FAQs about Mexico’s residency visas and residency cards

This page contains Questions & Answers related to seeking legal residency: visas and permits for longer-term stays in Mexico.

What are the requirements to acquire a living/working/retirement permit in Mexico?

Mexperience publishes information and resources to help you learn about how to apply for and obtain legal residency in Mexico:

• Learn about the principal routes to obtaining legal residency
• Detailed outline about how to apply for residency in Mexico
• Read about the financial criteria to qualify for residency in Mexico
• Learn about the difference between temporary and permanent residency in Mexico
• See the latest residency-related fees charged by Mexico’s government
• Download our free eBook: Mexico Immigration Guide that encapsulates essential information about visas and residency permits for Mexico.

Are there minimum financial requirements required to move to and live or retire in Mexico?

Mexican immigration law stipulates that foreigners applying for residency in Mexico must be able to prove sufficient economic means to sustain themselves while in Mexico.

Read the article about financial criteria for residency in Mexico, as well as the related FAQ about obtaining residency on the basis of ‘economic solvency.’

See also: FAQs: Obtaining Residency in Mexico via ‘Economic Solvency’

How long does it typically take to obtain a residency permit for Mexico?

Timescales vary depending on availability of appointments at the consulate you apply at, as well as how busy the local immigration office is where you exchange your visa for a residency card.

For further details read: Typical time Scales for residency visas and cards – we keep this article regularly updated.

How long do Mexican residency permits last for?

Temporary residency permits last for up to 4 years, a permanent residency permit gives the holder the right to remain in Mexico indefinitely and does not expire.  See our article about time limits on Mexican visas and residency permits for details.

What is the difference between Temporary and Permanent residency?

Temporary residency permits last for between 1 and 4 years, and must be renewed to remain valid.  After four consecutive years of holding Temporary Residency you may apply to exchange Temporary residency for Permanent residency.

Permanent Residency permits have no expiry date and do not need to be renewed each year.

Read more about the similarities and differences between temporary and permanent residency in Mexico.

Do I need to have Temporary Residency before I can apply for Permanent Residency?

You don’t have to hold temporary residency before applying for and being granted permanent residency, but:

• the financial criteria to qualify for Permanent Residency are higher; and
• if you apply for Permanent Residency as a couple, the dependent spouse/partner will only be granted Temporary Residency to begin with; and
• Mexican consulates may require the applicant(s) ‘to be retired’ to apply for Permanent Residency—even if they qualify economically.

Financial criteria: Read the article about financial criteria for residency in Mexico, as well as the related FAQ about obtaining residency on the basis of ‘economic solvency.’

Couples: See this additional information if you are applying for Permanent Residency as a couple.

How long can I remain outside Mexico when I have legal residency status?

When you hold a legal residency card in Mexico, you can leave and re-enter Mexico as often as you like, and there are no time limits on how long you have to remain in Mexico, nor limits on how long you can remain outside of Mexico, each year.

However, temporary residency renewals and reporting changes in personal circumstances must be undertaken in person, in Mexico—they cannot be done abroad nor by proxy.

Read our article about time limits on Mexican residency permits for details.

What happens if my residency visa or card expires?

Visa stickers and temporary residency cards carry an expiry date; permanent residency cards issued to minors need to be renewed periodically, and permanent residency cards issued to adults do not expire.

See also: How to renew your Mexico residency card and dealing with an expired residency card.

How can I apply for a work permit in Mexico?

For information about working and work permits in Mexico, see our articles and guides about Working & Self-employment in Mexico. If you would like personal advice based on your individual situation, consider using our Mexico Immigration Assistance service.

Does Mexico have a points-based system to qualify for residency?

Mexico’s 2012 immigration law references a points-based qualification system as one of the routes non-Mexicans may use to acquire residency in Mexico.  However, the points-based system has not been implemented and there is no known date as to when it might be implemented.

Until then, foreigners seeking residency in Mexico need to pursue other routes, and you can learn about the principal routes to obtain residency in Mexico here on Mexperience.

Can I leave Mexico while my residency permit is being processed or renewed?

When you are exchanging your Residency visa for a Residency card, or renewing your existing residency permit (card) you must remain in Mexico.

In exceptional circumstances, you can request a one-time temporary exit and re-entry permit from the local immigration office that is processing your residency permit.  Read our article about renewing your Mexico residency permit for details.

How can I import my personal goods to Mexico when I relocate there to live?

Mexico allows foreign residents to import personal goods tax-free when they first move here under a one-time procedure known as the Menaje de Casa. You can find details about this procedure by reading our article: importing your personal goods to Mexico.

Am I covered by Mexican Social Security for healthcare if I am legally resident in Mexico?

You can find the answer to this question on our article about health insurance options in Mexico.

How long do I have to live in Mexico before I can apply for Mexican citizenship?

You can find the answer to this question on our article: becoming a Naturalized Mexican.

Do I need to supply financial information every time I renew my temporary resident permit, or when I exchange my temporary resident permit for a permanent residency permit?

Under the immigration rules, you do not have to re-present your financial information when you renew your temporary residency permit, or exchange a temporary residency permit for a permanent residency permit after four consecutive years.  However, the immigration office reserves the right to ask for proof of financial solvency, although it is rare that they do this.

Read this article about renewing your residency permit for more details.

