Live in Mexico Legally: The Residente Temporal Route
Mexico's Residente Temporal is the standard long-stay route for remote workers: income or savings-based, renewable for up to 4 years, and a gateway to permanent residency.
Who this is for
- Remote workers and freelancers wanting to live in Mexico City, Oaxaca, or Mérida
- North-American-based nomads who want US time-zone alignment
- Those seeking a 4-year renewable residency with a path to permanency
- Retirees and self-employed individuals meeting income or savings requirements
Mexican government fees (~$48 consular + ~$250 in-country card) are paid separately.
Apply for Mexico ResidencyWhat's included
- Consulate interview preparation and document checklist
- Income vs. savings route assessment ($4,300/month income OR $73,000 savings)
- Application forms and supporting document review
- Canje (in-Mexico card exchange) guidance within 30 days of arrival
- Dashboard tracking throughout
How it works
Consulate appointment
Interview at a Mexican consulate in your home country.
Visa stamped in passport
Valid for 6 months to travel to Mexico.
Arrival and Canje
Within 30 days of entry, you exchange the visa stamp for a resident card at an INM office.
Annual renewals
Card renewed annually up to 4 years total, then permanent residency eligible.
Frequently asked questions
What is the income requirement for Mexico's Residente Temporal?
Approximately $4,300/month (based on 300× Mexico's daily minimum wage) demonstrated over 6 months, OR approximately $73,000 in savings (12 months of statements). Exact amounts adjust with the minimum wage annually.
Do I need to visit a consulate first?
Yes. The Residente Temporal visa is issued by a Mexican consulate in your home country. You cannot convert a tourist stamp to a resident card inside Mexico.
What is the Canje?
The Canje is the in-country exchange – within 30 days of arriving in Mexico, you visit an INM (immigration) office to trade your consular visa stamp for a physical resident card (tarjeta de residencia).
Will I become a Mexican tax resident?
Spending 183+ days in Mexico in a calendar year or establishing your primary home there can create Mexican tax residency. Consult a Mexican tax professional for your specific situation.
Is there a path to permanent residency?
Yes. After 4 years on the Residente Temporal, you are eligible to apply for Residente Permanente.
Ready to get started?
Fixed price, real-time tracking, and expert handling, from first document to final approval.
Apply for Mexico Residency