how to get a mexican resident visa

How to Get a Resident Visa

1. Go to the Website of the Mexican Consulate where you'll be applying for a visa (in the U.S. or Canada): Find the list of documents needed for your application; ...
2. Using the documents list from (1a) above, fill out the Mexico Resident Visa Application.
3. Get your residency visa from the consulate.
4. Enter Mexico within six months of receiving your visa.

Full Answer

How long does my passport need to be valid for Mexico?

Therefore your passport, regardless of country of origin, should be valid for a minimum period of six months, however long you intend to stay to avoid any potential problems at the port of entry. Immigration authorities at the port of entry may allow or deny entry of any person into Mexico.

Who needs a visa to enter Mexico?

Whether you need to apply for a visa before traveling to Mexico depends on:

• which country issued your passport, or
• whether you have legal residency in Mexico; or
• your passport has a visa for certain other countries, or
• whether you have APEC business travel privileges.

How do I apply for a Mexican tourist visa?

• Identification document (standard passport if flying to Mexico; passport or passport card if arriving by land)
• Email address to receive the approved Mexico Tourist Card
• Payment method (valid credit or debit card )

What documents are required to travel in Mexico?

Mexico Entry Requirements - Required Travel Documents for Travel to Mexico

• To re-enter the U.S. by land or sea - Passport books or passport cards are required for all adult U.S. citizens. ...
• To re-enter the U.S. by air - Passport books are required for all U.S. citizens – regardless of age. ...
• Document condition matters - Passports and all pertinent travel documents must be in good condition. ...

How long does it take to get a resident visa for Mexico?

Once the visa application is approved, you will be granted a temporary resident visa. You must travel to Mexico, and within 30 days of your arrival apply for a Temporary resident permit at the National Migration Institute (INMI). The whole process may take 1-3 months.

What is the eligibility to get a permanent residency visa in Mexico?

To apply for and be granted a permanent resident visa, the applicants must: have certain close family connections in Mexico, or. apply for retirement status and prove they have sufficient qualifying monthly income or savings (and some consulates require applicants to be retired), or.

How much money do you need to get permanent residency in Mexico?

Permanent Residency: Monthly income of c.US$4,300-$4500 over the last 6 months (some consulates request 12 months); or savings balance of c.US$180,000 over the last 12 months. Income or savings can be demonstrated from multiple sources and accounts, and/or multiple income or savings types.

Can a permanent resident live in Mexico?

Introduction: Rules for Commuter Lawful Permanent Residents A lawful permanent resident (LPR) may be permitted to live in Canada or Mexico and commute to the United States for work while maintaining LPR status.

How can I legally move to Mexico?

In general, you'll need to provide a form of photo identification (such as your passport), proof of residency (like a recent utility bill), and proof of legal entry into Mexico (such as a residency card or visa). BBVA Bancomer is the largest bank in Mexico. It has the largest number of branches and ATMs in the country.

What is the easiest country to get permanent residency?

Easiest Countries to Immigrate To. Here are some of the easiest countries to immigrate to: ... New Zealand. New Zealand is a popular destination for immigration mainly because of its Skilled Migration Program. ... Australia. ... Spain. ... Paraguay. ... Germany. ... Montenegro. ... Czech Republic.More items...

How long can a Permanent Resident stay in Mexico?

When you have permanent residency in Mexico, you can enter and leave Mexico as many times as you wish and there are no time limits on how long you have to remain in Mexico to keep your permanent residency status; although if you intend to apply for citizenship, you will need to prove you were physically in Mexico for ...

What are the benefits of temporary residency in Mexico?

Benefits of Both Temporary and Permanent Residency in Mexico Open accounts at any bank. Buy and register a car. Get a Mexican driver's license (without giving up their foreign one). Join the national healthcare program with IMSS (Mexican Institute for Social Security).

How long can you live in Mexico without a visa?

180 daysVisa Not Required for Mexico Visa-exempt travelers who come to Mexico for tourism or business can stay for a maximum of 180 days without a visa, while travelers who want to transit through the country can stay for a maximum of 30 days visa-free.

What happens if I stay in Mexico more than 6 months?

Everyone who wishes to stay in Mexico for longer than six months, regardless of their nationality, has to get a Mexican Temporary Residence Permit, which is valid for one year and renewable for up to four years. Additionally, if they want to work, they have to get a work permit.

Can you live in Mexico without being a citizen?

As an American, you can stay in Mexico for six months (or 180 days) at a time with a "visitor's visa" — everyone over age 16 who travels to Mexico with a US passport automatically enjoys this option.

What are the requirements for temporary residency in Mexico?

