Wondering if you can get Mexican citizenship by investment?
While Mexico doesn’t offer a direct “golden visa,” you can secure residency through property or business investments, leading to citizenship after five years.
Here’s how it works for retirees, investors, and families.
Whether you’re looking to retire on sun-soaked beaches, expand your business into Latin America, or secure a second passport for your family, Mexico offers affordable, flexible pathways to residency and eventual citizenship.
But there are critical details, and risks, you need to know first.
We help U.S. citizens and investors worldwide navigate these complex processes without stepping foot in a consulate. From document corrections to legal representation, our licensed attorneys handle everything remotely.
Keep reading for a step-by-step guide, tailored advice for different applicant types, and answers to the questions most people get wrong about Mexican investment residency.
Why Mexico Is on Every Investor’s Radar
- With U.S. citizens increasingly seeking second passports and lifestyle flexibility, Mexico has become a top choice. Its vibrant culture, affordable cost of living, and proximity to the U.S. make it a natural destination for retirees, business investors, and families alike.
- But there’s a frequent misconception: Mexico doesn’t offer a “golden visa” like European countries. Instead, it provides residency pathways through property or business investments that can eventually lead to citizenship after several years of legal stay. This difference is critical for planning your timeline and financial commitments.
- In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, from investment requirements and timelines to potential risks and how to avoid costly mistakes. Whether you’re dreaming of beachside living or global mobility, we’ll show you exactly how Mexico’s residency-by-investment program works, and how Doble Nacionalidad Express can help you get there without the consulate headaches.
Can You Get Mexican Citizenship by Investment?
Actually Mexico does not have a direct citizenship-by-investment program like Portugal or Malta. There’s no “golden visa” that grants immediate citizenship in exchange for a cash investment.
Instead, Mexico offers a clear but multi-step path:
- Temporary Residency (via investment, income, or savings)
- Permanent Residency (after 4 consecutive years)
- Citizenship (eligible after 1 year as a permanent resident)
This means you’re looking at a minimum 5-year timeline from your initial residency to a Mexican passport.
Why Invest? The Benefits Include:
- Lifestyle flexibility: Live and work freely in Mexico’s vibrant cities or coastal towns.
- Tax advantages: Mexico has double taxation agreements with several countries.
- Dual citizenship: U.S. citizens don’t have to renounce their nationality.
- Property ownership: Invest in real estate with potential for high appreciation.
Questions We Answer
What is the golden visa for Mexico?
Mexico doesn’t have one. Instead, it offers temporary residency for those who invest in property ($218K minimum) or business ($109K with job creation). This residency can eventually lead to citizenship.
Does Mexico allow dual citizenship?
Yes. You can hold a Mexican passport without giving up your U.S. citizenship. However, while in Mexico, you’ll be subject to Mexican laws as a citizen.
Who Is Applying? Paths Differ for These 5 Groups
Mexico’s residency-by-investment program attracts a diverse mix of applicants, from retirees chasing a slower pace of life to high-net-worth individuals seeking global mobility.
Each group faces unique opportunities and challenges.
Retirees & Nómadas digitales
For retirees and remote workers, Mexico offers a chance to stretch their income and enjoy a warmer climate. You can qualify through:
- Monthly income of $3,275 over the past 6–12 months
- Or savings/investments totaling $54,589
For detailed information about economic solvency requirements, DNExpress can guide you through these nuances.
Frequent worry
“Do I need to live in Mexico full-time to keep residency?”
No. While there’s no strict physical presence requirement for renewing temporary residency, spending more time in Mexico strengthens your case for permanent residency and citizenship eligibility later.
Business Investors
Entrepreneurs and investors can qualify by:
- Investing $109K in a Mexican business
- Creating at least 3 full-time local jobs
This pathway is ideal for those seeking access to Mexico’s growing markets.
Risk to watch for:
Bureaucratic hurdles and inconsistent requirements at different Mexican consulates can derail even well-prepared applications.
❓ Can I start a Mexican company on a temporary visa?
Yes, but it requires additional permits and clear documentation showing economic benefit to Mexico. DNExpress can guide you through these nuances.
Descendants of Mexicans
If you’re U.S.-born with Mexican parents or grandparents, you may not need to invest at all.
Mexico recognizes nationality by descent, allowing many to skip residency requirements and apply directly for citizenship.
