From the cost of a Mexico temporary resident visa & the financial Mexico residency requirements to the Mexico temporary resident visa processing time, this guide walks you through the process from start to finish.
At first glance, the visa application process may seem complicated. But, tackling the immigration process is an important first step to building your dream life in Mexico.
In 2020, I got a Mexican resident visa from the Mexican consulate in Detroit, Michigan, and received my temporary residency card from the local immigration office in Querétaro Mexico.
I’m on track to get my permanent residency card in 2024 after four years of legal residency in Mexico 🥳
Whether you’re planning on moving to Puerto Vallarta or Playa del Carmen, this post has all the important information you need to apply for a Mexico temporary resident visa in 2023!
Note: The process for getting permanent residency in Mexico is very similar to getting temporary residency in Mexico. The Mexico Residency Roadmap (which is updated annually) highlights the differences in the two processes.
Is applying for temporary residency in Mexico worth it?
Listen, I know firsthand just how confusing visa stuff can be. It’s easy to see why so many foreigners live in Mexico on the standard-issue 180-day tourist visa (which resets immediately after you exit the country) rather than applying for temporary residency.
But, if like me you decide that becoming a temporary resident of Mexico is the right next step, then this post will serve as your guide.
After reading this post, you will know:
- the benefits of the Mexican temporary resident visa vs. permanent resident visa
- the cost of the temporary resident visa in Mexico
- the financial requirements for temporary residency in Mexico
- my tips for how to apply successfully
In Dec. 2020, I received my temporary residency card from the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) in Querétaro after starting the process in June 2020 at the Mexican consulate in Detroit, Mich.
Across Mexico, the National Immigration Institute is working to expedite the residency process for foreigners. In some locations, you get your card and do your fingerprints the same day you submit your paperwork.
- Are you applying for residency in Mexico in 2023? Get the most up-to-date info about the Mexico residency process in this 2023 Mexico residency requirements post.
What is a Mexico temporary resident visa?
The temporary residency visa is for anyone planning on staying in Mexico for more than 180 days but less than four years.
Even if you do plan on staying for more than four years, you usually have to be a temporary resident before applying for permanent residency in Mexico.
The process of applying for a temporary resident visa for Mexico starts with making an appointment at a consulate outside of Mexico. This website has a directory of Mexican consulates.
If you’re married to a Mexican national, you can skip the consulate step and apply directly at an INM office (Instituto Nacional de Migracion) in Mexico. There are INM offices in every state in Mexico.
After getting your temporary resident visa, you must travel to Mexico to finish the process at a local immigration office where you will exchange your Mexico temporary visa for a Mexico temporary resident card.
Benefits of Temporary Residency in Mexico
Some foreigners will try to live in Mexico on the tourist visa, leaving every six months to reset their stay.
Now, don’t let my use of the word “visa” throw you. The tourist visa ISN’T something you apply for. Rather, it’s the 180-stay that is granted to passport holders from countries on Mexico’s no visa required list.
The Mexican government calls these foreigners “perpetual tourists,” and in late 2021, Mexican immigration decided to crack down on foreigners living in Mexico on the tourist visa.
Instead of automatically granting the typical 180-day stay, Mexican immigration officers were reviewing each foreigner’s travel history individually. People with a history of traveling to Mexico were given significantly shorter stays (sometimes only a week).
The number one benefit of the Mexican temporary resident visa is that you can freely enter and leave Mexico. There’s no 180-day limit.
If another immigration crackdown were to take place, you don’t want to run the risk of being separated from your life in Mexico. For anyone who plans on living in Mexico, applying for temporary residency in Mexico (residente temporal) is absolutely worth it.
The benefits of a Mexican temporary resident visa include:
- Freely entering and leaving Mexico (no 180-day limit)
- More options when renting an apartment in Mexico
- Eligible for an RFC – the tax ID number you need to buy a home in Mexico
- Enrolling in IMSS & accessing the best public hospitals in Mexico
- Legally registering a vehicle in Mexico
If you’re thinking about importing personal goods to Mexico, know that you must have your temporary or permanent resident card. The visa itself (even with the NUT authorization) is not sufficient.
If you want to open a bank account in Mexico, you will need to show your temporary or permanent residency card along with your RFC number.
Benefits of Permanent Residency in Mexico
Even though some applicants qualify for permanent residency in Mexico (residente permanente), they may still choose to opt for temporary residency in Mexico since only temporary residents are allowed to bring a foreign car into Mexico.
Your foreign-plated car is linked to your temporary residency & you can legally have it in Mexico as long as you’re a temporary resident (up to four years). Permanent residents cannot have a foreign-plated vehicle in Mexico, and most people find it cost-prohibitive to import a car.
The benefits of Mexican permanent resident visa are:
- All rights of Mexican citizens except voting
- No need to renew residency (this saves time & money)
- Maintain legal employment or self-employment (no Mexica work visa necessary)
- All the same benefits as the temporary resident visa except bringing a foreign-plated car into Mexico
When should I start applying for temporary residency in Mexico?
I understand the desire to have all your ducks in a row prior to moving to Mexico, but I strongly encourage you to come to Mexico and give living here a trial run before committing money, time and your sanity to the residency process.
With Mexico’s generous 180-day tourist visa, passport holders from the U.S. and Canada (as well as other countries on Mexico’s “no visa” list) can stay in Mexico for up to six months without needing to apply for residency.
During those six months, you should travel around and check out different places to live in Mexico.
You can use this list of the safest cities in Mexico as a starting point. Then for more in-depth info, check out these posts to learn about expat life in La Paz and what it’s like to live in Queretaro.
Once you know you want to make Mexico your permanent home, start the process of applying for temporary residency in Mexico. At least six months out from your move is a good time to start gathering the necessary documents and booking an appointment for the visa interview at a consulate.
Many Mexican temporary resident visa applicants find that making an appointment at a consulate is the most time-consuming part of the process. You’ll have better luck booking an appointment sooner if you’re willing to travel for your visa interview.
Is a temporary resident visa the same as a Mexico work visa?
Having a temporary resident visa doesn’t automatically grant you the right to work in Mexico. If you want to work in Mexico, you must apply for a separate work visa.
Since I work online as a freelance writer, I am technically not working IN Mexico. When I met with the immigration official at the Mexican Consulate in Detroit, I explained that I earn money online.
Mexico is open to offering temporary residency to remote workers and digital nomads as long as you’re able to prove economic solvency. You won’t pay income tax in Mexico if you earn your money outside of Mexico.
Permanent residents of Mexico are allowed to own a business in Mexico or be self-employed.
If you wish to get a job in Mexico, your temporary resident visa won’t be enough. You must also apply for a Mexico work visa.
Mexico Temporary Residency Requirements
Every Mexican consulate has its own temporary residency requirements. These different requirements can range from the amount required to demonstrate economic solvency (more on this in a second) to what you need to bring to the visa interview.
The kicker is that many consulate websites do not list all the Mexico temporary residency visa requirements. Some applicants are only find out they’re missing something when they show up for their visa interview.
If possible, I recommend contacting the consulate where you plan on applying for a list of their specific requirements prior to your appointment. Not all consulates are responsive, but your best best for most is reaching out via email.
Unless you have a job lined up in Mexico, an organization or an institution is sponsoring your move there, then this economic solvency portion is very important. The country of Mexico wants to know that you are not going to be a burden to them.
