Mexico - retirement
Retirement Visa (Temporary or Permanent Resident)RT/RP
Mexico does not have a dedicated retirement visa, but it has long been one of the most popular retirement destinations for North American expats via two routes: (1) Temporary Resident via financial solvency, then convert to Permanent after 4 years, OR (2) direct Permanent Resident if income/savings exceed higher UMA-based thresholds. Option 2 is faster if you qualify financially and skips the 4-year renewal cycle.
Who this visa is for
- Retirees receiving pensions or social security
- Individuals with significant savings or investments
- Expats planning a long-term move to Mexico
Requirements
- Temporary Resident route - income
Employment or pension income above 680 days of UMA per month for 6 months (MXN 79,770.80 with the 2026 UMA of MXN 117.31, about USD 4,620 at MXN 17.25 per USD). Pensions and social security count.
- Temporary Resident route - savings
11,460 days of UMA average balance over 12 months (MXN 1,344,372.60, about USD 77,900).
- Permanent Resident route - income
Pension income above 1,140 days of UMA per month for 6 months (MXN 133,733.40, about USD 7,750).
- Permanent Resident route - savings
45,850 days of UMA average balance over 12 months (MXN 5,378,663.50, about USD 311,800). Amounts come from the Lineamientos Generales para la expedicion de visas (DOF, 25 July 2025) and the INEGI UMA; each consulate publishes its own figures.
- Valid passport
Minimum 6 months validity.
- Photos and application form
Per consulate instructions.
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Consular visa fee | USD 54 | |
| Temporary Resident card fee | MXN 5,570 - MXN 7,914 | |
| Permanent Resident card fee | MXN 6,221 (one-time) |
Application steps
- 1. Decide on route
If your pension is above the higher threshold of 1,140 days of UMA per month (about USD 7,750 in 2026), go straight to Permanent Resident.
- 2. Prepare financial evidence
Pension statements, bank statements covering 6 or 12 months depending on route.
- 3. Book MEXITEL appointment
https://mexitel.sre.gob.mx at your nearest Mexican consulate.
- 4. Attend appointment
USD 54 fee, submit documents.
- 5. Enter Mexico
Request canje FMM on arrival.
- 6. Canje at INM
Exchange visa for resident card within 30 days. Pay card fee.
- 7. Consider IMSS enrollment
As resident, you may enroll voluntarily in IMSS for public health coverage.
Official government source
Always verify the current fees, requirements and forms at the official source before applying:
Ask about the Retirement VisaRT/RP
Grounded on this page. Answers are informational, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum pension to retire in Mexico?
Income above 680 days of UMA per month (MXN 79,770.80 in 2026, about USD 4,620) qualifies for Temporary Resident status (up to 4 years then convert to Permanent). A pension above 1,140 days of UMA per month (MXN 133,733.40, about USD 7,750) qualifies for direct Permanent Resident status in a single application. USD values use MXN 17.25 per USD (Banxico FIX, 18 September 2026) and move with the exchange rate; each consulate publishes its own amounts.
Does US Social Security qualify for the Mexico Retirement Visa?
Yes. US Social Security, VA benefits, Canadian CPP, UK State Pension, military pensions and most private pensions qualify as long as the pension provider issues a letter certifying the monthly amount. Convert the USD amount to the consulate's required UMA equivalent.
Can I get Mexican healthcare (IMSS) as a retired expat?
Yes. Once you hold Temporary or Permanent Resident status, you can enroll voluntarily in IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social). Annual cost in 2026 is approximately MXN 9,000-15,000 depending on age. Pre-existing conditions may have a waiting period of 1-2 years.
Is Mexico or Colombia better for retirement?
Mexico asks for more income (Temporary Resident from about USD 4,620/mo in 2026, 680 days of UMA) and requires renewals, with no direct permanent at that threshold. Colombia has the Pensionado Visa (M-11) at just ~USD 1,382/mo and a clearer 5-year path to permanent residency. Mexico is larger, closer to the US, and has more established expat communities.
Related articles
Deeper reading on the money, tax and paperwork side of the Retirement Visa.