North America
Mexico immigration and visa guide
Mexico provides an accessible Temporary Resident (Residente Temporal) status based on economic solvency, remote work income, or real estate investment.
Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) & SRE
- Processing time
- 2 – 6 weeks
- Passport validity
- 6+ months
- Points-based system
- No
- Digital nomad friendly
- Yes
Visa options in Mexico
Key requirements
- Proof of monthly foreign income or minimum average bank balance over the last 12 months
- Consular visa appointment in home country for initial Residente Temporal consular sticker
- Canje procedure at INM office in Mexico within 30 days of arrival to obtain physical plastic card
How to apply for a Mexico visa: step by step
- 1
Consular Interview Abroad
Schedule appointment at a Mexican Consulate abroad and present 12 months of stamped bank statements proving economic solvency.
1 - 3 weeks
- 2
Entry with 180-Day Canje Stamp
Enter Mexico and present consular visa stamp to immigration officers at the airport.
1 day
- 3
INM Canje & Biometrics Exchange
Submit Form FMM and Formato Básico at the local INM office to receive the plastic Residente Temporal card.
2 - 4 weeks
Official government links
Frequently asked questions
How long until I can apply for Mexican citizenship?
Foreigners can naturalize after 5 years of legal residence (or only 2 years for citizens of Latin American or Iberian countries, or through marriage).
Find a licensed adviser
For advice on your own case, use a licensed immigration lawyer or adviser. Always check they are registered before you pay anyone. Imiatlas does not refer or review cases.
Look for a lawyer registered with the national bar association or law society in Mexico. The official immigration website explains any rules on who may represent applicants.
Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) & SREGeneral information to help you research, not legal advice. Rules change often: always confirm with Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) & SRE on the official website before applying.