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
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 here.… 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
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
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
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.
What Is a CURP Number? If you live in Mexico and perform any administrative tasks, you will no doubt be aked 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
Are you considering moving from Europe to Mexico? You’re not the only one. Since the pandemic began, Immigration to Mexico in Playa del Carmen has seen a huge increase in requests from all over the world. Previously, immigrants requesting temporary and permanent residency were 90% from the US and Canada.… 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?’. It is possible to get permanent residency immediately in a few cases. For example, as retirees with adequate financial solvency, or as a parent to a child born in Mexico. However, the… 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
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
The FMM (Forma Multipla Migratoria), also sometimes known as a visitor’s permit, tourist card, or mistakenly as a tourist visa, is a Mexican immigration document. When visiting Mexico (from a country that doesn’t require a visa) or as a resident, you need one when entering and exiting the country. However,… 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
The National Migration Institute (IMN) has updated Mexican immigration fees for 2022. Below we have translated 2022’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
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). The… 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
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
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 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
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
Following our last blog 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… Read More
If a child is born in Mexico to a non-Mexican parent, it entitles the parent to immediate 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… Read More
Baby Boomers and Mexico Baby boomers just love Mexico. Born in the post-war era, so-called baby boomers led productive lives, and many achieved success as entrepreneurs or as employees. There has been a significant increase in U.S. and Canadian natives, from this generation, who live in Mexico or spend much… 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. As we approach holiday season, it seems… Read More
Making a Consulate Appointment For most Mexican immigration applications it is necessary to make an appointment at a Mexican consulate. Follow the steps below to do that directly with your chosen consulate or via the recently updated Mexitel online appointment service. Direct contact Depending on the Mexican consulate you choose,… 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
Oh dear! Your Mexican resident card has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed. Don’t worry; you can get a new one through the repositioning (reposición) procedure, as long as the card’s still valid. This is also the procedure for lost FMM visitor (tourist) cards. Note that you do not get… Read More
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
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
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
From mid-July 2021, an online appointment system will be in use for the local Playa del Carmen immigration office. Until now, one had to go to the office in person to book an appointment. The immigration online appointment system is already active for Mexico City and Chiapas offices. The new… 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 Form… 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
It is now possible to apply for temporary residency in Mexico via an expired tourist visa. Regularization of expired document (for temporary residency) is a new immigration procedure currently underway. Apparently, it is in response to many stranded tourists in Mexico due to the pandemic, who want to stay here.… 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
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
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 the… Read More
Pet owners are often reluctant to leave their pets behind when travelling. Fortunately for those who wish to import their pets to Mexico from the US and Canada, restrictions were recently eased. If you import pets to Mexico from outside North America, you will have more requirements to meet. Note… 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
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 usually 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
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) You can get permanent residency from a Mexican… Read More
Will 2021 be the year you move to Mexico? No-one needs any reminding that 2020 has been a difficult year. It has been a year that has forced us to re-evaluate our priorities and live in different ways: with restricted movement, more online presence, and with lots of patience. … Read More
The process to renew a temporary resident card should begin within the month before it expires. If you are in time to renew your card, consult our article for further details: Temporary Residency Expiry: How to Decide Between Renewal, Change of Condition or Reapplication It can happen, however, that your… 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.
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
In this My New Life in Mexico series, Immigration to Mexico clients share their experiences with us. Watch the whole interview with Carol as she shares about her decision to move to Mexico, and the differences between life here and in the U.S., and her experience going through the immigration… 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
Playa del Carmen, Mexico is deserted during covid-19.
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? How much do you need when you move here? Well, how long is a piece… Read More
Recently many people have been asking us ‘What is an RFC, and why do we need one?’. This is becoming an important topic for residents in Mexico because of recent bureaucratic changes. In this article we will answer your questions on the RFC. The RFC is a unique tax code… Read More