DNExpress solves this barrier (and others): Missing a parent’s Mexican birth certificate? Our legal team specializes in document recovery and corrections, even for rejected or complex cases.
Spouses of Mexican Citizens
Foreign nationals married to Mexican citizens enjoy a faster route to citizenship:
Temporary residency → Permanent residency → Citizenship in only 2 years
This route doesn’t require financial investments but does demand proper documentation and marriage validation under Mexican law.
Emotional pull:
Many pursue this path to solidify family ties and legal standing in Mexico.
High-Net-Worth Individuals
Wealthy individuals often use property investments (≥$218K) or business shares to secure residency. This approach serves as a “Plan B” for geopolitical stability and passport diversification.
Is it worth getting Mexican residency for global mobility?
Yes, Mexico’s passport ranks 23rd globally, granting visa-free access to 161 countries, and its location offers easy travel between North and South America.
How It Works Mexico’s Residency by Investment Programs
Mexico’s residency options aren’t as straightforward as “buy a house, get a passport,” but with the right guidance, the path is clear.
Here’s what you need to know about qualifying through investments.
Temporary Residency via Investment
There are two main routes:
Property Investment
- Minimum value: $218,000 to $437,000 (depending on exchange rates and UMA/MDW calculations)
- Property must be fully paid and free of liens or encumbrances
- Must hold the property in your name (or via fideicomiso for restricted zones)
Business Investment
- Minimum: $109,000 in a Mexican company
- Requirement: Create at least 3 full-time jobs for Mexican citizens
- Must show business plans, permits, and proof of contribution to the local economy
Other Assets
Some consulates accept proof of IRAs, Roth accounts, or stocks as financial solvency, but this varies widely.
Frequent worry:
“Can I use my U.S. rental income or retirement accounts?”
In most cases, rental income abroad isn’t counted as “investment” unless liquidated and deposited in a Mexican account.
Retirement accounts may count, but only if you’re of withdrawal age, and acceptance depends on the consulate.
Can You Get Residency by Buying a House?
Yes, if your property meets the minimum value thresholds and is properly titled. But be cautious:
Ejido Land Risks
Some rural or coastal properties are on communal “ejido” land, which foreigners cannot legally own.
Fideicomiso Requirement
Foreigners buying within 50 km of the coast or 100 km of borders must hold property via a bank trust (fideicomiso). DNExpress ensures your property purchase meets residency criteria and avoids these pitfalls.
Transition to Permanent Residency
After maintaining temporary residency for four consecutive years, you can apply for permanent residency. This step eliminates the need for income or investment renewal proofs and positions you for citizenship eligibility.
Applications can be submitted through the official INM Services Portal for streamlined processing.
Cost Estimate
Government fees and legal assistance range between $2,000–$5,000 depending on case complexity.
For a complete citizenship costs breakdown, visit our detailed guide.
From Residency to Citizenship: Your Mexican Passport
Once you’ve held permanent residency for a year, you’re eligible to apply for Mexican citizenship. Combined with the 4 years of temporary residency, the total timeline is typically 5 years from your initial application.
Complete requirements and application procedures are available on the official INM procedures portal.
Requirements for Citizenship
To naturalize as a Mexican citizen, you’ll need to:
- Hold permanent residency for at least 1 year
- Prove good conduct and clean criminal records
- Pass a basic Spanish language test
- Pass a Mexican culture and history test (sometimes waived for older applicants or those married to Mexican citizens)
Once approved, you’ll enjoy full rights as a Mexican national, including the ability to vote and hold a Mexican passport.
Is Mexican Citizenship by Investment Right for You?
Mexico’s residency-by-investment program isn’t for everyone, but for many, it’s the perfect blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term opportunity. Let’s break it down.
The Pros
Access to Mexican Markets
As a citizen, you can freely own property, start businesses, and tap into one of Latin America’s fastest-growing economies.
Dual Citizenship Privileges
Mexico recognizes dual nationality, so U.S. citizens can hold both passports without renouncing either.
Organizations like American Citizens Abroad provide valuable resources for U.S. citizens considering dual nationality.
Affordable Compared to EU “Golden Visas”
With property investments starting around $218K, Mexico’s path is far more accessible than European programs costing $500K–$2M.
The Cons
No Direct Citizenship Shortcut
You’ll need to commit to a 5-year timeline, 4 years as a temporary resident plus 1 year as a permanent resident, before applying for citizenship.
