Everything you need to know about obtaining legal residency in Mexico—from financial requirements to the step-by-step process, costs, and common mistakes to avoid.
Last Updated: January 2026
If you're planning to spend more than six months at a time in Mexico, obtaining legal residency is the smart choice. While tourists can stay up to 180 days, that time is now granted at the discretion of immigration officers—and repeat "visa runs" are increasingly scrutinized.
GreenGo4Gringo has helped over 2,000 expats successfully navigate the Mexican immigration process in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta. We make what can be a confusing, stressful process easy and worry-free.
Mexico offers two types of residency permits. Understanding the difference will help you choose the right path.
Residente Temporal
Residente Permanente
To obtain residency through "economic solvency" (the most common route), you must prove you have sufficient financial means to support yourself in Mexico.
As of July 2025, Mexican consulates use UMA (Unidad de Medida y Actualización) to calculate financial requirements—not minimum wage as previously used.
You must demonstrate ONE of the following:
| Option | Amount (MXN) | Documentation Period |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Income | $45,256 MXN/month | 6 months of statements |
| Savings/Investments | $565,700 MXN | 12 months of statements |
| Option | Amount (USD) | Additional Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Income | $56,570 MXN/month | Must prove retirement status |
| Savings/Investments | $2,262,800 MXN | Must prove retirement status |
For each dependent (spouse, children, parents), add approximately 100 daily UMAs (~$11,314 MXN/month) or equivalent in savings to the above requirements. You'll need to prove the family relationship with official documents.
If you have family ties to Mexico, you may qualify for residency without proving financial solvency and potentially without visiting a consulate abroad.
Understanding work permissions is crucial before choosing your residency type.
| Type | Can Work for Mexican Employers? | Can Work Remotely for Foreign Clients? |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Lucrative TR | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Lucrative TR | ✅ Yes (requires employer sponsorship) | ✅ Yes |
| Permanent Residency | ✅ Yes (automatic) | ✅ Yes |
If you work remotely for clients/employers outside Mexico, you generally need Non-Lucrative status. The "lucrative" permission is specifically for earning Mexican-source income. Most expats choose non-lucrative.
Find the Mexican consulate nearest to you. Each consulate has different appointment availability, document requirements, and strictness of interpretation.
Most consulates use online booking systems. Appointments can be scarce—book as early as possible, sometimes months in advance.
Bring all original documents plus copies. Pay the consulate fee (~$56 USD in the US). Interview is typically brief if documents are in order. Decision may be same-day or up to 10 business days.
If approved, you'll receive a visa stamp/sticker in your passport. This is your pre-approval to enter Mexico and complete the process. Valid for 180 days, single entry only. This is NOT your residency card—you must complete the process in Mexico.
"Canje" means "exchange"—you're exchanging your visa stamp for an actual residency card. This is where GreenGo4Gringo helps you.
Do NOT enter as a tourist! Do NOT use automated immigration kiosks.
Go to a staffed immigration booth. Show your passport with the visa stamp. Tell the officer you are entering for "canje." They will write "CANJE 30 días" on your entry stamp.
You have 30 days from entry to begin your process at INM. Make your appointment immediately upon arrival—slots fill up quickly.
At your appointment, submit all required documents and pay INM fees. You'll receive a NUT (tracking number). Then you'll be scheduled for fingerprints and photos. Once you have a NUT, you cannot leave Mexico without special permission until your card is ready.
After biometrics, your card is typically ready within 1-3 weeks. You'll receive notification to pick it up at INM. Congratulations—you're now a legal resident of Mexico! ¡Bienvenido!
INM fees increased significantly as of January 1, 2026. The figures below reflect the new rates.
Plus GreenGo4Gringo service fees. Contact us for a personalized quote.
You'll visit our office once and INM once (for fingerprints/photos and card pickup). We handle the rest.
What happens: Your visa stamp becomes invalid. You must leave Mexico and start the entire consulate process over.
What happens: Kiosks automatically register you as a tourist, invalidating your residency visa.
What happens: Your visa expires. You may face fines or need to restart the process.
What happens: Without special permission, leaving Mexico cancels your application. You'd need to start over.
What happens: If "John Robert Smith" on your passport doesn't match "John R. Smith" on your bank statement, your application may be rejected.
What happens: Fines, potential loss of residency status, problems at renewal.
Use the INM office closest to where you will be living in Mexico:
Your first TR card is valid for 1 year. After that, you can renew for 1, 2, or 3 additional years (your choice, subject to INM approval).
| Key Deadline | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Start renewal process | 30 days before expiration |
| Return to Mexico if card expires abroad | Within 55 days of expiration |
| Apply for renewal after returning | Within 5 days of return |
| Report address change | Within 90 days |
Once you've held Temporary Residency for 4 consecutive years (or 2 years if married to a Mexican citizen), you can apply to convert to Permanent Residency. No additional financial proof is needed—just apply at INM at least 30 days before your TR expires.
If you eventually want to become a Mexican citizen:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Time as resident | 5 consecutive years (2 if married to Mexican) |
| Physical presence | Cannot be outside Mexico more than 180 days total in 2 years before applying |
| Spanish language | Basic comprehension test |
| Mexican history/culture | Basic knowledge test |
Contact us today for a free consultation. We'll discuss your situation and explain exactly how we can help you obtain Mexican residency.
GreenGo4Gringo is an immigration services company located in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice. For complex legal matters, we work with licensed Mexican immigration attorneys.
Information on this page is current as of January 2026 and is subject to change. Mexican immigration requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with official government sources and your chosen consulate.