Bigamy in Mexico City: Criminal Penalties of 1–5 Years Imprisonment

Bigamy — marrying while a prior valid marriage exists — is a federal crime in Mexico, prosecuted in Mexico City under the Federal Criminal Code (Código Penal Federal).

Penalty

1 to 5 years imprisonment (Article 275). Applies to both Mexican nationals and foreigners residing in CDMX.

Elements Required

1. Valid first marriage (not dissolved by divorce, annulment, or death).
2. Second marriage contracted while first subsists.
3. Knowledge and intent — the person knows the first marriage is valid and deliberately enters the second.

Evidence

Authorities examine: marriage certificates (civil registry), divorce decrees, death certificates, witness testimony, cohabitation records.

Additional Consequences

• Second marriage is void ab initio.
• Civil liability for damages to first spouse.
• Immigration consequences for foreigners.

Polygamy is not recognized; only monogamous civil marriage is legal.