Naturalization Through Marriage (Article 20, Section II)

To apply for Mexican naturalization through marriage, you must submit your application in person within Mexico. You cannot apply for this specific pathway from a consulate abroad, as you must prove you have lived in Mexico with your spouse for the two years immediately preceding your application.

Step 1: Pre-registration and Appointment

Visit the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores or SRE) online portal to create a profile. Here, you will fill out the DNN-3 Application Form. Once completed, print the form and use the system to schedule an appointment at the SRE headquarters in Mexico City or your nearest state delegation.

Step 2: Document Preparation

Gather all required documents. Any document issued outside of Mexico (like your birth certificate) must be apostilled or legalized in the country of origin. If the document is not in Spanish, it must be translated by a translator authorized by the Mexican Judiciary. Ensure your Residente Temporal (Temporary Resident) or Residente Permanente (Permanent Resident) card is valid for at least six months beyond your application date.

Step 3: Background Checks

You must obtain two specific criminal record clearances:

1. Federal: The Constancia de antecedentes penales federales, which must include a printable QR code for validation.
2. Local: A Constancia de antecedentes penales local from the state where you currently live.

Step 4: The Appointment and Exams

On the day of your appointment, you will submit your physical file and undergo an interview. You must pass two exams:

• Spanish Language: To demonstrate you can communicate fluently.
• History and Culture: A test based on the official SRE study guide.
• Note: If you are over 60 years old or a recognized refugee, you only need to pass the Spanish language portion; you are exempt from the history and culture exam.

Step 5: INM Verification

After your interview, the SRE will request a technical opinion from the National Institute of Migration (Instituto Nacional de Migración or INM) to verify your legal entry, residency status, and travel history. They will confirm you have not spent more than six months outside of Mexico during your two-year qualifying period.

Step 6: Receiving your Certificate

Once the INM provides a favorable opinion and the SRE approves your file, you will be notified to collect your Carta de Naturalización (Naturalization Letter). This document officially grants you Mexican nationality.

Fees must be paid at a bank prior to your appointment using a specific "Hoja de Ayuda" (payment help sheet) provided by the SRE.

Item	Cost
Naturalization Application (Marriage Pathway)	$9,500.00 MXN
Certified Copy of Naturalization Letter	$700.00 MXN
Total Estimated Government Fees	$10,200.00 MXN

Does not include: Costs for document apostilles, professional Spanish translations, local/federal criminal record check fees, or passport-sized photographs.

The entire journey from resident to citizen follows these general timelines:

• Qualifying Residency: You must have lived in Mexico as a legal resident for at least 2 years before you can apply.
• Application Processing: Once submitted, the SRE typically takes 6 to 9 months to reach a final decision.
• Official Response Deadline: By law, the SRE should issue a resolution within 3 months of receiving the mandatory report from the INM.
• Exam Retakes: If you fail the exams, you can retake them after 15 business days. You are allowed two attempts; if you fail both, you must wait one year to start the process over.
• Document Validity: Your foreign passport must be valid for at least 45 days at the time of submission.