FAQs
You´ve Got Questions,
We´ve Got Answers.
You´ve Got Questions,
We´ve Got Answers.
Step 1: Before moving to Mexico, you must apply for a Residency Visa at a Mexican Consulate. Once approved, the visa will be placed in your passport and must be used to enter Mexico within six months of issuance.
Step 2: After arriving in Mexico with your residency visa, you must complete the Canje process at an immigration office (INM) within 30 days of entry. This procedure allows you to obtain your Resident Card, which authorizes you to legally stay in the country.
In most cases, the process must begin at a Mexican consulate abroad, with limited exceptions.
You must enter Mexico and complete the process with immigration within 30 days of arrival.
Getting an appointment at a Mexican Consulate can take from a few days to a couple of months, depending on availability. The consular procedure is usually completed the same day, with some exceptions.
After arriving in Mexico, the Canje process may take from the same day to a few weeks, depending on the immigration office.
Temporary Residency is granted for a limited period of up to four years, while Permanent Residency does not expire.
Only Temporary Residents can legally keep a foreign-plated vehicle in Mexico under a Temporary Import Permit. Permanent Residents are not allowed to keep foreign-plate vehicles in the country.
Permanent Residents can work in Mexico without requesting additional permission. Temporary Residents must apply for work authorization from immigration before engaging in paid activities in Mexico
Expert Guidance for Your Mexican Residency.When departing Mexico: If possible, request an exit stamp from the immigration officer.
When entering Mexico: Always present your residency card to the immigration officer and avoid using the automated immigration kiosks, as residents must be processed directly by an officer.
No. Residents do not need an FMM form.
Yes. Both Temporary and Permanent Residents can leave and re-enter Mexico without time restrictions.
Yes. Residents should keep their valid immigration document available as proof of legal stay.
Residents must notify immigration if certain personal information changes. This includes changes to your address, marital status, name, and nationality.
Keep in mind that foreign documents such as marriage, divorce, or birth certificates must be apostilled and translated into Spanish before being submitted to immigration.
If your residency card expires while you are in Mexico, immigration law generally does not allow standard renewals once the document has expired. However, you may be able to regularize your status by paying a fine and meeting the corresponding requirements.
This option is available only if the document has been expired for less than 60 days. In many cases, it may be simpler to begin a new application at a Mexican consulate abroad, depending on the circumstances.
You may initiate the renewal process 30 days prior to the Expiration Date and must do so by that date. Otherwise, you will loose your current immigration status, and have penalties imposed.
If your document expires while you’re outside Mexico, you may request its renewal for up to 55 days after the Expiration Date and within 5 days of your return to Mexico, with no imposition of penalty. We suggest this only for emergencies.
If your residency card has expired during your stay in Mexico, Mexican immigration laws do not allow for the renewal of residency documents beyond their expiration date. However, there is an option to “regularize” your status, granting a new immigration status by paying a fine and meeting the corresponding requirements. This opportunity is available for people holding documents that have been expired for less than 60 days.
Yes. Many family unity applications can be filed directly at an immigration office in Mexico. However, in some cases it may be advisable to apply at a Mexican consulate abroad. When using our services, we will recommend the best strategy based on your specific situation.
Mexican citizens and legal residents can sponsor spouses, children under 18, and parents under family unity provisions.
The type of residency depends on your relationship with the sponsor.
Spouses of Temporary Residents or Mexican citizens usually begin with Temporary Residency and may apply for Permanent Residency after two years.
Children or parents of a Permanent Resident may qualify directly for Permanent Residency.
Yes. In most cases, the sponsoring relative must show up in person at the immigration office when submitting the application.
Generally, financial solvency is not required when applying through family ties, but documentation proving the relationship is required.
Documents such as marriage certificates or birth certificates are required. Foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish.
