In a related article, we explained the procedures for bringing a foreign-plated vehicle to Mexico.  This article provides a detailed list of FAQs about an essential document you need to obtain when you drive your vehicle to Mexico: a Temporary Import Permit, or TIP.

What is a vehicle Temporary Import Permit (TIP)?

A TIP is legal document that allows a foreign-plated vehicle to be imported to and driven in Mexico for a defined period of time.  The vehicle must be exported (driven out of Mexico) before the TIP’s expiry date.  If you fail to export the vehicle and surrender/cancel the TIP, you will lose your deposit, you will not be allowed to import another vehicle in future; and you can also face fines and have your vehicle confiscated.

Who needs a TIP?

Anyone who wants to bring a foreign-plated vehicle into Mexico and drive outside of the Free Zones.

The Free Zones are:

• within 25km of the land border;
• the entire Baja California peninsula;
• a defined area in the northern state of Sonora; and,
• the southern state of Quintana Roo.

If you intend to drive your car beyond the 25km border zone (checkpoints exist), or anywhere outside of a defined Free Zone, you must have a TIP to avoid fines and confiscation of the vehicle.

Who can apply for a TIP?

Visitors entering Mexico under the auspice of a Visitor permit (FMM) and holders of a Residente Temporal residency visa/card may apply for a TIP.

Who issues the TIP?

Temporary Import Permits for foreign-plated vehicles are issued only by Banjercito, and by a limited number of Mexican Consulates (see below) who act as facilitators for Banjercito.  No other companies or agencies are authorized to issue the TIP and you should never deal with anyone other than Banjercito when buying a TIP.

How do I buy a TIP?

You can purchase a TIP in advance online, or at certain Mexican Consulates in the US, or you can purchase a TIP in person at a Banjercito office situated at major land crossing points.  The TIP carries an administrative fee, and you’ll also be required to leave a deposit. (The size of the deposit varies depending on the age of the vehicle.)  You will lose the deposit if you fail to export (drive out) the vehicle from Mexico before the TIP’s expiry date, or violate any other rules related to the TIP.

How long is a TIP valid for?

A TIP is tied to your immigration document and its expiry date will be tied to the expiry date on your immigration document.

Entering with a Visitor Permit: If you enter Mexico under the auspice of a FMM (Visitor Permit) this is valid for a maximum of 180 calendar days from the date of your entry to Mexico.

Entering with a Residency Card: If you enter Mexico with your foreign plated vehicle under the auspice of a Residente Temporal card, the TIP will be valid for as long as the temporary residency status remains current.

Entering with a Residency Visa Sticker: See the section below titled: How does a TIP work when I arrive in Mexico with a Residente Temporal Visa? that describes the procedure involved if you bring a foreign plated vehicle to Mexico when you have a Residente Temporal sticker in your passport, and have not exchanged that for a residency card yet.

How many vehicles can I import to Mexico using a TIP?

Only one vehicle can be imported into Mexico per person. If you are traveling with your spouse or adult child (18 years or older), they may each register one car in their name.

There is one exception to the one-person, one-car rule: If you tow a car behind your RV, there is no need for second person to be traveling with you; but you must show proof of ownership for both vehicles, and both vehicles must be taken out of the country together when you leave.

A trailer does not count as a vehicle, but you need to show ownership of it and it must be exported with the vehicle towing it when you leave Mexico.

Motorcycles, ATVs, etc. If you are towing or carrying other single passenger motorized vehicles, these may be registered with the car that is towing or carrying them. You must show proof of ownership of all vehicles and you can only bring up-to three single-passenger vehicles—one each for up to three passengers traveling in the main vehicle. All vehicles must be exported together when you leave Mexico.

Can I leave Mexico if I have a foreign-plated vehicle here with a TIP?

When you bring your foreign-plated vehicle to Mexico, your TIP’s expiry date will either be tied to a Visitor Permit (FMM) or to a Temporary Residency Permit.

