Immigration FAQ
Common Questions About Mexican Residency & Work Permits
Expert answers from licensed INM consultants in Cabo San Lucas
Find Your Answer
This comprehensive FAQ covers the most common questions we receive about Mexican immigration, residency processes, work permits, and visa requirements. We've organized answers by topic to help you quickly find the information you need.
Can't find what you're looking for? Contact our consultants for personalized assistance with your specific immigration situation.
Additional Immigration Questions
Which Mexican consulate should I use?
You can apply at any Mexican consulate, but most applicants use the consulate nearest their legal residence or where they can most easily schedule an appointment. Popular consulates for Americans include San Diego (typically fastest appointments), Los Angeles, Phoenix, Houston, Miami, and Chicago. Each consulate has slightly different procedures and document requirements, so check their specific website. Some consulates like San Diego process applications same-day, while others take 1-2 weeks. If you live abroad temporarily, you may be able to use that country's consulate, but confirm eligibility first.
Can I apply for Mexican residency from inside Mexico?
Generally, no. You must apply at a Mexican consulate in your home country or country of legal residence. The only exceptions are: (1) immediate family members of Mexican citizens or permanent residents can apply at INM offices in Mexico, (2) those with certain humanitarian visas, or (3) conversion from temporary to permanent residency after 4 years. Tourist visa holders cannot convert to residency status from within Mexico—attempting this results in automatic denial and potential immigration violations. If you're in Mexico on a tourist visa and want residency, you must leave Mexico and apply at a consulate abroad.
Do pension or Social Security payments count as income?
Yes! Pension payments, Social Security benefits, military retirement, and any other regular monthly payments qualify as income for residency applications. You'll need to provide official documentation showing consistent monthly payments for at least 6 consecutive months. Accepted documents include pension statements, Social Security award letters, bank deposits showing regular payments, or official letters from the paying institution. The income must meet the minimum threshold: $1,620 USD/month for temporary residency or $2,700 USD/month for permanent residency.
Can I combine income and savings to meet requirements?
Policies vary by consulate. Some consulates allow combining income and savings (for example, $1,000/month income plus $15,000 savings), while others require you to meet either the income threshold OR the savings threshold completely. The safest approach is to qualify using one method fully. If you're borderline on both, consult with us to determine which consulate's policies best fit your situation. Never assume you can combine—always verify with the specific consulate you plan to use.
What if I have investments instead of regular income?
Investment accounts qualify as savings balance if they show the required minimum ($27,000 USD for temporary or $54,000 USD for permanent) maintained consistently for 12 months. Investment distributions can count as income if they're regular and predictable. Provide brokerage statements showing account values and distribution history. Some consulates are more flexible with investment income than others, so if this is your primary financial qualification, we can advise on the best consulate to use and help present your investments in the strongest light.
Can owning property in Mexico help me get residency?
Yes, in some cases. Mexican property ownership can qualify you for residency depending on the property value and the consulate's policies. Generally, properties valued at $200,000+ USD may qualify for temporary residency, while higher values ($500,000+) may qualify for permanent residency. You'll need to provide: property deed (escritura), recent property tax statements (predial), professional appraisal or assessed value documentation, and proof of purchase. Property-based applications often still require showing some financial solvency beyond the property itself. Requirements vary significantly by consulate, so property owners should consult with us to understand their specific pathway.
Do I need a Mexican address to apply for residency?
You don't need a Mexican address for the initial consulate application, but you will need one for the CANJE process (exchanging your visa for a resident card) within 30 days of entering Mexico. This can be a rental, purchased home, or even a friend's address where you're staying. INM requires proof of address like a rental contract, property deed, or utility bill in your name. You can establish your address after arriving in Mexico but before your INM appointment. Many newcomers rent initially then update their address with INM once they purchase property. Address changes must be reported to INM within 90 days.
How long does the entire process take from start to finish?
Total timeline: 6-12 weeks typically. Breakdown: Consulate appointment scheduling (2-6 weeks depending on location and season), document preparation (1-2 weeks if you need apostilles or translations), consulate processing after appointment (same day to 2 weeks for visa approval), entry to Mexico (within 180 days of visa issuance), CANJE process at INM (within 30 days of entry, appointment takes 3-6 hours), and resident card issuance (same day to 1 week after CANJE). Factors that extend timelines: busy season at consulates (winter months), document issues requiring additional submissions, INM office backlogs, or complications like prior immigration violations.
