How to get Legal Residence in Mexico if You Have Mexican Family Ties

Getting Mexican Residency is Possible!

Acapulco Beaches, Image M. Serrato

​Moving to a new country can be a thrilling experience but it also comes with its own set of challenges. As an expat moving to Mexico, there are several things to consider, including understanding and navigating the Mexican visa requirements.

​Mexico has strict visa requirements that every foreigner must adhere to in order to stay legally in the country. ​The path to Mexican residency and Mexican citizenship gets much easier if you have Mexican relatives, because this is a much easier way for you to acquire legal residency or even Mexican citizenship.

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​Foreigners with ties to Mexico like a parent, grandparent, child, or spouse can apply for residency and citizenship and access its advantages like unrestricted work authorization, public healthcare and education availability as well as social security benefits without the need to demonstrate a stable income. To start this process, applicants must first obtain evidence that verifies their family relationship (like birth or marriage certificates). 

Spousal and Family Paths to Mexican Citizenship: If you have relatives with Mexican connections, there is an easier way for you to acquire legal residency or even Mexican citizenship. This is an easier path than the normal naturalization process – it is easier for those with Mexican family ties. The main two paths to obtaining Mexican citizenship are through marriage or family ancestry. 

• Marriage: If you marry a Mexican citizen, you are generally eligible for a Residente Permanent Visa immediately. This visa allows the holder to remain in Mexico indefinitely and opens up the possibility of applying for naturalization after two years of legal residence. Individuals married to a Mexican citizen do not need to prove economic solvency.
• Child: Having a Mexican child also entitles the child's parents immediately to permanent residency. So, for example, if an American citizen gives birth to a child while travelling in Mexico, the child is a Mexican citizen by birth, and the parents can apply for Mexican residency based on the familial relationship to their child.
• Family Ancestry: If one of your parents is a Mexican citizen by birth, then you have the right to apply for Mexican citizenship provided that you meet certain requirements. You must first obtain evidence in order to demonstrate this relationship, such as birth or marriage certificates. 

The application process can take several months so it’s important to plan ahead! ​Engaging an experienced Mexican immigration lawyer is usually recommended if you are not fluent in Spanish. At any point during the process, if there are questions or concerns about your application it’s best to seek help from a professional rather than continuing on without guidance. A knowledgeable lawyer can provide invaluable assistance throughout the process and ensure that everything is done correctly so that there aren’t any unforeseen issues down the line.