Guide to Obtain Visas, Residences in Mexico and Immigration

This is a guide to acquire visas, residences in Mexico and Immigration. We offer you an overview of the Mexican immigration system, detailing the main visas and options available for those who wish to visit Mexico for tourism, business, retirement, living or work purposes. We also address the process for those seeking to establish themselves permanently in the country or acquire Mexican citizenship or Mexican naturalization.

What are the immigration regulations in Mexico?

The current legislation defines the rights and responsibilities of foreigners, as well as the different statuses they can obtain by immigrating to the country.

Classification of immigration permits in Mexico.

In general terms, there are two categories of immigration permits: non-immigrant and immigrant:

• Non-Immigrant Permits are intended for those who plan to visit Mexico for a limited time with a specific purpose, such as vacation, and intend to return to their country of origin.
• Immigrant Permits are for those seeking to live in Mexico, either temporarily or permanently, with the intent to reside long-term.

The process for applying for Mexican visas. You must submit your visa application in person; however, you may choose to hire an attorney (must be an immigration attorney) to provide you with advice and manage the scheduling of appointments, paperwork, and filing of your application on your behalf.  

Mexico Visitor Permit, FMMD

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

Visitor: Visitor permit for short-term visits to Mexico.

The “Visitor” permit is intended for visitors who are generally tourists and business travelers who come to Mexico on short-term visits. For visitors longer than six months, you should consider applying for residency card.

A Visitor Permit is issued when you arrive in Mexico (by air or land) by completing a Digital Multiple Migratory Form (FMMD) these forms are issued by the INM.

The Visitor Permit is valid for up to a maximum of 180 days and cannot be extended or renewed beyond the number of days written on your passport stamp or on the FMM itself. D Once it expires, you will need to leave the country.

Contáctenos si su Forma Migratoria venció y requiere permanecer más tiempo en el país.

Mexico Temporary Resident Visa

If you plan to reside in Mexico temporarily, the Temporary Resident permit allows you to stay in the country for a period of up to 4 years.

Temporary Resident Visa: Temporary Residence Permit

Mexico offers a Temporary Resident visa, designed for those who wish to live in the country for a limited time, up to a maximum of 4 years. This type of visa is a long-term renewable residence permit that grants the holder legal temporary residence status.

The permit is initially granted for one year and can be renewed later for 1, 2, or 3 additional years. In addition, this permit may include the option to obtain work permits and allows unlimited entry and exit from Mexico.

There are various categories under which Temporary Residence visas can be granted, which are related to the activities that are planned to be carried out during the stay in Mexico. According to the terms of the Temporary Resident Visa, the holder is authorized to carry out certain specific activities, which can be either lucrative or non-lucrative, depending on the visa classification.

A fundamental requirement that the Mexican authorities demand for the issuance of a Temporary Resident visa is that the applicant demonstrates that he or she has sufficient economic resources to support himself or herself during his or her stay in Mexico and/or that he or she has a proven stable income.

With some exceptions, the Temporary Resident visa cannot be issued within Mexico; it is necessary to apply for it at a Mexican consulate located outside the country. This article also provides information on who can apply for residency from within Mexico.

When applying from abroad, the Temporary Resident permit (card) itself is not issued by foreign consulates. Instead, they pre-process and approve the application and place a visa (stamped) in your passport. Upon arrival in Mexico, you must go to your local immigration office within 30 days of your arrival and complete a process to exchange your temporary resident visa (passport stamp) for a Temporary Resident permit (a plastic card).

All Temporary Resident cards are valid for an initial period of only 1 year; they must be renewed after the first year for 1, 2 or 3 more years if you wish to remain legally resident in Mexico.

After four years of having Temporary Residency, you can apply to change from temporary residency to permanent residency; or enter a regularization procedure to start temporary residency again; or leave the country.

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

Mexico Permanent Resident Visa

Permanent Resident Visas are issued to foreign citizens who intend to live in Mexico and who intend to settle permanently (indefinitely) in Mexico.

Permanent Resident Visa

The Permanent Resident permit is designed for those individuals who wish to settle indefinitely in Mexico and potentially seek Mexican citizenship or naturalization. It is not necessary to have previously had Temporary Resident status to apply for Permanent Residence, provided that the established requirements are met.

