The profile of foreigners living in Mexico has changed since the 60’s and 70’s. Back then, most expats living here were long-term residents; today, most foreign expatriates arrive in Mexico and leave again within about three years.

Changing lifestyles, fixed-schedule work placements, and a constant emergence of new opportunities brought about through technology and globalization are transforming the way many people living outside of their home country engage with the opportunities presented to them.

However, a significant number of expatriates do stay in Mexico long-term; perhaps for work or lifestyle reasons, but more usually when their partners and families have settled here, or when they retire.

If you’re staying in Mexico for the long-haul, at some stage you may choose to take your residency status to the next level: naturalization.

Naturalization is the process by which you apply for, and if successful subsequently adopt, Mexican Nationality.

Mexican naturalization offers several benefits to foreigners. Among them (in no particular order of importance): you can vote, change address or jobs without having to inform the National Institute of Immigration (INM) of your every move, wait less time in immigration lines at airports, and avoid having to pay to change your immigration status and/or renew your visa each year to extend you stay in Mexico.

Depending on your country of citizenship, you might have to surrender your home passport (and citizenship) when you acquire your Mexican nationality; although this is rare: most countries allow their citizens to hold dual or multiple nationalities. In the past, as part of an elaborately bureaucratic charade, the Mexican authorities would ask you, as a newly-naturalized Mexican, to surrender your home-country passport to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) upon receipt of your certificate. The SRE would promptly forward same to your country’s Embassy, who would subsequently return it to you. This no longer happens.

There are a few matters you should be aware of in regard to becoming a Naturalized Mexican. Following your naturalization, while you are in Mexico, you are not allowed to seek consular protection by virtue of your ‘other’ nationality; so if you become caught up in any problems with the authorities you cannot rely upon your home country’s Consulate to support you. Depending on your nationality, you might have to surrender citizenship of your home country when you take up your Mexican nationality. And you should also check with a financial adviser about the implications that your naturalization may have on your personal and business tax affairs.

The procedures which lead to Mexican naturalization demand a number of requirements for qualification. These depend upon an assortment of factors such as your links to Mexico, whether you are of Latin American descent, whether you are married to a Mexican, your current immigration status and how long you have resided in Mexico. A good immigration lawyer can help you establish your eligibility.

Once you file the application, the procedures take up to one year to complete, and perhaps even longer. Toward the end of the process you will get tested on your knowledge of Mexico in a “multiple choice” type examination consisting of some fifteen questions. It’s not hard, but you will need to have a basic grasp of the Spanish language to pass it.

At the completion of the journey that leads to your Mexican naturalization, you will get a handshake from one of the SRE officials and a certificate with your photo on it.