Work Permits & Employment Authorization

Understanding Mexican Work Authorization

Foreign nationals working in Mexico must obtain proper work authorization from INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración), regardless of whether they're employed by Mexican companies, foreign companies operating in Mexico, or working remotely for international employers. Unlike tourist visas which prohibit employment, work permits (permisos de trabajo) grant legal authorization to receive compensation for services performed within Mexican territory.

Work authorization in Mexico is employer-specific, meaning your permit is tied to a particular company and position. Changing employers requires applying for new authorization through the new company's sponsorship. This system ensures INM maintains oversight of foreign workers in the Mexican labor market and protects employment opportunities for Mexican nationals.

Types of Work Authorization

The Employer Registration Process

Before sponsoring foreign workers, Mexican employers must register with INM and obtain a NUT (Número Único de Trámite). This registration demonstrates the company is legally established, financially stable, and compliant with Mexican labor law. The process involves:

Employee Work Permit Application

Once the employer is registered, the work permit process for individual employees involves coordinated efforts between the employer, employee, and INM:

Special Considerations for Remote Workers

The rise of remote work has created gray areas in Mexican immigration law. Technically, anyone performing work while physically in Mexico—even for foreign employers—should have work authorization. However, enforcement for remote workers employed by companies outside Mexico has been inconsistent.

Digital nomads and remote workers face increasing risk as INM modernizes enforcement. Posting on social media about working from Cabo, conducting visible client meetings, or operating obvious business activities while on tourist visas can trigger investigation. The safest approach is obtaining temporary residency with general work permission, even if your employer isn't Mexican.

Changing Employers

Since work authorization is employer-specific, changing jobs requires a new application process through the new employer. This involves the new company obtaining INM approval, you receiving updated documentation, and potentially updating your resident card. The process typically takes 30-45 days, during which you cannot legally work for the new employer.

Many foreign workers eventually pursue permanent residency to gain employment flexibility. After four years of temporary residency (including with work permission), you automatically qualify to convert to permanent status, after which you can work for any employer without restrictions.

Why Professional Assistance is Essential

Work permit applications involve coordination between employers, employees, INM, and foreign consulates—multiple parties, jurisdictions, and bureaucracies. Our licensed consultants manage the entire process: registering employers with INM, preparing work authorization requests, coordinating timing with employee visa applications, and ensuring all documentation meets technical requirements.

For employers, we handle the complex NUT registration process and maintain ongoing compliance with INM reporting requirements. For employees, we coordinate your consulate appointment timing with your employer's INM approval to minimize gaps in employment authorization. Our expertise ensures smooth processing without delays that could jeopardize job offers or business operations.