To apply for and obtain a Permanent Resident visa, applicants must:

• Have children in Mexico.
• Apply for retirement status and demonstrate sufficient income or savings (some consulates require applicants to be retired).
• Have four years of regular residence as a Temporary Resident.
• Have had two years of regular residence as a Temporary Resident, where such residence has been obtained through marriage to a Mexican citizen or permanent resident.
• Reach a minimum score in the points system*.
• Be beneficiaries of a residence for humanitarian reasons or political asylum.

The Permanent Resident permit can be requested at a Mexican consulate outside the country, or obtained within Mexico. Depending on the way in which you apply to obtain it. We suggest you contact us for prior advice, we are expert lawyers in immigration issues with 12 years of experience in Cancun. And we have lawyers in Mexico City and the State of Mexico.

If you already have a Temporary Resident card, you can request its exchange for a Permanent Resident card in Mexico. This article details who can apply for residency within the country and explains the differences between temporary and permanent residency, including the exchange process.

When applying from abroad, the Permanent Resident visa is not issued directly by consulates. Instead, they process and approve the application, placing a visa (stamped) in the applicant’s passport. Upon arrival in Mexico, you must go to the local immigration office within 30 days of your arrival to exchange your permanent resident visa (passport tag) for a Permanent Resident permit (a plastic card).

Permanent resident cards do not have an expiration date, however it is advisable to replace it if it is damaged or you have had it for several years. It is also important to notify the immigration office of certain changes in your circumstances, such as your address, marital status, among others.

Points System: Pending Information
The 2012 immigration legislation mentions a points-based system as one of the avenues that foreigners can follow to obtain residency in Mexico. However, the government has not yet released details on how this system will work.

Examples of people applying for residency visas in Mexico:
This section describes common situations for people seeking residency permits in the country.

Retirees and Independent Income.
If you plan to perform “non-remunerative activities” (If you do not intend to earn income in Mexico) and you receive funds from abroad (such as pensions or investments), you can apply for a Temporary or Permanent Residence Permit if you meet the criteria. Learn more about retiring in Mexico at: Permanent residency in Mexico for pensioners and Retired

Investors
You can obtain a residency permit if you are willing to invest your capital in Mexico. Your investment can be intended for industry or services and must meet a minimum established amount.

Investors in Properties (Real Estate):

You can obtain a residence permit if you are willing to invest your capital in a property in Mexico or if you already have a property or Real Estate in Mexico. Find out more about retirement in Mexico at: Can I get a Temporary Residency Visa by Investing in Mexico?

Professionals
If you are a qualified professional, technician or scientist, Mexico offers a visa category that allows you to live and work in the country under the sponsorship of a company. This company must cover all of your income and expenses while you are in Mexico. Learn more about working in Mexico.

There are other situations that cover students and people with family ties in Mexico.

Which Mexican Visa Fits My Situation?

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

If you do not wish to seek permanent residency in Mexico right away, you may choose from the following options:

• Vacation or Short Trip: For vacation stays, occasional trips, or brief business trips, simply complete the Visitor Visa permit, which is available through your airline or at the port of entry*.
• Volunteer Work in Mexico: If you plan to do volunteer work, see our article on Volunteering in Mexico for details on the visa required.
• Temporary work placements: If you plan to live and work in Mexico for a specific period and intend to return to your home country, you will need to apply for a Temporary Residence permit, which can be valid for up to four years.
• Other extended activities: If you intend to stay longer in Mexico, you need to apply for a Temporary Residence permit that fits your activity (such as Retiree, Student, Journalist, Scientist, Professional, etc.). Our Immigration Assistance service can offer you personalized advice and support. If your plans change and you decide to stay longer, you can renew your temporary residence for a maximum of four years, and then apply to change to Permanent Residence if you wish.

*This option is only for passport holders from specific countries. Please see Mexico Entry Requirements for more details.

Long-Term Resident, Economically Active
If you wish to obtain residency and work in Mexico, most people choose to obtain sponsorship from a Mexican company or move to work independently and invest in the country. In this case, it is necessary to apply for Temporary Residency along with the appropriate work permits.

Long-Term Resident, Not Economically Active

If you want to obtain permanent residency in Mexico but do not plan to work in the country, you may consider applying for a residency permit. If you have a regular source of income from abroad (such as investments, savings, or pensions), you may be eligible for a temporary or permanent residency permit. It is important that you prove, by law, that you have sufficient funds or investments for your support.