How do I replace a lost, stolen, or damaged residency card?

If you lose your Mexico residency card, or if it becomes damaged beyond use, you will need to apply for a replacement.  The procedures for this vary depending on whether you are inside or outside Mexico when you discover the loss.

Learn about how to replace a lost or damaged Mexico residency card

Learn more about residency in Mexico

Mexperience publishes information and resources to help you learn about how to apply for and obtain legal residency in Mexico:

• Learn about the principal routes to obtaining legal residency
• Detailed outline about how to apply for residency in Mexico
• Here are the latest financial criteria required to qualify for residency in Mexico
• Compare the difference between Temporary and Permanent residency
• Find the latest residency-related fees charged by Mexico’s government
• Our free Mexico Immigration Guide encapsulates essential information about visas and residency permits for Mexico.

This article contains a list of the most frequently asked questions and answers regarding matters related to applications for residency based on ‘economic solvency.’

These FAQs are organized into three sections.

General questions about ‘economic solvency’

Here are frequently-asked general questions regarding applications for legal residency in Mexico based on ‘economic solvency.’

How do I apply for residency in Mexico using my income or savings to qualify?

Most applications for residency must begin at a Mexican consulate abroad, unless your situation is one of the few (mostly ‘Family Unit’ applications) that can apply for residency within Mexico.

Do the accounts need to be in my name?

Yes. When you use Income or Savings/Investments, the account account statements you present must be in the name of the applicant.  If you are applying using your Mexican house value, the property’s Title Deed must be in the name of applicant.

What are the income requirements for temporary and permanent residency?

This article describes the latest requirements for income or savings/investment levels required to qualify for residency in Mexico.

• Temporary residency (Residente Temporal, RT) carries a lower threshold of income or savings/investments to qualify;
• Permanent residency (Residente Permanente, RP) carries higher income or savings/investments thresholds; and
• most consulates require applicants to be ‘retired’ to apply for RP even if the applicant has the economic means to qualify.

Can I use a mix of income and savings/investment to qualify?

No. You must qualify using your proven monthly income for a full six months preceding your application date (some consulates ask for 12 months); or demonstrate a minimum savings/investment balance for a full 12 months preceding your application date.  You cannot mix income and savings/investment balances.

Can my spouse and I combine our incomes to qualify?

No. The principal applicant needs to show sufficient income in their own name.

Are the amounts required to qualify ‘per person’?

The income or savings/investment amounts quoted to qualify for residency are ‘per person’; however, spouses/common-law partners and minor children (under 18 years of age) can apply as dependents of the main applicant by adding 100x the daily minimum wage to the total needed for each dependent. (See also: next question about joint accounts.)

For example, if you are applying as a couple with one dependent minor child:

• the principal applicant needs to meet the income or savings/investment criteria (principal applicant) plus
• an additional 100x minimum daily wage (currently, about US$1,100) of monthly income or total savings/investment balance for each dependent; thus
• in this example, you would need to demonstrate an additional ~US$2,200 of monthly income or savings balance.

Can my spouse and I show an account(s) in joint names even though only one of us is applying for residency at this time?

If you are married and have your account(s) in joint names, but only one spouse intends to apply for residency at this time, the account(s) in joint names will be accepted but the account must show double the economic solvency requirements (income or savings) instead of the usual amount for a couple applying together—that is the economic solvency requirement plus an additional 100 days of Minimum Wage; see the previous question about this.

If you apply together as a couple using the joint account, you do not need to show double the economic solvency values and can show the amount for one person plus the lower amount for the dependent applicant, as described in the previous question.

See also: Applying for Permanent Residency as a couple

Do I need to show the full account statements or just the summary balances?

Precise requirements vary by consulate, but we recommend you are prepared to show the consulate (or immigration office in Mexico) the full and detailed account statements across the entire period required: either six or 12 months preceding the date of your application. This will mitigate the chances of your application being rejected. Some consulates might accept abridged accounts, but in our experience most consulates and all immigration offices in Mexico will not accept abridged accounts, i.e., only balances/summaries.

Do I need original statements or will internet print-outs be accepted?

Mexican consulates ask to see original documents issued by the bank or investment firm or trust.

They will usually accept internet print-outs provided that the print-outs are stamped by a branch of the bank, or are accompanied by an original letter from the bank confirming you are the account holder.

Some consulates also ask for a letter from the bank/investment fund confirming that the person named on the account is the sole account holder, if you’re applying as a couple and the account is not presented in joint names.

In all cases the name(s) on the account statement(s) must match precisely with the applicant’s name(s).

What if the accounts are based in another country?

If any of the income or savings/investment accounts that you intend to present as evidence are not in accounts based in the country where you make the application, you must get the full and detailed account statements notarized and apostilled.

For example, if you are applying at the Mexican consulate in France but your savings/investment accounts are based in the USA, you’ll have to get these documents notarized and apostilled.  They might also need to be translated.

Do I need to show economic solvency when I renew my temporary residency card?

Under the current rules, you do not need to re-provide proof of your economic solvency when you are applying for renewal of temporary residency*, but if you’re applying for renewal based on a local job offer, you will also need to present a letter on headed paper from the company or organization that employs you that states the ongoing nature of your employment, length of contract, and the remuneration arrangements, signed by a competent officer of the company.