What happens if my application is denied?
Consulates rarely outright deny applications—they typically request additional documentation or clarification. Common issues: insufficient financial documentation, expired documents, missing paperwork, or inconsistent information. If denied, you can reapply once you address the reasons for denial. There's no waiting period, but you must resolve the underlying issue. Denials usually stem from preventable errors like incomplete bank statements, financial documents not meeting the minimum threshold, or unsigned forms. Professional consultation before applying significantly reduces denial risk by identifying and correcting issues before submission.
Can I start a business in Mexico with temporary residency?
Yes, but you need work authorization on your temporary resident card. Starting a business is considered "economic activity" requiring work permission, even if you're self-employed. The process: obtain temporary residency with work authorization, establish your business legally (register with SAT, obtain RFC tax ID), and ensure your resident card shows work permission. You can own a business without work authorization (passive ownership with hired management), but active involvement in operations requires permission. Permanent residents can start and operate businesses freely without additional authorization. Consult with both an immigration specialist and Mexican business attorney when establishing a company.
What about freelancing or consulting work?
Technically, all work performed in Mexico requires authorization, even freelance work for foreign clients. Enforcement has traditionally been lax for remote workers not interacting with the Mexican economy, but INM is increasingly scrutinizing this. Safest approach: obtain temporary residency with general work permission, which costs approximately 1,780 MXN (~$105 USD) additional when adding to your resident card. This protects you from penalties if INM investigates. Many digital nomads and freelancers report working on tourist visas without issues, but legally you should have authorization. Risk increases if you're visibly working (café laptop work), posting on social media about work, or conducting client meetings in Mexico.
Can my spouse and children get residency with me?
Yes! Family members can apply as dependents on your application. Dependent requirements: additional financial showing ($500-1,800 per dependent monthly, varies by consulate), proof of relationship (marriage certificates, birth certificates—apostilled if issued outside Mexico), and same application process as primary applicant. All dependents must attend the consulate appointment together. Children under 18 are typically approved if the parent qualifies. Adult children (18+) may need to prove financial dependency or have special circumstances. Spouses of Mexican citizens have an alternative pathway: applying directly at INM offices in Mexico with marriage certificate and spouse's Mexican citizenship proof.
What if I'm divorced or separated from my Mexican spouse?
If you obtained residency through marriage to a Mexican citizen and later divorce, your residency status doesn't automatically terminate. However, you may need to show you can maintain yourself financially when renewing (meet regular income/savings requirements). If you have children with Mexican citizenship, you have strong grounds for residency continuation. Notify INM of your marital status change within 90 days. You can transition from marriage-based residency to standard temporary residency by demonstrating financial solvency at your next renewal. Consult an immigration attorney if you're concerned about status implications from divorce.
I have a DUI conviction—will this affect my application?
Minor criminal records like single DUI convictions typically don't disqualify residency applicants, but you must disclose them honestly. Mexico primarily excludes applicants with serious criminal histories: violent crimes, drug trafficking, human trafficking, or multiple serious offenses. Background check requirements vary by consulate—some require police clearances from all countries you've lived in the past 5 years. Be completely honest on your application; lying about criminal history is grounds for immediate denial and potential ban from future applications. If you have concerns about your record, consult with us before applying to assess potential impact and develop disclosure strategy.
Can I get Mexican citizenship eventually?
Yes! After 5 years of permanent residency (or 2 years if married to Mexican citizen), you can apply for naturalization. Requirements include: demonstrating Spanish language proficiency, passing a test on Mexican history and culture, proving ties to Mexico (residence, family, employment), showing good moral character, and renouncing other citizenships (though many countries including USA and Canada allow dual citizenship). The naturalization process takes 6-18 months and involves multiple government agencies. Mexican citizenship grants you all rights of Mexican nationals including voting, running for office, and owning property in restricted zones without trusts. Many expatriates pursue citizenship after years of permanent residency for the security and benefits.
Will I have access to Mexican healthcare as a resident?
