Yes, Mexican-Americans can live in Spain. In fact, dual citizens with U.S. and Mexican passports have multiple legal pathways to live, work, or retire in Spain, including non-lucrative visas, family reunification, and Spanish nationality-by-descent options.

Whether you're looking to reconnect with your Spanish roots, escape U.S. politics, or finally use that Mexican passport you claimed through your parents, Spain offers a clear legal route, especially if you know where to start.

But how you qualify depends heavily on your current legal status, documents, and even which country you apply from.

As the founder of Doble Nacionalidad Express, I've worked with thousands of U.S.-based clients who had no idea they were eligible for Mexican citizenship, let alone that it could fast-track them to legal residency in Spain.

We've helped people correct birth certificates, skip the consulate, and reclaim the identity that lets them move freely across borders.

If you're curious how it works, and whether it's right for you, keep reading. We'll break down every option available to Mexican-Americans, from quick 90-day visits to full Spanish citizenship in two years.

For Mexican-Americans Considering the Move

Consider that Mexican-Americans can live in Spain, but how you get there depends on whether you've already claimed your Mexican nationality or still need to.

The key advantage is this: Mexico and Spain share unique agreements that don't apply to U.S. citizens alone.

  • Mexican passport holders can enter Spain visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This gives you the freedom to explore, house-hunt, or begin remote work without immigration stress.
  • Mexican-Americans may qualify for faster residency or even Spanish citizenship, including the 2-year rule that lets Ibero-American nationals apply for citizenship after 24 months of legal residence.
  • U.S. citizenship alone doesn't give you this access. But when you combine your American status with verified Mexican nationality, doors begin to open, legally, culturally, and logistically.

If you're not sure where you fall in all this, don't worry. We'll walk you through how different family, citizenship, and documentation scenarios affect your options, and how to move forward with confidence.

What Your Situation Means for Moving to Spain

Not every Mexican-American starts from the same legal footing, and that's okay.

The path to living in Spain will depend on how (or if) you've already secured your Mexican nationality. Here's how different scenarios shape your options:

If You Were Born in the U.S. to Mexican Parents

If one or both of your parents are Mexican citizens, you likely qualify for Mexican nationality by descent. Even if you were born and raised in the U.S., you can legally reclaim your identity, without needing your parents to go with you to the consulate.

Once you have your Mexican passport, you can:

  • Enter Spain visa-free for 90 days.
  • Apply for residency faster than most Americans.
  • Qualify for Spanish citizenship in two years of legal residence.

We help clients skip the consulate entirely with remote legal processing, so you can start your journey without traveling to Mexico or waiting for hard-to-get appointments.

If You Want to Secure Citizenship for Your U.S.-Born Children

Securing your own Mexican nationality goes beyond helping yourself. It's also about opening doors for your children.

Many of our clients are Mexican nationals living in the U.S. who want their U.S.-born kids to inherit the right to Mexican citizenship, and all the global mobility that comes with it. From Spain to Latin America, that second passport can change a child's future.

We've helped parents:

  • Get their kids Mexican nationality without visiting the consulate.
  • Fix birth certificate errors that were blocking their applications.
  • Set up their family for future residency options across Europe.

If You Were Previously Denied by a Mexican Consulate

This situation is more widespread than you might expect. Many of our clients first came to us after being rejected by a consulate, sometimes for small technical issues, other times for lack of documentation or a confused legal rep.

What consulates reject, we often approve, because we approach it differently:

  • We use legal searches in Mexico's national registry (something consulates can't do).
  • We correct name mismatches, missing parents, and date inconsistencies.
  • We file everything remotely, with licensed Mexican attorneys overseeing the process.

If you've been told “no,” don't give up. There may still be a way forward.

If You're Reclaiming Family Roots or Cultural Identity

For many of our clients, the decision to pursue Mexican nationality, and move to Spain, goes beyond legal considerations. It's deeply personal.

Maybe your grandparents spoke Spanish, but your documents say “American.” Maybe you've always felt disconnected from your heritage.

Spain offers a unique bridge for Mexican-Americans seeking to reconnect with both their Mexican ancestry and shared Iberian culture.