Whether you your TIP is tied to a Visitor Permit (FMM) or your Residente Temporal permit, you can leave Mexico without your vehicle and the vehicle will remain legal in Mexico for so long as the TIP remains current (not past its expiry date).

The TIP’s expiry date is tied the expiry date of the Visitor Permit or Residente Temporal permit you used when you brought your car to Mexico with its TIP.

You can leave Mexico (e.g. fly out) using your Visitor Permit (or Residente Temporal permit) to exit the country; you can get a new Visitor Permit when you return, or use your Residente Temporal card to re-enter Mexico in the usual way.  However, the expiry date on your TIP will not change and you must drive the vehicle out of Mexico before the TIP expires.

If you don’t drive the vehicle out of Mexico before the TIP’s expiry date, the vehicle will become illegal in Mexico and:

• the insurance coverage will become invalid;
• your vehicle may be confiscated and impounded; and
• you will lose the deposit you paid to Banjercito.

The TIP’s expiry date is tied to the expiry date on the FMM you used when you first entered Mexico with your vehicle, or the expiration date of your temporary residency permit—cross check your TIP documentation for details.

What documentation is needed to get a TIP?

To apply for a TIP, you will need to be in possession of certain supporting documentation.  We recommend you carry two black-and-white copies of each of these documents when you drive to Mexico:

• A valid passport, or passport card;
• Your Mexican immigration permit: if you are visiting Mexico as a tourist this will be your FMM; if you are a resident, your Residente Temporal visa or card. Residente Permanente visa/card holders are not allowed apply for a TIP—see yellow box below;
• A non-Mexican driver’s license (with photo);
• Original and photocopy of the title and registration of the vehicle issued by a foreign authority in the applicant’s name. If the title or registration is in the name of a spouse, a marriage certificate must also be presented. Only the titled owner of the vehicle and/or their spouse can get a TIP;
• Proof of temporary Mexican auto insurance for the vehicle.

What if the vehicle is rented, leased, financed, or owned by a company?

If the vehicle you intend to drive into Mexico is not registered in yours or your spouse’s name, you will also need the following documentation to accompany your application:

Rented vehicles: If a rental car company allows you to drive one its vehicles into Mexico, you will need a notarized letter of permission from the rental car company.

Leased vehicles: If the vehicle under lease, you will need to show the lease contract and a notarized letter of permission from the leasing company.

Financed vehicles: If the vehicle is under a finance arrangement, you will need to show the credit contract and notarized letter of permission from the finance company giving permission for the car to be driven to Mexico.

Company car: If the vehicle is owned by a company (a company you own or a company you work for) you will need a notarized letter of permission (on headed paper) confirming the employment relationship and authorizing the employee to drive the vehicle into Mexico.

What is the TIP application procedure?

When you have your documentation gathered, you can begin to make the application for your vehicle’s TIP:

Where: You can apply online, or go to one of a defined list of Mexican Consulates in the US, or you can apply in-person a Banjercito office near one of the main land border crossings.

Declaration: You will be asked to sign a declaration, pledging to export the vehicle within the period for which the permit is valid and not disobey any other regulations related to the issuance of the TIP.

Payment: There is an administrative fee of around US$50 that can be paid with cash, or a non-Mexico issued credit card.  You cannot use a Mexico-issued credit card for this purchase; whether buying online or in-person.  The name on the card must match the name of the person on the TIP.

Deposit: In addition to the administrative fee, you will need to pay a deposit of between US$200 and US$400, depending on the age of the vehicle.  The deposit is refunded if the TIP is canceled/surrendered before its expiry date and no violations have taken place.  It can take some days or weeks for the refund to be returned to a credit card after cancelling/surrendering the TIP.

Where can I buy a vehicle TIP?

Buying Online

You can still obtain a TIP in-person at the border but applying for the TIP via the Banjercito Website will speed the process and avoid potentially long lines at the border.

Note: If you apply online, you must first get your FMM online (or have your Temporary Residency visa or card issued) before you obtain the TIP.  When you get your FMM online, you must stop at the border and get immigration (INM) to stamp/validate the document.  Carry a printed copy of the FMM (or passport stamp) and your receipt to show proof of payment when you do this.

