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 may get permanent residency immediately are:
- Over 60 years old, and/or NOT officially retired, and getting a monthly pension (IRS in USA, for example).
- In a few consulates, you may get it even if you do NOT fulfill the above, but of course, you should fulfill the usual financial requirements.
- Have a baby born in Mexico.
Outside of these exceptions, you will follow the temporary to permanent route.
Temporary Residency First
Usually you should have temporary resident status for four years before being applicable for permanent residency. There are a few exceptions though. For example, if you are the financially dependent partner of a Mexican citizen or resident, or a Spanish or Latin American applicant. In these cases the requirement is only two years of temporary residency before applying for permanent status. If you are a financially independent spouse or partner, then you may have to wait four years to change. In all cases the process is the same.
Change from Temporary to Permanent Resident Status
Meet temporary residency time requirement – 2/4 years according to condition (see above).
Make an appointment to attend your local INM office in Mexico. Be sure to leave enough time to gather your documents. Try to book an appointment for the month before expiry of your temporary residency.
Documentation
- Complete the standard form to request a change in immigration status online at https://www.inm.gob.mx/tramites/publico/estancia.html and print.
- Copy and original of the passport or ID that secured your current status. If you’re in Mexico as a visitor, bring the original Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM).
- Current, valid temporary resident card. Original and copy.
- ID of the Mexican resident or citizen spouse/partner. This can be a passport, INE, or other relevant document. If the spouse/partner is a resident, their resident card should also be presented. Original and copy.
- Marriage certificate or similar confirming the legal partnership, approved by the competent national authority. Documents must be officially translated into Spanish and apostilled. Original and copy.
- Sworn declaration signed by both the applicant and the spouse/partner indicating their conjugal address. The declaration should also confirm the continued validity of the conjugal partnership for the previous two years. A template for the declaration can be found here: http://www.inm.gob.mx/static/vun_tramites/Escrito_cambio_a_residente_permanente_por_vinculo_familiar.pdf
- Data privacy form – usually provided when you make your appointment.
- Credit card for fees payment.
At the Appointment
Only the applicant needs to attend the appointment with the above documentation. You will pay the respective fees by card in the INM office. If all is in order, the approval and delivery of the permanent residency card should be immediate. In Playa del Carmen, due to card frequent printing issues, the card may be issued some days later.
For assistance changing from temporary to permanent resident status as a spouse, contact Adriana Vela at info@immigrationtomexico.mx