How to do your immigration procedures for Mexico from abroad 🛂

Thinking of moving to Mexico but don't know where to start? Relax! We know that immigration procedures for Mexico can seem like a maze, but with this updated guide for 2025 we'll show you the clear path to legally migrate to Mexico from anywhere in the world. Here you will discover the most common types of visas, documents you should have ready from your country, specific recommendations by nationality, common mistakes to avoid, and how MIGRALAW can accompany you throughout the process to make your dream of living in Mexico a reality.

What are immigration procedures for Mexico? 📋

Immigration procedures for Mexico are all legal procedures that a foreigner must perform in order to enter, remain or reside legally in Mexican territory. These processes are regulated by the National Immigration Institute (INM) and can be carried out either at Mexican consulates abroad or within the country, depending on the type of request and the particular situation of the applicant.

Comparison: Processing at Consulate vs. Processing in Mexico

Types of visas available to live in Mexico ✈️

Mexico offers multiple immigration options depending on your personal, professional or family situation. Knowing the differences is key to choosing the right option.

Temporary Residence 📅 2.

Ideal if you wish to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days and up to 4 years. You can obtain it due to a job offer, economic solvency, family relationship (spouse, child, parents) or studies. It is renewable and allows you to work with authorization.

2. Permanent Residence 🏠

For those who have lived in Mexico for several years or have direct family ties to Mexicans.

• Grants the same rights as Mexicans (except the right to vote).
• No renewal required
• Allows working without restrictions

Visitor's Visa without Work Permit 🎒 3.

Allows you to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days. It does not authorize employment, but is useful for initial explorations, extended tourism or volunteer activities.

4. Visitor Visa with Work Permit 💼.

Perfect for temporary jobs, specific projects or short-term professional activities. Valid for up to one year and renewable under certain conditions.

Documents that you must prepare in your country 📑

Basic documentation required

1. Valid passport 📘
   • With at least 6 months of validity
   • Blank pages available for stamps
2. Apostilled birth/marriage certificates 📜
3. Bank receipts (last 6-12 months) 💰
4. Labor offer letter signed by Mexican employer 📄
5. Apostilled criminal record
   • Issued by competent authorities
   • Not older than 6 months
   • Translated into Spanish by an authorized expert

Step-by-step process to legally migrate 🛤️

Option 1: Professional Service with MIGRALAW

Option 2: Manual Process (Not Recommended)

If you decide to do the process on your own, you should follow these basic steps, although the risk of errors and delays is considerably higher.

1. Research specific requirements by consulate
2. Collect and apostille documents
3. Schedule an appointment at the Mexican Consulate
4. Submit application and documents
5. Wait for resolution and travel to Mexico

Detailed costs of the migratory process 💰

Official government costs

• Visa application at consulate: $54 USD
• Temporary Resident Card: $5,570 MXN
• Permanent residence card: $6,789 MXN
• Temporary Residency Renewal: $5,570 to $12,529 MXN

Additional costs to consider

• Apostille of documents: $50-$200 USD per country
• Official translations: $25-$50 USD per document
• Official photographs: $10-$20 USD
• Transportation and handling: $100-$300 USD

Estimated total cost: $600-$1,500 USD (depending on type of residency and country of origin)

Exclusive benefits of migrating legally 🌟

Guarantees of legal certainty

• Full legal protection in Mexican territory
• Access to public health services
• Right to work formally

Long-term competitive advantages

• Possibility of obtaining Mexican nationality
• Access to bank loans and financing
• Unrestricted freedom of movement

Estimated times and important factors ⏰

Average process times

• Document preparation: 2-6 weeks
• Consular processing: 15-30 business days
• Card redemption in Mexico: 30 business days

Factors that may affect timing

• High season at consulates (December-January, July-August)
• Completeness and quality of the documentation submitted
• Country of origin and existing bilateral agreements
• Type of visa requested and complexity of the case

Frequent mistakes that can ruin your process ⚠️

Documentation errors 📄

Planning errors 📅

• ❌ Failure to verify specific consulate requirements.
• ❌ Underestimating processing times.
• ❌ Do not consider peak application season.

Errors in legal strategy 🎯

• ❌ Choosing the right visa type for your situation.
• ❌ Entering as a tourist without a regularization plan.
• ❌ Relying on uncertified migration managers or "coyotes".

Why choose MIGRALAW for your immigration process? 🏆

MIGRALAW is a specialized firm 100% focused on immigration processes for foreigners who wish to legally settle in Mexico. Our team of certified attorneys has more than 10 years of experience and we have helped more than 5,000 families realize their dream of living in Mexico.

Our experience backs us up

• More than 5,000 successful cases prosecuted
• 10+ years of experience in Mexican immigration law
• Equipment certified by the National Migration Institute
• Presence in Mexico's main cities

Personalized integral service

• Virtual consulting available from any country
• On-site accompaniment in Mexico
• Pre-review of documents prior to submission
• Legal representation before immigration authorities
• Post-arrival follow-up for full integration
• Personalized service in Spanish, English and Portuguese

Our exclusive warranties

"Thanks to MIGRALAW, my family and I were able to obtain our permanent residency in Mexico in record time. Their professionalism and dedication turned a process that seemed impossible into a smooth and successful experience. I recommend their services 100%." - Carmen Rodriguez, Venezuelan family settled in Playa del Carmen.

Frequently asked questions about migration to Mexico ❓

Can I change visa type once I am in Mexico?

It depends on the type of visa you have. Some can be changed within the country (such as from temporary to permanent), but others require consular processing. Our lawyers evaluate each specific case.

Do I need to speak Spanish to obtain a Mexican visa?

It is not a legal requirement to obtain a visa, but it greatly facilitates integration and some local procedures. MIGRALAW offers basic legal Spanish courses for our clients.

Can I work legally with a tourist visa in Mexico?

No. To work legally you need a temporary residency visa with permission to work, or permanent residency. Working on a tourist visa can result in deportation.

How much money do I need to prove in order to obtain residency based on financial solvency?

By 2025, you need to demonstrate monthly income of (~$75,400 MXN) for temporary residency, (~$150,000 MXN) for permanent. The amounts are updated annually and may vary.

Is it possible to obtain Mexican nationality as a foreigner?

Yes, after 2-5 years of temporary or permanent residency depending on your particular case. The process includes a Mexican history and culture test.

What happens if my visa application is rejected?

You can reapply by correcting the reasons for rejection. MIGRALAW offers free rejection analysis to identify the causes and develop a new strategy.

Do apostilled documents have an expiration date?

They are generally valid for 5 years, depending on the type of document and consulate. We recommend starting the process as soon as they are apostilled.

Can I include my family in my residency application?

Yes, spouse and minor children can be included as economic dependents. Each family member must meet specific documentation requirements.

Your new life in Mexico is just a step away 🌅

Migrating legally to Mexico does not have to be a complicated, costly or uncertain process. With the right information, the right documents and professional legal accompaniment, you can make your dream of living in one of the most welcoming and prosperous countries in Latin America a reality. Mexico is waiting for you with job opportunities, exceptional quality of life, incomparable cultural richness and the warmth of its people. All you need to do is take the first step legally and safely. Are you ready to begin your immigration process with the confidence that everything will go smoothly?

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute specific legal advice. Mexican immigration law is subject to change without notice. For personalized legal advice regarding your particular situation, please consult with an attorney specializing in immigration law. MIGRALAW® is a registered trademark. All rights reserved 2025.