When approved, you will receive your TIP by email.  Print out your TIP and receipt and keep the printed copies with you while driving in Mexico.  Keep and use the email version only as verification of your TIP approval.

Buying in person at the Land Border

Temporary import permits may be purchased at CIITEV offices located at Customs offices near various U.S./Mexico border locations in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas.  Check beforehand that the crossing you use has a CIITEV office.  When you apply in person, Banjercito will send an email with your TIP and hand you a printed copy of the TIP and your receipt.  Keep the email and paper copies to hand at all times while driving in Mexico.

Buying a TIP at a Mexican Consulate

A limited number of Mexican Consulates in the United States offer a TIP-issuing service.  Although the Consulate acts as facilitator, it is Banjercito that issues the permit.  Consulates in the following US States offer TIPs (we recommend you contact them beforehand to ensure that their TIP issuing service is available):

• Arizona: Phoenix
• California: Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Sacramento
• Colorado: Denver
• Illinois: Chicago
• New Mexico: Albuquerque
• Texas: Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston

How do I surrender and cancel my TIP when I drive out of Mexico?

A TIP must be cancelled and surrendered before its expiry date.

Once you have a TIP issued, the person whose name is on the register must drive the vehicle out of Mexico before the TIP’s expiry date and stop at the border to cancel/surrender the TIP.  This action notifies the Customs authority that you have exported the vehicle and complied with the rules.

If you do not stop at the land border and cancel/surrender your TIP (or forget), you will need to drive the vehicle back to a land border crossing to cancel the TIP.  You do not have to exit Mexico from the same port as you entered to cancel your TIP, but you must visit an approved Banjercito office to undertake the procedure.  Not all border crossings have a Banjercito office, check beforehand.

Your deposit will be refunded provided you have not overstayed in Mexico beyond the TIP’s expiry date and that you have not violated any conditions of the TIP.

What happens if I forget to surrender my TIP at the border?

You should always surrender your TIP, unless you plan to come back to Mexico in short order while the TIP remains current (not expired).

If you didn’t surrender your TIP before its expiry date, you will probably need to drive the same car back to a border crossing (it does not have to be the same one you entered through) and surrender it.

Some —but not many— Mexican consulates offer a ‘TIP Cancellation’ service. Contact your nearest Mexican consulate to ask if they do, or which one nearest to you does.

There are fees, penalties, and paperwork involved: it’s always best to surrender your TIP at the border.

What happens if I change from Residente Temporal to Residente Permanente while my foreign-plated car is in Mexico?

If your foreign plated vehicle is in Mexico when you exchange your temporary residency card for a permanent residency card you will need to export (drive the car out) from Mexico, unless the vehicle is, and will remain, inside one of the ‘Free Zones’ near the northern or southern border regions.

See How to bring your foreign-plated car to Mexico for more details about the options you have in this situation.

How does a TIP work when I arrive in Mexico with a Residente Temporal Visa?

There’s an additional procedure to take into account if you enter Mexico with a TIP and a Residente Temporal sticker in your passport. If you don’t undertake this procedure your car will not become illegal, but you will lose the deposit you left with Banjercito.

If you have been granted temporary residency in Mexico and have a Residente Temporal visa sticker in your passport (before you are issued the residency card) your TIP and FMM will have a 30 day limit documented, because this is the time frame you have to submit the paperwork to exchange your visa sticker for a residency card. If you already have a Residente Temporal card when you get your TIP this situation will not arise.

If you have the 30-day limit on your TIP, you need to go the immigration office nearest to your address in Mexico and process the paperwork for the exchange of your visa sticker for a residency card.  When you submit the paperwork, you will be given a printed receipt showing a NUT (Número Único de Trámite) reference.

Before the 30-day expiry date, you then need to go to your nearest Customs (Aduana) office, and present them with a letter (in Spanish) explaining that your residency card is in the process of being prepared, and give them a photocopy of the NUT receipt, and a copy of your passport.

