National Immigration Institute

Temporary and Permanent Resident Card

If you intend to reside in Mexico temporarily, permanently, or for work purposes, the initial step often involves securing an appointment at the nearest Mexican Consulate in your home country. For those already in Mexico seeking to adjust their status, visiting a local immigration office is the appropriate alternative. The process requires an understanding of the visa categories and adherence to the requirements set forth.

There are several visa types for individuals planning to visit or reside in Mexico, each tailored to specific purposes and durations of stay. Here is the link to the National Immigration Institute, where you can check the costs for each 2025 visa. These visas include:

Tourist Visa

This visa is intended for travelers entering Mexico for vacation or non-work-related activities. Generally, it allows a stay of up to 180 days and requires proof of return travel and financial solvency. The fees for this visa are typically minimal, and it's advisable to consult the Mexican government webpage for the most accurate and updated costs.

Temporary Residence Status

This residence card is a good option if you are traveling to Mexico through any of the different authorized points in the country for international traveling, like airports, customs, border crossings, ports, and your main purpose is to stay in Mexican territory for no more than 180 days and no more than four years.

Required documents

Notes:

It is important to contact the Mexican Consulate where you plan to submit your application for specific details regarding the acceptable forms of documentation to demonstrate financial solvency and legal status. This step ensures that you meet all requirements, especially if you are not a citizen of the country in which you are applying. The consulate can provide any alternatives or additional documentation you may need.

All documents submitted must be legible and presented without any crossing out, stains, or marks that could obscure the information. This ensures clarity and avoids potential delays in processing your application.

The picture must be recent, no more than six months old, have a clear face, and be without glasses. The color pictures must be passport size, with measurements of a minimum of 32.0 mm x 26.0 mm and a maximum of 39.0 x 31.0 mm, a white background, and you must be facing the front.

It is also crucial to include a payment receipt that reflects the corresponding fees for the visa type you are applying for. These fees must align with the stipulations outlined by the Federal Law of Rights and are typically paid directly at the consulate or through their designated payment channels. Ensure that the receipt is original, legible, and free of any alterations or damage.

Permanent Residence Status

This visa applies to foreigners who wish to reside permanently in Mexico.

You must change your status to a Temporary Residence Visa if the period of stay is longer than 180 days and no more than four years.

If you intend to stay in Mexico for at least four years or more, you need to get a Permanent Resident Visa and follow these requirements:

Requirements Documents

• Passport

• A picture

• Be a national citizen in their country of residence or have a legal residence in that country.

• Prove financial solvency.

• Confirm that you pay the required fees in the precise amount and manner stipulated by the Federal Law of Rights. This often involves payment directly at a consulate or through the authorized channels. Retain the receipt as proof, as it will be necessary for processing your visa application and verifying compliance.

• Provide documentation required to prove one of the following:

• Be retired or pensioned.

• Family ties (parents, minor children, siblings, common-law partners, minor stepchildren) with a Mexican citizen or a foreigner holding a Permanent Resident status or a Permanent Resident visa. Spouses and common-law partners must obtain a Temporary Resident visa, subject to compliance. They must maintain this visa for two years and later apply for a permanent resident card from the National Immigration Institute (INM).

Note: The residence card that certifies your legal stay and allows you to remain in the country must be processed within the following 30 calendar days from your entry into the country.

Work Visa

For individuals employed by Mexican companies or engaging in professional activities, the work visa requires sponsorship from an employer and detailed documentation, including employment contracts and proof of qualifications. This visa may overlap with temporary or permanent residency, depending on the length of employment.

For all visas, the costs can vary depending on the type and duration. Applicants should consult the official Mexican government for the latest fee structure. If you require detailed guidance or have unique circumstances, hiring an immigration attorney or consulting businesses specializing in immigration processes may be beneficial.

Changing from Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident

Are you a foreigner with temporary resident status who has completed four consecutive years of residency, or a retiree or pensioner who receives income from abroad? You can change your status to a permanent resident by meeting the requirements.

Required Documents

Submit the corresponding document, as applicable:

a)    By-point system: documents demonstrating the indicators and minimum score required by the agreement published in the Official Gazette of the Federation.

Note: This system has not yet been implemented. Please wait until further instructions.

 b)    Pensioners or retirees:

Provide proof of investments or bank accounts with an average monthly balance equivalent to 25,000 days of Unit of Measurement and Update (UMA) during the last 12 months, or

Documents demonstrating income or a monthly pension free of taxes, equivalent to 500 days of the Unit of Measurement and Update* (UMA) during the last 6 months. Original and Copy

c)    Four years should have passed since you obtained a temporary resident permit:

o   Expressively specified in the comments section of this application, the change of status will be made through this means – Original document

o   Provide a written statement under oath stating that you have remained a temporary resident for four years - Original document.

Note: The documents must be original, and any additional document attachments must be submitted as a simple photocopy. If the interested party requires acknowledgment of receipt, they must attach a copy for that purpose.

Note: To make your payment, please visit the INM Fees website by clicking this link. Before proceeding, double-check that you have selected the correct section that matches the type of visa you are applying for.

• The payment sheet must be completed according to the following specifications:

• Verify that it corresponds to the type of visa requested.

• Enter the exact full name or names as provided on your official application. This includes all given names and surnames, in the same order and using the same spelling, regardless of the total number of names or surnames. Consistency helps avoid errors and delays in processing your documentation.

• In the case of minors, the payment must be recorded with the minors' full names and surnames.

• It is recommended that you thoroughly review payment receipts issued by banking institutions to ensure there are no errors in the person's identification data.

Important:

• All legal documents, except for your passport or identity and travel document, must be apostilled in your country of origin. Additionally, each of these documents must be accompanied by a certified Spanish translation prepared by an officially recognized language translator. This requirement ensures that all supporting materials are properly validated and understood by relevant authorities, facilitating a smoother review process.

• Additionally, the applicant is required to appear in person before the immigration authority to provide a photograph, signature, and fingerprints. This in-person process is an essential step for verifying identity and is necessary for the approval of the immigration document. Ensuring all biometric data is accurately captured will help to facilitate a secure and efficient application review.

• It is important to note that applicants holding a Temporary Student Residence Card are not eligible to switch to permanent resident status through this process. Individuals with this specific type of residency should plan their stay accordingly, as alternative pathways to permanent residency will not be available under current immigration regulations.

• * Measurement and Update Unit (UMA). Daily value in 2025: MXN 113.14.

• If you receive bank statements electronically, you will have to print them out.

All the information provided above has been obtained and translated from the official resources of the National Immigration Institute. Please note that we are not responsible for any subsequent changes to requirements, procedures, or fees that may occur. If you have any questions regarding the type of visa you are applying for or require clarification on the latest immigration policies, we strongly recommend that you contact the Mexican Consulate in your city or consult directly with your immigration attorney or accredited representative. It is always advisable to verify details with the appropriate authorities to ensure the most current and accurate guidance for your case.