According to the Mexican Consulate website, individuals applying for the temporary resident visa must submit proof of economic solvency. You can demonstrate economic solvency either through monthly income or savings/investments.
This is not the only pathway to getting temporary residency in Mexico, but demonstrating economic solvency is the most common method.
Mexico Temporary Resident Visa Financial Requirements
Every year, the financial requirements for applying for temporary residency in Mexico increase. As of 2023, the typical monthly income consulates want to see in 2023 is $3,275 US over the last six months. Some consulates request 12 months worth of statements.
For temporary visa applicants showing savings/investment account balances, they must show a minimum balance of $54,000 US over the last 12 months.
Permanent visa applicants must demonstrate a monthly income of $5,460 US over the last six months. Again, some consulates require 12 months of statements. The other option is showing savings/investment accounts with a balance of $218,000 US over the last 12 months.
Understandably, some foreigners find these income requirements frustrating since they exceed normal cost of living in Mexico.
You will need to show up to your appointment with printed financial statements that show you have either sufficient monthly income or enough in savings/investments.
As more digital nomads want to work remotely from Mexico, Mexican consulates have become more open to accepting average monthly incomes. This is great news for freelancers and independent contractors whose income can vary greatly from month to month.
Since proving economic solvency is the central part of your visa interview, I recommend emailing the Consulate if you have any questions regarding the documents you need. Consulates aren’t good about answering the phone, but they generally respond to emails.
If you’re traveling a long way to go to the Consulate, it’s worth it to check in advance to make sure you have the documents you need in order to prove economic solvency and meet the financial requirements for temporary residency in Mexico.
How do I get a temporary resident visa for Mexico?
Before I explain how to get a temporary resident visa for Mexico, I want to make it clear that I’m NOT an immigration lawyer.
This post and the information in it is based on my experience at the Mexican Consulate in Detroit and the Instituto Nacional de Migración in Querétaro. I’ve also drawn on the experiences of people who have undergone the immigration process using the Mexico Residency Roadmap and reported back to me
The first part of the temporary residency process is applying for a Mexico temporary resident visa. Applying for the temporary resident visa must be done at a Mexican Consulate (which is OUTSIDE of Mexico).
There are some exceptions, including being married to a Mexican citizen or having close family ties to a Mexican citizen, but most people will need to leave Mexico in order to apply for temporary residency.
How to Make an Appointment at a Mexican Consulate
For most foreign nationals, the process of applying for temporary residency in Mexico will start in their home country. Often, one of the consulate requirements is that the applicants bank statements are in the same currency as the country where the consulate is located.
For example, if you are applying for a Mexican temporary resident visa at a Mexican consulate located in the United States, the consulate will likely ask that your bank statements show financial holdings in United States dollars.
As soon as you know you meet the financial requirements to apply for the temporary residency visa, I recommend making an appointment.
There are two ways to make an appointment at a Mexican consulate.
Some consulates only accept appointment booked through this official website. This is how I booked my appointment at the Mexican consulate in Detroit.
You can’t book too far in advance, but you also don’t want to wait until the last minute to grab an appointment slot because there aren’t many available.
You will:
- Create a login
- Select a time slot
- Receive a confirmation email with a PDF attachment
- Print the confirmation PDF
- Take the confirmation to your visa appointment
The other way to book an appointment is to email the Mexican consulate directly. This is how you book an appointment at the Las Vegas and McAllen consulates (just to name two).
Not sure where to book your visa appointment?
Just Google the name of your state plus “Mexico Consulate.” In the search results, you’ll see which consulate is closest to you.
What to Bring to Your Temporary Resident Visa Appointment
You will need to bring the following to your visa appointment:
- Appointment confirmation
- Visa application form
- Passport-sized photograph
- Passport (original & photocopy)
- Payment method for visa fee ($51 US)
- I paid with a credit card.
- Proof of economic solvency (see the above section for details)
What to Expect from Your Temporary Resident Visa Interview
I had my temporary resident visa interview at the Mexico Consulate in Detroit, Mich. Well, actually, the Consulate is in Madison Heights which is a 20-minute drive from Downtown Detroit.
For the complete story of how my interview went, check out this YouTube video.
One thing I forgot to mention in this video is that, when I first sat down with the official, she asked me if I spoke Spanish. I answered yes, and from then on, the rest of the interview was conducted in Spanish.
Don’t let that freak you out. I’m sure if I’d said no she would have done the interview in English.
But, just a word of warning: If you say you can speak Spanish, you better be ready to prove it.
How much does the Mexico temporary resident visa cost?
As of February 2023, the Mexico temporary resident visa costs $51 US.
You pay directly at the Mexican consulate where you have your visa interview. You can pay with cash or credit card.
How long is your temporary resident visa for Mexico valid?
Once you’re approved for the temporary resident visa, you have six months to use it. The visa in your passport is good for one entry into Mexico.
When you travel to Mexico, you will fill out an FMM (forma migratoria múltiple) just as you would if you were traveling to Mexico as a tourist. As of 2023, this FMM is now digital. You will fill it out online and download it to bring to INM with you.
Instead of writing 180 days in your passport, the immigration official will write 30 days & “CANJE.”
From the day you arrive in Mexico, you have 30 days to go to INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración) to apply for your temporary resident permit card.
Mexico Temporary Resident Visa Processing Time
If you meet the requirements for the Mexico temporary visa, standard procedure is for the consulate official to adhere the visa to a page of your passport the same day as your appointment.
Some consulates might require additional visa processing time (for example, the Chicago consulate has told applicants 10 business days during busy times). If you’re traveling for your visa appointments, it’s a good idea to ask the consulate via email how long you should expect for the Mexico temporary resident visa processing time.
How to Apply for Your Mexico Temporary Resident Card at INM
Some foreigners make the mistake of hiring a lawyer to help them get their temporary residence permit in Mexico.
A regular lawyer is never a good option since they aren’t up to date with the daily happening at the local immigration office (INM). Processes and requirements change frequently and with little notice, so it’s important that if you decide to hire someone they are familiar with the staff & workings of the local INM.
An immigration lawyer is only necessary if you have a complex immigration situation.
If you don’t speak Spanish or you just prefer to have someone walk you through the process, consider hiring an immigration advisor. In Querétaro, Mexico City & La Paz, I recommend Ivonne Pavaan of Host Relocation.
- Ivonne speaks English & has 15+ years of immigration experience.
- Use the code “Alex5” for a special reader discount
- The best way to get in touch with Ivonne is reaching out to her via WhatsApp. Her number is +52 442 365 9402.
Of course, it is possible to get temporary residency in Mexico on your own. I’m proof.
Just know that all the forms are in Spanish and the immigration officers likely only speak Spanish.
What You Need to Apply for Your Temporary Residence Card in Mexico
The process of finalizing your temporary residency in Mexico is called “Expedición de documento migratorio por canje.” You can find the *mostly complete* list of necessary documents online.
Necessary Documents for Temporary Residency
- Trámite
- You fill this out online & print it.
- It’s a document stating why you want to enter the INM building & registering you in the system.
- Passport & color copy of photo/signature page
- Any documents you sign for INM must match the signature in your passport.
- Visa (in your passport) & color copy
- FMM & color copy
- As of 2023, Mexican immigration has largely discontinued the use of paper FMMs. You know need to download the digital FMM to fill out and print.
- Formato básico (basic application form) filled this out using a black pen.
