180 days
Tourist visa
1-4 years
Temporary resident
Permanent
After 4 years
$200-400
Visa costs
🛂 Tourist Visa (FMM)
Most visitors from the US, Canada, EU, and many other countries receive a tourist visa (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) upon arrival. No advance application needed.
Key Details
- Duration: Up to 180 days (6 months)
- Cost: Included in airline ticket or ~$30 at land borders
- Work: NOT permitted on tourist visa
- Extensions: Not possible - must leave and re-enter
Important Notes
- Immigration officers can grant fewer than 180 days - always ask for the full 180
- Keep your FMM card safe - you need it to leave Mexico
- Many expats do "visa runs" to the US/Guatemala every 6 months
- Technically legal but increasingly scrutinized - consider residency for long-term stays
Visa Run Tips
If you're doing visa runs, the easiest options from San Miguel are:
- Fly to US: Quick trip to Texas or anywhere in the US resets your 180 days
- Drive to border: Laredo or McAllen are closest land crossings
- Guatemala: Popular for those wanting to stay in Latin America
📋 Temporary Resident Visa
For those planning to stay longer than 6 months, the Temporary Resident visa is the standard path. Valid for 1-4 years with annual renewals.
Requirements
You must demonstrate financial solvency through ONE of these methods:
| Method | Requirement (2026) |
|---|---|
| Monthly income | ~$2,800 USD/month for 6 months |
| Savings/investments | ~$47,000 USD average balance for 12 months |
| Property ownership | Mexican property valued at ~$280,000+ USD |
Note: Requirements are based on Mexican minimum wage and change annually. Check current requirements before applying.
Application Process
- Apply at Mexican Consulate: In your home country before traveling
- Gather documents: Passport, photos, proof of income/savings, application form
- Interview: Schedule appointment at consulate
- Receive visa sticker: Valid for 180 days to enter Mexico
- Exchange for card: Within 30 days of arrival, visit INM office to get resident card
Costs
- Consulate fee: ~$40-50 USD
- INM card fee: ~$200-300 USD
- Annual renewal: ~$150-200 USD
Benefits
- Stay in Mexico indefinitely (with renewals)
- Open Mexican bank accounts
- Import household goods duty-free (first year)
- Import one vehicle duty-free
- Path to permanent residency after 4 years
🏠 Permanent Resident Visa
After 4 consecutive years as a temporary resident, you can apply for permanent residency. You can also apply directly if you meet higher financial requirements.
Direct Application Requirements
| Method | Requirement (2026) |
|---|---|
| Monthly income | ~$4,200 USD/month for 6 months |
| Savings/investments | ~$188,000 USD average balance for 12 months |
Benefits
- No renewal required - permanent status
- Work legally in Mexico (no separate permit needed)
- Access to IMSS healthcare system
- Can leave Mexico for extended periods without losing status
- Path to citizenship after 5 years (if desired)
Other Paths to Permanent Residency
- Marriage: Married to a Mexican citizen for 2+ years
- Family: Parent or child of Mexican citizen
- Retirement: Receiving pension from another country
Visa Tips
📄 Document Prep
Bank statements must be official, recent (within 30 days), and show your name and account number. Consulates are strict about documentation.
⏰ Start Early
Begin the process 2-3 months before you want to move. Consulate appointments can be backed up, especially in popular cities.
🏦 Income Sources
Social Security, pensions, rental income, and investment dividends all count. Remote work income is trickier - consult an immigration lawyer.
👨⚖️ Get Help
Immigration lawyers in San Miguel can guide you through the process for $300-500. Worth it for peace of mind and avoiding mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely on a tourist visa?
Technically, working for a foreign company while in Mexico on a tourist visa is a gray area. Many digital nomads do it. You cannot work for a Mexican company or have Mexican clients without a work permit.
What if I don't meet the income requirements?
You can combine income sources, use savings instead of income, or continue on tourist visa runs. Some people also get married to a Mexican citizen (for love, not just visa purposes!).
Can I apply for residency while in Mexico?
Generally no - you must apply at a Mexican consulate in your home country. There are limited exceptions (marriage to Mexican, humanitarian reasons). Don't overstay your tourist visa hoping to convert it.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Not for the visa process - consulates and INM offices often have English-speaking staff. However, basic Spanish helps enormously for daily life in Mexico.
⚠️ Disclaimer
Immigration requirements change frequently. This guide provides general information current as of January 2026. Always verify requirements with the Mexican consulate in your country or consult an immigration lawyer before making decisions.
We are not immigration lawyers and this is not legal advice.