (Points System)

Some begin with a Temporary Resident Visa (Family Unity) before moving to permanent status.

You must submit the DNN-3 application and supporting documents as required by your category.

Who this covers

This process applies to foreign nationals who do not already hold Mexican nationality by birth.

You may qualify if you:

• Hold lawful immigration status issued through INM
• Have a qualifying family relationship to a Mexican citizen
• Are from a Latin American country or the Iberian Peninsula
• Are married to a Mexican citizen
• Have provided recognized services or significant achievements

If you entered Mexico through a family-based residency route, such as Permanent Resident Visa (Family) or Temporary Resident Visa (Family Unity), you may later pursue naturalization if you meet the requirements.

INM manages your immigration status inside Mexico. Mexican consulates issue visas abroad, but naturalization is handled under Mexico’s federal authority once you qualify.

You must complete online pre-registration, prepare the correct forms, and attend an appointment with the National Immigration Institute (INM). Accuracy at each step prevents delays or rejection.

Pre-registration and forms

Start with the National Immigration Institute (INM). Download the current Mexican citizenship form and the official instructions for your eligibility category.

Review the instructions before entering any information. Requirements differ depending on your underlying status, such as:

• Permanent Resident Visa
• Permanent Resident Visa (Family)
• Permanent Resident Visa (Points System)
• Temporary Resident Visa (Family Unity)

Complete the online pre-registration. You must:

• Validate your CURP number
• Enter full biographical data
• Provide details about your legal residency status

Download the Form DNN-3 form before scheduling your appointment. Fill out every required section and sign where indicated.

Incomplete forms or missing signatures can prevent you from moving forward.

Booking and submitting

After pre-registration, schedule your appointment with INM. Don’t book until you’ve finalized your forms and gathered all required evidence.

Bring the following to your appointment:

• Printed and signed application form
• Completed DNN-3 form
• Supporting documents tied to your residency category
• Any additional documents listed in the official instructions

Submit all materials in the format specified by INM. Follow the checklist for your category.

If you apply based on a residency path such as Permanent Resident Visa (Family) or Temporary Resident Visa (Family Unity), ensure your legal residency information matches INM records.

If you’re unsure about documentary specifications, consult the official INM instructions before attending your appointment.

What the INM handles

The National Immigration Institute (INM) manages immigration permits and border control within Mexico. It processes your citizenship-related filings after you submit them.

INM will:

• Receive and review your completed forms
• Verify your legal residency history
• Confirm that your category requirements are met
• Process documentation connected to your immigration status

INM does not issue visas abroad. Mexican consulates handle visa issuance outside Mexico.

Your responsibility is to submit accurate, complete documentation. INM’s role is to evaluate what you provide under the applicable legal category.

You must pay a government filing fee and prepare for a processing period that often lasts more than a year. The exact timeline depends on your category and where you file.

Application and certificate fees

As of February 2026, the citizenship application fee is MX$10,000. You pay this amount as part of your naturalization filing.

The National Immigration Institute (INM) manages immigration status in Mexico, including residence documents such as the Permanent Resident Visa, Permanent Resident Visa (Family), Permanent Resident Visa (Points System), and Temporary Resident Visa (Family Unity). Mexican consulates issue visas abroad.

If you previously paid immigration-related fees, such as those for residence or the Form DNN-3 document, those payments do not replace the citizenship fee. Verify current fee amounts directly with INM before you pay, as government fees can change.

Keep proof of payment. You must submit it with your application file.

Processing time expectations

Standard processing for Mexican citizenship currently ranges from 12 to 24 months as of March

1. Expect your case to remain pending for at least one year in most cases.

processing times vary based on:

• Your eligibility category
• The office handling your case
• Overall application volume

Your prior status—such as holding a Permanent Resident Visa, Permanent Resident Visa (Family), Permanent Resident Visa (Points System), or Temporary Resident Visa (Family Unity)—does not guarantee faster adjudication. Each naturalization case moves on its own timeline.

Confirm current processing estimates with INM before filing. Local workload and administrative factors can affect how long your application remains under review.

Mexican citizenship requires first obtaining lawful residence through an approved immigration pathway. Most people qualify either by holding long-term residence or through close family ties to a Mexican national.

Typical Pathways

Legal immigration status, issued by the National Immigration Institute (Instituto Nacional de Migración) (INM), is required before seeking citizenship. In most cases, this means permanent resident status.

Common residence routes:

• Permanent Resident Visa
• Permanent Resident Visa (Family)
• Permanent Resident Visa (Points System)
• Temporary Resident Visa (Family Unity) (which can lead to permanent status)

The visa process begins at a Mexican consulate abroad. After entering Mexico, INM manages your resident status.

You must keep lawful status and comply with INM requirements. INM oversees immigration permits and border control within Mexico.

Mexican authorities may request the Form DNN-3 form for document validation, confirming nationality records.

Family-based routes

Family relationships can create eligibility for residence and support a citizenship application later. You’ll need to prove the qualifying relationship with official civil documents.

Common qualifying relationships:

• Spouse of a Mexican citizen
• Parent of a Mexican citizen
• Child of a Mexican citizen

Typically, you apply first for a Permanent Resident Visa (Family) or a Temporary Resident Visa (Family Unity) at a Mexican consulate. Once in Mexico, INM issues your resident card.

Official civil records are required to establish the relationship. Mexican consulates issue visas abroad; INM grants and manages your status inside Mexico.