- Proof of address in Mexico
- This can be an internet, water or electricity bill.
- Your name doesn’t need to be on it, but the address must match the state where the immigration office is located.
- Payment method
- Instead of doing a Page de Derecho at a Mexican bank ahead of time, you can now pay directly at INM with a credit card.
- Visa and Mastercard are accepted.
- As of Feb. 2023, the temporary resident permit card costs $5,108 MXN (approx. $218 US) for one year.
- Three photographs “tipo infantil”Size 2.5×3 cm**
- Two photos looking straight at the camera
- One photo of your right-side profile
- White background
- Forehead exposed
- No glasses
- No earrings
- Hair tucked behind your ears
**Depending on which INM office you go to in Mexico, you may or may not need photographs “tipo infantil.”
In this YouTube video, I go over all the documents you need to bring to INM & walk you through filling them out.
What to Expect When You Go to Instituto Nacional de Migracion in Mexico
There are INM (immigration offices) all over Mexico. If you’re not sure where to go, just Google the name of your city & “INM” to find the one that is closest to you.
You will need to present “proof of address” for the state where the INM office is located. This doesn’t need to have your name on it, but it must be either an electricity, internet or other utility bill with an address in the state where the INM office is located.
In March 2023, INM suspended its online system for booking appointments. Now, at busy offices like Querétaro, you must lineup in person during your first 30 days in Mexico.
Since INM only sees a set amount of people each day, people in Querétaro line up at 11 p.m. the night before to get in. In Mexico City, they also line up but are given a ticket to come back the next day.
The exact process varies from INM to INM so I recommend asking in the local expat or foreigner Facebook group to find out how a local immigration office is operating.
When you enter the building, an immigration officer will instruct you to wait for your name to be called. When it is, you’ll approach the window and submit your documents.
You can’t use your cell phone or laptop in the waiting room so bring a book to pass the time. You could be waiting all day, so bring a snack.
Mexico Temporary Resident Card Processing Time
The processing time for the Mexico temporary resident card is less predictable than the Mexico temporary resident visa processing time.
In 2020, I submitted my documents to INM in Querétaro in August and didn’t receive my resident card until December.
My situation was an outlier, but the time of year you go to INM could affect the processing time. If possible, I recommend trying to avoid the two busiest months of the year: August and December.
At most INM locations, the typical processing time is either the same day or you will be asked to submit your documents and come back a few days later to do you fingerprint and get your residency card.
If you, for some reason, INM doesn’t give you your card the same day and you need to leave Mexico while your temporary residency is pending, you will have to apply for an exit permit. Check out this post by Hippe in Heels to learn more about that process for getting this special exit and re-entry permit.
After four years of temporary residency, you automatically become eligible for permanent residency regardless of whether or not you meet the financial requirements.
More Posts About Moving to Mexico
- Where to Retire in Mexico (The Ultimate List)
- How Much Does It Cost to Live in Mexico?
- An Expat’s Guide for Living in Querétaro
- Ultimate Moving Abroad Checklist
Final Thought on Temporary Residency in Mexico
I won’t lie to you:
Headaches, stress and even the occasional tear of frustration are extremely common when you are applying for residency in Mexico.
That is especially true if you are trying to navigate the process on your own.
Here’s what my subscribers have told me keeps them up at night about the residency process in Mexico:
- My biggest concerns are not speaking and reading Spanish.
- I get stressed at the thought of showing up to an appointment & not having the right documents.
- There’s so much information online & I have no idea where to start…
If you’re planning on applying for residency in Mexico & share those (very reasonable) concerns, then you need a guide that streamlines the residency process and walks you through the most important forms in easy-to-understand language (simple English, not weird & too literal Google Translate).
Introducing the:
An easy-to-follow 10-point checklist with in-depth descriptions of each task so you never have to wonder “what do I do next?” while navigating the temporary or permanent residency process in Mexico.
Plus, there’s a translated version of the infamous formato básico that you won’t find anywhere else.
As an added bonus, you’ll get:
- Answers to the FAQs about residency in Mexico
- The handy Residency Phrasebook (tells you exactly what to say in Spanish & who to say it to)
- An audio file to listen along and practice the must-know Spanish from the Residency Phrasebook
See what people are saying about the Mexico Residency Roadmap:
You can get access to the translated forms, checklist, detailed task breakdowns, answers to FAQs, Residency Phrasebook & accompanying audio file for just $47 USD.
Not only is that a fraction of what you’d pay for an immigration lawyer, but you can’t put a price on the satisfaction you’ll feel when you successfully navigate the residency process on your own.
Does the Mexico Residency Roadmap sound like exactly what you need? Slap the blue button below!
Still not sure if it’s right for you? Click here to learn more about the Mexico Residency Roadmap.
GREAT information. Thank you!!!
One question….you state “ Once you’re approved for the temporary resident visa, you have six months to use it. The visa in your passport is good for one entry into Mexico.”…….so once approved and I/we enter with our mew visa…..we cannot leave and go back to the states for the six month period because the visa offers ONE entry? Am I understanding correctly?
Thanks for reading, Jason!
The temporary resident VISA you get from the consulate is good for a one-time entry into Mexico. You have six months from the time the visa is placed in your passport to enter Mexico.
Then, once in Mexico, you have 30 days to do part 2 of the process which is submitting additional documents to immigration for your temporary residency CARD. You won’t be able to leave Mexico while those documents are being processed, but most immigration offices are making an effort to expedite the process & in some parts of the country, you receive your card the same day you turn in the documents.
In addition to this post, I have several detailed videos on YouTube that many people have said helped them navigate the process.
Good luck with your temporary residency!
I have been living in Mexico since October 2020. I have my one-year temporary resident card. I need to return to the US to get my covid vaccination. Does my Mexican temporary residency card allow me to move freely between the US and Mexico? Or are there additional steps?
You are free to move between the two countries!
Hi Alex
My name is Rebekah and I am from New Zealand. I arrived in Mexico in February 2021. I would really like to meet or get in touch with other foreigners residing here. Would love to hear form you.
Where can you have your Consulate interview? Can it be at any Mexican Consulate? Thank you!
Here is a list of consulates that do visa interviews: https://portales.sre.gob.mx/directorio/index.php/consulados-de-mexico-en-el-exterior
Thanks Alex! Just to clarify, I have 30 days once in Mexico to go to INM, but how long can I stay in Mexico and wait for approval?
You must stay in Mexico until you get your residency card. If you have to leave, you need to go back to INM and apply for a permiso de salida y regreso.
This link doesn’t wok (SERVICIO NO DISPONIBLE). https://citas.inm.gob.mx/foreign/login
Hi, Robert! Right now INM’s online system for booking appointments is suspended, you can learn more in this video: https://youtu.be/SOwbFj6WVzM
Hi there,
Thanks for the informative post! Just wondering whether you ever received your temporary residency?
Thanks for reading, Hermanus! I FINALLY received my temporary residency card in Dec. 2020 & if you’re interested, I have a YouTube video about why the process took so long. I added it to the end of the post.
Hello thanks for the well written information. I have lived in Mexico coming up on 4 years. I started with a 1 year temp resident card I did myself then got a 3 year temp. Resident card because I read that is the best thing to do. My temp resident card expires in February 2022 so I want to start getting my ducks in a row because it is quite the process to get through on your own. Can you offer the steps I need to take to get my permanent residency card?