*Immigration offices in Mexico might exercise their right to request additional information and ask applicants for recent bank statements when they apply for renewal of temporary residency.  If the INM does this in your case, it will apply (the lower) UMA values to the calculation. It’s very rare that you need to demonstrate your ‘economic solvency’ when you renew your temporary residency.

Why won’t the consulate apply UMA measures to its ‘economic solvency’ calculations for my residency application?

Mexican consulates abroad are using Daily Minimum Wage as their measure for calculating residency qualification based on ‘economic solvency.’

Mexican immigration offices in Mexico apply UMA measures when making their ‘economic solvency’ calculations as part of immigration procedures.

We don’t know the reasons why Mexican consulates are not using UMA, or whether they will use UMA in the future.  See our article about financial criteria for details.

Questions about income requirements

Here are frequently-asked questions regarding the income required to qualify for legal residency in Mexico.

How much income do I need to qualify for residency in Mexico?

Find details about the income levels required for temporary and permanent residency.  You must demonstrate a net income that meets or exceeds the required threshold consistently on account each month for at least the last six months prior to the application date; some consulates ask to see the last 12 months of income prior to the application date.

Does the income amount need to be met consistently each month, or will an average be accepted?

In our experience of liaising with Mexican consulates abroad and immigration offices in Mexico, the minimum monthly income threshold must be met consistently every month, across the entire six (or 12) month period.  If your income during any month(s) across the six (or 12) month period is below the minimum threshold, your application may be rejected.

What sources of income qualify for residency applications?

Any sources of legally-obtained income will qualify; however, we have seen that some consulates will only accept pension-based income or ‘pay-stubs.’  You must demonstrate a regular monthly income flow over the required period that meets or exceeds the income threshold required. Cryptocurrency accounts are not accepted.

Can income from multiple sources be added together to qualify?

Yes, you can present monthly income from multiple sources and add these together to qualify. For example, income from earning or investments, house rental income (if the consulate you apply will accept rental income, not all do), pension income, can be added together to qualify, if necessary.

Can I show income flows across more than one bank account?

Yes, you can present statements from two or more bank accounts to show the flows of your total monthly income, but none of those accounts can be cryptocurrency accounts.

Questions about savings/investment requirements

Here are frequently-asked questions regarding the savings/investment balance required to qualify for legal residency in Mexico.

What savings/investment balance do I need to qualify for residency in Mexico?

Learn about the current savings levels required for temporary and permanent residency.  Savings/investment balances must be shown for a full 12 months prior to the application date.

Does the savings/investment balance need to be met consistently each month, or will an average be accepted?

In our experience of liaising with Mexican consulates abroad and immigration offices in Mexico, the minimum required savings/investment balance must be met or exceeded consistently every month, across the entire 12-month period.  If your savings/investments balance during any month(s) across the 12-month period is below the minimum threshold, your application may be rejected.

What types of accounts qualify as ‘savings/investment’ balance?

To demonstrate you meet or exceed the minimum required savings/investment balance, you can use one, some, or all of the following account types:

• cash savings in a bank account(s);
• balances in a 401k (tax-efficient) investment account(s) (or 401k-equivalent if you are not in the USA);
• investments/savings held in a trust fund account(s);
• US applicants: some consulates accept IRAs, others do not.

Can balances across multiple types of savings/investments be added together to qualify?

If you have savings and investments spread across multiple types of savings accounts, you can present multiple balances from several different types of qualifying savings/investments accounts and add these together to reach or exceed the minimum balance required. For example, you could use part cash balances and part 401k balance.

Can I show savings/investment balances across more than one account?

If you don’t have the total savings/investment required accrued in one account, you can present statements from two or more accounts to show the total balance of your savings/investments across those accounts, but none of those accounts can be cryptocurrency accounts. For example, you can show balances on two or more cash savings accounts; a 401k account, and a trust fund.

Learn more about residency in Mexico

Mexperience publishes information and resources to help you learn about how to apply for and obtain legal residency in Mexico:

• Learn about the principal routes to obtaining legal residency
• Here are the latest financial criteria required to qualify for residency in Mexico
• Compare the difference between Temporary and Permanent residency
• Find the latest residency-related fees charged by Mexico’s government
• Our free Mexico Immigration Guide encapsulates essential information about visas and residency permits for Mexico.

The questions and answers published in this article are based on our experience of readers’ questions and our associate’s experience of liaising with Mexican consulates abroad and immigration offices in Mexico.  They are provided in good faith, without warranty. For personal assistance with your application, consider requesting our associate’s Mexico Immigration Assistance Service.

Our associate offers flexible assistance options with no hidden charges. Communicate by email, telephone/videophone, or text chat and get detailed advice and practical assistance with your Mexico residency application and other immigration procedures.

How the Tele-Assistance support service works

The tele-assistance support service saves you time and helps avoid common mistakes made by applicants.  This section describes the application stages and support offered at each stage.

Tele-Assistance Service Plans and Fees

Our associate’s service fee options are designed to flex with your individual situation. Consulting and assistance fees exclude the government fees applicants must pay to apply for residency in Mexico.

All service plans include an initial consultation by phone/videocall/email/chat, confirmation of the required procedures, completion of the forms and letters, custom checklist of documents you’ll need to carry, and written instructions about where to go and what to do when you arrive at the immigration office.

Make a service request for Tele-Assistance

To hire our associate to assist you, please complete the request form below.

