Mexico - resident
Temporary Resident VisaRT
The Temporary Resident Visa allows foreigners to live in Mexico for 1 to 4 years, renewable. It is the main pathway for expats and must initially be applied for at a Mexican consulate OUTSIDE Mexico. Three main qualification routes: financial solvency, job offer, or family ties. Under the Lineamientos Generales para la expedicion de visas published in the DOF on 25 July 2025, consulates measure financial solvency in days of UMA (Unidad de Medida y Actualizacion), which in 2026 is MXN 117.31 per day. The 2026 thresholds are employment or pension income above 680 days of UMA per month over the last 6 months (MXN 79,770.80, about USD 4,620) or an average balance of 11,460 days of UMA in investments or bank accounts over the last 12 months (MXN 1,344,372.60, about USD 77,900). USD values use the Banxico FIX of 18 September 2026 (17.2450) and move with the exchange rate. Each consulate publishes its own amounts in local currency, so confirm on your consulate's page before you apply.
Who this visa is for
- Expats wanting to live in Mexico for more than 180 days but less than permanent
- Remote workers and financially-independent individuals meeting UMA-based thresholds
- Foreign professionals with a Mexican job offer
- Close family members of Mexican citizens or residents
Requirements
- Financial solvency route - monthly income
Employment or pension income, free of liens, above 680 days of UMA per month over the last 6 months: MXN 79,770.80 with the 2026 UMA, about USD 4,620 at MXN 17.25 per USD.
- Financial solvency route - savings/investments
Average monthly balance of 11,460 days of UMA over the last 12 months in investments or bank accounts: MXN 1,344,372.60 with the 2026 UMA, about USD 77,900 at MXN 17.25 per USD.
- Job offer route
Letter from a Mexican employer approved by INM (Constancia de Empleador) with NUT authorization number.
- Family ties route
Mexican spouse, child, parent or sibling, plus apostilled relationship documents.
- Valid passport
Minimum 6 months validity.
- Photos and application form
As required by the specific consulate (usually 2 passport photos).
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Consular visa fee | USD 54 | |
| Residency card fee (in Mexico) | MXN 5,570 - MXN 7,914 | Paid at INM canje appointment. Depends on duration granted (1 to 4 years). |
Application steps
- 1. Choose qualification route
Financial solvency, job offer, or family ties.
- 2. Book consular appointment
Via MEXITEL (https://mexitel.sre.gob.mx) at a Mexican consulate in your country of residence. Required before travel.
- 3. Gather documents
Financial statements (6 months income, 12 months savings), employer NUT letter, or family documents depending on route.
- 4. Attend consular interview
Submit documents, pay USD 54, undergo interview.
- 5. Receive entry visa
Sticker placed in passport, valid 180 days to enter Mexico.
- 6. Enter Mexico within 180 days
Request FMM marked "canje" (exchange) on arrival.
- 7. Canje appointment at INM
Within 30 days of arrival, attend INM appointment (scheduled online at gob.mx/inm) to exchange visa for Temporary Resident Card. Pay card fee.
- 8. Receive residency card
Plastic card issued within ~30 days. Carry with passport at all times.
Official government source
Always verify the current fees, requirements and forms at the official source before applying:
Ask about the Temporary ResidentRT
Grounded on this page. Answers are informational, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
How much income do I need for Mexico Temporary Residency in 2026?
Employment or pension income above 680 days of UMA per month for the past 6 months: MXN 79,770.80 with the 2026 UMA of MXN 117.31, about USD 4,620 at MXN 17.25 per USD (Banxico FIX, 18 September 2026). The USD figure moves with the exchange rate and each consulate publishes its own amount, so confirm on your consulate's page.
How much in savings do I need instead of income?
An average monthly balance of 11,460 days of UMA over the last 12 months in investments or bank accounts: MXN 1,344,372.60 with the 2026 UMA, about USD 77,900 at MXN 17.25 per USD. Ask your consulate which account types it accepts. Volatile balances may be questioned.
Can my spouse and kids get residency with me?
Yes. Spouses and minor children qualify for the Family Unit route once you are Temporary Resident. Typically the primary applicant enters Mexico first, obtains the residency card, and then sponsors the family through INM from inside Mexico.
How do I renew my Mexico Temporary Resident Card?
Renew at INM before the card expires. You can request a 1-year, 2-year or 3-year extension within the 4-year total limit. Renewals do NOT require another consular visa or proof of financial solvency - they are administrative.
Related articles
Deeper reading on the money, tax and paperwork side of the Temporary Resident.