Main Routes to Legal Residency in Mexico
Check out our article on the main routes to legal residency, where you will find an overview of the options that most foreigners consider when applying for residency in Mexico.

Applying for Mexican Citizenship
The process to acquire Mexican citizenship, known as “naturalization,” has specific requirements. You must have applied for and obtained permanent resident status, although there are exceptions based on particular circumstances, such as marriage to a Mexican citizen, which may allow for a shorter qualifying period.

If you are between 18 and 60 years old, you will need to take and pass an exam to obtain naturalization and citizenship.

For more information, see: Becoming a Mexican Citizen.

Immigration Advice and Support
If you are considering moving to Mexico and need personalized advice about the process, our immigration assistance service can be of great help.

Immigration assistance by phone or email is different from hiring a lawyer, as it is not necessary to be physically in Mexico. This service will allow you to communicate and correspond with an immigration expert about your specific circumstances.

This type of consultation is ideal for discussing your situation with a specialist and exploring the various immigration options that might be available to you. This way, you can make informed decisions and receive help with all the forms and letters you need to complete for your application.

The consultation will focus on assessing your individual circumstances and recommending an appropriate course of action, based on your personal situation, that has the best chance of resulting in a successful application to live, work, invest or retire in Mexico. In addition, we will provide you with support as you move through the procedures.

Practical advice and support for your application for residency in Mexico
For more information on immigration consulting, connect to our Mexico Immigration Help Desk for more details.

Immigration Lawyers
You can apply for Mexican visas directly in person at any Immigration Office in Mexico, or you can choose to hire a representative to carry out the paperwork and management on your behalf.

The way you apply for your visa will depend on your circumstances, your command of Spanish, and the time you can devote to the bureaucracy involved in the process.

Most people are able to complete the process on their own without any issues (sometimes with remote support, as mentioned above). However, if you prefer in-person assistance at the immigration office in Mexico or if your case is particularly unusual or complex (which is rare), it will be necessary to retain the services of a local immigration attorney in the town where your residency documents will be processed.

A good immigration attorney will be aware of the latest legislation and local policies that are being implemented. They will also be able to inform you if, under your circumstances, a successful application is not possible.

Personalized Consultation Support
If you would like advice on your immigration options based on your specific circumstances, as well as practical assistance in completing the procedures on your own, our Mexico Immigration Assistance Service is here to help. We have immigration consultants and expats who will help you understand your options and determine a path for your immigration to Mexico, providing support as you move through the procedures.

All Temporary Residence cards are initially valid for one year and must be renewed after the first year for periods of 1, 2, or 3 more years if you wish to remain legally resident in Mexico. After four years with Temporary Residence, you can apply to change to Permanent Residence, start a regularization process to obtain Temporary Residence again, or leave the country.

*If you are married to a Mexican citizen, you will be granted two years of temporary residence, and after those two years you can change it to permanent residence.

*This information applies only to passport holders from specific countries. Please see Mexico Entry Requirements for more details.

Permanent Resident Visa in Mexico
Permanent resident visas are granted to foreign citizens who wish to live in Mexico on a permanent (indefinite) basis.

Permanent Resident Visa
The permanent resident permit is designed for those who are seeking to settle in Mexico indefinitely and/or consider the possibility of obtaining Mexican citizenship in the future. It is not necessary to have been a temporary resident previously to become a permanent resident, as long as you meet the other necessary requirements.

To apply for and obtain a permanent resident visa, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

• Have a son or daughter in Mexico.
• Apply for retired status and prove that you have sufficient monthly income or savings (some consulates require applicants to be retired).
• Have four consecutive years of regular status as a Temporary Resident.
• Have two consecutive years of regular status as a Temporary Resident, where such residency was obtained through marriage to a Mexican national or a permanent resident.
• Achieve a minimum score under the Points System*.
• Be a beneficiary of residency for humanitarian reasons or political asylum.

In general, permanent residency permits are not issued in Mexico; you must apply at a Mexican consulate abroad.

You can apply to exchange a temporary resident card for a permanent resident card in Mexico. This article explains who can apply for residency within the country and details the difference between temporary and permanent residency, including the process of changing.

