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 (2024-2025)
You must demonstrate economic solvency via ONE of these:
Option 1: Monthly income
- Minimum: ~$4,000 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: ~$70,000 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.
- Identify the Mexican consulate of your jurisdiction (by your US state) — see Mexican consulates directory
- Schedule an appointment via MexiTel (1-877-MEXITEL) or online
- Gather documents
- Attend the appointment — typical duration 30-60 minutes
- 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:
- At the airport, declare you’re coming to exchange visa for residency
- You receive Multiple Migration Form (FMM) marked “Exchange”
- Within 30 days go to an INM office to exchange
- Documents in Mexico: FMM exchange form, fee receipt (~$5,000 pesos), photo
- 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
Related information
Official source: Instituto Nacional de Migración
Last verified: 2026-05-25.
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.
Related procedural information
- USCIS Form I-407 — abandonment of LPR status — formal renunciation procedure
- IRS tax obligations as a US citizen abroad — citizens file regardless of residence
- Social Security totalization agreements — avoiding double SS coverage
- Find an international tax attorney — for renunciation and exit-tax cases
- Consulate of your destination country — pre-departure documentation
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General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.