Hey there Alex, great article! I actually just went through the process down in Yucatán and now have had my temporary resident card for a couple weeks. It definitely requires a fair amount of patience but overall it wasn’t so horrible.
The one thing I can’t seem to figure out is the bank account situation though. I’ve been to both HSBC and Citibanamex to inquire and both have told me that I can only get a Mexican bank account with a permanent residency card. This was literally a few days ago (the end of November 2020 for anyone reading and needing a time stamp). I’m not sure when or if you opened a bank account but I do believe that has changed at this point– or at least the banks are not allowing for it any longer. For further information though, I’m a U.S. citizen so perhaps that only has to do with the strict banking regulations and requirements related with the States.
At any rate, I’m a bit befuddled by it all. It’s certainly not impossible to live in México without a bank account here (yet at least…) but it certainly is less than convenient.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Ralph. I was surprised to hear that you haven’t been able to open a bank account. The immigration consultant I spoke with in Queretaro (Ivonne at Host Relocation: http://hostrelocation.com.mx/) told me I will be able to open a bank account with my temporary residency card.
I haven’t put that to the test yet though & will share my experience on the blog when I go to open a bank account next month.
Ralph,
Try Intercam Banco. I opened an account in Ajijic, Jalisco and only needed a copy of my lease. I only have a tourist visa at this time but I have scheduled an appointment with the consulate in Phoenix.
Not sure if it changed but I opened an account about 3 years ago with my temporary resident card. I had to bring in my passport as well. It is still open at the bank Santander.
Really helpful post. One question: you say as a temporary resident you can register a vehicle. Does this mean registering a vehicle bought in México only, or do you know if this includes a vehicle brought in from abroad? Many thanks.
Thanks for reading, Allen!
With your temporary resident card, you can buy a vehicle in Mexico (new or used) and register it in your name. It also allows you to import a car from abroad, and it is legal in Mexico as long as your temporary residency is valid.
Allen,
If you are bringing a US plated car into most parts of Mexico, you will need to have a TIPS form completed in the US so that it can be driven into Mexico. There are some areas near the border that this is not required, but I suggest looking this process up as well, as it adds an additional step to the process of getting down to Mexico.
Kevin
Hi. Do you know if there are only specific Consulates that offer Visa application interviews? We have tried scheduling in Phoenix and there are no options for Visa, only matricula and passports for Mexican Nationals. Also, does each person applying need an appointment, or only the “head of house” with others present?
Hi, Ashley!
I know that some consulates have scaled way back on their visa interview time slots due to the pandemic. Have you tried emailing the Phoenix consulate? You can also ask them if everyone in your family will need an appointment. I don’t believe so, but it’s always a good idea to double-check with the consulate before showing up for the appointment.
Hello Alex! A very nicely created blog. Have you ever heard of anyone applying for either temporary or permanent residence without having to reside in Mexico awaiting the process ? I cannot stay down here for months at a time.
I happen to be married to a MX citizen (she has legal perm residence in US) and our kids were born in USA but I managed to make them dual citizens. So, now I am wondering if I should work toward getting residence myself in case we ever retire here or I become lucky enough to work a job in MX remotely.
Hi, thanks for reading! Across Mexico, INM is working to expedite the process for getting temporary residency cards back to applicants. For example, in Mexico City, you get your card back the same day that you submit your documents. I think my experience in Queretaro was more of an outlier due to COVID & a weird situation where the process went digital and my application kind of got lost in the shuffle. You can hear more about that in this video: https://youtu.be/lrcDL2sLQfo If you’ve been married to your wife for four years or more, you’re eligible for permanent residency from the get-go without having to show proof of economic solvency. Really though, I don’t think you need to apply too far ahead of when you plan to move to Mexico unless you’re considering buying property. Thanks again for reading & best of luck!
Actually, if you apply for residence as the spouse of a Mexican citizen you will get Temporary Residency and be eligible to become a Permanent Resident after 2 years of living there. You can also apply to naturalize as a Mexican citizen after 2 years of residency and skip the Permanent Resident step altogether (only for spouses of Mexican citizens).
If you apply for residency as the parent of Mexican children, you will qualify immediately for Permanent Residency.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Marc! I had heard from a friend who was married to a Mexican citizen that immigration told her someone who had been married to a Mexican national for more than four years was immediately eligible for permanent residency. I suggest that people who are unsure of their pathway to residency should contact an immigration consultant. In Queretaro, I recommend Ivonne from Host Relocation (http://hostrelocation.com.mx/).
If you are married to a Mexican citizen and have children together, you can skip the temporary visa process and are eligible for a permanent visa immediately. You can also apply for citizenship but has its own requirements.
Very useful post! I look forward to your next post about your residence permit card.
Best wishes!
Hi, Pamela! I am glad to hear you found this post helpful. I detailed the final part of the process (actually get my temporary residency card) in this YouTube video: https://youtu.be/lrcDL2sLQfo
HI there,
Thank you for the information.
I can’t seem to find an application in English. And google translator translation comes out blank.
Is there any way to get a form in English so at least even if I am filling out the Spanish version, I fill it out correctly.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Caroline
Hi, Caroline! If you’re referring to the application for the part of the process you do here in Mexico, then, as far as I know, it is only available in Spanish. This is an issue a lot of people have reached out to me about & I’m in the process of creating a digital product that walks English-speakers through the form so they don’t need to Google Translate each box individually. However, given the date you left your comment, I’m guessing you already figured out the application one way or another. I hope the process went smoothly & you have your temporary residency card.
I’m not sure why you say you need a temporary permanent residency to get a bank account. We have a home in Mexico and have opened more than one Mexican bank account with tourist visas, so that is not true.
That’s really interesting, Barbara. Thanks for sharing your experience. The banks I’ve visited in Queretaro (BBVA & Santander) both told me it was against the law for them to allow me to open a bank account on a tourist visa. One of the people I spoke to said the law had been put into effect around a decade ago. But, as with a lot in Mexico, requirements can vary. For example, I’ve talked to people who were unable to contract with an internet service provider without having a residency card. I had no trouble doing so on my tourist visa. Again, I’m glad to hear you were able to open a bank account without issue. It’s helpful for people to have a variety of experiences from which to draw upon when planning their move to Mexico. All the best, Alex
I have been living on tourist Visa in Hermosillo (Sonora) for almost two years. BBVA, Santander, Banorte, Banamex all required a temporary residency card for opening a bank account. The author is correct, state to state they make exceptions. I just married my Mexican husband without total documents!
Hey Alex, Welcome to residency in Mexico. If you are ever in Sornora, We will show you around! I am from Michigan too…
Congrats on your new marriage, Billy & thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience in Hermosillo!
As you said, there are exceptions (is it Mexico, after all), but on the whole, you’re required to have at least your temporary residency card in order to open a bank account. I’m planning on opening one myself sometime in the next couple of weeks & will share the process here on my blog.
You’re from the Mitten too? What a small world! If you’re anything like me, you’re extra grateful to be in Mexico right now with the winter they’re having back home. Thanks again for taking the time to leave a comment, Billy!
Everyone in La Paz reports that you can open a bank account with FMM only at Intercam, otherwise you need residency card .
I too have been denied a bank account although I own a house outright but only come and go with a tourist visa. I was told I had to have a resident status to open an account.
