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This is one of the questions that causes the most fear: "If I become a U.S. citizen, do I lose my Mexican one?" The direct answer is no, you don't lose it. Mexico has allowed dual nationality since 1998, and holding American citizenship does not take away the rights you have as a Mexican.
But there are nuances worth understanding well before making decisions. Here is the complete guide with official information from the SRE and the Mexican consulates.
How does Mexico–U.S. dual nationality work?
Both Mexico and the United States allow their citizens to keep another nationality. In other words:
- If you are Mexican and you naturalize as an American → you are still Mexican
- If you are American and you want to register as Mexican by descent → you can have both
- You can have two passports, one Mexican and one American
- You can travel with whichever passport is most convenient in each country
The only obligation is this: when you enter Mexico, you must use the Mexican passport. When you enter the U.S., the American one. That is what each government requires of its own citizens.
I'm Mexican and I became a U.S. citizen
Many people believe that the American citizenship oath means renouncing Mexico. Legally in the U.S. there is a phrase renouncing "foreign allegiances", but Mexico does not recognize that renunciation as valid for losing Mexican nationality. The Mexican Constitution states that Mexican nationality cannot be lost involuntarily if you are Mexican by birth.
So in practice: you are still Mexican. You can renew your Mexican passport, get the consular ID and use consular services as always.
If you want to formalize your situation, you can apply for the Certificate of Mexican Nationality (Certificado de Nacionalidad Mexicana) at the consulate. It is not mandatory, but it can be useful for inheritances, property in Mexico or other legal matters.
My children were born in the U.S.: are they also Mexican?
Yes, as long as one condition is met: that at least one of their parents is Mexican by birth. In that case, the child is entitled to Mexican nationality even though they were born on American soil.
For that to become official, you must register their birth at the Mexican consulate through the procedure called "Registration of Birth Abroad" (Inscripción de Nacimiento en el Extranjero). This results in the child's Mexican birth certificate, and with it they can then apply for a Mexican passport.
What is being Mexican useful for the child?
- They can live and work in Mexico without immigration restrictions
- They can study at Mexican public universities at the national rate
- Inheriting property in Mexico is simpler
- When they come of age, they can vote in Mexican elections
- If they ever live in a third country, they have more visa options
How to recover or register Mexican nationality
If you were born in Mexico but never obtained documents, or if you were born in the U.S. to Mexican parents and were not registered at the consulate, you can do it now. The procedures are:
Registration of birth abroad
For: Mexicans born outside Mexico, or children of Mexicans born in the U.S.
Basic documents:
- U.S. birth certificate (apostilled)
- Mexican birth certificate of at least one parent
- Official ID of the parents
- Parents' marriage certificate (if applicable)
Certificate of Mexican Nationality
For: Mexicans who naturalized in another country and want to certify that they keep their Mexican nationality.
Basic documents:
- Original Mexican birth certificate
- Mexican passport or official ID
- Naturalization certificate from the foreign country
Both procedures require an appointment at the consulate. You can book it at citas.sre.gob.mx.
How to apply for American citizenship (without losing the Mexican one)
If you have a green card and you are thinking about becoming a U.S. citizen, these are the basic requirements according to USCIS:
- Be a permanent resident (green card holder) for 5 continuous years (or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen)
- Be 18 years or older
- Have been physically present in the U.S. for most of those years
- Demonstrate good moral character (no certain serious crimes)
- Pass the English and American history/civics test
The form you file is the N-400 with USCIS. The official cost is $710 online or $760 by mail. The process can take between 8 and 24 months depending on the state.
Once you naturalize as an American, remember to obtain or renew your Mexican passport if you need it to travel to Mexico.
Obligations with each country if you have dual nationality
| Situation | Rule |
|---|---|
| Entering Mexico | Use the Mexican passport |
| Entering the U.S. | Use the American passport |
| Taxes | The U.S. taxes based on citizenship worldwide. You may have to report your worldwide income to the IRS even if you live in Mexico. |
| Sensitive public office in Mexico | Some positions require renouncing other nationalities (cabinet secretary, federal judges, etc.) |
| Military service | In the U.S., citizens must register with the Selective Service at age 18 (although in practice there is no active mandatory service). |
Frequently asked questions
My Mexican passport expired when I became a U.S. citizen, can I renew it?
Yes. Having American citizenship does not prevent you from renewing your Mexican passport. You go to the consulate with your Mexican birth certificate and your ID. The consulate renews it for you without any problem.
Do I have to pay taxes in both countries?
It depends on where you live and how much you earn. The U.S. has a tax treaty with Mexico to avoid double taxation. But American citizens must file with the IRS regardless of where they live. This is something worth reviewing with an accountant or tax advisor who specializes in expatriates.
Can I buy property in Mexico if I am a U.S. citizen?
Foreigners can buy property in Mexico with certain restrictions (within 50 km of the coast and 100 km of the border they need a bank trust, or fideicomiso). If you have dual nationality and act as a Mexican citizen, you don't have those restrictions. That is why the Certificate of Mexican Nationality can be useful in these cases.