Temporary and permanent residents can enroll in IMSS (Mexican Social Security healthcare) by paying monthly premiums. IMSS provides comprehensive coverage at government facilities for a fraction of US healthcare costs (typically $300-500 USD annually for individuals). Alternatively, many residents use private health insurance or pay out-of-pocket—Mexican private healthcare is high quality and affordable compared to the United States. Private consultations run $30-80 USD, and procedures cost 50-70% less than US equivalents. Some US Medicare Advantage plans offer limited coverage in Mexico, but traditional Medicare doesn't cover services outside the US. Most expatriates combine IMSS enrollment with supplemental private insurance or medical tourism policies.
Do I need to file Mexican taxes as a resident?
Immigration residency and tax residency are separate. You become a Mexican tax resident if you have a permanent home available in Mexico OR if your "center of vital interests" is in Mexico (family, economic interests, etc.). Many foreign residents don't owe Mexican income taxes because: they receive foreign-sourced income (pensions, Social Security, investment distributions from abroad) that Mexico doesn't tax unless you exceed certain thresholds, or they qualify for tax treaties between Mexico and their home country. However, if you work for Mexican employers, earn rental income from Mexican property, or operate businesses in Mexico, you likely owe Mexican taxes. Consult a cross-border tax advisor familiar with both countries' tax laws. Immigration consultants don't provide tax advice or report to Mexican tax authorities.
The complete process typically takes 6-8 weeks total. Consulate appointments can be scheduled 2-4 weeks out. Once approved, you have 6 months to enter Mexico, then 30 days to complete the CANJE process (exchanging your visa for a resident card) at the local INM office. The actual INM appointment can take 3-6 hours, with some offices issuing cards same-day.
For temporary residency: $27,000 USD in bank balance (last 12 months) OR $1,620 USD monthly income (last 6 months). For permanent residency: approximately $54,000 USD savings OR $2,700 USD monthly income. Requirements vary slightly by consulate and are adjusted annually. Dependents typically require an additional $500-1,800 monthly income proof.
No, Spanish is not required to obtain residency. However, all INM procedures are conducted in Spanish. Immigration consultants like us prepare all forms in both languages and can accompany you to appointments to translate. For naturalization (after 5 years of residency), you will need to demonstrate Spanish language skills and pass a test on Mexican history and culture.
Yes, but you must apply for work authorization when requesting your temporary residency. Work permission is not automatic - you must specifically request it. The work authorization is tied to a specific employer, so changing jobs requires a new application. Permanent residents can work freely without additional permits. Digital nomads working for foreign companies technically need work authorization.
It depends on the stage. During the consulate application process abroad, you can travel freely. Once you enter Mexico with your visa and start the CANJE process, you should NOT leave until you receive your resident card. In exceptional circumstances, you can request a one-time exit/entry permit from INM, which takes about 7 days to issue.
Yes. Temporary residency cards are initially issued for 1 year and must be renewed annually. You can renew up to 30 days before expiration (or up to 55 days after expiration if you were outside Mexico, with a 5-day grace period upon return). After 4 consecutive years of temporary residency, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency, which never expires.
Overstaying is a serious violation. Mexico is cracking down on "perpetual tourists" who leave every 180 days to reset their stay. You may face fines, deportation, or be barred from re-entry. If caught overstaying, you cannot convert to temporary residency from within Mexico - you must leave the country and apply at a Mexican consulate abroad. Fines can range from 1,000-10,000 pesos.
Yes! Owning Mexican real estate can qualify you for residency depending on the property value. Requirements vary by consulate, but generally properties valued at $200,000+ USD may qualify you for temporary residency, while higher values may qualify for permanent residency. You'll still need to show the property ownership documents and may need to prove additional financial solvency.
Mexican spouses have a streamlined path. You can apply directly at an INM office in Mexico (no need to go to a consulate abroad first). You'll need your marriage certificate (apostilled if married outside Mexico), proof of your spouse's Mexican citizenship, and standard documents. After 2 years of temporary residency through marriage, you can apply for permanent residency. Mexican spouses can also sponsor their foreign partners.
Tax residency is separate from immigration residency. You become a Mexican tax resident if you have a permanent home in Mexico OR if your center of vital interests is in Mexico. However, many foreign residents don't pay Mexican income tax because they work for foreign companies or have foreign-sourced retirement income. Consult a tax advisor, but immigration consultants are not required to report your tax status to Mexican authorities.
Still Have Questions?
Every immigration situation is unique. Our licensed consultants provide personalized answers and guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
Ready to Make Cabo Your Home?
Start your immigration journey today with our guided application system