Guide to Residency in Mexico

Obtaining a residency visa in Mexico is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Mexico gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Understand the types of residency status
  • Residente Temporal: For those who plan to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days but less than 4 years.
  • Residente Permanente: For those who plan to stay in Mexico indefinitely.
• Gather required documents
  • Valid passport and photocopies of relevant pages.
  • Completed visa application form. You can find it on the Instituto Nacional de Migración website.
  • Passport-size photographs.
  • Proof of sufficient funds or income.
  • For Residente Temporal based on marriage or family ties, provide documents proving the relationship.
• Apply for a visa at a Mexican consulate abroad
  • Find the nearest Mexican consulate in your home country.
  • Schedule an appointment if required.
  • Submit the required documents and pay the visa fee.
  • Wait for the visa to be processed.
• Enter Mexico and register with the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM)
  • Upon arrival in Mexico, present your visa at immigration.
  • Within 30 days of arrival, register with the INM to obtain your residency card.
  • Fill out the registration form and pay the registration fee.
• Apply for a CURP (Clave Única de Registro de Población)
  • CURP is a unique identification number used in Mexico.
  • You can apply for it online at the Renapo website or visit a local Renapo office.
  • Fill out the application form and provide the required documents.
• Apply for an RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes) Tax Number
  • RFC is a tax identification number used in Mexico.
  • You can apply for it online at the SAT website.
  • Fill out the application form and provide the required documents.
• Open a Mexican bank account
  • Choose a bank that suits your needs.
  • Provide the required documents, which usually include your passport, residency card, CURP, RFC, and proof of address.
  • Complete the account opening process and make an initial deposit if required.
• Renew your residency status as needed
  • Residente Temporal status can be renewed for up to 4 years total.
  • After 4 years, you can apply for Residente Permanente status.
  • Visit the INM website or office for renewal procedures.

Important Notes

Always check the official websites or contact the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date and detailed information.

The process and requirements may vary slightly depending on your specific situation and the region of Mexico you are in.

It is recommended to consult with a professional immigration lawyer or advisor for personalized assistance.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Mexico?

"Live here with a temp visa FMM you get at the border when you cross, show your passport and cost is about $25. If you purchase property, same thing. Many people that rent, don't bother with getting a resident card, they stay under the radar. The foreigners like me, that work, must have one, either it's temp or perm resident card. In the old days you may have heard them called FM3 and FM2's," commented one expat living in Puerto Penasco, Mexico.

"This is still a bit of a nightmare. You must apply for your residence from your home country and then there will be a few appointment with immigration. It took us 5 months to get our temp residency and we have to be in Mexico 30 days prior to our 1 year expiration date to renew. Keep you posted on that. At one point we were temp residents but gave it up as we were never in the country longer than 6 months at a time. We travel a lot. But the Mexican govt really wants you to have your residency," mentioned one expat living in Mexico.

"The main thing to know is that you must start your residency request outside of Mexico, at a Mexican consulate. Then you have 30 days to present yourself to the Mexico immigrations. There are professional groups that will do all of this for you, for a fee, of course," said an expat in Mexico.

"The process of applying for a visa in Mexico depends on the type of visa you require. Generally speaking, you will need to submit a visa application form, photographs, your passport, a valid return ticket, and the required visa fee to the Mexican consulate. Additionally, depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you may have to provide additional documentation such as a proof of address, a medical certificate, documentation of sufficient funds, employment records, and proof of relationship to a Mexican citizen. The process of applying for Mexico residency is slightly more involved and documented evidence will often be required from you. In most cases, an application will be required that contains your personal information, orientation for the request, and a copy of your passport. Additionally, you will need to submit evidence of sufficient financial resources, proof of accommodation in Mexico, a medical certificate, a criminal background check, and proof that you have been a resident of Mexico for at least two years. After submitting the application and the required documentation, you will be called for an interview and your documents will be verified. Finally, after being approved, you can collect your residency card," remarked one member living in Mexico.

"It has been over 3 years since we went through the process at the Seattle Consulate. They were very specific and they looked at our investment income with social security AND our savings accounts. We provided 2 years of statements downloaded from the brokerage house as well as deposits into our accounts from income. We knew that we would qualify for PR status so it was a breeze. There was no mention about notarization of downloaded documents but we were well organized and made it easier for them. I am unsure about future income from work since we were both retired, but I would think it will be more difficult to convince them that you will have ongoing income from work unless you provide a letter from HR or some other source that shows that you will continue to have income while residing in MX. The best method is to go fully prepared to show your financial qualifications absolutely meet or exceed their requirements," said one expat living in Mexico.

"This should be addressed at the immigration office here in Playa. Many come in on a Tourist Visa that is generally given for 180 days. After that, the person has to leave the country and return to hopefully get another Tourist Visa. However, their requirements for getting a Temporary or Permanent Visa are online and are affordable," commented one expat who moved to Mexico.