A second passport can be something beyond legal paperwork. It can be a symbol of where you've come from, and where you're allowed to go.

If You Want to Avoid Visiting a Mexican Consulate

Let's be honest: dealing with the consulate feels like trying to win the lottery. Long waits, no appointments, and inconsistent answers are the norm.

That's why we built Doble Nacionalidad Express to eliminate the consulate altogether. With our fully remote process:

  • You don't need to fly to Mexico.
  • You don't need to stand in line or beg for an appointment.
  • You don't even need both parents, only the right documents.

This is especially helpful if you live in a rural part of the U.S., have mobility issues, or are dealing with absent or deceased parents.

Keep in Mind

For those curious about their Mexican heritage and whether they qualify for dual citizenship, understanding what determines your nationality if you're Mexican American can be the first step in your journey to Spain.

If you have questions about specific requirements or pricing for our services, check our frequently asked questions or review our service pricing to understand the investment involved in securing your Mexican nationality.

Whether you qualify depends on many factors, but if one or both of your parents are Mexican citizens, you likely have options. Learn more about Mexican citizenship services and discover if you're eligible for U.S.-born children to get Mexican citizenship.

The path to living in Spain starts with understanding your Mexican heritage and securing the documents that prove it. Spain offers incredible opportunities, but according to recent cost of living comparisons, you can live comfortably for significantly less than what you'd spend in most U.S. cities.

Your Spanish adventure could be closer than you think.

Residency and Visa Options in Spain for Mexican-Americans

Once you've confirmed your Mexican nationality, or started the process, the next step is figuring out which legal path allows you to stay in Spain beyond 90 days.

Fortunately, your dual status can unlock options that many U.S. citizens don't even know exist.

Visa-Free Entry with Mexican Passport

Mexican passport holders can enter Spain without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This makes it incredibly easy to:

  • Visit Spain for travel, research, or family exploration.
  • Test out cities like Valencia, Madrid, or Seville before committing long-term.
  • Begin a remote work routine without overstepping legal bounds.

But remember: this is for short-term stays only. If you want to live in Spain full-time, you'll need to switch to a formal residency path.

Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)

This visa is one of the most widespread options for Mexican-Americans who are:

  • Retired
  • Living off savings or investments
  • Earning passive income from outside Spain

To qualify, you'll need to show proof of €2,400/month in stable income (plus €600 for each dependent) and carry private health insurance.

Working in Spain under this visa is not allowed, but many remote workers use it while exploring other legal pathways.

Digital Nomad Visa

Spain now offers a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers who earn from foreign companies or freelance clients. It's ideal if you:

  • Work online from the U.S. or Mexico
  • Want to live in Spain legally while continuing your business
  • Don't want the limitations of the NLV

Unlike the NLV, this visa permits remote work. Requirements include a minimum income (€2,500/month), proof of contract or freelance income, and private insurance.

Student Visas

Studying in Spain goes beyond college students. Many adults enroll in:

  • Language schools
  • Graduate programs
  • Certification programs

This visa allows you to stay legally while studying and often leads to a change of status into long-term residency once you complete your program.

For Mexican-Americans with cultural or educational goals, this is a flexible way to integrate into Spain's legal system, and society.

Family Reunification

If a family member is already living legally in Spain, you may qualify for family reunification residency. This is especially widespread for:

  • Spouses
  • Minor children
  • Dependent parents

We've helped many families secure residency for elderly Mexican parents who need to be cared for abroad. Having your Mexican documentation in order makes the process smoother, especially when combined with DNExpress legal support on both sides of the Atlantic.

Spanish Citizenship via Descent

Some Mexican-Americans qualify for Spanish nationality through ancestry, especially if:

  • You have a Spanish-born parent or grandparent
  • Your family descends from Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain in the 15th century

Spain has special laws for reclaiming citizenship in these cases. The process is complex, but absolutely possible with the right legal help.

For clients seeking to return to their Iberian roots, this option offers not only residency, but a Spanish passport and full EU rights.

Frequent Worries We Hear from Mexican-Americans

Even when the paperwork looks promising, the emotional weight of international relocation can be heavy. We've helped thousands of clients move through hesitation, confusion, and doubt, because these fears are legitimate.