What happens next?

• After you complete the form, our immigration assistance associate will contact you to request payment for the Tele-Assistance service.
• When you’ve paid, they’ll get in touch to schedule your initial consultation and begin the Tele-Assistance service.
• Mexperience will send you an email to confirm these details.

The type of visa you apply for will depend on your life stage and lifestyle plans in Mexico including how long you intend to stay, and whether you intend to work, (or volunteer), live off your investments, or retire in Mexico.

The three principal situations that will influence your choice about whether you will apply for Temporary or Permanent residency are when you intend to:

• Live in Mexico and not work.
• Live in Mexico and work.
• Apply for Mexican Citizenship (Naturalization).

When you intend to live in Mexico and NOT work

If you intend to visit Mexico for a short or defined period of time, and not work here, you have various options to consider.

Living part-time in Mexico

If you intend to live in Mexico part-time and not work, or if you intend to volunteer for a short period of time that doesn’t exceed six months, you might arrive in Mexico under the auspice of a Visitor’s Permit.

A visitor’s permit can allow you to remain in Mexico for up to 180 days (six months) from your arrival date, but note that the immigration officer might at the port of entry might grant you fewer days—the full 180 days are not guaranteed.

If you intend to stay, or volunteer, in Mexico for more than six months, you ought to apply for a Temporary residency permit.

Living full-time or defined periods in Mexico

If you intend to live full-time in Mexico and not work (for example, living off your investments, or as a retiree), or if you intend to be in Mexico for defined periods, for example to overwinter in Mexico, a Temporary or Permanent residency permit will work for you.

Whether you choose temporary or permanent will depend on your longer-term goals, and whether qualify for permanent residency from the outset.

If you are not retired, then you cannot apply for a Permanent Residency right away even if you have the economic means, but after four consecutive years of temporary residency (or two years if you are married to a Mexican national), you can apply to exchange your Temporary residency for Permanent residency status.

Most people apply for residency in Mexico on the basis of their income or savings, although some people with certain family connections can apply through the Family Unit route.

When you intend to live in Mexico and work

To work legally in Mexico, you must have a temporary residency card with work permissions, or permanent residency.

As Mexican Consulates only issue permanent residency permits to retirees, if you want to work in Mexico you’ll need to apply for Temporary Residency first. After four consecutive years of temporary residency (or two years if you are married to a Mexican national), you can apply to exchange your Temporary residency for Permanent residency.

Residency permit via job offer in Mexico

If you have a job offer in Mexico, the company offering you the job must apply for your residency permit at the immigration offices in Mexico. When the permit is approved, you must visit a Mexican Consulate abroad where the visa sticker will be placed into your passport.

Self-employment in Mexico

Applications for legal residency in Mexico based on self-employment are complex.  If you intend to move to Mexico and work independently, we strongly recommend you talk to our immigration assistance partners who can assess your intentions and recommend an approach that will give you the best chance of a successful application.

When you plan to acquire Mexican citizenship

If your long term intention is to acquire Mexican Citizenship, also known as Naturalization, you must:

• Have held legal residency in Mexico for at least five consecutive years under the auspice of Temporary and/or Permanent Residency; and
• Before you can apply for citizenship, and you must prove that you have been situated physically in Mexico for at least 18 months in the past two years preceding your application date.
• There are other requirements as part of the application process and you can read more about those on our article about Naturalization (see link in the box below).

Learn more about residency in Mexico

Mexperience publishes information and resources to help you learn about how to apply for and obtain legal residency in Mexico:

• Learn about the principal routes to obtaining legal residency
• Detailed outline about how to apply for residency in Mexico
• The financial criteria required to qualify for residency in Mexico
• The difference between Temporary and Permanent residency
• Rights & obligations of legal residents in Mexico

This article answers common questions about time limits and exit/entry rules for Mexico visitor and residency visas and explains how long you must reside in Mexico to qualify for citizenship.

Time limits when you are in Mexico using a Visitor Visa (FMM)

What is Mexico’s visitor visa, the FMM?

Mexico’s visitor visa allows entry into the country for leisure or business visits lasting maximum 180 days.  The immigration official at the port of entry will grant a specific number of days (not exceeding 180) when you arrive in Mexico.

How long is it valid?

Your visitor permit is valid for the number of days granted by the immigration official and written on the permit —that will never exceed 180 days, but may be less than 180 days— starting from the date of your arrival.  The arrival date is always stamped on the permit. Learn more about the number of days being granted to people arriving in Mexico under the auspice of a visitor permit, FMM. It cannot be extended beyond the number of days written on the permit by the immigration official at the port of entry.

Extensions and renewals

The visitor permit cannot be extended or renewed; and you must leave Mexico by the date it expires.  If you over-stay your visitor visa you will need to pay a fine when you leave the country.

Leaving and re-entering Mexico

You must leave by the expiry date, but there is no time limit on how long you must remain outside of Mexico before you can return using a new visitor visa.  Every time you re-enter Mexico, the number of days allowance granted by the immigration official allowance is ‘reset.’  Some foreigners have been using this feature to remain in Mexico over longer periods; however, with today’s computerized systems, immigration officials at ports of entry have ready-access to your movements through Mexico and ‘perpetual visitors’ may now have their intentions questioned at the port of entry.  If you intend to stay in Mexico longer term we recommend you apply for a Mexican residency permit.

