Mexico Visa Overview for Temporary and Permanent Residency Applicants
The journey to acquiring temporary or permanent residency in Mexico begins by applying for a visa at a Mexican Consulate or Embassy nearest to the applicant's current residence. Once the visa is granted and attached to their passport, applicants must finalize their status at a local INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración) office in Mexico. This visa remains valid for 180 days, and applicants must initiate the process before expiration to avoid invalidation.
Steps to Obtain a Mexico Visa
1. Application Process
2. Validation and Entry
- Upon entry into Mexico at a border or airport, have the visa stamped and obtain an FMM FOR CANJE (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) form for visa exchange purposes.
3. Finalization at INM
- Exchange the visa and FMM form for a Temporary or Permanent Resident Card at the INM office closest to your residence in Mexico.
Temporary Mexico Residency Visa Status
This status is suitable for foreigners planning to live in Mexico for more than 180 days but less than four years.
- Eligibility for Temporary Mexico Residency
- Applicants with a Mexican spouse or children.
- Spouses or children of current Temporary or Permanent Mexico Resident cardholders.
- Individuals with a job offer from a Mexican corporation or small business.
- Real estate owners in Mexico.
- Retirees, pensioners, or employed applicants proving a monthly net income of at least $4,393.00, through six consecutive bank statements.
- Applicants demonstrating average monthly investments or bank balances of $72,215.00, for the past twelve months.
- FAQS for Temporary Mexico Residency
- Cost: $53.00 USD
- Application Location: Mexican Consulates or Embassies in your home country.
- Approval Time: Typically 1 to 10 business days.
- Visa Validity: Six months to exchange for a Resident Card.
- Resident Card Validity: 1 year, with renewals possible for 1, 2, or 3 additional years.
- Resident Card Cost: Approximately $313.00 USD for one year.
- Difference between TR Visa and TR Card: Both are part of the process to secure Temporary Resident status but require different steps.
Permanent Mexico Residency Visa Status
This status is intended for those who wish to reside in Mexico indefinitely.
Eligibility for Permanent Mexico Residency
- Applicants with a Mexican spouse or children.
- Spouses or children of Permanent Mexico Resident cardholders.
- Retirees or pensioners proving a monthly net income of at least $7,321.00, via six consecutive bank statements.
- Applicants showing average monthly investments or bank accounts of $292,359.00 for the past twelve months.
- Individuals with four consecutive years under Temporary Mexico Resident status.
FAQS for Permanent Residency
- Cost: $53.00 USD
- Application Location: Mexican Consulates or Embassies in your home country.
- Approval Time: Typically 1 to 10 business days.
- Visa Validity: Six months to exchange for a Permanent Resident Card.
- Resident Card Validity: Lifetime, with no need for renewal.
- Resident Card Cost: Approximately $382.00 USD.
- Difference between PR Visa and PR Card: Both are part of the process to secure Permanent Resident status but require different steps.
Additional Assistance
For further guidance on the visa application process, you can reach out to Jorge at jorge@mexicogreencard.com.