You apply for residency (permanent or temporary), you succeed and become a resident. Congratulations! But what happens if, upon their application, your spouse does not fulfill the financial requirements? The good news: All is not lost. Do not panic! In this article, we explore what to do next. Don’t Panic!… Read More
Oh dear! What do you do when your Mexican resident card is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed? Well, your resident card is an official identification document, similar to a passport. So if you lose, damage or have it stolen, take it seriously. Get a new one as soon as possible. … Read More
Living in Mexico as a resident comes with legal obligations, such as keeping your immigration file current. In addition to reporting changes of address and civil status, you must also notify INM of a legal name change. Whether due to marriage, divorce or otherwise, your records must match your passport.… Read More
The National Migration Institute (IMN) has updated Mexican immigration fees for 2026. This year there are some additional changes. For your convenience, we have translated 2026’s fees for the most common procedures below. Remember that some immigration procedures incur two or three fees, and others, just one. That is, the… Read More
Did you know that you must notify immigration of a change of address? If you are a Mexican resident, you have certain obligations. One of those is to keep your immigration records up to date. One of the most common notifications is the change of address. In this article we… Read More
So you finally got your temporary or permanent residency. Congratulations! Remember, however, now you have certain obligations as a resident in Mexico. You must also keep your immigration records up to date. Failure to do so could result in problems and fines. So keep yourself right with these reminders. What… Read More
One of the most common questions we get at Immigration to Mexico is ‘Can I start my residency procedure from Mexico?’ There are a few cases where you can start the residency application procedure from Mexico. However, usually you must start it outside the country. Starting the Residency Procedure From… Read More
Sometimes it is necessary for a child to leave Mexico alone or accompanied by someone who isn’t a parent/guardian. Is it possible? Yes. However, under a few conditions. The SAM form allows minors (citizens or residents) to travel out of Mexico alone or with a third party. Use the SAM… Read More
These days, not only retirees want to live in Mexico, but younger generations also want to relocate here. Younger generations come without a pension however, and often seek employment in Mexico. Therefore they will need a Mexican work visa (permit). In order to legally work, you can obtain a Mexican… Read More
There are various options for you after temporary residency. In this article we look at temporary residency renewal, reapplication and change of condition.
Mexico City – once known for all the wrong things – smog, crime, trash, and traffic, has in recent years grown in popularity. In this second part of our article – Could You Live in Mexico City? – we look at cost of living, safety and transport. Read part one… Read More
Once upon a time Mexico City was known for all the wrong things – smog, crime, trash, and traffic. In recent years, however, it has grown in popularity. So let’s ask the question: is moving to Mexico City a good idea? In Part 1 of this blog we look at… Read More
If a child is born in Mexico to a non-Mexican parent, it entitles the parent to permanent residency. This residency is granted upon application. In this article we explain how to apply for permanent residency through your Mexican-born child. The Family Union Visa The family union visa is issued to… Read More
What do you need to know about the Mexico City immigration office? Mexico City (also CDMX, or Ciudad de Mexico in Spanish) is a popular destination for immigrants, especially digital nomads and remote workers. It has world-class facilities, yet a lower cost of living than other comparable North American cities.… Read More
Playa del Carmen Immigration Office or INM Office (Instituto Nacional de Migracion): this is where you will process your residency application, if you are moving there. In this article we tell you all you need to know about the office. Playa del Carmen Immigration Office Procedures You can process… Read More
If you are considering starting your Mexican immigration journey, set yourself up for success before you begin! Based on years of experience as immigration facilitators, we share the most up-to-date tips to make the process easier – for you, and the various agents you’ll encounter. Understand Mexican Immigration Requirements Check… Read More
Since 2022, the Mexican immigration authority (INM) has been making changes to the use and format of the FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple). In this article we update you on those changes. What Is the FMM? First of all, the FMM is an immigration document that all visitors and residents of… Read More
Making a Consulate Appointment For most Mexican immigration applications one must make an appointment at a Mexican consulate. Follow the steps below to do that directly with your chosen consulate or via the MiConsulado (formerly Mexitel) online appointment service. Direct contact Depending on the Mexican consulate you choose, you may… Read More
