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Immigration

Mexico is an important country in terms of Immigration. Traditionally a country that sent many people to live in the United States of America, over time it has become a place through which those seeking to live in both countries to the north of our border pass through.

Similarly, it's not just a place people leave to go to other countries, many people also come to live in Mexico. With one of the largest American communities outside the U.S. and a large number of Canadians, Mexico also receives people from many other nationalities.

Its climate, people, and general living conditions can be more favorable than in other places.

For many years, the FM3, FM2, and the immigrant status existed. Their legal basis was the General Population Law. Immigration was removed from this law to come into effect in 2012 with the new Immigration Law. These changes were implemented in November of the same year.

Previously, it was simple to go from being a tourist to a resident (non-immigrant or immigrant were the legal names for the FM3 and FM2). Since 2012, in order to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days, you must obtain a Temporary Resident or Permanent Resident visa at a Mexican embassy or consulate abroad, unless you apply for a visa because you have a Mexican spouse or children, or through marriage or a similar relationship with a person who holds a residence visa.

At B-law Services, our Immigration team is dedicated to providing effective legal solutions to help our clients achieve their Immigration goals. From studying and analyzing personal conditions to determine if one can come to Mexico as a tourist or apply for a residence visa, to handling various processes with the National Institute of Immigration, some of which are listed below:

Naturalization

Naturalization is the process of acquiring Mexican nationality and is aimed at those who, having lived in our country for a certain period of time, wish to stay and fully integrate into Mexican society. It is regulated by the Political Constitution of Mexico, and the document that is issued and recognizes a person as a new Mexican citizen is called the Naturalization Certificate.

To obtain the Naturalization Certificate, a legal and administrative procedure is carried out, which is managed by the Secretariat of Foreign Relations through its General Directorate of Legal Affairs. There are different types of procedures to obtain a Naturalization Certificate:

At BLaw, we have been working on naturalization since 2006, covering all pathways and different situations that may arise during each of the processes. We would be happy to help you determine if you are eligible for naturalization.

Citizenship

Until 1997, the Mexican Constitution stated that Mexicans could lose their nationality if they acquired another. In line with modern times, the Constitution was amended, and since 1998, Mexican nationality is no longer lost, making it clearer and more accessible for those who have ancestors here.

There is talk of dual nationality, especially in relation to the United States due to the large number of Mexicans living there. In reality, a person can hold multiple nationalities: born in Mexico, living in the U.S., acquiring U.S. nationality, marrying someone from another country, and perhaps obtaining a third nationality and passport. Since 1998, according to the Constitution, that person remains Mexican.

Now, through a simple process with the Civil Registry, children or grandchildren of Mexicans can also acquire Mexican nationality. This allows them to enjoy the rights and privileges of both nations, such as access to public services.

At B-law Services, we offer legal advice to help you understand the requirements and implications of dual or multiple nationality, ensuring the process is carried out correctly and your interests are protected:

Apostille - Legalization

When a public document – such as civil registry records, judicial documents, notarial documents, etc. – needs to be used in another country, a certification must be added to ensure its validity in the country where it will be received.

For this, a process called legalization was established. For example, a birth certificate from the state of Jalisco must be certified by local authorities, then by the Ministry of Foreign Relations, and finally by the Embassy or Consulate of the country where the document will be used.

This process is long and expensive. For this reason, in 1961 an international agreement known as the Apostille Convention was signed, aiming to reduce several of the steps required for legalization, simplifying the requirements for document validation.

The apostille is a legal process that authenticates a document issued in one country so that it is valid and legally recognized in another country. This process, along with legalization, is essential for many international procedures, such as visa applications, marriage registrations, or enrollment in study programs abroad.

Currently, there are still countries that are not part of the Apostille Convention, so legalization remains necessary. At our law firm, we offer apostille and document legalization services.

Certified Translations

We also offer the best translation services in legal, educational, commercial, technical, industrial, and personal matters, performed by our expert translators certified by the Mexican Judiciary. All of our translations are recognized in Mexico or anywhere in the world, certified by:

Legal Services

Family Law: Divorces, alimony, custody, and interdictions.

Family Law Divorces, pensions, custody and interdicts.

Succession – All types of succession proceedings with or without a will

Property – We investigate the purchase before committing or giving the seller a deposit by reviewing the cadastre files, Public Property Registry and looking for water debts, subdivisions / condominiums and more. If a problem arises after the deed is signed, we can complain to the seller. Litigation regarding leasing and disputes between neighbors.

Contracts – Preparation and review of sales and lease contracts, among others. Powers of attorney in double column format (English / Spanish) or only in Spanish.

Labor Law – Preparation and calculation of settlements and advice.

Municipal Law – Municipal license procedures (new / transfer / renewal), representation in hearings and litigation in state and federal courts in administrative matters for the denial of licenses and permits, business closures and everything related. Challenge of fines and surcharges.

Administrative Law – Representation (complaints / claims and defense) before federal and state government entities such as INAI, CONDUSEF, CONAMED, CONAGUA, IMPI, Mobility, Secretary of Finance of the State of Jalisco, IMSS, SAT, Customs, Human Rights , etc.