Mexico - relocation
Mexico Menaje de Casa 2026: Importing Household Goods Duty-Free as a Resident
New Temporary or Permanent Residents in Mexico can import one shipment of household goods duty-free under the Menaje de Casa rule. The exemption covers furniture, appliances, art, books, personal items - but excludes vehicles, alcohol, and a few other categories. We walk through the SAT permit, the SAE inventory, and what 2026 customs actually inspects.
Key takeaway
You have 6 months from receiving your residency card (CRP) to import one duty-free Menaje shipment. Required: SAE-issued Constancia, certified inventory list in Spanish, Cedula de Residente, RFC. Container must clear customs within 6 months of residency approval. Typical full-house Menaje saves USD 8,000-15,000 in duties versus paying retail.
Mexico's Menaje de Casa (literally "household furnishings") is the customs exemption that lets new residents import their belongings duty-free. The exemption applies once per residency, must be used within 6 months of receiving the CRP card, and covers everything from furniture to personal collections except a few restricted categories.
Who qualifies
- Holders of CRP (Cedula de Residente Temporal) within 6 months of card issuance
- Holders of CRP (Cedula de Residente Permanente) within 6 months of card issuance
- Mexican citizens who have lived abroad for 2+ years and are returning to Mexico (different procedure)
- Diplomats and consular staff under separate diplomatic rules
What can be imported
- Furniture (sofas, beds, dining tables, desks)
- Appliances (refrigerator, washer/dryer, dishwasher, microwave, AC units)
- Bedding, towels, kitchen utensils, dishes, glassware
- Personal collections: art, books, family photos, hobby equipment
- Tools (hand tools, modest power tools for personal use)
- Sporting equipment (bicycles, kayaks, surfboards, skis)
- Electronics for personal use (computers, TVs, speakers)
- Clothing, shoes, accessories (in reasonable quantities)
- Musical instruments
What is excluded
- Motor vehicles (cars, motorcycles - separate TIP process)
- Alcoholic beverages (beyond duty-free allowance)
- Firearms and ammunition
- New, unopened merchandise (the goods must show "personal use" wear)
- Commercial quantities of any item (5+ identical items typically flagged)
- Items prohibited from Mexican import (certain plants, ivory, drugs)
- Items with a single value exceeding MXN 100,000 (~USD 5,600) may require separate appraisal
The application process
Costs (2026)
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| SAE Constancia fee | ~$40 |
| Certified inventory (consular) | $100 - $300 |
| International moving company (40ft container) | $8,000 - $14,000 |
| Customs broker | $600 - $1,200 |
| Insurance (recommended) | ~1.5% of goods value |
| Local Mexican delivery | $300 - $800 |
| Total typical Menaje import | $9,100 - $16,500 |
| Same goods without Menaje exemption (duties) | $17,000 - $30,000+ |
Common mistakes
- Missing the 6-month deadline. The single most common reason for losing the exemption.
- Including new (unopened) merchandise. Customs flags items that appear retail-fresh; the Menaje is for used personal goods.
- Failing to obtain RFC before SAE Constancia. The Constancia requires RFC; without it the SAE refuses to issue.
- Underpricing or misclassifying high-value items (art, jewelry, electronics). Customs can revalue and assess penalties.
- Using an uncertified inventory or one in English only. Inventories must be in Spanish and consular-certified.
Sources
- Official source: SAE - Servicio de Administracion y Enajenacion de Bienes
- Official source: SAT-AGA - Customs administration
- Official source: INM - residency cards (CRP)
- Official source: Ley Aduanera (customs law)
- Official source: International moving companies certified for Mexico (FIDI, OMNI member directory)
Related visa guides
Frequently asked questions
Can I make multiple Menaje shipments?
No. Menaje is one-per-residency. You consolidate everything into one shipment. If you do not have all your goods ready by month 5, ship what you have within the deadline and pay duties later on remaining items. Repeat-Menaje is not permitted even with a second residency category change.
Does Menaje cover a vehicle?
No. Vehicles use the separate TIP (Temporary Import Permit) process for Temporary Residents, or definitive import (Pedimento) for Permanent Residents bringing vehicles permanently. Importing a US car to Mexico is meaningfully more complex than Menaje and has its own constraints (model year limits, vehicle age, specific border crossings).
Can I bring used American appliances?
Yes for personal-use appliances. Mexican electrical is 110V/60Hz, compatible with US appliances. Bring your refrigerator, washer/dryer, etc. New appliances unopened in retail packaging are flagged; show "personal use" wear by having them packed in their normal household-use state.
Do I need a customs broker?
Yes, for any shipment crossing the border. Mexican customs requires a registered Agente Aduanal for clearance. International moving companies operating Mexico routes have established relationships with brokers; the cost is bundled into the move quote. Direct contracting with a broker is possible but more friction.
What if my CRP is delayed and the 6 months pass before goods arrive?
The clock is from CRP issuance, not from card receipt. If INM approves your residency on May 1 but you receive the physical card on June 10, your 6-month window started May 1. Plan the shipment to clear customs by month 5 to leave buffer for inspection delays.
More Mexico articles
Not sure which Mexico visa fits you?
Answer a few quick questions about your income, profession and family situation, and we will narrow down the visas you likely qualify for.