So what do you do if you arrive in mexico, go to the office and start the Temp Res process and it takes more than 30 days to get your approval where you have to go back and do the finger printing? Do you have to leave mexico and come back since the visa you were given was only 30 days instead of the 180 days you would normally get. Also the financial requirements are in US currency. Would a Canadian applying just convert the amount based on exchange rates or would the Mexican consulate in Canada let you know the financial requirement?
One more question! Does it make sense to apply for temp res several years prior to actually moving to Mexico? Our plan is to live there for the winters and any time we can take an extended stay the rest of the year. Should we apply now so that by the time we start staying in mexico long term we can get a bank account and register a vehicle right away? Thank you for any help… Enjoying your website so far and will look in to your youtube videos shortly.
VIVA MEXICO!
Laura Pinard
Hi, Laura!
You will need to start the process at a consulate outside of Mexico. Since it sounds like you’re in Canada, you should check out the consulate website there for the financial requirements in CAD.
After you’re approved for your temporary residency VISA, you will have six months to travel to Mexico and complete the second part of the process which is applying for your temporary residency CARD. You have 30 days to go to INM from the day you enter Mexico. While your documents are being processed, you stay in Mexico. The 30 days is just that you have to go to INM & start the process.
I don’t recommend applying for temporary residency until you’re planning on moving to Mexico since you need to give INM an address of residence. Most people come to Mexico on the 180-day tourist visa first to test out living here & find a place to live. Then, they fly back to their home country or the closest consulate to start the process.
Hopefully, that helps!
Hi Alex,
Great information! I am wondering as a British expat living here with my tourist visa running out soon, whether to get this Temp residency as I certainly don’t want to go home and it makes sense as I love it here.
I meet all the income requirements etc. too
My only issue right now is I don’t want to return to the UK (lockdown/ covid and lots of money on quarantine hotels) but I do want temp residency. Would it be possible to go to neighbouring Costa Rica and get this done at a Consulate there?
They are letting people in right now so it seems safe to go that route, but I have no experience of Costa Rican Mexican Consulates LOL
Thanks
Sean
Thanks for your question, Sean!
In theory, you don’t need to necessarily start the temporary residency process in your home country & can do the interview for the visa at a consulate in any country. I don’t personally know anyone who has applied in Costa Rica, but if their consulate website says they do visa interviews, I say: go for it! I always recommend emailing the specific consulate to double-check.
You also have the option to go to a consulate in the U.S. (although that could be just as difficult as flying back to the UK, I’m not sure). Just something to keep in mind in case Costa Rica doesn’t work out.
Hope that helps & wishing you the best of luck with your temporary residency!
Sean,
I was in the same situation. I’m from the UK. I travelled to Xela (Guatemala) a couple of weeks ago and secured my paperwork from the consul there. Once I had a booking date, it took a couple of hours. It’s not too busy and they were very helpful. Note that the Mexico/Guatemala land borders have just been closed though.
I’m now back in Oaxaca – where I intend to live – and about to visit the INM office with my paperwork.
All the best!
Thanks for sharing your experience, Cass!
Hi Cass, that’s super helpful because I also want to do it in Guatemala – I’m in México right now – but on the official appointment booking website it says there are no appointments (every day on the calendar) in all three locations. I am contacting them but just wondering if you made your appointment beforehand or were able to do it when you were in Guatemala? If the latter, how long did you have to wait for the appointment? Thanks! Jo
Thanks for the great post. One update for people in Baja California – the INM office in Tijuana no longer needs you to bring photos – they take them at the office at the same time they take fingerprints. After the photos / fingerprints, you wait at the same desk and in 5 minutes they bring you the residence permit card. Done easily in one day and walk out with the card in hand.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience, Blair! Your insight is really going to help other people pursuing their residency in Mexico!
Blair, do they require proof of residency in Tijuana? Thanks
Regarding Mexico consulate in Costa Rica, they accept appointments and you can start the process there for residency. They did require a local CR address for the application. Not sure if you could use a hotel or temporary address but since we have a home there, it was not a problem. We had tried to email the consulate with questions before our appointment, no reply.
Thanks for the info about applying via the consulate in Costa Rica, Blair!
Thanks for the info Alex.
So while waiting during that 30day period, if you dont get your temporary Visa during that time I assume you have to leave Mexico ? what is the possibility of that happening ? reason I ask is I would coming from New Zealand so I would hate to have fly back there again.
Hi, Mike! After getting your residency VISA from the consulate, you have six months to use it to enter Mexico. Upon entering Mexico, you have 30 days to go to immigration and submit the final paperwork for your residency CARD. It’s not that you must submit and get your card back in 30 days…you just must do your part within 30 days of entering Mexico with your visa. Then, INM (immigration) will get your card to you on their timeline. At some locations, it’s the same day. At others, it could take a few weeks or a couple of months. You won’t be able to leave Mexico will your documents are being processed. If you must, you will have to apply for a permiso de salida y regreso (essentially, permission to leave and come back without your application being voided). I hope that clears things up for you!
This is a shot in the dark, but do you happen to know of anyone personally who has applied for a temp residency visa under economic solvency by showing their savings in a US Transferwise account? I can’t get a straight answer from emailing consulates and asking immigration lawyers
If Mexican consulates in the US recognize a Transferwise account as a legitimate financial institution to have proof of savings in.
Sorry, Lor, I don’t know anyone personally who has done that. I hope it works out!
Hi Lor! I just started the process at the Detroit consulate and needed to show income coming from my US Transferwise account as part of it and they accepted it.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Amanda!
Hey Alex!
Great blog and videos by the way! Thank you for providing all this information ?? I’m from Detroit! And I own a small business here, and I recently found a modest store front space for rent in Tulum. I am hoping to go back and forth between both stores and eventually become a “snow bird” and leave Michigan for the winter. Do you know if I need to apply for a temporary work visa? What are the requirements for opening a business in Mexico? The internet seems to be saying a few different things.
Thanks for reading, Nikki! I’m not familiar with the ins and outs of opening a business in Mexico, and I think it would be worth your while to consult an immigration advisor or lawyer. I do know that a temporary residency permit doesn’t grant you permission to work, but if your business is valued at a certain dollar amount, you might be eligible for permanent residency right off the bat which would mean you could own and operate the business as a Mexican citizen would. The consulate in Detroit will likely have more information for you. Try contacting them via email. Good luck!
Hola Alex- Thanks, I’m planning to go straight to the permanente residency. Is Mexico Residency Roadmap for that too or is it just a guide for the temporal that you got? Thanks
The Mexico Residency Roadmap covers how to get either your temporary or permanent residency. The two processes are very similar, and the Roadmap highlights where they diverge.
Thank you so much for this information! How long did you spend at the embassy in total?
Hi, Alli! For the part in the consulate, I was there about three hours in all. Good luck with your own plans to pursue residency in Mexico!
Thank you. Your blog has been very helpful. I am currently living in Mexico with an expired tourist visa and need to go back to the US to apply for temporary residency. My question is how long did you have to wait after your consulate appointment to receive your entry visa. Going back to the US will require me to stay at a hotel while in the US. Also I will have to leave my mexican common law spouse alone for the duration of my US stay. We live in a very Rural area and she does not drive, so it will provide a hardship for her. Thank you again for your helpful post.
Barry Dannehy
Hi Barry,
I got my visa the same day that I submitted the paperwork and had my interview at the consulate. The whole thing took just a few hours. I recommend emailing the consulate where you plan to apply just to double-check that you’ll receive your visa the same day if you’re approved. Most do it this way, but it never hurts to check.
