Mexico Temporary Resident Visa — complete guide

The Temporary Resident Visa is Mexico’s most popular option for American expats. Allows legal residence in Mexico for up to 4 years, with right to work (with additional permit), and can be converted to Permanent at expiration.

Financial requirements (2026)

How these figures are set (2026): since a July 2025 directive, Mexican consulates calculate solvency in UMA units (UMA 2026: $117.31 MXN/day) — temporary residency is 680× UMA monthly income or 11,460× UMA savings. Dollar equivalents shift with the exchange rate and vary 5-10% between consulates, so confirm the exact figure with your consulate before the appointment.

You must demonstrate economic solvency via ONE of these:

Option 1: Monthly income

  • Minimum: ~$4,400 USD/month net for the last 6 months
  • Shown via bank statements or pay stubs
  • Income can be from any source: salary, pension, rentals, dividends

Option 2: Savings / investments

  • Minimum: ~$74,000 USD in bank accounts or investments for the last 12 months
  • Shown via consistent bank statements
  • The money is NOT transferred to Mexico — only proven to exist

The process step by step

Step 1: Start at a Mexican consulate IN the US

Important: The Temporary Resident Visa is applied for at a Mexican consulate IN the US, NOT in Mexico.

  1. Identify the Mexican consulate of your jurisdiction (by your US state) — see Mexican consulates directory
  2. Schedule an appointment via MexiTel (1-877-MEXITEL) or online
  3. Gather documents
  4. Attend the appointment — typical duration 30-60 minutes
  5. If approved, they affix a visa sticker to your passport (valid 6 months to enter Mexico)

Step 2: Enter Mexico and exchange for residency card

After getting the sticker, you have 180 days to enter Mexico. Once in Mexico:

  1. At the airport, declare you’re coming to exchange visa for residency
  2. You receive Multiple Migration Form (FMM) marked “Exchange”
  3. Within 30 days go to an INM office to exchange
  4. Documents in Mexico: FMM exchange form, fee receipt (~$5,000 pesos), photo
  5. Process takes 2-4 weeks — receive Temporary Resident Card (validity 1, 2, or 3 years per request)

Cost summary

  • Consulate in US: ~$54 USD
  • Document apostille: $50-$150 USD
  • Exchange in Mexico: $5,000 MXN ($280 USD)
  • Total initial: ~$400-$600 USD

Official source: Instituto Nacional de Migración

Last verified: 2026-06-10.

General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.