Reasons are: People get inaccurate information in Facebook groups or online, they don’t prepare in advance. They can’t integrate in the culture. They get ripped off.

You’ll want to get informed before you land in Mexico. Let’s show you the facts, straight from experienced professionals, the department of immigration in Mexico and people who have gone before you.

Want to move to Mexico but aren’t sure if you can qualify or afford it?

Do you feel like you’re wasting time researching instead of preparing and packing?

That’s why we creating a top-notch resource that’s mobile friendly and updated regularly by a team who is interested in helping you move to Mexico. The right way. Legally. Easily.

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Before deciding where you could live your dream life in Mexico, start with researching the types of visa and residency programs that Mexico offers. It’s the first point of business most people will focus on when contemplating a move to Mexico.

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Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM)

The Mexican government agency which is responsible for all matters related to immigration is the Instituto Nacional de Migración, or INM. They set the residency and visa guidelines and requirements.

There are two ways to apply for residency in Mexico. Depending on the type of residency program or visa status, you can apply while you are in Mexico at an INM office, or if required by the program, you would first apply outside of Mexico at a consulate.

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Mexican Embassies and Consulates

The various consulates around the world fall under the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE), or in English, the Secretary of Foreign Relations.

They follow the laws and policies set out by INM, and although the consulates should interpret the requirements similarly, the fact is they have latitude and discretion in doing so.

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How You Can Enter and Stay in Mexico

Foreigners can come and go and stay in Mexico under the following conditions:

1) Visitor (Visitante) with FMM status:

• Can visit for a maximum of 180 days.
• Can enter Mexico for tourist, business or transit purposes.
• Do not need to apply in advance for the FMM visa if possess a valid passport from these countries.
• Have to apply in advance for a visa if from these countries.

Click here if you want to apply online for an FMM tourist visa.

2) Temporary Resident (Residente Temporal) status:

• Can reside in Mexico up to four years in different renewal period programs.
• Often is issued for one year the first time, then renewable for additional three years.
• After maximum renewals, must leave or convert to permanent residency status.
• Can bring a foreign-plated vehicle with a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) status.
• Can apply for healthcare insurance at Seguro Popular and IMSS.
• Can obtain a driver’s license or legally register a vehicle.
• Can open a bank account and apply for permission to work in Mexico.

3) Permanent Resident (Residente Permanente) status:

• Can reside in Mexico permanently.
• Can work in Mexico without prior consulate approval, if you’ve informed the INM that you intend to work.
• Can receive the same entitlements as a temporary resident except you can not own or operate a foreign-plated vehicle.

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Now that you understand the basics, you’ll want to research the types of programs that the INM offers. You can go to our page to quickly learn about the various visa types you can apply for in Mexico.

Click here to see which residency program you may qualify for

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