Are you a Mexican national, or temporary or permanent resident in Mexico? If so, you may be entitled to get a Mexican driver’s licence. In this article, we outline the general requirements in Playa del Carmen to get a Mexican driver’s licence for the first time. Therefore, do check with… Read More
How to Get Permanent Residency in Mexico Permanent residency allows you to live indefinitely in Mexico, and it has many benefits. There are various ways to get permanent residency in Mexico; let’s review them. Take the direct route to permanent residency 1) For some applicants, it may be possible to… Read More
If you apply for Mexican residency, you must attend an appointment at a Mexican consulate. In this article, learn how to prepare for it, and what happens during and after your consulate appointment. Making a Mexican Consulate Appointment We advise that you make an appointment at the Mexican consulate that… Read More
There are now more digital nomads in Mexico than ever before. Retirees from the US and Canada have historically been the largest group of immigrants to the country. Since 2021 however, Mexico has been flooded with younger digital nomads and remote workers from all over the world. Why so many… Read More
The National Migration Institute (IMN) has updated Mexican immigration fees for 2025. For your convenience, below we have translated 2025’s fees for the most frequent procedures. Remember that some immigration procedures incur two or three fees, and others, just one. That is, the paperwork can have a cost, as can… Read More
Is same-sex marriage legal in Mexico, and recognized for immigration in all states? Many of our clients from the gay community ask us when applying for residency in Mexico: Is same-sex marriage legal in Mexico? Is it recognized for the purposes of residency? The answer is YES! Mexico City was… Read More
You had a successful meeting at the consulate and got the Mexican visa in your passport. Congratulations! In this article, we answer the most common questions about the next steps to obtaining your resident’s card. How long can I wait before I have to enter Mexico with my visa? In… Read More
If you’re thinking of applying for temporary or permanent residency in Mexico, it can help to know the pros and cons of each procedure. In this article, we outline what to consider before initiating a Mexican immigration application.
From September 2024, an online appointment system is in use for all Mexican immigration offices. Until now, one had to go to the office in person to book an appointment. Book an INM Appointment Online The new local online appointment system is for most immigration procedures. Procedures include canjes, temporary… Read More
What Is a CURP Number? If you live in Mexico and perform any administrative tasks, you will no doubt be asked for a CURP number. A CURP number is a unique code which identifies all Mexican citizens and residents. CURP stands for Clave Única de Registro de Población in Spanish,… Read More
Pet owners are often reluctant to leave their pets behind when traveling. Fortunately for those who wish to import their pets to Mexico from the US and Canada, restrictions were eased a few years ago. If you import pets to Mexico from outside North America, you will have more requirements… Read More
Are you considering moving from Europe to Mexico? You’re not the only one. When the pandemic began, Immigration to Mexico in Playa del Carmen saw a huge increase in requests from all over the world. Previously, immigrants requesting temporary and permanent residency were 90% from the US and Canada. While… Read More
Getting residency in Mexico as a retiree is becoming an attractive option for more and more people. Since the pandemic, Mexico has seen a rise in people choosing the country as their new home. They may be attracted by the lower cost of living, good weather, rich culture or easy… Read More
A question we often receive is, ‘How do I change from temporary to permanent resident as a spouse/partner?’. While it is possible to get permanent residency immediately in a few cases, the standard is to get temporary first and then apply for permanent status. The exceptions are in which you… Read More
Residency in Mexico is possible via many routes. In this article, however, we look at temporary and permanent residency for spouses and partners. Its name is residency for family unity (Residencia Por Vinculo Familiar) Residency for spouses and partners You can apply for this if your spouse or partner is… Read More
We’ve published a lot of articles on this site about the different types of Mexican residency. However, many people have been asking for all the information condensed. So here it is. If intending to stay in Mexico for longer than 180 days, it is advisable to apply for residency. There… Read More
Once a fishing village with dirt roads and a few palapa beach bars, Playa del Carmen is now a major worldwide destination for tourism and immigration. Many immigrants from the USA or Canada choose Playa del Carmen as their new home. What makes this Riviera Maya destination so attractive –… Read More
Immigration to Mexico from the US, Canada and other locations, such as Argentina, is increasing. Mexico’s immigrant population is diverse and everyone has their own reasons for doing it. For some, it’s more about leaving their old lives behind in their home country. For others, Mexico specifically, is an attractive… Read More
A frequent question I get asked by prospective immigrants to Mexico is, ‘What is the difference between permanent residency and citizenship?’ It is an important question, and one that should be clarified as confusion between the terms exists. The answer, however, is simple. Difference between Permanent Residency and Citizenship Mexican… Read More
