If you want to immigrate to Mexico from the United States, you need to complete various formalities, depending on the reason for relocation. In the process, you can rely on our Mexican lawyers who can tailor their services to that reason.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Visa requirements for US nationals |
No visa requirement for US nationals to enter Mexico for business or tourism stays of up to 180 days, and up to 30 days for transit purposes |
| Special conditions applicable (Yes/No) | Yes, US nationals must have a valid Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM), for stays less than 180 days. For longer stays, they must acquire a visa |
|
Relocation options |
Business and tourism are better options to move to Mexico from US |
| Permanent residence requirements |
Close family ties, employment, intend to retire, study, live in Mexico for four years, etc. |
| Access to investor/citizenship by investment visa | Yes, it is possible to immigrate to Mexico from US on this visa type |
| Timeframe for obtaining a residence permit (approx.) |
Maximum 30 days |
| Family reunification visa availability |
Yes, you can immigrate to Mexico from US on |
| Investment visa requirements | Approximately 125,000 USD |
| Permanent residence timeframe | 4 years |
| Citizenship requirements | Live in Mexico for 5 consecutive years, pass the Mexican history and cultural exam, present criminal record, and the list of required documents, etc. |
| Possibility to acquire real estate (Yes/No) | Yes, US citizens can acquire real estate in Mexico |
| Mexico-US double tax treaty | Yes, with regard to capital gain, and income tax |
| Tax benefits for US citizens | U.S. citizens employed in Mexico can use one of these three options to avoid overpaying on taxes: tax treaties, foreign tax credit, and foreign earned income exclusion |
| Immigration services availability | Yes, our immigration lawyers can help you to immigrate to Mexico from US |
| Post-immigration support availability | Yes, legal support is available to help you apply for residency or citizenship, etc. |
Table of Contents
Do I need an entry visa in Mexico as an American?
No, not for short-term stays, which imply stays of a maximum of 6 months. For long term relocation, you can apply directly for a Mexican temporary residence permit.
NOTE: The Mexican authorities will determine the duration of stay based on the reason for relocation.
What are the grounds for relocation to Mexico from the US?
- Lucrative activities: for employees, scientists and researchers, business or technical activities, correspondents or journalists, athletes and in other situations;
- Nonlucrative activities: US citizens do not need a Mexican visa for touristic or transit purposes for a period of less than 180 days; however, if these nonlucrative activities are lengthier, they will need to apply for a proper visa;
- Study: the temporary student’s visa is for those who are coming to the country for study purposes but do not have a work authorization;
- Diplomatic/Official visa: for state officials who are in Mexico for conferences, meetings or events and have a valid US visa for multiple entries; other conditions apply.
How can I obtain a temporary residence permit in Mexico as an American?
If you want to move to Mexico from the USA for more than 6 months, you can do that as:
- an employee, in which case you must also obtain a work permit;
- as an investor, in which case you will need to invest in specific projects;
- as a relative of a Mexican citizen, through family reunification;
- as a pensioner, if you have retired.
You can get assistance from our law office in Mexico in order to prepare the documents associated with each type of relocation procedure.
Where do I apply for a Mexican temporary residence permit as an American?
You can address the Mexican Embassy in Mexico, or one of the consulates in States like New York, Georgia, Arizona, Alabama, California, etc.
What documents do I need to prepare when I immigrate to Mexico from the USA?
The following:
- the valid passport;
- recent photograph;
- the application form;
- proof of self-sustenance;
- birth certificate (and marriage certificate, if you are married).
NOTE: Within one month from crossing the border from the US into Mexico, you need to register your stay with the National Immigration Centre and apply for the residence card.
How long does it take to obtain a temporary residence permit as an American in Mexico?
2 to 3 months.
How long must I live in Mexico to become a permanent resident as an American?
At least 4 years.
NOTE: The permanent residence visa in Mexico can be subject to additional criteria, such as proving that one has certain family ties in Mexico or, when applying for retirement purposes, that he or she has enough monthly income to support themselves.
How can I obtain Mexican citizenship as an American?
Below, our team lists some of the most important conditions for individuals who start the naturalization process in order to get citizenship in Mexico:
- live in Mexico at least five consecutive years before making the application (the residence permit could have been a temporary the a permanent one during this time, for example, or as applicable in your case);
- pass the Mexican history and culture exam, with 10 questions and a minimum passing grade of 8 correct answers;
- pass the Spanish comprehension examination, which includes a reading and writing section (a minimum of 5 correct answers out of a total of 6 questions);
- present the required documents to the General Directorate of Legal Affairs in Mexico City or another Foreign Delegation;
- proof that the application fee has been fully paid;
- clean criminal record;
- the immigration document, passport, and birth certificate in original and copy.
In order to get more guidelines and support regarding your immigration to Mexico from the US, do not hesitate to contact us.