When applying from abroad, permanent residency permits are not issued directly by consulates. Instead, they process and approve the application, placing a visa (sticker) in your passport. Upon arrival in Mexico, you must report to the local immigration office within 30 days of your arrival to go through the procedure of exchanging your permanent resident visa (passport sticker) for a permanent resident permit (a plastic card).

Permanent resident cards do not expire, but it is essential to notify the immigration office of certain changes in your circumstances, such as address, marital status, among others.

*Point-based system not in effect: The 2012 immigration law mentions a point-based system as one of the options that foreigners can use to apply for residency in Mexico. However, the government has not yet provided specific details about this system.

Examples of people applying for residency visas in Mexico: This section presents typical situations of individuals seeking residency permits in Mexico.

Retirees or Pensioners:

If you wish to carry out “unpaid activities” (you do not plan to generate income in Mexico) and you receive funds from abroad (such as pensions), you can apply for a temporary or permanent residence permit as long as you meet the established requirements. Find out more about retirement in Mexico at: Permanent residency in Mexico for pensioners and Retired

Independent Income:

If you wish to carry out “unpaid activities” (you do not plan to generate income in Mexico) and you work abroad or have investments abroad, you can apply for a temporary or permanent residence permit as long as you meet the established requirements. Find out more about retirement in Mexico at: Visa for Digital Nomads or Freelancers in Mexico with Financial Solvency

If you wish to carry out “unpaid activities” (i.e. you do not plan to generate income in Mexico) and you work abroad or have investments abroad, you can apply for a temporary or permanent residence permit as long as you meet the established requirements. Find out more about retirement in Mexico at: Visa for Digital Nomads or Freelancers in Mexico with Financial Solvency

Investors:
You can obtain a residence permit if you are willing to invest your capital in Mexico. Your investment can be destined for industry or services and must reach a minimum amount set by law.

Investors in Properties (Real Estate):

You can obtain a residence permit if you are willing to invest your capital in a property in Mexico or if you already have a property or Real Estate in Mexico. Find out more about retirement in Mexico at: Can I get a Temporary Residency Visa by Investing in Mexico?

Professionals
If you are a qualified professional, technician, or scientist, Mexico offers a visa category that allows you to live and work in the country under the sponsorship of a company. This company must cover all of your income and expenses while you are in Mexico. Learn more about working in Mexico.

In addition, there are other situations that include students and people with family connections in the country.

Which Mexican visa is right for my situation?

Below are examples of common situations and the type of Mexican visa you might consider applying for.

Temporary visitor or temporary resident:
If you do not wish to apply for temporary or permanent residency in Mexico right away, you may opt for:

• Vacation, occasional travel, or short business trips: For these activities, simply complete and use the Visitor Visa permit. Need help downloading it?
• Volunteer work in Mexico: If you plan to do volunteer work in Mexico, you can do so with a visa that allows you entry for up to 180 days.
• For temporary jobs in Mexico: If you intend to live and work in Mexico for a certain period of time and plan to return to your home country afterwards, you will need to apply for a Temporary Resident permit, which is valid for up to 4 years.
• For other activities that require a long stay in Mexico: You will need to apply for a Temporary Resident permit depending on the nature of your activity (Retired, Student, Journalist, Scientist, Professional, etc.). Our Immigration Assistance service can offer you personalized advice and support. If you change your plans and decide to stay longer, you can renew your temporary residency for a maximum of four years and then apply to change to permanent residency.
• Long-term resident, economically active: If you want to obtain residency and work in Mexico, most people who seek employment here are sponsored by a Mexican company or move to work independently and invest. You will need to apply for temporary residency with work permits. For detailed information on how to apply for residency to work in Mexico, contact us, we will be happy to give you options.
• Long-term resident, not economically active: If you are seeking to obtain permanent residency but do not intend to work in Mexico:
  • If you have a regular source of income from abroad (such as investments, savings, pensions, etc.), you can apply for a temporary or permanent residency permit. According to the law, you must prove that you have sufficient funds or investments to support yourself.

Contact us for advice to help you with the process of creating a company and obtaining your visa, Temporary or Permanent Residency in Mexico.

Solicita una asesoría para temas migratorios: +52 9982029043

Contact us for immigration issues (English): +52 9981253810 

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