Once you are within no longer than six months of your proposed date to move to Mexico, the next step is to apply for either a temporary or permanent resident visa at the Mexican consulate nearest to you in your home country. While the process may seem daunting at first, it is rather straightforward at most (but not all) Mexican consulates. There is a lot of anecdotal evidence that some consulates are easier to deal with than others, and much like any other process involving government bureaucracy, patience and calm will help you navigate the visa process. The consulates vary widely in their hours of operation, and some grant same day resident visas while others take longer.
TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT RESIDENT VISA?
The first decision to make is whether to apply for a temporary or permanent resident visa. If you are bringing a car, you must apply for a temporary visa as the visa will be tied to your car’s entry permission and vehicles with U.S. plates brought into Mexico can only be kept for a maximum for four years.
If you don’t meet the income requirements for a permanent visa, you can apply for a temporary visa that can be exchanged for a permanent visa after four years with no further income requirements.
If you’re not bringing a car and you meet the income requirements for a permanent visa, you will save time and money by applying for the permanent visa that never needs to be renewed.
PROOF OF INCOME
The amount of investments OR monthly pension income for resident visas for those involved in non-lucrative activities (retirees) varies every year as it is tied to a multiple of the average daily wage of a Mexican worker. Daily wages have been rising sharply in recent years – as have the immigration requirements. The interpretation of the amount also varies from one consulate to another. For 2024, here are the approximate requirements re investment/income requirements. Check online at your nearest consulate website for their requirements In all cases, the requirements are approximate per person, but there are other strategies for couples if both cannot meet the requirements individually.
Temporary resident income proof requirements – Investments above $69,150USD over past 12 months OR monthly pension income of at least $4,148USD over past 6 months OR real estate in Mexico with value exceeding $9.9 million pesos.
Permanent resident income proof requirements – Investments above $207,000USD over past 12 months OR monthly pension income of at least $6,915USD over past 6 months.
The various interpretations of Mexican regulations shown in the above amounts are obvious and some planning a move to Mexico have been known to pick the consulate they appear at based on a combination of proximity, favorable income interpretation, and speed of visa processing. Many consulates require an advance appointment while others, such as Portland, are open to walk-ins. Portland, for example, does not take appointments and receives applications on Mon., Wed. and Friday from 12 to 1:30 p.m. (subject to change!).
Check the English language visa section of your nearest Mexican consulate website for their particular requirements. Note that the actual numbers for income or assets will change along with fluctuations in currency exchange and the minimum wage in Mexico. Again always check on the consulate website for current numbers.
Alternative Method
Note; if the above income/asset numbers are beyond your means, there is another method you may be able to use that does not have financial requirements. Send us an email and request more info on this if it is a concern. info@focusonmexico.com
Next Steps
Once the Mexican consulate of your choice has approved your application you will be given a pre-approved sticker in your passport that will give you 30 days after you arrive in Mexico to apply for the visa that you are pre-approved for.
Let’s Wrap This Up
If you take in our online Move2Mexico RoadMap program, we will help you determine the best visa path for you based on your individual situation. Often, retaining a Mexican immigration lawyer is your best route as they are experienced in dealing with the various U.S. and Canadian Mexican consulates and their particular requirements. For example, some accept simple photocopies of bank and investment statements while others require an apostille (international certification) of those documents.
The process is not as complicated as it may sound, providing you are 100% sure that you understand your consulate’s requirements and provide the documents exactly as requested. We are looking forward to seeing you soon either in our online program or look us up when you arrive at Lakeside!
By Focus on Mexico Team
Our interactive online program Move2Mexico RoadMap can be started anytime. It is the perfect educational experience, and covers all essential topics: Health Care, Real Estate, Legal System, Safety, Immigration, Bringing Pets, Cost of Living, US Taxes for Americans, Living on the Lakeside, Investing in Mexico, Mexican Economy and much more. Combine the online program with an exploratory visit to Lakeside for the ultimate “due-diligence” for those serious about making a move to Mexico.
My wife and I recently participated in the Focus on Mexico on line program that covered topics related to moving to Mexico. We have to say it was an excellent program. The topics were presented in a clear and concise way that were timely and detailed. Programs such as Health Care in Mexico, Immigration, Renting or Buying a Home, and more, provided critical information that would have taken weeks, if not longer to discover on our own. The huge advantage was the ability to hear actual, on the ground, professionals such as Doctors, Lawyers and Real Estate Agents in Ajjic and Chapala describe the ins and outs of Mexico. The ability to watch the program from the comforts of home and then have the ability to re-watch the topics is a huge advantage. The cost of the program is worth every penny when you consider the time saved and information provided that will keep you from making costly mistakes later in your journey to Mexico. Kudos to Michael and all the Focus on Mexico presenters. Very well done. Steve and Elena G
I would like to receive a brochure
On the areas around the lake to
Retire. I am a single 74 year old African American man.
You can download the Complete Guide to Moving to Lake Chapala 2020 on the front page of our website.
I would love to be able to continue to work part time. I’ve been in the restaurant/bar business for 30 years. Is that a possibility?
In general, foreigners are not allowed to take jobs that would replace a Mexican worker. You must also have a permanent visa or a temporary visa with an additional work permit. The many foreigners here who work in the restaurant/bar business usually are business owners who employ Mexican staff rather than employees.
So if I apply for RP Visa I can’t drive a U.S. owned & plated vehicle in Mexico? If that’s the case, can my U.S. registered vehicle be imported to Mexico and registered/licensed there, or would I need to sell the car in the US and buy one in Mexico? Aside from the added step of annual renewal of a RT Visa, do the income requirements change year-to-year? Thanks for any info.
You are correct that if you apply for a RP visa you cannot drive a U.S. owned/plated vehicle in Mexico and U.S. vehicles cannot be imported permanently into Mexico. The easiest choice is to sell your U.S. car and buy one in Mexico.
You can renew a RT visa without meeting additional income requirements, so although they do change, the requirements that apply to you are the requirements of your first application for an RT visa.
Can social security count as your income if hats all you live off of?
Yes, US Social Security pension is counted as income.
Michael
Would investment be a paid off mortgage on a home back in the states? What is the minimum requirement for Virginia? For individual or a couple combined monthly income?
Generally, they are looking for financial assets, or income. The requirements are about the same regardless of where you live.
The Consulate should have a website that will tell you their requirements.
Good luck!
Michael
Can a person who is 40 obtain permanent residency (without first doing temporary residency)? I was told by the consulate in Houston that I had to be over 64 and retired.
Hi Melissa,
Pretty much anything is possible… but suggest you work with an immigration lawyer who works in the area you are interested in moving to.foll
Immigration rules are not uniform – depends on where and who you work with – hey, it’s Mexico!
Hi, I am confused. When the consulate requires monthly pension income of at least $4,300USD over past 6 months, do they mean PER month or the last 6 months total ?
I mean, i dont know anyone who gets 4300USD PER month pension ?
Yes, monthly. These limits have risen to very high levels as they are based on increases to minimum wage – which as been rising by double digits in recent years.
Hi, I got approved for the Mexican retirement visa with the sticker on my passport. Can I go to the Migracion office at the border in San Ysidro and exchange it for the permanent card on the spot or do I have to make an appointment and wait 3-6 weeks to get my permanent retirement card?
Thank you.
You will likely need an appointment – but the office policies can vary.
Suggest you contact an immigration lawyer who works in the area.