If your child was born in the United States and has a Mexican parent, they may qualify for dual citizenship in Mexico.
We recently completed this process for our three oldest children. They were born in the U.S., and now they are officially Mexican citizens too.
In this post, I’ll explain:
- Who qualifies
- What documents you need
- Where to go
- How much it costs
- How long it takes
- How school works without Mexican papers
You can watch the full video here:
Who Qualifies for Mexican Dual Citizenship?
Children born outside of Mexico can claim Mexican citizenship if one parent is Mexican.
This is known as:
- Mexican citizenship by descent
- Mexican nationality through parents
- Registering a foreign birth in Mexico
Our kids qualified because their dad is Mexican. If you have a Mexican parent, your child likely qualifies too.
Where We Applied in Mexico
We completed the process at the Registro Civil in Ensenada, Baja California.
The Registro Civil is Mexico’s civil registry office (similar to city hall). This is where you register births and handle nationality paperwork.
You can also do this process at a Mexican consulate in the U.S., but we completed everything in Mexico.
Documents Needed for Dual Citizenship in Mexico
Here’s exactly what we brought:
- Both parents’ government IDs (plus copies)
- Both parents’ birth certificates (plus copies)
- Child’s U.S. birth certificate
- Blue pen (they specifically ask for blue ink)
- Two witnesses (we counted as the witnesses)
If both parents are Mexican and married, they may request a marriage certificate.
We filled out the forms in person, and the staff helped guide us through everything.
What Documents You Receive
Once approved, your child will receive:
1. Mexican Birth Certificate (Acta de Nacimiento)
We received:
- A federal version (Republic of Mexico)
- A state version (Baja California)
2. CURP
The CURP is Mexico’s version of a Social Security number.
Your child will need a CURP for:
- School enrollment
- Government services
- Jobs
- University
- Legal paperwork
The CURP is essential for living in Mexico long-term.
How Much Does It Cost?
We paid $0.
The state of Baja California offered a free registration month in October 2025.
Normally, costs vary by state, but many families report paying between $100–$200 USD per child.
Check with your local Registro Civil for updated fees.
How Long Does the Process Take?
- Application visit: Completed in one day
- Processing time: About 2–3 months
If you don’t receive a call, follow up in person. Our papers had been ready for months before we checked.
Can My Child Attend School Without Mexican Citizenship?
Yes. Our children attended public school in Mexico before completing their dual citizenship paperwork.
The school issued temporary CURP numbers so they could:
- Be enrolled
- Enter the system
- Attend classes
Once their permanent CURP was issued, it replaced the temporary one.
Schools in border areas are very familiar with U.S.-born children enrolling in Mexico.
Can You Do This If You’ve Been Deported?
Yes. If you returned to Mexico — whether voluntarily or through deportation — you can still register your U.S.-born child as a Mexican citizen in Mexico.
You do not have to complete the process in the United States. It is possible, and it can be straightforward.
Is It Easier to Do It in Mexico or the U.S.?
We found the process in Ensenada to be simple and supportive.
In contrast, registering our Mexico-born child for U.S. citizenship required:
- An interview
- School transcripts
- Employment history
- Extensive documentation
- Higher costs
Every situation is different, but completing Mexican dual citizenship inside Mexico may be easier for many families.
Final Thoughts on Dual Citizenship Mexico USA
Getting dual citizenship for our children means they can:
- Live and work in Mexico
- Study in Mexico
- Travel more freely
- Stay connected to both sides of their heritage
If you are considering dual nationality for your child, I hope this guide helps you feel more confident about the process.
If you have questions, leave a comment below with your question or tell us your Mexico Citizenship story.