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Mexico

Temporary Resident Visa

Latin America & Caribbean

Last verified 26 May 2026

About this visa & living in Mexico

Mexico's Temporary Resident Visa is the de facto digital nomad route into one of the world's most popular remote-work countries. Mexico City's Roma and Condesa neighbourhoods, Oaxaca, Mérida and Playa del Carmen all run thriving nomad scenes, food culture is world class and the cost of living is genuinely low outside the most touristed pockets. The visa is good for up to four years and can lead to permanent residency.

Visa at a glance

Minimum income: $4,000–$4,500 / month
Length of stay: 1 year Possible multi year on renewal
Processing time: 1-2 months in total
Application fee: ~$50 consulate visa stamp (government-only). All-in ~$400 once the resident card is issued in Mexico (INM fees doubled by a November 2025 law).
Tax treatment: Tax free / no local tax
Family members: Allowed
Renewable: Yes
Path to residency: Yes
Apostille required: Yes
Background check: Required
Where to apply: From abroad only
Local bank account: Can typically open one
Healthcare: Public healthcare
Savings requirement: Can qualify on savings USD $70,000 – $75,000 total savings
Cost of living: CheapGeneral affordability for a single nomad.
Bureaucracy: ●●●●●Standard paperwork
Nationality restrictions: Open to all nationalities

Required documents

Passport valid 6+ months
Bank statements ≥ ~US$4,350/month for last 6 months OR ~US$72,500 savings for last 12 months
Visa application form
Recent passport photo
Proof of residence abroad (utility bill)

Things to know

Mexico has no dedicated 'digital nomad visa' — the Temporary Resident is what nomads use.
After 4 years on Temporary Resident you can apply for Permanent Resident.
Apply at Mexican consulate abroad — cannot be filed in-country.
July 2025 guidelines shifted the base from minimum wage to UMA; consulates typically ask for ~US$4,300–4,400/month.
A November 2025 law doubled INM processing fees, so the all-in cost is now ~US$400 including the resident card.

Visit official source

Always verify current requirements on the official government source.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum income requirement for the Mexico Temporary Resident Visa?

The Temporary Resident Visa requires applicants to show a monthly income of roughly $4,000 per month. This can usually be proven via employment contracts, freelance client agreements, or bank statements.

How long can I stay in Mexico on this visa?

You can stay for 1 year Possible multi year on renewal . The visa is renewable, so you may be able to extend your stay beyond the initial period.

How long does the application process take?

Processing typically takes 1-2 months in total . We recommend applying well in advance of your planned move, as embassy workloads and seasonal spikes can cause delays.

Where do I apply for the Temporary Resident Visa?

You must apply from outside Mexico, usually at a consulate or embassy in your home country.

Can I bring my family on the Temporary Resident Visa?

Yes — spouses and dependent children are generally allowed to accompany you, though you may need to prove additional income or provide family relationship documents.

Will I have to pay local taxes in Mexico?

Foreign-source remote income is generally exempt from local income tax while on this visa. You should still confirm your home-country tax obligations.

Is the Temporary Resident Visa renewable?

Yes, the visa is renewable. Check the official source for any limits on total stay length or cooling-off periods between renewals.

Does the Temporary Resident Visa lead to permanent residency or citizenship?

Yes, time spent on this visa can count toward permanent residency in Mexico. Some nomad visas explicitly lead to PR or citizenship after a qualifying period; check the official programme rules for exact timelines.

What documents do I need to apply?

Typical requirements include: Passport valid 6+ months; Bank statements ≥ ~US$4,350/month for last 6 months OR ~US$72,500 savings for last 12 months; Visa application form; Recent passport photo; Proof of residence abroad (utility bill). Always check the official source for the latest list.