Visa requirements

Mexico

General visa requirements for travelling to Mexico. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Work / Immigration visa (Permanent Resident Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 3.9 cm x 3.1 cm (or 2x2 inches), color, white background, front view, no eyeglasses

  • Bank statement

    Minimum balance: $107,000 USD average balance; Months required: 12

  • 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

  1. Online application

    Complete the permanent resident visa application form online through the Mexican consulate website.

  2. Appointment booking

    Schedule an in-person appointment at the nearest Mexican embassy or consulate in home country.

  3. 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.

  4. Fee payment

    Pay visa application fee of $56 USD at the consulate.

  5. Interview

    Attend in-person interview at the consulate where documents will be reviewed and financial qualification assessed.

  6. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing (typically 2-4 weeks).

  7. Visa collection

    Collect passport with permanent resident visa from the consulate.

  8. Document submission

    Within 30 days of arrival in Mexico, apply to the National Migration Institute (INM) to convert visa into permanent resident card.

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (Work/Immigration Temporary Resident Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
1460 days
Processing time
2-4 weeks
Fee
$56 USD visa fee + 11,141 MXN resident card fee + 4,341 MXN work permit (~$893 USD total)
Validity
1-4 years, renewable
Entry
Multiple entry

Foreign nationals working in Mexico or staying longer than 180 days must obtain a Temporary Resident Visa and then apply for a Temporary Resident Card with work authorization from INM. Temporary resident status can be maintained for up to 4 continuous years. 2026 saw significant increases in fees (100% increase) and tighter financial qualification criteria. Financial requirements: approximately $5,250 USD monthly income for 6 months OR $92,000 USD in savings for 12 months.

Eligibility

  • Financial

    Must demonstrate monthly income of approximately $5,250 USD for 6 consecutive months OR savings/investments of approximately $92,000 USD for 12 consecutive months. Requirements updated in 2026 with stricter criteria.

    Minimum funds: $5,250 USD monthly income OR $92,000 USD savings

  • Employment

    Must have a job offer from a Mexican employer or demonstrate ability to work remotely. Work authorization must be obtained separately from INM after securing residency.

    Required status: Job offer from Mexican employer or remote work capability with financial proof

  • Purpose of visit

    Valid for employment in Mexico, remote work, or other temporary residence purposes with financial qualification.

    Includes
    • Employment
    • remote work
    • temporary residence

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 3.9 cm x 3.1 cm (or 2x2 inches), color, white background, front view, no eyeglasses

  • Bank statement

    Minimum balance: Not specified; Months required: 6

  • Employment letter

    Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

    Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Temporary Resident Visa Application Form; Form url: https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx

  • Work contract

    Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete the temporary resident visa application form online through the Mexican consulate website.

  2. Appointment booking

    Schedule an in-person appointment at the nearest Mexican embassy or consulate.

  3. Document gathering

    Prepare all required documents: passport, application form, photo, employment letter or work contract, bank statements for 6-12 months, proof of income/savings meeting financial requirements.

  4. Fee payment

    Pay visa application fee of $56 USD at the consulate.

  5. Interview

    Attend in-person interview at the consulate where documents will be reviewed and financial qualification assessed.

  6. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing (typically 2-4 weeks).

  7. Visa collection

    Collect passport with temporary resident visa from the consulate.

  8. Document submission

    Within 30 days of arrival in Mexico, apply to the National Migration Institute (INM) for the temporary resident card.

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.