In this Mighty Buffalo podcast, Adriana Vela talks about Getting Temporary and Permanent Residency in Mexico. Mighty Buffalo is a brand that promotes travel for cultural awareness, with a focus on Mexico. Host Travis Scott Luther interviews Adriana on questions that he commonly encounters from his followers. Topics covered in… Read More
The permanent resident visa can be issued to a foreigner who intends to reside indefinitely (forever) in Mexico. Foreigners granted permanent resident visas have the right to enter and leave Mexico as often as desired. This residency status never expires. They can also bring their personal property into Mexico… Read More
In this article we share a recent interview with Adriana Vela on navigating Mexican residency and immigration in 2024. The interview is part of a podcast series from Expats Like Us: Life in Mexico ‒ a popular YouTube channel. An Argentinian national, Adriana has been a resident in Mexico herself… Read More
Following our article on the family unity visa, here we outline how to apply for a Mexican passport for a child born in Mexico. This article is primarily intended for foreign parent(s) of a child born in Mexico. The applicants, including the minor, attend an appointment at a delegation of… Read More
Many people are unaware of the obligation to notify immigration of a change of employer as a resident. Notifications of changes to various personal statuses are obligatory. These include change of address, and change of civil status. In the case of change of employer, notification must take place within 90… Read More
“When I leave or enter Mexico, should I show my resident card at the airport?” Many clients ask me this, and my answer is always “YES”! You should always bring your passport and resident card when you travel in or out of Mexico. When You Leave Mexico When you depart,… Read More
Are you planning a trip to Mexico as a tourist for fewer than 180 days? If so, inform yourself and prepare well in advance regarding the documents required to enter Mexico, and other necessities. As a tourist entering the country, the maximum stay is 180 days. While in the past… Read More
The National Migration Institute (IMN) has updated Mexican immigration fees for 2024. Below we have translated 2024’s fees of the most frequent procedures for your convenience. Remember that some immigration procedures incur two or three fees, and others, just one. That is, the paperwork can have a cost, as can… Read More
Many clients often ask me the question “Do I need to learn Spanish when I move to Mexico?”. The answer is ‘no’. It’s not essential. Indeed, many services are provided in English and other languages. However, not all agents at immigration will speak English and documentation is in Spanish. So,… Read More
The process of obtaining Mexican citizenship or becoming naturalized is quite straightforward. You might consider this if you are a long-term resident, or you have family in the country. As usual, you must meet their requirements and present the correct documentation to the authorities (SRE – External Relations Secretariat). As… Read More
Everyone has a different reason to relocate to Mexico. However, the most common reasons are the cost of living and a warmer climate. Many Canadians and US citizens are searching for a less hectic lifestyle than that of their increasingly expensive home countries. The Covid pandemic also affected immigration to… Read More
Baby Boomers and Mexico Baby boomers love Mexico. Born in the post-war era, so-called baby boomers are said to have led productive lives, and achieved success as entrepreneurs or as employees. There has been a significant increase in U.S. and Canadian citizens from this generation who live in Mexico or… Read More
Moving to Mexico or any new country can be a daunting experience. There are lots of factors to consider – for instance, location, housing, healthcare, finances and the language. Then there’s the official side of immigration – paperwork. The procedure in Mexico is not difficult compared to some countries, but… Read More
Once you relocate to Mexico (or anywhere else), you’ll want to enjoy life there immediately. The last thing you’ll want is to start obtaining documents from a distance for your new country of residence. Therefore, according to our experience, we recommend bringing certain papers with you for future procedures. This… Read More
At Immigration to Mexico we receive inquiries from all around the world. One of the most frequent is ‘Do I need a visa to enter Mexico?’. Well, the answer depends on where you are from or where you already have residency. In this article, we explain which visitors need a… Read More
While relocating to Mexico for many is an exciting move, it can also be scary and complicated. Informing yourself as much as possible before immigrating is a great way to prepare well. Therefore, to help make your move a success we have answered more of your Frequently Asked Questions about… Read More
In this article, we answer the questions about relocating to Mexico that we get asked most often by our clients. If you can’t find the information you need here, then check out our other blog posts, or get in touch. Is it advisable to get residency when relocating to Mexico?… Read More