Further reading

See our article, Your Mexico Visitors Permit, FMM for further details. Also see this article about the number of days being granted to visitors arriving in Mexico.

Time limits when you are in Mexico using a Residente Temporal permit

What is Mexico’s temporary residency permit?

Temporary residency enables foreigners to remain in Mexico beyond the maximum 180-day time limit imposed with the visitor visa and also gives them access to certain residency privileges; for example, opening a bank account here which you cannot do as a visitor.

How long is it valid?

When you are granted Residente Temporal, it’s valid from 1 year to 4 years.  Your first temporary residency card is always issued for only one year* and must be renewed within the 30-day window before its expiry date. At the end of the first year, you can renew your temporary residency for a further 1, 2 or 3 years. When you renew for 3 years you won’t have to return to the immigration office to renew it until it fully expires at the end of year 4; however, you must inform the immigration office of certain changes in your personal circumstances (see below).

*If you are married to a Mexican national or existing legal foreign resident and apply for residency in Mexico under Family Unit rules your temporary residency card will be valid for two years.  If you are granted residency under auspice of the RNE special procedure, your temporary residency card will be issued for four years.

Leaving and re-entering Mexico

While your Residente Temporal card is valid, you may leave and re-enter Mexico as often as you wish. You must present your residency card when you enter Mexico, and each time you leave the country. If you are a legal resident and enter Mexico as a visitor, your residency status will become jeopardized.  See Procedures for entering and leaving Mexico for further details.

Renewing your temporary residency permit

Temporary residency card renewals must be undertaken in Mexico, and you cannot leave the country while the renewal process is in train.  In exceptional circumstances, you can apply for a temporary exit and re-entry permit while your residency card renewal is being processed; the covering letter submitted with your request must state the exceptional nature of your circumstances.  See Renewing your Mexico residency permit for further details.

Change in circumstances

When you are living in Mexico under the auspice of Residente Temporal you must report certain changes in your personal circumstances to the immigration office —e.g. change of your residential address, change of marital status, change of nationality, or change of employment status or employer— and these changes must be reported in Mexico.

Time allowed outside of Mexico

When you are living in Mexico under the auspice of Residente Temporal, there is no time limit to how long you can remain outside of the country, but renewals and reporting changes in certain personal circumstances (see above) must be undertaken in Mexico.

What happens after four years of temporary residency?

After 4 consecutive years under the auspice of a Residente Temporal status in Mexico (two years if you are married to a Mexican national or legal foreign resident and applied for residency in Mexico under Family Unit rules), you have three choices:

• apply to exchange your temporary residency status for permanent residency status within 30 days before your card’s expiry date; or
• purposely allow the permit to expire and then enter a regularization process (within a limited time period) to restart an application for temporary residency; or
• leave Mexico and surrender your legal residency status.

Time limits when you are in Mexico using a Residente Permanente permit

What is Mexico’s permanent residency permit?

Permanent residency gives a foreigner leave to remain in Mexico indefinitely.

How long is it valid?

When you are granted Residente Permanente —whether you apply straight away and are granted permanent residency, or eventually obtain permanent residency after two or four consecutive years of living under the auspice of a temporary residence permit in Mexico— you are issued with a permanent residency card that carries no expiry date.

Note that Permanent Residency cards issued to minors (under 18 years of age) require periodical renewals until the holder reaches the age of 18.  See this article for details. Permanent residency for adults never expires, but can be surrendered, or withdrawn by the Secretaría de Gobernación, at any time.

Leaving and re-entering Mexico

When you have permanent residency status in Mexico, you may leave and re-enter the country as often as you wish.  You must present your residency card when you enter Mexico, and each time you leave the country. If you are a legal resident and enter Mexico as a visitor, your residency status will become jeopardized.  See Procedures for entering and leaving Mexico for further details.

Change in circumstances

When you are living in Mexico under the auspice of Residente Permanente you must report certain changes in your personal circumstances to the immigration office —e.g. change of your residential address, change of marital status, change of nationality, or change of employment status or employer— and these changes must be reported in Mexico.

Time allowed outside of Mexico

Under current rules, when you have permanent residency status in Mexico, your Residente Permanente card does not require renewal if you’re aged 18 or older and there is no time limit to how long you can remain outside of the country, but reporting changes in certain personal circumstances (see above) must be undertaken in Mexico.

Time qualification for Mexican citizenship

If you intend to apply for Mexican citizenship as part of your lifestyle planning, you must prove five consecutive years with either temporary residency or permanent residency, and you must prove that you have been situated physically in Mexico for at least 18 months in the past two years preceding your application date.  If you are married to a Mexican national, the qualification period may reduce to two years.  See Becoming a Naturalized Mexican for further details.

Learn more about Mexico visas and immigration

Mexperience publishes extensive information about visas and immigration to Mexico, including:

• Our free Mexico Immigration Guide that encapsulates detailed information about applying for visas and residency permits.
• Learn about Mexico’s visitor permit, the FMM.
• Discover the principal routes for obtaining legal residency in Mexico
• Our latest articles about visas and immigration keep you apprised of current situations including financial criteria for residency, fees, and procedures—and our FAQs page is updated regularly

If you’re in Mexico for the long-haul, at some stage you might choose to take your residency status to the next level: naturalization.  Naturalization is the process by which you apply for and, if successful, subsequently acquire Mexican citizenship.

