Mexico offers a number of opportunities for legal immigration. The standards for them are not as high as those of many other countries; one might say, even liberal. However, one way or another you need to meet the criteria for obtaining immigration status in this country.
There is not a single legal way to immediately acquire Mexican citizenship, unless by decision of the country's highest leadership. First, you must obtain resident status, live in the country for 2 to 5 years (for Mexican adoptees - 1 year), and only then can you apply for naturalization.
To appreciate all the advantages that life in Mexico offers, it makes sense to first come here as atraveler. You will have six months to look around and see if you want to stay here. If you want — think about how to proceed next. If you do not associate yourself with a Mexican, you will have to leave the country in six months. Extend your stay in Mexico as a traveler beyond 180 daysit is forbidden. You can get legalized and change your tourist status to resident status without leaving the country only in hotel rooms.cases.
All existing options for obtaining a residence permit in Mexico can be reduced to the following:
- economicwealth:
- sufficient financial security — you should have a certain amount in your account or be a wealthy pensioner,
- investments in Mexican business — invest in your own or another Mexican company,
- real estate — purchase residential or non-residential real estate in Mexico.
In some cases (purchase of real estate or a Mexican company), it makes sense to first obtain resident status based on financial savings, and only then purchase real estate as a resident of Mexico.
- family ties to a citizen or resident of Mexico:
- birth of a childin Mexico — the child will automatically become a citizen, and his parents, brothers/sisters and grandparents can obtain residency status,
- marriagefor a Mexican or Mexican woman also gives you the right to prepare a residence status,
- relative— All close relatives of a Mexican, and in addition close relatives of a resident of the state, except for the latter’s adult children, can apply for a residence permit.
- invitationto work— it is not so difficult to obtain or even buy, especially in tourism; then it is allowed to grant resident status to all relatives of the employee,
- study in Mexico— suitable for students of Mexican universities; in addition, it gives the right to obtain a residence permit for the student’s relatives,
- refugee status— Mexico provides the so-called. «humanitarian» visas for those who are experiencing persecution in their country for political, religious, sexual and other reasons, as well as for foreign citizens in emergency situations (war, natural disaster); motives must be confirmed.
After the United States introduced into its immigration legislation a requirement for refugees traveling to the United States through Mexico to obtain asylum in this country first, the number of applications for the acquisition of «humanitarian» visas in Mexico have increased sharply.
- other criteria for registrationpermanentresidence permit forpoint system:
- scientific research,
- outstanding achievements.
We do not consider the latter possibilities, since they are quite specific, and compliance with the criteria must be confirmed by the conclusion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labor of Mexico or other competent authorities.
Please note: to obtain a residence permit in Mexico based on family ties, you only need to have a relative — a Mexican with a residence permit, not just a citizen. This opens up prospects for the entire family to move to Mexico, one of whose members meets the criteria for obtaining such status in Mexico.
In most cases, the residency process must begin outside of Mexico, by purchasing a resident visa from that country's consulates abroad. For example, you came to Mexico as a guest of the country, found a job here — but you will still be required to leave the country before you can re-enter on a work visa. In some cases, you do not need to leave Mexico to obtain a residence permit. Where to start the process of acquiring a residence permit is described in each specific case using the links above.
Being a resident gives you almost the same rights as citizenship. But you do not have the right to vote and do not have the opportunity to take advantage of visa-free entry into those countries where Mexicans do not need a visa. Most often, after purchasing a residence permit, you will also need to obtain a permitto workin Mexico — This is a simple formal procedure.
Temporary resident status should be extended for a period of one to three years in order to then acquire a permanent residence permit. During this period, you will need to inform Immigration about each shift.place of residenceor work if such events occur.
Permanent resident status in Mexico does not expire; it allows you to stay in the country as long as you like. If you want to apply for Mexican citizenship, remember that you are not required to stay outside Mexico for more than 6 months over the past two years. This period of your absence from Mexico will be calculated very painstakingly and by day.
The process of naturalization (registration of citizenship) is simple, but requires knowledge of Spanish, history and culture of Mexico. You will have to take an exam to prove your knowledge. As a result, you will receive a Mexican passport and become a full-fledged citizen of this country.