When your card is issued, you will need to also give them a photocopy (front and back) of the residency card.  If the office where you are making the residency visa to card exchange gives you your residency card within the 30-day window, you can undertake this procedure in one visit to the Customs office once you have your residency card, with a letter explaining that your residency card is issued, and enclosing a copy of it.

If however the immigration office takes longer than 30 days to issue your residency card, you will first need to submit the letter stating you have applied for your residency card, a copy of the NUT receipt and your passport, and then return with a copy of your residency card when when it’s issued to you.

Once you have submitted the copy of the residency card to the Customs (Aduana) office, your TIP expiry date will become aligned with your Residency Card’s expiry date.

What if my foreign-plated vehicle is lost, stolen, or I abandon it in Mexico?

If you abandon your foreign-plated car in Mexico, you’ll have to pay Aduana (Mexican Customs) 40% tax on the car’s value. This rule was brought-in some while ago to discourage foreigners from abandoning or selling their foreign-plated cars and telling Mexican Customs they were lost or stolen.

There is an established process in place that prevents someone who has legitimately had their vehicle stolen (or suffered total loss of the vehicle in an accident) from having to pay the fee.

Proper documentation will be required to get the TIP cancelled, so a police report has to be filed, plus special forms have to be filed with the Mexican Customs office, and the hired services of a Mexican Notary Public will be needed to formalize all the paperwork to cancel the TIP of a stolen car.

While the authorities cannot prevent you from leaving if you don’t pay the tax, failure to do so will forfeit your rights to import any other foreign-plated vehicle to Mexico in future.

Donating your vehicle to Mexican Customs

If you want to dispose of your car, there is a procedure whereby you can “donate” it to Mexican Customs; you can find more information about that here on the Mexican SAT web site.

Some important points to note about Mexico’s vehicle Temporary Import Permits

• TIPs cannot be extended or renewed. If you don’t export the vehicle (drive out) from Mexico before the expiry date and cancel the TIP, you lose the deposit you left at Banjercito and if you never cancel the TIP you’ll find it very difficult to import another foreign-plated vehicle to Mexico.
• Only holders of a visitor permit (FMM) and a Residente Temporal visa/card may obtain a TIP.
• Residente Permanente visa/card holders are not allowed apply for a TIP—also see the FAQ above about changing from temporary to permanent residency.
• When your TIP is issued, you can drive the car back-and-fro across the land border provided the TIP remains valid.
• You cannot cancel/surrender or obtain a new TIP anywhere within Mexico.
• You cannot cancel/surrender a TIP online. The person who is named on the TIP must present the vehicle physically at a Banjercito office at the border to undertake the cancellation procedure.
• If your vehicle has not been physically returned to a Banjercito office at the border and the TIP cancelled/surrendered, a new permit cannot be issued for that person or vehicle.
• Hybrid and Electric vehicles are not exempt from requiring a TIP if you intend to drive the vehicle beyond one of the Free Zones.
• Applications online are checked in real-time on US/Canadian vehicle databases.  Your application for a TIP will be denied if the vehicle has any restrictions marked, e.g. reported as stolen or as sent for scrap.

Is auto insurance compulsory when I drive a car into Mexico?

You will need to show evidence of having a valid temporary insurance policy when you apply for a TIP.  Whether you are driving in the Free Zones or going further into Mexico with a TIP, ensure your road trip is properly insured with a policy is valid in Mexico, especially for third party liabilities.

Learn more about driving in Mexico

Mexperience offers articles with insights to help you prepare for your road trip and drive confidently in Mexico.

• Bringing a foreign-plated vehicle to Mexico
• Insuring your vehicle for driving in Mexico
• Your Mexico road trip checklist
• Dealing with minor and major road accidents
• Latest articles about driving in Mexico
• Guide to auto insurance in Mexico

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.

What is a RFC in Mexico?

The RFC stands for Registro Federal de Contibuyentes. It’s a unique registration number issued by Mexico’s tax collection agency, SAT.