Benefits of acquiring Mexican citizenship

Mexican naturalization offers several benefits to foreigners.  Among them (in no particular order of importance):

• you can cast a vote in Mexican elections;
• you can change address or jobs without having to inform the National Institute of Immigration (INM) of your moves;
• you can avoid having to visit Immigration kiosks at airports when you leave to check-out, and wait less time in immigration lines at airports on your return;
• you avoid having to pay to change your immigration status and/or renew your visa each year to extend you stay in Mexico; and
• you can own property situated near coasts and land borders in your own name without the need to operate a bank trust (fideicomiso) — which can save you thousands of dollars in fees over the years — although some people choose to operate a trust for estate planning purposes.

Things to be aware of before you apply for Mexican citizenship

There are a few matters you should be aware of in regard to becoming a Naturalized Mexican.

Consular protection from your home country

Following your naturalization, while you are in Mexico, you are not allowed to seek consular protection by virtue of your ‘other’ nationality; so if you become caught up in any problems with the authorities you cannot rely upon your home country’s Consulate to support you.

Surrendering other nationalities

Depending on your country of citizenship, you might have to surrender your home country’s passport —and citizenship— when you acquire your Mexican nationality. This is, however, rare: most countries, including Mexico, allow their citizens to hold dual or multiple nationalities.

Residency in Mexico

Once you become a Naturalized Mexican Citizen, you need to remain resident in Mexico to keep it.  See the blue information box below for more details about this.

Land trusts and property taxes

As a Naturalized Mexican, there is no obligation to keep your home inside a property trust if it’s near the ocean or a land border—although some people choose to, for estate planning purposes.

However, your property still remains liable to any capital gains taxes when you sell it.  You should talk to an experienced financial advisor about your personal and business tax affairs,

Procedures to apply for Mexican citizenship

The procedures that lead to Mexican naturalization demand a number of requirements for qualification.  These depend upon an assortment of factors such as:

• your links to Mexico,
• your current immigration status, and
• how long you have been physically resident here.

Legal and physical residency requirement

Importantly, you must have at least 5 consecutive years of legal residency (temporary and/or permanent) and you must prove that you have been situated physically in Mexico for at least 18 months in the past two years preceding your application date.

History and Spanish language exams

Part of the application process requires applicants to pass a history & culture exam, as well as a Spanish language aptitude examination, tested with an oral conversation.

In years past, the history exam consisted of studying 100 “multiple choice” type questions, answering 5 and getting at least 3 correct.  However, since January 2018 the exam process has been revised to test your knowledge of Mexican culture and history, and a reading comprehension exam has been introduced to test your Spanish language.

Exam exemptions

Some people are exempt from the history & culture exam, but all applicants must demonstrate a working knowledge of Spanish, tested via an oral exam.

The following are exempt from the history & culture exam:

• Minors (under 18 years of age);
• People over 60 years old; and
• Refugees and humanitarian cases under the auspices of COMAR.

Naturalization certificate, INE, and Mexican passport

Once you file the application, the procedures take about a year to complete, and may take longer in some cases.  Toward the end of the process, you will be asked to sit an exam, unless you are exempt (see above).

At the completion of the journey that leads to your Mexican naturalization, you will get a handshake from an official at the SRE (Mexico’s equivalent of the US State Department), and a Naturalization Certificate.

With this certificate in hand, you may apply for your Mexican passport and your INE card (known colloquially as simply, el INE)—that is technically a voter registration document, but also serves a de facto National ID Card in Mexico. The card incorporates features such as scanned fingerprints, holograms and other security devices. It’s the size of a driving license and is thus readily portable.

Further guidance and assistance

Applications to become a Naturalized Mexican are complex, require a specific process to be followed with strict criteria being met, and take at least a year to complete. Here are some resources you may find helpful:

• Government website about naturalization
• Online search for lawyers specializing in naturalization (Google)
• Learn about matters related to residency in Mexico

This page gives an overview of the Mexican immigration system and outlines the principal visas and options open to persons seeking to visit Mexico for leisure, business, for retirement, for living and working, as well as those seeking permanent residence in Mexico or Mexican Citizenship.

What is Mexico’s immigration policy?

Mexico’s General Law of Population sets out the rights and obligations of foreigners, as well as the different statuses associated with foreign immigration.

Types of immigrant permits

There are broadly two kinds of immigration permit: Non-Immigrant and Immigrant:

• Non Immigrant Permits are for people who intend to visit Mexico for a specific purpose and then depart;
• Immigrant Permits are for people who wish to gain long term permanent residence in Mexico.

Applying for Mexican visas

You have to apply for your visa(s) in person, but you may hire a representative to advise you and undertake the appointment scheduling, paperwork and filing on your behalf.  See Immigration Consultancy and Support and Immigration Lawyers for more details.

Renewing an existing Mexico resident permit

If you currently hold a Mexican resident permit (card), you can find information about renewal of your Mexico resident card here.

Mexico’s visitor permit, FMM

If you intend to visit Mexico for a short period, for example as tourist, on a business trip, or a short-term visitor (e.g. to volunteer, undertake a medical procedure, or take a sabbatical) then you may be able to use Mexico’s visitor permit.