Good luck!
Hi Barry,
If your wife is a mexican citizen and you were married in mexico, another option is to leave mexico then come back with a valid tourist visa. You can then start the paperwork to get a temporary residency at an INM office near where you stay in mexico and obtain your residency card that way. If you were not married in mexico, you can still do the process in mexico but it is a bit more complicated and you may want to check on the INM website to verify all of the required documents that you will need to bring from the country that you were married in before you return.
Foreigners married to mexican nationals have the option of applying for their residency cards in mexico and do not need to leave mexico to start it. There is also may be a way to do it with an expired tourist visa but there will be an additional fine to pay for that.
Hi Alex. Would an applicant be allowed to bring a Spanish language interpreter with them to assist with the process? Thanks very much.
Hi Alex! Just stumbled across your blog and it is fantastic. I received my temporary residency in Playa del Carmen about 6 months ago. Last week I moved here to Puerto Vallarta. Do you know if it is necessary for me to go to the INM here to change my address? I can’t seem to find any information on that as yet so perhaps you can assist. Thank you…..
Yes, you must do a notificacion de cambio de domicilio.
What is process for leaving and returning to Mexico by ground transportation (e.g. car) with a Temporary Resident Visa?
Don’t forget to tell anyone who is a “US Person” (ie. citizens, green card holders, etc.) that if they open a MX bank account and have accumulated at anytime in a year more than $US 10K in the bank account(s), they have to file a FINCEN form to the US authorities or risk massive penalties and possible jail time. Yeh, land of the free. Go figure.
Is it possible to get a license for and buy a scooter on a tourist visa? Also does one need a valid US license to rent a scooter as a tourist?
Hi. Can I purchase property in Mexico if I only have a passport? I’m having trouble getting an appointment at Mexican Consulate. Online scheduling doesn’t work and no one answers phone!
Hello!
Do you know precisely what kind of investments are acceptable to provide proof of solvency? I’m in Canada and I have more than enough in my private RRSP account (registered retirement fund) which is similar to a US 401K (though an RRSP doesn’t have to be setup through payroll deductions and there is no penalty for early withdrawal).
Also, since I’ll be applying with my wife, are we able to combine any savings we have to reach the total they are looking for?
Thanks!
Great Article! One question, on a tourist 6 months visa – people can live for as long as they want in mexico (talking about puerto vallarta for myself) or there is a limitation, say 4 years, going back and forth every 6 months and then they stop allowing back in?…or you know people that do it for decades? I’m an american and just curious if it is at all possible? thanks!
Quick quesiton,
When you renenew your temp residency, do you have to prove economic solvency again?
Thanks in advance
You have to show your most recent bank statement to demonstrate that your financial situation hasn’t changed.
Hi Alex,
I have an appointment at the Detroit consulate in June. I have been working at my current employer for 5 years but once I move to Mexico, I will no longer work for them and will work online. Do I need to disclose that at the consulate in Detroit? Or do they just want to know my current employment situation?
Thank you,
Heather
Just your current situation!
Hi Brunette
Thanks for sharing the useful and informative experiences.
I am staying in PV now and intend to go to Belize Mexico Embassy to apply temporary residency visa.
However, would you help locate the Belize ‘s Mexico Embassy website ?
I can’t open anything on form or appointment booking in the link below.
https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/belice/index.php/visas/visas/visa-de-turista
By the way, can you show me the form for that visa application and what to choose under selection of the 2 questions on the form ~
1. What do you want to do ?
2. Specify?
on the form.
Your videos guide is very helpful.
But one thing when I create an account for Temporary Residency visa in my hometown, in the form “Create an Account” asked purpose of *Appointment for *, which one should choose
– Procedures in National Territory
– Mexitel (embassies and consulates
Mexitel!
‘The Formato básico’ that you filled out using a black pen, where do you get it? you get it at INM?
Thanks for the info
It’s linked in the post!
Hi Alex thank you so much for the information! How strict is INM in terms of having an official residence in Mexico? I wanted to get my temporary residency permit before I decide to establish residence in Mexico. I’ve been to the country a few times and definitely plan on staying long term. Do you think a hotel or airbnb address would be good enough for INM and my application or will they verify in someway that I have been staying at that address long term?
Yes, temporary address is fine to start, but once you have a permanent address, you will need to go back and do a notificacion de cambio de domicilio.
Hi Alex, thank you so much for the information! How strict is INM on having an official residence in Mexico? I wanted to apply and get the temporary resident permanent before I establish official residence in Mexico. I have been to the country a few times and plan on staying long term. Do you think a hotel or Airbnb address will be good enough for the INM offices or will they verify in some way that I have been staying at that address long term?
Thank you so much for all the great information. I live near Denver and have been trying to set up an appointment with the Mexican Consulate. Everywhere I turn, I get a link that is not working, a phone number that is not in service, or a web page that starts out in English and then changes to Spanish. Should I hire a lawyer to help me navigate all this? Thanks so much for your input.
I don’t think you need to hire someone for the visa portion in the US. I know this is an older comment & based on the date, I think INM & SRE were doing an overhaul of their online booking systems then.
This is INSANELY helpful, thank you! I am looking to begin this process for myself 🥰 Quick question – I’m Canadian. Do you know if I have to go to a Mexican consulate IN Canada? Or can it be in any country? Thank you!!
Thanks for the post. My employer‘s issue is the question of taxation. On this temporary resident visa, working for a regular employer, would I have to pay Mexican taxes, or would my employer have to set up a Mexican payroll. Any ideas?
You’re not considered a Mexican tax resident as a temporary resident unless you’re working for a Mexican employer.
Very useful information. I have applied for work visa and visited embassy. I got a receipt mentioning that under review by inm and need to wait 14 days. In how many days they accept or reject visa. How I can reapply. Please share your knowledge
Started the process in Tucson, piece of cake!
The office of migracion was a different story.
A prominently displayed sign in Spanish says “don’t offer our people money in hope of moving things along.
Each agent is intentionally obtuse and/or misleading, both in Spanish and English.
Just so happens a charming young lady “unofficially” associated with migracion is always there offering help for a fee.
Welcome to Mexico!
Querida Alex,
I have a question about the first form (gob mx – Visa application form) one has to fill out before the interview at a mexican consulate in your home country. There is the section III. about the ‘purpose of the trip’. First you need to fill in the date of entry to México as well as the point of entry. This puzzles me a bit but maybe it’s just one of these strange bureaucratic things that don’t make sense (btw a phenomenon not at all exclusive to México!)? If I have – if approved – 6 months to enter México plus 30 days for the final step at the INM, why do I have to give such details so early and why must the point of entry be fixed at the time of the application? I might continue planning and reconsider.
You don’t need to stick to the day you give, they just want to know it will be within the six months of receiving your visa.
Thank you for this excellent summary. For your readers who would like to expedite the card issuance process, they might want to plan to live in Nayarit (even if it is only temporarily), where the Nuevo Vallarta office issues residency cards on the spot in one visit. I arrived at the INM office at 9 am with all my paperwork, ran to the bank next door to pay, went back to INM for photos and fingerprints, and was out of there with my permanent resident card in hand by 10:15 am. Mexican bureaucracy on steroids!
