24 August 2026
Immigrate to Mexico
Learn the steps to immigrate to Mexico, from entry visas to residence permits, depending on your reason for relocating. Contact our immigration lawyers.

If you want to immigrate to Mexico, you need to complete various procedures, based on the reason for relocation. Our immigration lawyers in Mexico have put together all you should learn about the steps to take when you relocate here.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Entry visa requirement (from EU) Yes/No | No |
Entry visa requirement (outside EU) (Yes/No) | Depends on nationality (e.g. US, Canadian, UK, Japanese and many Latin American citizens are visa-exempt) |
Types of visas available | Mexico Student Visa Mexico Work Visa Mexico Family Visa Mexico Tourist Visa Mexico Permanent Resident Visa |
| Time frame for obtaining work visa (approx.) | 30 to 45 days |
Validity of temporary residence permit | One year on the first issuance and can be renewed for another one, two, or three years. |
Time frame for obtaining permanent residence | 10 – 15 working days |
Investor visa availability (Yes/No) | Yes |
Sponsorship requirement (Yes/No) | Yes |
| Time frame for obtaining citizenship | requires a minimum of five consecutive years of residency |
| Citizenship/Residency by investment scheme available (Yes/No) | Residency by investment only (no citizenship by investment) |
| Tax benefits for expats | No special expat regime: Mexican tax residents are taxed on worldwide income; non-residents only on Mexican-source income |
What are the main immigration services that you offer in Mexico?
Here they are:
- immigration consultation;
- support in drafting the documents associated with the type of permit applied for;
- representation with the local authorities for the duration of the relocation process;
- post-immigration support, such as obtaining permanent residency and citizenship in Mexico.
What are the main immigration pathways for Mexico in 2026?
Any of the following:
- business/investment;
- employment;
- family reunification;
- retirement.
What are the main aspects I should consider if I want to immigrate to Mexico?
Here are some aspects to pay attention to:
- visa: depending on the country you move to Mexico from, you may also need an entry visa aside from the residence permit;
- the relocation procedure: it depends on the type of visa you apply for;
- documents: each type of visa is associated with different document requirements.
Here is also a video on this subject:
Where can I apply for a temporary residence permit for Mexico?
You can start the procedure abroad, in your home country, or, only in specific cases such as family unity, while in Mexico (visitors generally cannot switch to temporary residence inside Mexico).
IMPORTANT! Please note that if you want to apply for a temporary residence permit while in Mexico, you must do so before the visa expires.
How do I obtain a temporary resident visa?
The temporary residence visa is intended for foreigners who wish to stay in the country for more than 6 months and less than 4 years.
These are the documents required to obtain this type of visa:
- valid passport (original and copy; valid for 6 months before travel);
- valid health insurance;
- recent photo, white background, passport size (3×3.5 cm), the applicant’s face must be visible and without glasses;
- document that accredits legal stay (this only in cases where the foreigner is not a national of the country where the visa is requested);
- economic solvency.
There are different requirements to demonstrate economic solvency depending on each case, which is why you must have a team of attorneys in Mexico that can guide you at the moment of emigrating to Mexico.
Does Mexico issue visas for digital nomads?
No, there is no specific digital nomad visa; remote workers usually apply for temporary residence based on economic solvency, and our Mexican lawyers can guide you.
How long does it take for a temporary residence permit to be issued in Mexico?
It can take up to 6 months to obtain the residence card.
How long do I need to live in Mexico to obtain a permanent residence permit?
- 4 years through the temporary residency way;
- 2 years through family reunification;
- immediately in certain cases, e.g. retirees with a qualifying pension or close relatives of Mexicans (investment leads to temporary residence first).
What do I need to apply for permanent residency?
The permanent residency visa is intended for all persons wishing to relocate to Mexico and settle permanently. These are the documents you will need to apply for permanent residency if you want to immigrate to Mexico:
- valid passport (original and copy);
- recent photos;
- a document confirming lawful stay (only in circumstances when the foreigner is not a citizen of the country where the visa is sought);
- proof of economic solvency.
What are the Mexican citizenship requirements?
To apply for citizenship in Mexico, you must have lived there for at least 5 years. Certain people, however, can get citizenship sooner if they are married to Mexican nationals or have a Mexican-born child.
If you want to relocate to Mexico in 2026, you can contact our team of immigration lawyers in Mexico if you need help with your paperwork. Furthermore, you are also welcome to rely on our Mexican lawyers if you want to start a company in this country. Our skilled lawyers will help you obtain all the related licenses necessary for opening a company in Mexico.