Visitante: Visitor permit for short-term visits to Mexico

The ‘Visitante‘ permit is intended for visitors —usually tourists and business trips— to Mexico on short-term visits.  For visitor of longer than six months, you should consider applying for residency—see the sections below for details about this.

A Visitor’s Permit is issued when you arrive in Mexico (by air, or travel inland by road beyond the ‘free border zone’) by completing a Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM): these forms are issued by airlines, and are also available at ports of entry.

The Visitor Permit is valid for up to a maximum of 180 days and cannot be extended or renewed beyond the number of days written on the form by immigration official when you enter Mexico. Upon its expiry you will need to leave the country.

There is a fee of about US$25 for this permit, which is usually included in the price if your flight (under taxes and fees). If you arrive by road or ship you will have to pay for this permit separately.

See Also: Entry requirements for tourists

Mexico’s temporary resident visa

If you intend to reside in Mexico temporarily, the Residente Temporal permit enables you to remain in Mexico for up to 4 years.

Visa de Residente Temporal: temporary resident visa

Mexico offers a Temporary Resident visa, intended for people who wish to live in Mexico for up to 4 years. The Temporary Resident visa is a renewable, long-term residency permit that gives legal temporary residency status to the holder.

The permit is issued for one year* initially, and can can then be renewed for a further 1, 2, or 3 years; this permit can optionally carry work permissions, and allows unlimited entries to, and exits from, Mexico.

There are various categories under which the Temporary Resident visas are granted, and these relate to the activities you intend to undertake while in Mexico. Under the terms of the Temporary Resident Visa, you are authorized to only undertake certain, specific, activities which may be lucrative or non-lucrative, depending on the visa’s classification.

A key criterion that the Mexican authorities require for the issuance of a Temporary Resident visa is that the applicant prove that they have sufficient funds to sustain themselves while in Mexico and/or a proven steady income.

With a few exceptions, the Temporary Resident visa cannot be issued to you in Mexico; you must apply for it at a Mexican consulate outside of Mexico.  This article explains who can apply for residency within Mexico.

When applied for from overseas, the Temporary Residency permit (card) itself is not issued by foreign consulates. Instead, they process and pre-approve the application and place a visa (sticker) in your passport. When you arrive in Mexico you have to attend your local immigration office within 30 days of arrival, and undertake a procedure to exchange your temporary resident visa (passport stamp) for a Temporary Resident permit (a plastic card).

All Temporary Residency cards are valid for only 1 year initially; they must be renewed after the first year for a further 1, 2, or 3 years if you wish to remain legally resident in Mexico.

After four years of holding Temporary Residency, you can apply to exchange the temporary residency for permanent residency; or enter into a regularization procedure to start temporary residency again; or leave the country.

*If you are married to a Mexican national, you are granted two years of temporary residency and after those two years you can exchange this for permanent residency.

Detailed information about temporary resident visas

Learn more about temporary residency permits in Mexico.  For detailed information about Resident Visas download our free eBook Mexico Immigration Guide.

*To holders of passports from specific countries only.
See Mexico Entry Requirements for details.

See Also: Latest articles with insights about Mexico Visas & Immigration

Mexico’s permanent resident visa

Permanent resident visas  are issued to foreign nationals who have the intention of living in Mexico who intend to settle permanently (indefinitely) in Mexico.

Visa de Residente Permanente: Permanent Resident Visa

The Permanent Resident permit is intended for people seeking permanent residency status in Mexico, and/or those who may seek eventual Mexican Citizenship. You do not need to be a Temporary Resident first to become a Permanent Resident later, provided that you fulfill the other requirements needed for permanent residency.

To apply for and be granted a permanent resident visa, the applicants must:

• have certain close family connections in Mexico, or
• apply for retirement status and prove they have sufficient qualifying monthly income or savings (and some consulates require applicants to be retired), or
• have 4 consecutive years of regular status as Temporary Resident, or
• have 2 consecutive years of regular status as Temporary Resident where that Temporary residency was issued through marriage to a Mexican national or a foreign permanent resident, or
• meet a minimum score under the Points System*, or
• be granted residency on humanitarian grounds or through political asylum.

With a few exceptions, the Permanent Resident permit cannot be issued to you in Mexico; you must apply for it at a Mexican consulate outside of Mexico.

You can apply to exchange an existing Temporary Resident card for a Permanent Residency card in Mexico.  This article describes who can apply for residency within Mexico and this article describes the difference between temporary and permanent residency, including exchanging a temporary residency card to permanent residency.

When applied for from overseas, the Permanent Residency permit (card) itself is not issued by foreign consulates. Instead, they process and pre-approve the application and place a visa (sticker) in your passport. When you arrive in Mexico you have to attend your local immigration office within 30 days of arrival, and undertake a procedure to exchange your permanent resident visa (passport sticker) for a Permanent Resident permit (a plastic card).

Permanent Residency cards do not expire, but you must notify the immigration office of certain changes in your circumstances, e.g. address, marital status, etc.

*Points-based System not in force: The 2012 immigration law references a Points-based system as one of the routes foreigners may use to seek residency in Mexico.  However, details of the points system have yet to be announced by the government.

Detailed information about Permanent Residency visas

For detailed information about Resident permits, download our free eBook Mexico Immigration Guide.