Bureaucratic Delays
Inconsistent requirements at Mexican consulates and government offices can slow down even well-prepared applications.
Financial Threshold Fluctuations
Income and savings requirements change annually and vary between consulates, making professional guidance a smart choice.
For many of our clients, these challenges are worth navigating because the reward, a second passport, property ownership without fideicomiso limits, and cultural reconnection, is life-changing.
Why Work With Doble Nacionalidad Express Instead of Doing It Yourself?
Securing Mexican residency and citizenship involves more than paperwork, it’s about navigating a system that can feel confusing, inconsistent, and, at times, overwhelming.
That’s where we come in.
The DNExpress Advantage
- Licensed Mexican Attorneys
Every case is reviewed and managed by our in-house legal team, fully licensed to practice in Mexico. We don’t outsource your sensitive documents or leave you guessing about legal requirements.
- We Fix Rejected and Complex Cases
From missing parent birth certificates to name mismatches, we specialize in helping clients who were told “no” by consulates or other firms.
- Fully Remote Process, No Consulate Visits Required
Our team completes every step for you, so you don’t need to take time off work, travel to Mexico, or navigate long consulate queues.
- Transparent Pricing with Payment Plans
Affordable, fixed rates with no hidden fees. We believe in making dual citizenship accessible for families, not only the wealthy.
- Local Agents Across Mexico
Whether your documents are in Chiapas or Chihuahua, our nationwide network ensures we can recover records and resolve issues on the ground.
The Risks of Doing It Yourself
- Document Errors = Application Denials
Even small mistakes can trigger delays or outright rejections.
- Time-Consuming Consulate Visits
Many applicants give up after months of back-and-forth with consulate staff and inconsistent requirements.
- Unlicensed Agents and Scams
We’ve seen too many clients lose money to “fast-track” services that aren’t legally authorized to handle nationality cases.
When your identity, property, and future mobility are at stake, you deserve a team that gets it right the first time.
Secure Your Future With DNExpress
Your path to Mexican residency and citizenship doesn't have to be stressful, uncertain, or filled with consulate headaches.
We have helped thousands of clients like you successfully navigate Mexico's complex nationality process from start to finish.
Whether you're investing in property, starting a business, or reclaiming your family's heritage, our licensed Mexican attorneys handle everything remotely.
- No consulate visits.
- No guesswork.
- Only results.
Ready to Get Started?
Reserve una Consulta Gratuita now, or Message Us on WhatsApp, it will be a pleasure to help you on the road to your dual nationality.
“I thought I couldn’t qualify, but DNExpress got me my Mexican passport without me ever stepping into the consulate.” – Laura M., Los Angeles
Your second passport, your family’s future, and your global freedom are closer than you think. Let us help you take the first step, securely, legally, and with the peace of mind you deserve.
FAQ. Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to become a dual citizen of Mexico?
Government fees for citizenship applications are modest, around $1,000 USD, but legal support, translations, and document corrections can add $1,500–$3,000 depending on complexity.
DNExpress provides full-service support to avoid costly delays or rejections.
How long can a U.S. citizen own property in Mexico?
Indefinitely.
Once you’ve obtained citizenship, you can own property outright without fideicomiso restrictions. Even as a resident, property ownership is allowed as long as legal requirements are met.
Can I get Mexican citizenship through investment?
Not directly.
Mexico does not offer a “citizenship-by-investment” program like some European countries.
Instead, you can gain temporary residency through property or business investments, transition to permanent residency after 4 years, and then apply for citizenship after 1 year.
How much money do I need for permanent residency?
You’ll need to demonstrate either:
- Income: $5,460 USD/month (for the last 6–12 months)
- Investment: Minimum property value of $218,000 USD
These thresholds are updated annually and can vary by consulate, so professional guidance is key.
What’s the difference between a green visa and a golden visa?
- Green Visa (or temporary residency): Allows you to live and work in Mexico for up to 4 years, renewable annually.
- Golden Visa: A term used in other countries for direct citizenship or residency via investment. Mexico does not offer a golden visa.
Is it easy to get citizenship in Mexico?
The process is clear but not fast. If you maintain your residency status and meet requirements (language and culture tests, clean record), it’s achievable. Many DNExpress clients receive their citizenship in 5–6 years from their initial residency application.