A recent article in La Jornada by Gabriela Rodriguez, Secretary General of Conapo (National Population Council) summarizes the latest Mexican immigration trends. The article’s main source is the 2022 Mexico Yearbook of Migration and Remittances. We’ve chosen some of the most pertinent Mexican immigration statistics from the article and its… Read More
Many people move to Mexico to enjoy a better quality of life and lower cost of living while stretching their pension, salary or savings further. But what is the actual cost of living in Mexico, especially now that inflation is rising globally. How much do you need when you move… Read More
The National Migration Institute (IMN) has updated Mexican immigration fees for 2023. Below we have translated 2023’s fees for your convenience. Remember that some immigration procedures incur two fees, and others, just one. That is, the paperwork can have a cost, as can the issue of a document. Therefore, check… Read More
Immigration to Mexico for Germans: in this YouTube interview series (in German and Spanish), Adriana chats with Claus from Ausser Haus mit Claus (@AusserHausmitClaus). Adriana answers Claus’s questions on immigration to Mexico for Germans. Most Europeans interested in relocating to Mexico will find it useful. Watch it here. Themes covered… Read More
In this YouTube interview (in Italian and Spanish) from October 2022, Adriana chats with YouTuber Michela from Spirito Libero in Espatrio. Immigration to Mexico for Italians Adriana and Michela discuss immigration to Mexico for Italians who may be interested in making the move. Watch it here. Some of the highlights… Read More
Did you know you can receive INAPAM discounts on airline tickets and other transport? The INAPAM Card Now, if you’ve read our article on the INAPAM Discount Card for Senior Citizen Residents in Mexico, perhaps you’re aware already. In fact, you can receive discounts on a variety of costs: food, consultation… Read More
Will you move to Mexico in 2023? After the difficulty of 2020 and 2021, 2022 finally feels like we are getting back on our feet. Of course, many things are different now. The pandemic changed the world and we have seen new trends in immigration as a result. This year at… Read More
In this You Tube interview from November 2021, Adriana shares her immigration expertise with Michelle Wedderburn from Expat Life Mexico: From San Miguel de Allende (formerly Afro Expats). During the 1hr16min interview, Michelle and Adriana discuss recent changes to Mexican immigration procedures. Changes include the standard 180-day stay, especially relevant… Read More
Originally from Michigan, but a former long-term resident of Florida, Linda Southwick immigrated to Mexico in 2016. She now resides in TAO, a luxury residential development near the beach town of Akumal, located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Read Linda’s insightful interview below about her experiences immigrating from the… Read More
One of the perks of residency in Mexico is local or resident pricing and discounts. This is particularly attractive if you live in areas such as the Riviera Maya where costs are higher due to tourism. However, permanent residents over 60 can enjoy even more and greater benefits with an… Read More
Retirement in the US and Canada does not look the same for everyone. Comfortable retirement depends on your location, health and retirement salary. One thing is for sure though: retiring on the Riviera Maya looks good. It can transform a difficult situation in the US and Canada into a pleasant… Read More
There have been many reports recently of changes to the standard Mexican 180-day allowance for tourists. Let’s take a closer look. Entering Mexico as a Tourist When entering Mexico as a tourist, you submit an FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple) with details about your visit. An immigration official at your point… Read More
What to Do if You Have an Emergency and Must Leave Mexico Before Your Residency Is Confirmed? You have an emergency and must leave Mexico. However, your canje, residency renewal or change of condition procedure is still in progress. In this article we explain what to do If you want… Read More
Residency in Mexico is possible via several routes. In this article we explore temporary and permanent residency for family unity. You can apply for family unity residency if your child, parent, spouse or partner is a resident or Mexican citizen. If you are the parent of a Mexican child,… Read More
There are several steps between getting your visa at a Mexican consulate abroad and receiving your resident card in Mexico. Read on for a summary. Arrival in Mexico Once arrived in Mexico with your new visa, you have 30 days to begin the procedure to obtain your resident card. You… Read More
Do I Have to Stay in Mexico While My Residency Is Being Processed? All About the Exit Permit This is a very common question, and one we have commented on in other blogs. The answer to the question is that it is preferable that you stay. However, it is not… Read More
We know our readers have a lot of questions on how to import a car to Mexico. So, while importation of vehicles is not an immigration issue, but rather a customs matter, here are the basics. The process of importation of cars into Mexico can vary depending on many factors:… Read More
There are two ways of getting residency in Mexico via family unity. One is through the child/parent connection. The other is the spouse/partner connection. In this article we look at family unity residency through a child or parent. To learn more about residency through a spouse/partner, read our article: How… Read More
Playa del Carmen, Mexico is deserted during covid-19.