Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for Mexican Residency

Step 1: Determine the Type of Residency

Types of Visas:

1. Temporary Resident Visa (Residente Temporal)
   • Stay in Mexico for more than 180 days and up to 4 years.
   • Work allowed with a separate permit.
   • Ideal for remote workers, students, investors, and retirees.
2. Permanent Resident Visa (Residente Permanente)
   • Stay in Mexico indefinitely.
   • Work permitted.
   • Ideal for retirees or those who have held Temporary Residency for 4 consecutive years.

🔗 Consulate of Mexico in Toronto – Visa Overview

Step 2: Check Financial Requirements

2025 Financial Solvency Based on Mexico City’s Minimum Wage (approx. MXN $248.93/day):

🔹 Temporary Resident Visa:

Must meet one of the following:

• Bank Account Balance:
  5,000 days × $248.93 MXN ≈ $1,244,650 MXN (~$73,200 USD)
  Bank statements from the last 12 months required.
• Monthly Income:
  300 days × $248.93 MXN ≈ $74,679 MXN (~$4,394 USD) per month
  Income proof (last 6 months) such as pension, salary, etc.

List of Consulates in the United States

List of Mexican Consulates in Canada

🔹 Permanent Resident Visa:

Must meet one of the following:

• Bank Account Balance:
  20,000 days × $248.93 MXN ≈ $4,978,600 MXN (~$292,900 USD)
  Bank statements from the last 12 months required.
• Monthly Pension Income:
  500 days × $248.93 MXN ≈ $124,465 MXN (~$7,323 USD) per month
  Proof of pension for last 6 months required.

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment at a Mexican Consulate

Where:
Apply outside of Mexico at a Mexican consulate. Example cities:

• Houston, USA
• Toronto, Canada
• Leamington, Canada

What to Bring:

• Valid passport (original and copy)
• Photographs (passport size, front-facing)
• Completed visa application form
• Proof of financial means
• Consular fee (approx. $51–$54 USD, varies)

🔗 Visa Application Form PDF
🔗 Houston Visa Instructions

Step 4: Receive Temporary Visa Sticker in Passport

• If approved, your passport will be stamped with a temporary visa.
• You must enter Mexico within 180 days of issuance.

Step 5: Travel to Mexico and Start Canje Process

Upon arrival in Mexico, you must complete the Canje process within 30 calendar days:

• Go to a local Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) office.
• Submit your visa + documents to get your residency card.

🔗 INM Website

Step 6: Receive Your Residency Card

Fees (as of 2025):

• Temporary Resident Card (1 year): ~$4,496 MXN
• Permanent Resident Card: ~$6,789 MXN
  Fees may vary depending on the immigration office.

🔗 Residency Fees – MexGov Source

Step 7: Renew or Transition

• Temporary Residency can be renewed yearly for up to 4 years.
• After 4 years, you can switch to Permanent Residency.
• Permanent Residency never needs renewal.

Optional: Add Dependents

You can apply for family members (spouse, children, etc.), but you must:

• Show additional financial solvency (~100 days of Mexican minimum wage ≈ $1,460 USD extra per person).
• Provide documents proving the relationship.

🔗 Consulate of Mexico in Houston – Family Visa Info

Optional: Apply for a Work Permit

• Temporary residents need to apply for a work permit to legally work in Mexico.
• Permanent residents may work freely but must notify INM.

🔗 INM Work Notification Guidelines

Useful Links Summary (Official Sources):

1. General Visa Info:
   https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx
2. Temporary Residency Requirements:
   Houston Consulate
   Toronto Consulate
   Leamington Consulate
3. Permanent Residency Requirements:
   Houston Consulate
   Toronto Consulate
4. Visa Application Form (PDF):
   Leamington Form
5. INM (Immigration Office) – Forms & Fees:
   https://www.gob.mx/inm