Permanent Resident Visa
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 2-4 weeks
- Fee
- $56 USD visa fee + 22,282 MXN resident card fee (~$1,286 USD total)
- Validity
- Indefinite (no renewal required)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Permanent residency allows foreigners to live in Mexico indefinitely without renewal requirements. Applicants must be retired or prove family ties with Mexican citizens or permanent residents. Financial requirements significantly increased in 2026. The permanent resident card fee doubled from previous years. Work authorization is included with permanent residency.
Eligibility
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Financial
Must demonstrate monthly pension income of over $7,322 USD OR investments/bank accounts with average balance of $107,000 USD during the previous year OR proof of receiving at least 300 days' worth of Mexican minimum wage from pension or retirement source.
Minimum funds: $7,322 USD monthly pension OR $107,000 USD savings
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Employment
Must be retired OR have family ties with Mexican citizens or permanent visa holders. Retirees must provide pension documentation.
Required status: Retired with pension OR family member of Mexican citizen/permanent resident
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: 3.9 cm x 3.1 cm (or 2x2 inches), color, white background, front view, no eyeglasses
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Bank statement
Minimum balance: $107,000 USD average balance; Months required: 12
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Permanent Resident Visa Application Form; Form url: https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx
How to apply
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Online application
Complete the permanent resident visa application form online through the Mexican consulate website.
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Appointment booking
Schedule an in-person appointment at the nearest Mexican embassy or consulate in home country.
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Document gathering
Prepare all required documents: passport, application form, photo, bank statements for 12 months showing average balance of $107,000 USD OR pension documentation showing $7,322 USD monthly income, OR proof of family ties with Mexican citizens.
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Fee payment
Pay visa application fee of $56 USD at the consulate.
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Interview
Attend in-person interview at the consulate where documents will be reviewed and financial qualification assessed.
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Processing wait
Wait for visa processing (typically 2-4 weeks).
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Visa collection
Collect passport with permanent resident visa from the consulate.
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Document submission
Within 30 days of arrival in Mexico, apply to the National Migration Institute (INM) to convert visa into permanent resident card.