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, espcially digital nomads and remote workers. It has world-class facilities, yet a lower cost of living than other comparable North American cities. It is a city abundant in art and culture, with endless high quality bars and restaurants. You can select one of many charming neighbourhood to move to.
If you decide to move to Mexico City, you will likely use their INM office to finalize your residency request. So, here is the most up-to-date information about Mexico City’s immigration office, also known as INM (Instituto Nacional de Migracion).
Mexico City Immigration Office
Procedures
The following procedures are possible at the Mexico City immigration office:
Temporary and permanent residency
Canje (exchange of visa for resident card)
Residency renewals
Change of immigration status, e.g. visitor to resident, temporary to permanent
Regularization of status
Card replacement
To read more about immigration procedures, check out our blog at https://immigrationtomexico.mx
Location
The CDMX office address is Sección Palmas, Av. Ejército Nacional Mexicano 862-1er. piso, Polanco, Polanco I Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11540 Ciudad de México, CDMX. Find it on Google Maps here: https://goo.gl/maps/
Polanco is a safe neighborhood, with many accommodation, dining and shopping options. It is near to the Reforma area, where there are several museums.
In front of the INM building there is a mall (Antara) where you can wait for your appointment and avoid the sun. https://goo.gl/maps/
You can park on nearby streets (with parking meter) and there are plenty of public parking lots too.
Opening Hours
The office opens from 9 am – 3 pm, Monday to Friday.
Protocol
Most of the procedures require an appointment and can be completed on the same day. However, at the time of writing, the INM online booking system is out of order. In this case, you must book your appointment directly at the office with the relevant documentation and ID. This can cause long delays and queues outside. Check the status of the online booking system here: https://citas.inm.gob.mx/
You must wait outside for your turn. Sometimes they use a number system or simply listen out for them to call your name. You cannot use your phone inside the office.
Useful Advice
While some staff speak English, it is your responsibility to speak Spanish or attend with someone who can translate. Bring all your documentation for every visit. They may ask you to return another time, depending on how complete your paperwork is. Check the Mexican government website for more information: https://www.gob.mx/tramites
Close to the INM there are offices that provide photocopying, printing, PC use and other services, in case of need.
We operate in Mexico City! For a quote or more advice on immigration to Mexico, email Adriana Vela at info@immigrationtomexico.mx.
** Please note that this is a guide. Conditions will vary between applicants and according to other circumstances. We welcome feedback about your experiences so that we can keep our content updated.