The Mexican government has confirmed that foreigners who wish to obtain Mexican nationality through naturalisation by residence must have lived in the country for at least five years immediately before submitting their application. The requirement applies to individuals who can prove their residency using a card issued by the Ministry of the Interior, indicating either temporary or permanent resident status.
Residency Duration and Validity
The five-year period must be continuous and directly precede the date on which the application is filed. Beyond the residency period, the government requires that the residency status presented with the application holds a minimum validity of six months from the submission date. These rules are grounded in Article 20 of the Nationality Law and Article 14 of its Regulations.
Key Document: CURP
A crucial document tied to this process is the Unique Population Registry Code, known as the CURP, which is derived from the residency documentation. This code serves as a universal identifier for residents and is essential for various administrative procedures in Mexico.
Exception for Student Visa Holders
The Mexican government clarified an important exception: foreigners holding temporary resident student status do not accumulate residency rights under this scheme. Time spent in Mexico on a student permit, regardless of duration, cannot be counted towards the five-year threshold needed to apply for naturalisation by residence. This distinction significantly affects international students who may later wish to settle permanently, as their years as students will not count towards the citizenship clock under this particular pathway.
Political Context: Electoral Reform
In a related development, Mexico approved an electoral reform that allows nullifying elections over foreign interference. According to Al Jazeera, the proposal passed with 307 votes in favour, 128 against, and one abstention. The measure has sparked debate, with supporters hailing it as a safeguard for democracy and critics warning it could undermine confidence in the electoral process.
This residency requirement update forms part of Mexico's broader immigration and nationality framework, which continues to evolve alongside political and social changes in the country.