Examples of people who apply for Mexico resident visas:

This section lists typical situations of people seeking residency permits in Mexico.  You can learn more about the principal routes to obtain legal residency here on Mexperience.

Retirees / independent income

If you want to engage in “non-remunerative activities” (i.e. you do not intend to earn money in Mexico) and you are receiving funds from abroad (from a pension or other investments or income sources) you can apply for a Temporary or Permanent Resident permit when you meet the criteria. Read more about Retirement in Mexico on Mexperience.

Investors

You can receive a resident permit if you are willing to invest your capital in Mexico. Your investment can be directed at industry or services, and must equal a minimum set amount.

Professionals

If you are a qualified professional, technician, or scientist, Mexico offers a category of visa that enables you to live and work in Mexico under sponsorship from a company. The company must cover all of your income and expenses while you are in Mexico.  Learn more about Working in Mexico.

There are other situations including students and people with family connections in Mexico.  Download our free Mexico Immigration Guide eBook for detailed list of visa types and details.

Which Mexican visa is right for my situation?

Here are some examples of typical situations and the type of Mexican visa you may consider applying for.

Temporary visitor or temporary resident

When you do not want to seek permanent residence in Mexico right away.

For vacations, casual trips, or short business trips to Mexico: Simply fill out and use the Visitors Visa permit, available from the airline you travel with, or at the port of entry*

Volunteer work in Mexico: If you plan to volunteer here in Mexico, read the article about Volunteering in Mexico for details about the visa required.

For temporary work placements in Mexico: If you plan to live and work in Mexico for a defined period, and intend to return to your home country afterwards, a Temporary Resident permit, valid for up to 4 years, is the permit to apply for.

For other activities where you intend to stay longer in Mexico: You should apply for a Temporary Resident permit commensurate with your activity (e.g. Retiree, Student, Journalist, Scientist, Professional, etc.)  Our Immigration Assistance service can provide personalized consultation and support.  If your plans change and you decide to stay longer, you can renew your temporary residency for a maximum of four years and, after that, you can optionally apply to exchange your temporary residency for permanent residency.

Detailed information about Temporary Resident visas: For detailed information about Temporary Resident Visas download our free Mexico Immigration Guide eBook.

*To holders of passports from specific countries only.
See Mexico Entry Requirements for details.

Long-term resident, economically active

When you want to obtain residency and you want to work in Mexico

Most people who want to work in Mexico either get sponsored by a Mexican company, or move here to work independently and/or invest in Mexico. You need to apply for temporary residency with work permissions.

For detailed information about applying for residency to work in Mexico, including investment visas, download the free Mexico Immigration Guide eBook.

Long-term resident, not economically active

When you want to obtain permanent residency but do not want to work in Mexico:

If you have a regular source of income from abroad (e.g. investments, savings, pension, etc.) then you can apply for a Temporary or Permanent resident permit. By law, you need to prove that you have sufficient funds or investments to sustain yourself.

Detailed information about long-term residency permits: For detailed information about long-term residency when you don’t intend to work in Mexico (including retirees’ visas) download the free Mexico Immigration Guide eBook.

See also: Latest articles with insights about Mexico Visas & Immigration

Principal routes to obtain legal residency in Mexico

Read our article about the principal routes to legal residency for an overview of the ways most foreigners consider when they want to apply for legal residency in Mexico.

Applying for Mexican citizenship

There is a specific process to apply for and acquire Mexican Citizenship (also known as ‘naturalization’). As a minimum you must have applied for, and been granted, permanent resident status, although exceptions to this rule may apply, depending upon a variety of circumstances: marriage to a Mexican national, for example, may enable naturalization with a shorter qualification period.

If you are between 18 and 60 years of age you will be asked to take an exam, which you must pass, in order to acquire naturalization/citizenship.

For further information, read: Becoming a Naturalized Mexican

Immigration consultancy and support

If you’re thinking about or actively planning a move to Mexico and need some detailed personal advice about the move, this immigration assistance service can help.

Immigration Assistance by phone/email differs from hiring an immigration lawyer (see next section) as you don’t have to be physically located in Mexico and the consultancy will enable you to talk to and correspond with an expert in Mexican immigration matters about your specific circumstances.

This type of consultancy is ideal if you want to discuss your situation with an expert and talk through the various immigration options which may be open to you so that you can form your plans based on informed choices, and then help you with all the forms and letters you need to complete as part of the application.

The consultation will seek to assess your individual circumstances and suggest a proper course of action, based on your personal situation, that will have the best chance of leading to a successful application to live, work, invest or retire in Mexico, and then support you as you make your own way through the procedures.

Immigration lawyers

You may apply for Mexican visas directly in person at any Immigration Office in Mexico, or you may hire a representative to do the paperwork and administration on your behalf.

How you go about applying for your visa will depend on your circumstances, how much Spanish you speak, and how much time you have to deal with the bureaucracy involved in the application process.

Most people undertake the process themselves with no trouble (sometimes with some tele-support, see previous section) but if you definitely want in-person accompanied support at the immigration office in Mexico, or if your case is very unusual or complex (most are not), then you’ll need to hire the services of a local immigration lawyer at the location in Mexico where your residency papers are being processed.

A good immigration lawyer will be up-to-speed on the latest legislation as well as the latest “on the ground” policies being implemented at a local level. A good lawyer will also advise you if it is not possible for a person in your circumstance to make a successful application.