What is the ‘SAT’ in Mexico?

SAT stands for Servicio de Administracion Tributaria.  This is Mexico’s tax collection agency, akin to the IRS in the United States.  Like the IRS, SAT has offices in every state around the country.

What types of RFC are there?

There are two main categories of RFC:

• one for physical persons (Persona Física) that is akin to a US Social Security number; and
• one for registered companies (Persona Moral) that is akin to a company tax registration number.

Who can apply for a RFC?

A RFC can be issued to Mexican nationals and legal foreign residents who have residency cards. Visitors and tourists cannot apply for one.

Is the CURP a form of RFC?

No. The CURP stands for Clave Única de Registro de Población and is different to the RFC.  When you are granted legal residency in Mexico you are automatically assigned a CURP, but you are not automatically assigned a RFC—you have to apply for the RFC separately.  Your CURP is usually printed on your residency card, but not always.  You can find your CURP using this website.

What is the RFC used for?

The RFC is used to track business and commercial transactions, payments, and expenses for taxation reporting purposes.

For example, employers use it to report income tax deducted from employees’ paychecks, and businesses and self-employed individuals trading in Mexico use it to report their income and tax-deductible expenses.  Individuals can also use their RFC to claim certain tax rebates that their employers do not handle, for example, certain medical expenses.

Most businesses and self-employed individuals hire a local accountant to manage the reporting through their RFC; individuals claiming a tax rebate might also hire an accountant to assist them through the procedures.  You can also find tax and business advisors on our Professional Assistance Services section.

What is a Factura, and how does it relate to the RFC

A Factura is an official tax invoice that is associated with the seller’s and buyer’s RFC.  If you want to claim an expense for income tax deduction purposes, you must ask for an official Factura when you buy — a simple receipt will not suffice. When you ask for a Factura the seller will ask you for your RFC (or the business RFC).  Facturas are requested and issued electronically through the SAT’s online system.  Expenses incurred without a Factura cannot be used to claim any tax credits.

How do I apply for a RFC in Mexico?

You need to attend your local SAT office in person to apply.  SAT only receives applications by prior appointment.  You need to request your appointment online.  If appointments are not currently available in your state/area, you can opt to join a waiting list and the SAT system will send you an email when appointments become available in your area.  It can take several weeks or months to get an appointment.

When you attend the SAT office to register , you will need to take a printed copy of your CURP (you can get this online), your residency card (temporary or permanent), and some official ID—your passport is best.

You might consider hiring a local accountant to help you with this—see the heading below about dealing with tax matters in Mexico.  You can also find tax and business and business advisors on our Professional Assistance Services section.

What happens if I don’t have a RFC?

If you don’t have a RFC, you cannot claim capital gains tax exemptions on any property you own when you sell it (see next question); banks now ask for a RFC when you open a bank account in Mexico; and car dealers ask for a RFC when you purchase a car in Mexico.

What purpose does the RFC have if I own a home in Mexico?

If you own a home in Mexico, you will need a RFC to claim capital gains tax deductions when you sell it.  Learn more about the costs and taxes of selling your Mexican home.

Dealing with tax and business matters in Mexico

Tax law and its rules are complex, and we recommend you contact and hire a local accountant to assist you with matters related to your tax in Mexico.  You don’t have to use an accountant, but if you don’t, you’ll need a good grasp of Spanish, and patience, to deal with the bureaucracy.  Two key advantages of using an accountant are that the good ones will be up-to-speed with the current rules and may be able to advise you about ways to organize your income and expenses here, and they will ease the burden of all the reporting forms and requirements.

You can also find tax and business advisors on our Professional Assistance Services section.

Further information

Here are some additional resources related to RFCs, etc.

• SAT main website
• CURP main website
• Professional Assistance Services
• Mexican Association of Public Accountants 

Importing foreign-plated vehicles to Mexico

This section contains key questions and answers related to bringing a foreign-plated car or other vehicle to Mexico, with links to detailed information and helpful assistance services.