And we're here to help you through them.

“What if I don't speak Spanish fluently?”

This concern affects many people. Many Mexican-Americans grew up in English-speaking households and worry they won't be accepted, or able to function, in Spain.

The truth? Spain is incredibly welcoming to Latin Americans, and fluency is not a legal requirement. As long as you're willing to learn and adapt, you'll be fine. 

Plus:

  • Language academies are everywhere.
  • Many government processes can be handled with help.
  • DNExpress clients often build fluency faster once they arrive.

You don't have to speak perfect Spanish. You simply have to start.

“What if my documents are wrong?”

Name doesn't match? Missing parent names? Different birth dates in U.S. vs. Mexican records? These issues are widespread, and they don't have to stop you.

Doble Nacionalidad Express specializes in correcting:

  • Birth certificate mismatches
  • CURP errors
  • Apostille issues
  • Civil registry gaps

We've fixed cases that other lawyers and consulates turned down. That's the power of working with a legal team that knows both systems from the inside out.

“Will I be stuck in between countries?”

This is a valid concern, especially for dual citizens navigating U.S., Mexican, and Spanish laws.

The key is planning. With proper legal guidance, we help clients:

  • Maintain tax compliance in all three jurisdictions
  • Avoid overstays and legal grey zones
  • Set up healthcare, residency, and property rights without conflict

You won't be stuck. You'll be supported, with a clear plan for each legal system you touch.

“What if Spain rejects my application?”

That fear keeps a lot of people from applying. And it's understandable.

Spanish immigration law is strict on documentation and often vague in communication. That's why we don't leave anything to chance:

  • Every application is reviewed by a licensed attorney.
  • We anticipate issues before they happen.
  • If something's missing or wrong, we fix it before it gets to Spain.

A rejection doesn't have to be part of your story. Preparation is everything, and that's what we're here for.

“I'm scared I'll do it wrong if I go alone.”

You don't have to go alone.

Most of our clients start out feeling overwhelmed. But once they understand the steps, and have a licensed team guiding them, everything changes.

We break things down into:

  • What you qualify for now
  • What needs to be fixed
  • What the next 6-12 months could realistically look like

No false promises. No vague timelines. Simply a clear legal path, tailored to you.

Why Work With DNExpress Before You Move to Spain

If you're serious about living in Spain, your Mexican documents are the key, and how you handle them will determine whether your plan moves forward or falls apart.

We've built our entire service around fixing exactly this issue for Mexican-Americans in the U.S.

Here's how we help:

Get Your Mexican Passport Without the Consulate

Consulate appointments are notoriously hard to get, and inconsistent from city to city. Some clients wait months only to be told they don't qualify, or that a parent has to appear in person (even if they're deceased or unavailable).

With DNExpress, there's:

  • No waiting rooms
  • No chasing appointments
  • No consular red tape

We handle your case remotely, start to finish, so you can focus on your goals, not logistics.

Fix Document Issues Before Spain Sees Them

Spain won't overlook errors. If your CURP doesn't match your birth certificate… if a parent's name is missing… or if you can't even locate your original documents, we can help.

We specialize in:

  • Correcting Mexican birth certificates
  • Locating civil records inside Mexico's national registry
  • Resolving document conflicts across countries

You don't have to be legally perfect to qualify. You only need a legal team that knows how to fix what's broken.

We've Helped 3,000+ People, Even If They Were Previously Denied

Many of our clients came to us after hearing “no” at a consulate, or being told by another attorney they didn't qualify.

What we offer is different:

  • A second look by legal professionals
  • Access to databases and registry tools most firms don't use
  • Honest feedback on what's possible, and what's not, before you commit

If you've been rejected, ignored, or ghosted by a consulate, this is your second chance.

We Are Licensed Mexican Attorneys

We're not document preparers. We're not notarios. We are licensed Mexican attorneys who:

  • Understand the law
  • Know how to navigate Mexican bureaucracy
  • Work hand-in-hand with U.S. families every day

This is legal work, not paperwork. And it can mean the difference between a rejected application, and a new life in Spain.

Downsides of Doing It Yourself

We understand the temptation to do it all yourself. After all, how hard could it be to apply for citizenship or get a visa, right?