Thank you Alex. The information you give is very valuable. There is an Indianapolis Mexican Consulate where I live but I might have to go to Chicago. One question I have is about the Police Certificate. What do they require as far as what jurisdiction is to be checked, for example my county, my state? And how far back do they require that the police check go?…..In your case, do you remember what jurisdiction and how far back they required your check to go?………..Wishing you and your boy friend the best. And thank you.
hi there, in the form Tramite, what option are you selecting? you have to choose a procedure and/or change of stay condition. Which did you use?
Hi Alex
Great Blog!
At the Mexican consulate in the USA when applying for temporary resident visa, would I need to give them an address in Mexico?
Great information but although i am in a relationship with a Mexican lady, I still can’t apply for temporary residency as I do not have that much money, as per requirements on the INM form …. it’s crazy. How many people have $45,334.00 ????? Madness.
Just to be sure, I can work from Mexico online for a US Company that pays me in my US account and has no office or business in Mexico under a standard US employment contract assuming my US company will allow me to work remotely with this visa correct? I meet that savings requirements for the visa.
Yes, you can work remotely in Mexico!
Hallo, which part of the country will process our papers the quickest? Thanks! Great blog by the way.
I’ve heard that Mexico City is very fast.
Thank you so much for putting this information together!! I received my temporary residency visa in September at the consulate in the US and plan to visit INM on Monday to exchange my FMM. As I have previously discovered, the list requirements on the Mexican government website isn’t always accurate. Your list of the actual requirements is indispensable!! Also, the video of what to expect at INM is fantastic and I hope it helps me avoid any surprises. Thanks again for publishing this!
Congrats on getting your temporary residency, Mitchell! I’m so glad you found my post helpful on your journey!
Hi there great Article,
My parents are thinking about checking out Mexico for retirement on the 180 days tourist visa from Canada. They are double vaxxed, are Canadians able to get booster vaccine shots in the future in Mexico if they are staying using 180 day visa?
Thanks for reading, Mark! Right now, you must be a resident (temporary or permanent) to be eligible for the vaccine in Mexico. Tourists will need to travel to their home country. Another option is traveling to the US.
Good afternoon very informative information .
Victor.
Does the immigration office down in Mexico check for economic solvency?
If I get approved for economic solvency in the United States, am I good to go?
The Indianapolis consulate only requires $23,614 12 month average balance. With my balance being $31,062 on average, I will have nothing to worry about when I get down to Mexico?
If you get approved in the US, you are good to go! But, you will need to show your most recent bank statement when you go into renew your residency to demonstrate that your financial situation hasn’t changed.
Wonderful report, thanks.
I’m a USA citizen. Would it be possible for me to apply for the temporary resident visa in Guatemala or Colombia rather than through a USA consulate?
Thanks
Alex Im more than willing to buy in yet I’d like to know if the process you so laborious went thru is still viable 11/11/21 since the government has chosen to shut out so many options for ex-pats???
alan
It’s still viable, but the financial requirements have increased since I went through the process: https://youtu.be/0XSOdNsUsLs
Hello, Thanks for the article. My wife and I were wondering if it would be possible to apply for temporary residency while in Mexico? And if not, are their online options for part 1 of the process. ?
Thanks
You must apply for your temporary residency visa at a consulate outside of Mexico.
Hi – thanks for the helpful post! Do you have any information about what this means for taxes? I’m a US citizen that currently files with FEIE (foreign earned income exclusion), but does getting temporary residency in Mexico then require me to pay Mexican taxes? Thanks!
Temporary residency doesn’t qualify you as a Mexican tax resident unless you’re working for a Mexican employer. Check out the folks over at Greenback Tax Experts for more info!
Hola y buenos tardes, Alex. I have one year remaining on my Residente Temporal visa ( expires 6 de enero 2023 ). Went this morning to INM to understand what steps to take during that 30 day window leading up to my expiration ( I understand that INM will not work on a renewal / upgrade visa except in those 30 day lead up ). My question(s) . . . do you have another article / video on the Residente Permanente visa process? Does one have to go from Residente Temporal to Residente Permanente? Can I extend / renew a Residente Temporal? I drive my car with two cats down to Chiapas, and am learning that one cannot get a TIP ( permiso ) for your car with the Residente Permanente, you have to IMPORT and use a Customs House Broker – with all kinds of restrictions, regulations, costs . . . headaches . . . !
On a lighter / heavier note, the attitude & personnel at INM changes like the weather – today was like pulling teeth ( my Espanol teacher was with me helping with translations ), the last time the INM official was helpful, knowledgable, patient and respectful . . . just that alone ( attitude & personnel ) is one major reason for stress levels going into space.
con una sonrisa. Tony
Hola! Since you posted this all has anything changed? I’m interested in purchasing the roadmap but curious if anything is outdated at the present moment.
The Mexico Residency Roadmap got its most recent update in July 2022.
I have noticed that some of these forms ask for my “domicilio” in Mexico, which I would imagine is asking for my Mexican address. What if I don’t have a permanent or semi permanent address? Is using a hotel address or air bnb address ok? Do you have any videos going into more depth on the formato basico and tramite?
Yes, it’s referring to your home address. You can use a temporary address, but just know that once you have a permanent address you will need to go back to INM to do a notification of change (it’s free) and update your address.
Hello – very helpful information. However, hoping you can answer my question… I received my temporary residency visa (moving to MX soon). I was able to provide economical solvency showing bank accounts/401k at the interview. During the interview they asked if I would continue my current job. I said “I wasn’t sure” (as I have not given them notice, in the US) – the interviewer didn’t seem too concerned, as I met the financial requirements. My question is – if my work says its OK for me to work remotely in Mexico – that this is infact okay (since remote, and i already have visa)
and if not, in order to find work in Mexico – i will need to get a job offer from Mexican employer who will then need to obtain a work visa for myself? Is that correct?
Or find another US employer where it is a remote position?
-this is where I am confused on future work.
Thanks for any information.
You don’t need a work visa to work remotely in Mexico.
Hi…enjoy your you tube channel. We are seriously thinking about retiring to Mexico. I’m 66 and still working. My wife is retired and gets $1350 Social Security income. My wife and I don’t have enough savings to qualify, but when I retire I will get $2650 to $3000 monthly in SS income (depending on how much longer I work).
FYI..I am aware of the UMA possibly being used in Mexican consolutes in the USA. But, UMA or not, my question is……Can we add both our incomes to quailfy ??? One more tid bit, we would prefer to get the Permanent residency Card if we qualify. And sure……..as I get closer making the move, I am guessing I will get your package to assist us. Thanks again.
If you’re both applying for residency then you must separately meet the financial requirements for proving economic solvency. Otherwise, the spouse who qualifies can go through the process and link the other spouse once in Mexico.
Hi Alex,
Is changing your address complicated? I plan on flying into PVR for my partner’s birthday and we were hoping to get our cards done in Nueva Vallarta as we heard it’s quicker. Only thing is, I plan on continuing on to Merida thereafter. Is it super important to keep changing my address? I plan on staying in Airbnbs for awhile until I figure out which city I want to stay in long term.
Thanks in advance for your help! Happy New Year!
It’s not complicated & it doesn’t cost anything. It’s called doing a notifciacion de cambio de domicilio.
Hi Alex,
My husband and I plan to live in Mexico for a couple of years, 2-3 years max. We plan to rent an apartment and work remotely. We don’t want to go through the process of getting a temporary visa. So before our 180 days are up can we just leave Mexico for a couple of days and come right back and get another 180 day tourist visa? And we just repeat this every 180 days?