What are the Requirements for a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa?Proof of family relationship, for Mexico Family Visas.Proof of enrollment in a Mexico educational institution, for Mexico Student Visa.Proof you have obtained a Mexico Work Permit and a copy of your work contract if applying for a Mexico Work Visa.

What are the benefits of being a permanent resident in Mexico?

Advantages of a Permanent Resident VisaStay in Mexico as long as you'd like.No Renewal Necessary.Enter and leave Mexico as many times as you want.Open a Mexican bank account.Apply for a Mexican driver's license.Buy and register a car in Mexico.Register a foreign car in Mexico.More items...

Is it hard to migrate to Mexico?

Moving to Mexico from the United States is significantly easier than moving further abroad. Because Mexico is so close to the U.S.A., many potential residents will first visit the country as a tourist. Often the laid-back culture of Mexico wins Expats over.

How hard is it for a Mexican to get a visa?

Mexico visa application is fairly simple. It costs $44 USD and takes about two business days for processing. Mexico tourist visa is valid for 180-days, multiple-entry.

What do foreigners do to help them get temporary residency in Mexico?

Many foreigners hire immigration lawyers or consultants to help them finalize their temporary residency once they’re in Mexico.

How long does it take to get temporary residency in Mexico?

In Querétaro, I’ve heard that it can take up to two months.

Why is economic solvency important in Mexico?

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.

What are the symptoms of residency in Mexico?

Headaches, stress and even the occasional tear of frustration are extremely common when you are applying for residency in Mexico.

Where is the Mexico Consulate in Detroit?

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.

Is Mexico open to remote workers?

Mexico is open to offering temporary residency to remote workers and digital nomads as long as you’re able to prove economic solvency.

Can I make an appointment to apply for a temporary residency?

As soon as you know you meet the financial requirements to apply for the temporary residency visa, I recommend making an appointment.

How long does it take to get a permanent resident visa in Mexico?

The Permanent Resident visa is issued for 180 calendar days with a single entry. The applicant must start the process to obtain the resident card within the first thirty calendar days from his/her entry into Mexico.

How to work with a permanent resident visa?

If you want to work with a Permanent Resident visa, you must provide the following: 1. An online form that must have the signature of the applicant. 2. A letter signed by you notifying the change of the activity (from non-working to working) and specifying the activities to be performed and address. 3.

How long does it take to change your address with the INM?

Inform the INM of any change of employment (with a letter stating the new job), marital status (marriage, divorce or death certificate), nationality (new passport or letter of naturalization) and address (with a letter and utility bill providing the new address) within 90 days of the change. If this does not take place in such time frame, the temporary resident will be subject to penalties.

What is the definition of a pension in Mexico?

2. That they are pensioned or retired and are able to prove sufficient monthly income from their pension to cover their living expenses during their stay in Mexico, or have sufficient savings/investments. 3.

Can you vote as a permanent resident in Mexico?

5. As a permanent resident you will not be able to vote in Mexico.

How long is a Mexican visa valid?

2. The visa may only be used during the period of validity, which begins on the date of issuance, and is valid for one single entry. Once you have entered Mexican territory, within the first 30 calendar days, you must go to the National Migration Institute to process the residence card that proves your legal status in the country and allows you to remain in Mexico.

What documents are needed for Mexican citizenship?

If the applicant has a child who is a Mexican citizen, the Mexican birth certificate of the child, original and a photocopy; or

How to Get Permanent Residency in Mexico

Permanent residency allows you to live indefinitely in Mexico, and it has many benefits. There are various ways to get permanent residency in Mexico; let’s review them.

Take the direct route to permanent residency

1) You can get permanent residency from a Mexican consulate without having temporary residency first. This applies mainly to consulates in the USA and Canada, and the decision depends on the one you choose. In most cases, you need to be retired and fulfill the financial requirements. In other instances, you need only qualify financially.

You have a child born in Mexico

3) You can also gain permanent resident status if you have a child born in Mexico. In this case, you get your permanent residency at an INM office. Furthermore, you can even apply with a tourist visa or at any stage of your temporary residency.

Your partner is Mexican or already has permanent status

4) If you are married, or are a long-term partner to a Mexican national or a permanent resident, you apply for temporary residency first for two years. After that, you will be able to apply for your permanent residency under the procedures in 2 (above).

Your parent or child is already a permanent resident

5) If you are under 18 and your parent is already a permanent resident, you can get permanent status through them at the INM. If you have a child who is a permanent resident, you can obtain it too (parents of any age).

You retire before your temporary status expires

6) Finally, you can apply for permanent residency if you retire before the necessary four years of temporary residency are up.

How many types of residency are there in Mexico?

