Mérida, Mexico

Moving To Mexico

People looking to move to Mexico, can apply for a visa. For a first visit to Mexico for up to 6 months or 180 days, you will need to fill out the required visitor’s visa information form online or when you cross the border to Mexico.

Luckily, Mexico has a straightforward application process for moving to the country.

You can apply for a residente temporal (temporary resident) or a residente permanente (permanent resident) visa. You can begin your visa application process online and then make an appointment to appear in person at a Mexican consulate to complete the visa process.

The temporary residence visa allows you to live in Mexico for up to four years and is renewable.

You can apply for different types of temporary visas, depending on your work status and financial situation. However, you will need to prove you have sufficient funds to live in Mexico.

For a permanent resident visa application, you will need to prove close family connections in Mexico, have sufficient funds to live or retire in Mexico, or have four consecutive years of temporary residency.

For instance, to receive a permanent resident visa, you will need to go to a Mexican consulate in your home country, outside of Mexico.

Documents you’ll need for your visa interview include:

• Your original passport and a photocopy of the page with your photograph and personal data;
• An original and one photocopy of another valid ID (driver’s license, ID card);
• A completed and signed visa application form (available online);
• One recent passport-sized color photo;
• The confirmation page of your consular appointment, which you can schedule online.

The current fee for all visa applications in Mexico is US$51.