Guide
Three immigration statuses: who can apply for which, and what we do at each stage.
| Threshold | UMA days | MXN |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary - monthly income | 680 | 80,000 |
| Temporary - savings | 11,460 | 1,344,000 |
| Permanent - monthly income | 1,140 | 134,000 |
| Permanent - savings | 45,850 | 5,379,000 |
In dollars, the amount depends on the peso exchange rate on the day of filing; we calculate the exact figure at the consultation.
Calculated at UMA 117.31 MXN, valid until January 31, 2027. Consulates apply their own coefficients; we confirm the final amount at the consultation.
When changing status from within Mexico, INM applies a different scale: for temporary residency, income of 400 UMA over 6 months or savings of 20,000 UMA over 12 months.
Timing depends on the documents and consulate availability
We choose the grounds and gather the documents that support them: income, savings, real estate or family ties. We prepare translations, apostilles and forms and book your appointment at the Mexican consulate.
The visa is valid for 180 days
At the interview the consulate reviews the grounds and the documents in the file. If approved, the visa is placed in your passport.
Within 30 days of entry
You need to enter Mexico while the visa is valid. After entry, the visa is exchanged for a resident card at INM.
Years 1 to 4 - temporary residency, from year 5 - naturalisation
Temporary residency is issued for 1 year and renewed up to 4 years in total, after which you can move to permanent residency. After 5 years of residency, or after 2 years in certain cases, naturalisation through the SRE becomes available.
Before filing, we review your documents and income history, choose the grounds and assess how well they meet the requirements.
Translation, apostille, forms and preparation for the visa interview.
Canje, renewals, the move to permanent residency and naturalisation; we track the deadlines at every stage.
Yes, with a work permit from INM. Permanent residency does not require a separate permit.
There is no minimum stay for renewing temporary residency or for permanent residency, but you must leave and return with a valid resident card. For naturalisation, the SRE requires that in the two years before the application the applicant has been absent from Mexico for no more than 180 days in total.
What counts is the total period of temporary residency: it is issued for 1 year and renewed up to 4 years, and those 4 years become the grounds for permanent residency. We check the start dates against your cards and renewals.
No. Immigration status and tax residency are determined separately: tax residency depends on 183 days of presence in a year or on the centre of vital interests.
Family is one of the grounds for both temporary and permanent residency. Marriage to a Mexican citizen or Mexican children shortens the path to naturalisation from 5 to 2 years.