United States citizens planning to move abroad indefinitely have many important decisions to make. For those with family or career opportunities in either Mexico or Spain, there are two potential options for their planned international relocations.
They can maintain dual residency in both countries or potentially seek dual citizenship. Each option offers certain benefits. Therefore, a careful assessment of long-term plans is necessary to choose the best option. How can those planning to relocate to either Mexico or Spain decide if they should establish citizenship in the new country or simply reside there?
The benefits of dual residency
Dual residency allows for a long-term stay in another country while allowing the U.S. citizen the flexibility to return to this country when they desire. For those moving to Spain, dual residency requires that they maintain and renew temporary visas for five consecutive years before they are eligible to become permanent residents.
For those intending to move to Mexico, temporary residency lasts for the first four years in the country, and permanent residency is available after that with no technical expiration date. Those seeking dual residency can travel internationally without worrying about violating physical presence requirements for naturalized citizenship.
For those living in Spain but remaining only citizens of the U.S., the dual residency arrangement can protect them from dual taxation. The downsides of dual residency include an inability to vote in local elections. For those living in Mexico, purchasing property in restricted zones may only be possible with a special bank trust as a dual resident.
The benefits of dual citizenship
Qualifying for naturalized citizenship requires 10 years of lawful residency in Spain or five years of legal residency in Mexico. In Mexico, those married to Mexican citizens or who have children born in Mexico can qualify for dual citizenship after two years, provided that they pass the necessary examinations.
Dual citizenship in Spain qualifies an individual for a European Union passport and the right to vote. Dual citizenship in Mexico expands property ownership rights and provides the right to vote in federal and local elections.
Both options are beneficial for people in different circumstances. Those hoping to establish dual residency or dual citizenship benefit from partnering with a legal professional who has a presence and license to practice in the United States, as well as in Mexico and in Spain. This can help in exploring every option for long-term residency abroad.