Move to Mexico - Mexico Visa Requirements for Expats

3 Ways to Move/Retire to Riviera Maya Mexico – Visa Requirements for Expats

If you are considering spending more time in Mexico then you have 3 options:

  1. Tourist Visa
  2. Temporary Resident Visa
  3. Permanent Resident Visa

Each of these 3 options has its own benefits and drawbacks. We are going to discuss each of these options and what is required.

1. Mexican Tourist Visa

Who is it suitable for:

If you want to spend time in Mexico and have no intention of moving to Mexico permanently or staying long-term.

Who it is not suitable for:

If you want to stay long term (eg. for retirees) then this is not the most suitable visa for you. You can decide to exit and re-enter Mexico again to extend your tourist visa another 6-months (note: Mexico is starting to crack down on this but it is possible.)

How to get a Mexican Tourist visa:

You will get this visa when you enter Mexico through customs.

Disadvantage:

You cannot take advantage of the national health care system or retiree discounts. Cannot extend this visa.

Advantage:

Easy to get and allows you to enjoy Mexico as a tourist for up to 6-months.

Requirements:

  • Passport with 6-months validity.
  • Customs declaration form (Fill out at airport or airplane)
  • FMM (Second part of form above)
  • Payment of small fee.
  • Customs may ask you to confirm your trip itinerary (such as hotel reservation etc.)

2. Temporary Resident Visa

Who is it suitable for:

If you want to spend more than 6-months in Mexico and have the intention of moving to Mexico permanently or staying long-term then you will want this visa. Suitable for remote workers or digital nomads. People who live in Mexico but still work in their country of origin. Perfect for retirees who have a consistent income.

Who is it not suitable for:

If you want to earn a Mexican-based income then this will not allow you to do so. If you want to only be a tourist in Mexico then this is not for you.

How to get a temporary resident visa in Mexico:

  • Find the Mexican consulate closest to you.
  • Fill out the application form online and print out a copy.
  • Schedule an appointment and interview with the consulate.

Disadvantage:

You are unable to leave Mexico during the completion process which can be a couple of months.

Advantage:

  • Can be extended and renewed for several years.
  • Can get a drivers license in Mexico.
  • Can enroll in healthcare services in Mexico.
  • You are able to get discounts as you are a local.

Requirements:

  • Complete online application form.
  • Passoprt with 6-months validity.
  • Applcation fee.
  • Passport-sized photo (Some consulates will do this for you so check).
  • Financial proof of monthly income (from pension, investments, business or have a certain amount in your bank account – check the amount required).

We recommend you hire an immigration consultant as it’s well worth getting them to do it all for you. They will save you time and guarantee you get your temporary residency without any complications.

3. Permanent Resident Visa

Who is it suitable for:

If you want to live in Mexico full-time and have the intention of making Mexico your permanent home then a permanent resident visa is for you. Perfect for retirees who have a consistent income and want to make Mexico their home.

Who is it not suitable for:

If you want to be a tourist in Mexico then do not apply for this. If you want to live part-time then you won’t need this however it is a great idea to have this if you plan on making Mexico your second home.

How to get a Mexican Tourist visa (similar to the temporary visa process):

  • Find the Mexican consulate closest to you.
  • Fill out application form online and print copy.
  • Schedule an appointment and interview with the consulate.

Disadvantage:

You are unable to leave Mexico during the completion process which can be a couple of months.

Advantage:

  • Can get a drivers license in Mexico.
  • Can enroll in healthcare services in Mexico.
  • You are able to get discounts as you are a local.

Requirements:

  • Complete application online.
  • Valid passport.
  • Application fee.
  • Financial proof.
  • It’s best to know basic of Spanish so you can show your willingness to intergrate into Mexico (not necassary but advised).

We recommend you hire an immigration consultant as they will save you time and guarantee you get your permanent residency without any complications.

We highly recommend G,L, and Associates as they are thorough and have helped countless numbers of our clients to get their visas in Mexico. Click here to contact via website. Or Call +529841231708.

Related Articles:

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