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
Monthly income of roughly USD 2,000-2,500 (~300x UMA) for 6 months. Pensions and social security count.
- Temporary Resident route - savings
USD 70,000-75,000 (~5,000x UMA) average balance over 12 months.
- Permanent Resident route - income
Monthly income of roughly USD 3,300-3,500 (~500x UMA) for 6 months.
- Permanent Resident route - savings
USD 280,000-300,000 (~20,000x UMA) average balance over 12 months.
- 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 meets the higher ~USD 3,300/month threshold, 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?
Approximately USD 2,000-2,500 per month qualifies for Temporary Resident status (up to 4 years then convert to Permanent). Approximately USD 3,300-3,500 per month qualifies for direct Permanent Resident status in a single application. Both are UMA-based and subject to exchange rate fluctuations.
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 has a lower barrier (Temporary Resident from ~USD 2,000/mo) but requires renewals and 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.