Learn more about driving in Mexico

Mexperience offers articles with insights to help you prepare for your road trip and drive confidently in Mexico.

• Importing a foreign car or other vehicle to Mexico
• Getting a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for your vehicle
• Insuring your vehicle for driving in Mexico
• Your Mexico road trip checklist
• Latest articles about driving in Mexico
• Guide to auto insurance in Mexico

FAQs about Mexico visitor visas and the FMM

Do I need a visa to visit Mexico?

Whether you need to apply for a visa before you arrive in Mexico depends on what country’s passport you hold, or other criteria. This article: Do I need a visa to visit Mexico describes the details.

If I normally require a visa to visit Mexico, but I have a visa to visit or live in the USA, do I need to apply for a separate visa to visit Mexico?

If the country you are a passport holder of is on Mexico’s ‘visa required’ list, and the United States of America has granted you a visitor’s visa or a residency visa —and that visa is current (not expired)— you can visit Mexico without the need to apply for a separate visa. You can find further details on this article.

How long can I remain in Mexico with a visitor’s permit (FMM)?

If you enter Mexico as tourist or business visitor, then the immigration official at the port of entry will grant you a maximum number of days to stay in Mexico when you arrive; this number of days will be written on the visitor’s permit for your reference and will not exceed 180 days.

If the official writes a number less than 180 days then your stay in Mexico will be limited accordingly; the FMM cannot be extended.  In all cases, the visitor’s permit will always expire after the number of days written on the permit: it cannot be extended or renewed and you must leave the country before it expires. You can find further details about this permit on our article Your Mexican Tourist Permit, FMM

How long do I have to remain outside of Mexico before I can return using a new Visitor permit (FMM)?

There is no time limit on how long you must remain outside of Mexico before returning under the auspice of a new visitor permit. (You could leave and return the same day.)

However, if you continually leave and re-enter in Mexico using a visitor permit, you will have your intentions questioned by an immigration official when you re-enter.  You can find further details about this permit on our article Your Mexican Tourist Permit, FMM

How do I replace a lost/stolen visitor permit (FMM)?

You can find the answer to this question on our article Your Mexican Tourist Permit, FMM

What do I do if I overstay on my visitor permit (FMM)?

You can find the answer to this question on our article Your Mexican Tourist Permit, FMM

If I have a previous criminal record, will this prevent me entering Mexico?

Whether you arrive in Mexico and complete a FMM (visitor permit) or have  visa sticker in your passport issued by a Mexican consulate, permission to enter Mexico is always determined by the Immigration Officer at the port of entry.

There is no way for Mexico to determine whether a person has a prior criminal record unless a foreign state has shared that information with Mexico beforehand.  (Mexico’s immigration system might alert border officials about ‘wanted’ criminals and other high-risk individuals who attempt to enter Mexico.)

Mexican consulates usually advise that people with a criminal record contact their own country’s authority and ask whether any background information has been shared with other countries.  If you have any doubts, we suggest you contact your nearest Mexican consulate for advice.

What visa do I need to get married in Mexico?
Are same-sex marriages allowed in Mexico?
Will my Mexican marriage certificate be valid in my home country?

You can find answers to all these questions on our Guide to Getting Married in Mexico.

I took my tourist visa (FMM) home with me because there was no one to give it to when I drove out of Mexico. What do I do?

If you were given a paper version of the Visitor Permit, and you took this home with you, you can find the answer to this question on our article Your Mexican Tourist Permit, FMM. Note that paper versions of the permit are being phased out and substituted for a stamp in your passport, so this issue is becoming less relevant.

Can I exchange my Visitor’s Visa (FMM) for a Residency Permit?

In a small number of specific circumstances you can exchange a visitor permit for residency permit in Mexico, but most people cannot exchange a visitor permit (FMM) for a residency permit.

If you are currently in Mexico and decide that you want to apply for legal residency here, you will most likely need to leave Mexico and apply via a Mexican consulate abroad.  See our article about routes to applying for residency in Mexico for more details.

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.