If you are interested in obtaining permanent residence in Mexico in 2026, you can get in touch with our law firm. Our Mexican lawyers can assist you with visa-related legal matters.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Permanent residence permit types |
Work visa Business visa Family visa |
|
Time needed to obtain Permanent residence permit (approx.) |
10 – 15 working days |
|
Permanent residence permit validity |
Unlimited validity |
| Documents for obtaining Permanent residence |
Completed and signed Mexico Visa Application Form |
| Mandatory registrations with state authorities (i.e. with the population/municipality register) | National Registry of Population and Personal Identification’s General Office |
| Dependents can join the Permanent permit holder (Yes/No) |
Yes |
| Temporary or permanent residency for investment purposes |
Once you have an investor visa in Mexico, you can apply for permanent residency. |
| Minimum temporary residence before applying for permanent residence | 180 days |
| Naturalization requirements | Legal residency in Mexico for at least five years |
| Citizenship after permanent residence | After five years of residency in Mexico |
Table of Contents
What are the visas that enable me to obtain permanent residence in Mexico?
People who decide to immigrate to Mexico have two options in terms of visas. These are divided into:
- non-immigrant permits that are meant for those who plan to enter Mexico temporarily and then leave;
- immigrant permits are meant for those who want to settle in Mexico permanently.
What are the main pathways to obtain permanent residency in Mexico?
The following:
- temporary residency, which can be obtained through various means;
- family reunification;
- investment;
- economic solvency.
How can I obtain permanent residence in Mexico by applying for a temporary one first?
The main ways are:
- employment;
- starting a business in Mexico;
- one of the economic solvency routes.
Here is also an infographic on this topic:
How can I obtain permanent residence in Mexico based on employment?
The company in Mexico must first make a direct request to the National Migration Institute for all temporary resident visas with work permits. A work visa can only be applied for by employers who are registered with the Institute. As a foreigner, you cannot apply for this visa on your own.
After the request has been approved by the Migration Office and a Unique Processing Number (NUT) has been granted, you need to get in touch with the embassy or schedule a consular interview. A work permit along with a temporary resident visa will be issued following a successful consular interview.
What is the minimum period of stay to obtain permanent residency in Mexico?
When applying for temporary residency, family reunification is the fastest way to apply for Mexican permanent residency: 2 years.
Through the usual routes, you need to live in Mexico for at least 4 years.
What is the procedure for obtaining a Mexican residence permit like?
The procedure to apply for a permanent resident visa for Mexico is like this:
- Contact the Mexico Embassy to make an appointment;
- Fill out your Mexico visa application form. The form is available online, which you can find on-site at the Mexico Embassy, where you will submit your application;
- Take the necessary documents;
- Fill out your application online and make a payment for the fee. On the date you have scheduled, you will be required to provide your biometrics. In addition, you might be required to attend an interview;
- The visa needs to be approved;
- Take the passport. If your application is accepted, your visa is added to your ticket;
- When you have a permanent resident visa approved, you can apply for entry into the country.
It is necessary to apply for the Mexican permanent resident visa at the National Immigration Institute upon arrival in Mexico.
Is there a direct permanent residence program in Mexico?
Yes, you can apply for Mexican residency by investment or by having sufficient financial resources.
NOTE: New income requirements apply for economic solvency starting in 2026. Our Mexican lawyers can advise.
Can I obtain permanent residence in Mexico if I buy a property? If yes, how?
Yes, through the Mexican residency by investment scheme. For this purpose, you need to know that you will be granted temporary residency first. The other conditions are:
- the minimum value of the property is MXN 10,758,500 (approx. USD 600,000), as proved through the sale-purchase contract;
- there must be no encumbrances on the property;
- the property must be acquired by the main applicant.
Here is our video on residency in Mexico:
How can I obtain Mexican permanent residence through the economic solvency pathway?
At the level of 2026, you need to have qualifying savings of at least USD 298,000 in the past few months.
Note: Monthly income is accepted as qualifying savings, and the minimum amount must be USD 7,400 per month for the past 6 months. There is also the possibility to obtain temporary residency the same way, for a minimum income of USD 4,400 per month for a minimum of 6 months.
How long does it take to obtain a permanent residence card in Mexico?
2 to 4 months.
Contact our law firm for any legal assistance you need for obtaining permanent residence in Mexico in 2026.