Program Quick Facts
Fees and Expenses
From MXN850
Residency (Visa) Length
279000
Time to Obtain
1-3 months
Complexity
Moderate
Type of Residency
- Permanent Residency
Investment Amount
- None required
Additional Fees
- Approximately $850 USD (government and legal fees)
Annual Income Requirement
- Not specified
Physical Presence Requirement
- No mandatory minimum days per year in Mexico
Processing Time
- About 70 days
Remote Application
- Not possible; requires in-person attendance at Mexican consulate
Dependents Included
- Yes
Permanent Residency Granted
- Upon approval
Eligibility for Citizenship
- After 5 years of residency
Ideal For
- Retirees
- Investors
- Digital Nomads
Who can apply for Mexico Permanent Residency?
Eligibility and requirements for the main applicant and family members.
Main Applicant Requirements
- Proof of average monthly balance of approximately $89,000 USD over the past 12 months in investments or bank accounts (Direct Qualification through Financial Solvency).
- Proof of consistent monthly income of approximately $5,200 USD over the past 6 months from sources such as pension, rental income, or dividends (Employment income is not always accepted).
- Held Temporary Residency in Mexico for four consecutive years and not left Mexico for more than 180 days during each of those years (Qualification through 4 Years of Temporary Residency).
Spouse/Partner Requirements
- Spouse or common-law partner of a Mexican citizen, eligible after holding Temporary Residency for two years.
Children Requirements
Under 18:
- Minor child of a Permanent Resident.
Over 18:
- —
Special Cases (Any Age):
- Parent or child of a Mexican citizen or a Permanent Resident.
Other Family Members Requirements
- —
Program Options, Fees and Requirements
Option 1: Temporary Residency Visa (Mexico)
Obtain temporary residency in Mexico through financial solvency. Requires proof of monthly income or savings equivalent to ~$3,500 USD/month or ~$55,000 USD in savings for the past 12 months.
Feature: Flexible PathwayFeature: No Property RequirementRequirements:
Minimum Savings (12 months)
You must show bank account balances of at least $55,000 USD over the last 12 months or monthly income of ~$3,500 USD.
Amount: MXN55,000
Fees:
Consular Visa Application Fee
Paid at the Mexican Consulate when applying abroad.
Amount: €54
Card Issuance Fee (1-Year)
INM fee for 1-year temporary residency card (~$305 USD).
Amount: €5,180
Change of Status Fee (in Mexico only)
Fee for changing from tourist to temporary residency without leaving the country.
Amount: €1,780
Facilitator/Legal Services (optional)
Optional legal/facilitator fee, ~1% of investment if using legal assistance.
Amount: 1%
Option 2: Permanent Residency Visa (Mexico)
Gain permanent residency in Mexico by proving financial independence or through extended temporary residency. No property investment required.
Feature: Long-Term SecurityFeature: No Renewal NeededRequirements:
Minimum Savings (12 months)
You must show a consistent bank balance of at least $89,000 USD over the past 12 months or monthly income of ~$5,200 USD.
Amount: MXN89,000
Fees:
Consular Visa Application Fee
Paid at the Mexican Consulate when applying abroad.
Amount: €54
Card Issuance Fee (Permanent)
INM fee for permanent residency card (~$380 USD).
Amount: €6,426
Change of Status Fee (in Mexico only)
Fee for changing from tourist to permanent resident without leaving the country.
Amount: €1,780
Facilitator/Legal Services (optional)
Optional legal/facilitator fee, ~1% of investment if using legal assistance.
Amount: 1%
Obtain temporary residency in Mexico through financial solvency. Requires proof of monthly income or savings equivalent to ~$3,500 USD/month or ~$55,000 USD in savings for the past 12 months.
Main Applicant | Spouse (additional) | Child (additional) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requirements | |||
Minimum Savings (12 months)* | MXN55,000 (not included in total) | MXN0 (not included in total) | MXN0 (not included in total) |
| Fees and Expenses | |||
Consular Visa Application Fee | MXN54 | MXN54 | MXN54 |
Card Issuance Fee (1-Year) | MXN5,180 | MXN5,180 | MXN5,180 |
Change of Status Fee (in Mexico only)* | MXN1,780 (not included in total) | MXN1,780 (not included in total) | MXN1,780 (not included in total) |
Facilitator/Legal Services (optional)* | 1% of investment (not included in total) | 0% of investment (not included in total) | 0% of investment (not included in total) |
| Total Cost | MXN5,234 for main applicant | MXN10,468 for married couple | MXN15,702 for family of 3 |
| * Items marked with an asterisk are not included in the total cost calculation | |||
Benefits & Restrictions
Benefits | Restrictions and Drawbacks |
|---|---|
warm climateMexico offers a year-round warm climate, making it especially appealing for retirees and remote workers seeking a comfortable lifestyle without harsh seasonal changes. | requires physical visit to immigration officeThe application must be submitted in person at a Mexican consulate, and cannot be completed remotely, requiring physical attendance to initiate the process. |
family friendlyDependents, including children, spouses, and certain extended family members, can be included in the application, making it a suitable option for those relocating as a family unit. | no tax incentivesMexico’s Permanent Residency visa does not provide built-in tax benefits, and individuals may become tax residents if they spend more than 183 days in-country. |
lower cost of livingMexico’s affordable cost of living compared to many Western countries allows residents to maintain a high quality of life on moderate income or pension. | |
path to citizenshipThe program offers a direct route to citizenship in just five years, providing long-term settlement opportunities and eventual access to a Mexican passport. | |
access to public healthcarePermanent residents are eligible to enroll in Mexico’s public healthcare system, offering affordable medical services throughout the country. | |
family members includedSpouses, children, and certain relatives of the main applicant or a Mexican citizen can qualify for residency, supporting multigenerational relocation. | |
freedom to work or start a businessThis visa permits holders to legally work or establish a business in Mexico without requiring a separate work permit. |
Permanent Residency vs other programs in Mexico
| Criteria | Permanent Residency | Digital Nomad Visa> |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Amount | MXN0 | MXN0 |
| Residency Type | Permanent Residency | Temporary Residency |
| Application Fees | MXN850 | MXN400 |
| Annual Income Requirement | MXN0 | MXN45,000 |
| Annual Presence Requirement | 0 days | 0 days |
| Key Perks | Instant Permanent ResidencyFast Tax Residency | Low Cost Program |
| Ideal For | RetireesInvestorsDigital Nomads | Digital NomadsPerson of independent means |
How to apply for Permanent Residency - Timeline
Schedule Consulate Appointment
Book an appointment at a Mexican consulate abroad; availability varies significantly by location.
Attend Visa Interview
Complete the in-person interview and submit your documents; some consulates issue the visa same day, others may take a few days.
Enter Mexico and Visit INM
Travel to Mexico and report to the INM office within 30 days to begin the resident card exchange process.
Receive Resident Card
INM processes and issues the permanent resident card; processing time depends on the location and workload of the office.
Mexico Taxation at a glance
Key Information
Taxation Type: Residence based
Special Regime:
Normal Tax Residency: 183 days
Special Residency:
Income Tax Rate: 35