There are two types of residency: permanent and temporary. Depending on your motives for moving to Mexico and circumstances, only one might be applicable to you. Both procedures will be inititated by making an appointment at a Mexican consulate.

How to prove financial solvency in Mexico?

Financial solvency, parental economical support (for applicants under 25) or a scholarship must be proven via letters of confirmation from the parents/organisations. The scholarship or financial resources must have a value of at least 100 days worth of the Mexican minimum wage in the form of salary or monthly investment for the previous three months.

What is the minimum wage in Mexico in 2020?

NOTE: The minimum wage in Mexico in 2020 is $123.22 Mexican pesos per day.

Do you need a work permit to live in Mexico?

They must either prove sufficient monthly income or savings/investments to cover living expenses in Mexico, or apply for a family union visa via close family relations. Permanent residence includes a work permit.

Do you need permission to work in Mexico?

If you own a business in Mexico, you also require permission to work.

Can a Mexican citizen apply for permanent residency?

If you are a close family relation ( (step)-child, parent, sibling – but not spouse or partner) of a permanent resident holder, or in some cases Mexican national, you may also apply for permanent residency.

What documents do you need to get Mexican citizenship?

As part of every application for legal residency in Mexico, the Mexican consulate will ask to see key support documents: the most common are marriage certificates, bank statements and investment account statements —but there may be others, depending on which route you use to apply for residency.

What happens if you show up at a Mexican consulate without a document?

If you show up at a Mexican consulate without certain types of documents having been apostilled where this is required, they will turn your application away and ask you to return with certified documents.

Can I apply for residency in Mexico from a third country?

If you decide to apply for legal residency in Mexico from a third country i.e., a country that is not your home country, — or a country different to where any of your key documents, especially marriage certificates and bank statements are issued— then you will need to get these documents notarized/apostilled in your home country (or the country in which they were originally issued) and couriered to you to support your application via the Mexican consulate in the third country.

Do you need to notarize a marriage certificate?

Some documents need to be notarized first: Some documents can be directly apostilled, e.g. birth and death certificates, marriage certificates; however, some types of documents need to be notarized first and then sent to be apostilled (or ‘Authenticated’ in Canada)—examples include bank statements and investment account statements.

How long can a foreigner stay in Mexico?

Requirements for foreign visitors who intend to enter and remain in Mexico as temporary residents for a period greater than 180 days and less than 4 years.

What is a letter of invitation in Mexico?

ix. A copy of the official identification of the person signing the letter of invitation. 2.

What is a written document in which the applicant presents his/her candidature to the Consular Office?

1. Written document in which the applicant presents his/her candidature to the Consular Office, indicating under which instrument the visa is being requested, in the original. 2. Compliance with each of the requirements set forth in the corresponding international legal instrument on mobility: i.

What is SRE in Mexico?

A copy of the communication through which the Mexican diplomatic office in the applicant’s country of nationality or residence notifies the foreigner that the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) received authorization from the competent national authorities, in the case of foreigners who wish to enter Mexico to participate in scientific research projects and/or collect samples in Mexican territory or waters under Mexican jurisdiction. The communication must contain the following information:

What is a passport?

Passport or valid travel and identity document, original and a photocopy of the page containing the photograph and personal data.

What is a Mexican non-remunerated letter?

1. Original letter from a public or private organization or institution of renowned integrity inviting the foreigner to participate in a non-remunerated activity in Mexican territory . The letter must contain the following data:

Is the visa subject to the interview?

Issuance of the visa is subject to the result of the interview.

How long does it take to get a visa for Mexico?

Because of COVID, the traditional visa application for temporary residency in Mexico can take up to 3 months. It’s not really a hassle once you are done with your interview outside of Mexico.

How do I know if I am qualified for Mexico’s regularization program?

Each INM has a different requirement so the first thing you need to do is to find out which INM offices in Mexico are doing the regularization program.

When do you need a visa to enter Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta: must have an expired tourist visa with proof that you entered Mexico before December 31, 2019. You also need to bring two witnesses to certify that you were already in Mexico on these dates.

Is Mexico doing regularization every Friday?

They were only doing it weekly (every Friday) so I needed to act fast. Knowing Mexico, this new regularization program may be temporary – they can cancel this anytime.

Can I get a driving license in Mexico?

As a temporary visa resident holder, I can also get a permanent driving license in Mexico.

Can I apply for a permanent visa that does not expire?

It’s better this way because, after this 4-year visa, you can automatically apply for a permanent visa that does not expire. Unfortunately, they only accept cash. In the INM, there is also a table that will compute your overstay fee. My visa expired on June 15, 2020, and I applied for the resident visa on March 30, 2021.