Mexico - digital nomad
Digital Nomad (Temporary Resident via Financial Solvency)RT
Mexico does not have a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa. Remote workers use the Temporary Resident Visa via the financial-solvency route, qualifying by income or savings. This allows up to 4 years of residence and can be extended within that limit. You can work remotely for foreign clients WITHOUT a permission-to-work (lucrativa) add-on; "lucrativa" is only needed to work for or receive income from a Mexican entity. Since July 2025, thresholds are tied to UMA (2026: 117.31 pesos/day): roughly USD 2,000-2,500 per month in income or USD 70,000-75,000 in savings.
Who this visa is for
- Remote workers employed by foreign companies
- Freelancers and contractors billing non-Mexican clients
- Entrepreneurs with foreign-registered businesses
Requirements
- Option A - monthly income
Net monthly income of approximately USD 2,000-2,500 (about 300x UMA) for the last 6 months, shown via bank statements or payslips.
- Option B - investments/savings
Average monthly balance of approximately USD 70,000-75,000 (about 5,000x UMA) over the last 12 months.
- Valid passport
Minimum 6 months validity.
- Photos
Per consulate requirements (usually 2 passport photos).
- Proof of foreign income source (recommended)
Employment contract, client invoices, or business registration from a non-Mexican entity. Not strictly required by law but often requested.
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Consular visa fee | USD 54 | |
| Residency card fee | MXN 5,570 (1 year) to MXN 7,914 (3-4 years) |
Application steps
- 1. Prepare financial evidence
Collect 6 months of bank statements (income route) or 12 months (savings route) showing the UMA-based threshold. Must be originals or officially-stamped copies.
- 2. Book MEXITEL appointment
https://mexitel.sre.gob.mx at a Mexican consulate in your country.
- 3. Apply in person
Submit documents, pay USD 54 fee.
- 4. Receive entry visa
Valid for 180 days to enter Mexico.
- 5. Enter Mexico (request canje on FMM)
Tell the immigration officer you are doing canje so your FMM is marked accordingly.
- 6. INM appointment within 30 days
Attend at a local INM office to exchange visa for Temporary Resident Card. Pay card fee.
- 7. Receive card
Collected in 2-4 weeks.
Official government source
Always verify the current fees, requirements and forms at the official source before applying:
Ask about the Digital NomadRT
Grounded on this page. Answers are informational, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Does Mexico have a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa?
No. Mexico does not issue a separate Digital Nomad Visa like Colombia does. Remote workers use the Temporary Resident Visa via the financial-solvency route. The outcome is the same: legal residence for up to 4 years, work for foreign clients is fine, renewable.
Do I owe Mexican taxes as a digital nomad on Temporary Residency?
You become a Mexican tax resident once Mexico is your "center of vital interests" - typically after spending more than 183 days in a year, plus having a home and primary family/economic ties there. Tax residents are taxed on worldwide income. Many digital nomads maintain ties elsewhere to avoid residency. Consult a Mexican tax professional.
Which Mexican consulates are easiest for digital nomads?
Consulate practice varies significantly. As of 2026, consulates in Belize, Guatemala and some US border cities have been reported as relatively straightforward. Some consulates require you to be a legal resident of the country where you apply; others accept applications from any visitor.