Technically, this is possible. But, how many days you’re granted is at the discretion of the immigration official. At the end of 2021/start of 2022, the agents were granting people fewer days. It seems to be back to 180 across the board now, but there’s always a risk.
2/23/22
Hello Alex,
Your website and videos are very helpful.
I have 2 questions.
QUESTION 1:
Once the temporary or permanent residency card is obtained and either buys or rents a vehicle, does the applicant must apply for a Mexican driver’s license or can the applicant keep using their foreign driver’s license?
QUESTION 2 :
Once the temporary or permanent residency visa is obtained can the applicant:
– rent part of their property (purchased in Mexico) without declaring the revenue? A realtor told me that most that rent part or their entire property do not declare their income without problem.
– work remotely for a foreign country and not having to declare the income? For instance, you work as a Freelancer is based in the US, so you do not have to declare your income, correct?
SUGGESTION:
It would be helpful to date stamp each comment posted.
Hi,
Great info.
I would like to highlight my experience with Yucatan Transitional Services in Merida. I reached out to them in December 2021, a little over a month prior to arriving in Mexico on Jan 31, 2022. I provided all the information and they confirmed they will complete the preliminary steps. I arrive in Merida and reach out to them… And…. No response. They completely ghosted my GF and I. I was left scrambling finding another company, who luckily, were able to get me in within thr 39 days. Needless to say, i do not recommended.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Jay. I’ve updated my post to reflect what you went through.
Hi Alex, You provide excellent information and are an invaluable resource for those of us looking to do what you have done. I apologize if I missed this somewhere, but when submitting paperwork and doing the canje at INM in Mexico for temporary residency, do they require physical proof of residency, and if so, what does this entail? Could it be a private rental agreement between two parties, or must it be a utility bill or something more official, or could I use an immigration lawyers’ office address?
Thank you in advance, and keep up the great work!
It could be an internet bill, water bill or electricity bill. It doesn’t necessarily need to have your name on it just an address in the same state as the INM office.
Hello, In the first interview, the SF office website shows that you need a letter from your employer to prove that you can work in Mexico. My company went virtual during the pandemic and is staying that way permanently. So should I just explain that my company is now virtual? I can easily prove the income level. Thank you for the web page its been great information.
Yes, just have the letter say that you have remote work capabilities.
I applaud you for your very clear and understandable explanations regarding this progress. Two issues still are a bit unclear to me. 1) You state in your video that in the event that you encounter a delay of longer than 30 days in the processing of your card, you should plan your stay for longer than this to avoid having to apply for an exit visa. How can I do this if they only give me 30 days on my visa to complete this? Your statement seems to imply that there’s some sort or choice in the matter. In this case, as the 30-day time-limit drags on and you approach the limit of your time realizing the that your card isn’t coming, the complex process of acquiring an exit visa might put you beyond your stay. Should I just cover this upfront when applying incase there is a delay? (and if the card arrives in time, can I ignore the exit visa if not needed?)
2) I thought I read that the temporary residency is good for four years; however, the form indicates that you cannot apply for more than one year. It’s confusing.
INM is prioritizing canje appointments, so you will get in during your first 30 days. You must renew temporary residency after your first year, but at that time, you’re able to renew for three more years.
Just for a little more information , here in La Paz no appointments still but not too much of a wait . Also you don’t get card on same day yet 🙁 but on positive side I went in the day after I returned and was able to start the process . It took a few days to get to part 2 (fingerprints and they take your photo here ) . They told me 10 days for my card to be printed but I’m crossing my fingers it doesn’t take that long. I’m going to keep checking the progress on the website . (I have a trip back to the states planned for spring break and am hoping to avoid having to get a special permission letter to leave )
If I want to apply for temporary visa for my family: wife, 2 kids (both are minors) and myself, do I need to fill out 4 applications and schedule 1 interview to bring all 4 of us or is there a separate process for family application?
Thank you,
Alex
You do one visa interview & link your spouse/dependents to your residency once you have your card in Mexico. They will travel down with you as tourists. Then, you show your marriage certificate and birth certificate with apostille to link them.
Thank you kindly for assembling this data!! I accepted my transitory residency visa in September at the department in the US and plan to visit INM on Monday to trade my FMM. As I have recently found, the rundown prerequisites on the Mexican government site isn’t exact 100% of the time.
The local Mexican consulate in NM wants a personal letter at least one page long stating why I want to become a temporary resident. What should the letter include? Any tips?
Gracias!
Your request letter should include your full name as it appears in your passport, your nationality, your passport number, your address in Mexico & the reason why you want to live in Mexico.
Super helpful post, thank you! Reading it over and over. Confused a bit about the ‘2022 update’ part where it says we have to make an appointment online for the INM, though. From all I’ve been told and researched, that’s not possible (also, the link you provided doesn’t work). From what I know, the only way to make an appointment is in person. If I’m wrong (and if you have a working link you can provide), I’ll be super happy! 🙂
Hi, Cara! INM suspended its online booking system and now you must go in person to make an appointment.
Hello, Alex! Wonderful blog! Do you have any data for renewing your temporary resident card by chance?
Hi, Lauren! I have a whole section dedicated to renewing your residency in the Mexico Residency Roadmap: https://backpackingbrunette.com/mexico-residency-roadmap/
I’ll be following your example and complete this process on my own. Thanks for putting this blog post and all the additional information together. I’ll post an update here with whatever new information I find from completing the in-person part at INM in Cabo San Lucas in a couple of weeks.
One note from getting the visa – the consulate officials in Vancouver were not happy with my bank documents because they were just simple statements printed from my online account. They basically said how do we know these are real, try to get something with a banker’s signature on them. So I called my bank and managed to get a letter generated describing the avg. balance over the last 12 months with an electronic signature from the banker. That worked! But I had to come back for a second appointment at the consulate.
I’ll be following your example and complete this process on my own. Thanks for putting this blog post and all the additional information together. I’ll post an update here with whatever new information I find from completing the in-person part at INM in Cabo San Lucas in a couple of weeks.
One note from getting the visa – the consulate officials in Vancouver were not happy with my bank documents because they were just simple statements printed from my online account. They basically said how do we know these are real, try to get something with a banker’s signature on them. So I called my bank and managed to get a letter generated describing the avg. balance over the last 12 months with an electronic signature from the banker. That worked! But I had to come back for a second appointment at the consulate.
Is it still the case that appointments are not available online? For the proof of address bit, how do people staying in Airbnbs on arrival deal with this?
You can use a temporary address & then go back to do a change of address later. They proof of address doesn’t need to be in your name just be an address in the state where the INM office is located.
Great advice! We did all that stuff to get our TR for the first year. I’m now applying for renewal. It says, I can apply for 1, 2 or 3 years, but how? Do I simply pay the 3 year fee? In the forms I haven’t been asked that question.
Yes, just pay the three-year fee.
Hey I want to buy your guide but wondered if it’s up to date right now? (14 may 2023)
Can you please confirm so I can give you my money 🙂
Thanks
Yes, it was updated in February to reflect the 2023 changes!
A heartfelt appreciation to Backpackingbrunette for delivering such valuable content, undoubtedly aiding individuals in discovering their ideal travel destinations. The insightful information shared empowers these individuals to make well-informed choices, ensuring their limited time for travel is truly enriching.