Unfortunately, we've seen firsthand how DIY attempts often lead to long delays, dead ends, or total burnout. Here's what to expect if you try to go it alone:

Long Delays from Consulates and Embassies

If you've ever tried booking a Mexican consulate appointment in the U.S., you know the struggle. Some cities have no open slots for months, others cancel last-minute, and the rules change constantly depending on the consulate staff.

Even when you finally get in, you may be told:

  • “You need both parents present.”
  • “This document won't work.”
  • “Try again next year.”

Most people give up right there.

Hidden Errors in Paperwork = Automatic Rejection

Even a small typo or mismatch between your U.S. and Mexican documents can result in your case being rejected, whether you're applying for Mexican nationality or a Spanish visa.

These issues include:

  • Name order discrepancies
  • Incorrect CURP codes
  • Parents listed differently across documents
  • Apostilles missing or improperly applied

These errors are often invisible until it's too late.

No Access to Mexico's Civil Registry

Lost your Mexican birth certificate? Missing your parent's documents? You can't Google that.

Only licensed attorneys in Mexico can access and search the national civil registry for official records, corrections, and filings.

Without this access, you're stuck, and most applicants don't even know this database exists.

No Legal Backup if Spain Questions Your Status

If you submit documents that look “off” to Spanish immigration, they can freeze or reject your application, even if your intent was good.

Without legal support:

  • You won't know how to appeal.
  • You may miss key deadlines.
  • You could lose your chance at residency entirely.

DNExpress clients don't face that risk, we're behind them every step of the way.

Many People Quit Halfway Due to Confusion or Rejection

We've heard from too many people who started this journey full of hope, only to be derailed by confusing processes, unclear instructions, or overwhelming paperwork.

They weren't wrong to try. But they needed guidance.

With DNExpress, you don't have to guess your way through. We give you the map. And we walk it with you.

Ready to Get Your Mexican Citizenship and Move to Spain?

If you're ready to stop dreaming and start moving, the next step is simple: secure your Mexican citizenship, and let us handle the hard parts.

Whether you're trying to reconnect with your roots, open opportunities for your kids, or build a life abroad, we're here to make it possible without the consulate, the confusion, or the rejection.

  • Schedule a Free Case Review: Let us confirm if you qualify, and explain your best options before you spend a dime.
  • Call or Message Us on WhatsApp: Got questions? Talk to a person on our legal team. We speak your language and know this process inside and out.
  • Start Your Application Without Going to the Consulate: Our 100% remote process means no travel, no appointments, and no waiting months for vague answers.

Your passport is the key. Your plan is the map. And we're ready when you are.

FAQ

Before packing bags or filling out paperwork, most clients have the same core concerns, and we get it. Moving across the Atlantic goes beyond exciting; it's also legally complicated.

Here are answers to the most frequent questions we hear from Mexican-Americans exploring life in Spain:

How much money do I need to live in Spain for 6 months?

Budget at least €7,500 for six months, covering rent, groceries, local transportation, and insurance for a single person. Families should multiply this baseline accordingly.

How much money do I need to get residency in Spain?

For the Non-Lucrative Visa, you must show a stable income of €2,400/month for the primary applicant, plus about €600 per dependent. This income must come from outside Spain.

Can a Mexican citizen buy property in Spain?

Yes. There are no restrictions on foreign buyers, and if you invest €500,000 or above, you may qualify for a Golden Visa, which includes full residency benefits for you and your family.

Is it cheaper to live in Spain or the USA?

Generally, Spain is cheaper, especially for food, healthcare, education, and rent outside major cities. The public healthcare system is top-tier, and many expats enjoy a higher quality of life at a lower cost.

Does Spain recognize Mexican citizenship?

Yes. Spain and Mexico have long-standing legal and diplomatic ties. Mexican citizens can apply for residency and even citizenship with fewer delays and easier paperwork than U.S. citizens alone.

What is the 2-Year Rule in Spain for Ibero-American Nationals?

This is one of the biggest advantages for Mexican-Americans. While most foreigners must live in Spain for 10 years to apply for citizenship, Mexican citizens can apply after only 2 years of legal residence.