Featured Posts

  • Mexican Financial Stereotypes

    The world over has stereotypical ideas about Mexico and particularly about Mexico's financial situation. Richard Fisher, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve in Dallas, thinks it ...

    Read More
  • Employment in Mexico

    Employment law in Mexico has its own set of rules and regulations that must be followed, whether you are a corporation, a small business or running a ...

    Read More
  • IVA Increase and Facturas

    On January 1, 2010, the amount of Mexico's Value Added Tax, called IVA, increased by one percent. Here's a quick take on how corporations should deal with ...

    Read More
  • Taxation in Mexico

    Taxes are confusing enough in your own country, let alone in a foreign country. Add to that the language difference, and you've got a recipe for confusion. ...

    Read More
  • Hiring and Firing Employees

    Employment law in Mexico has a set of rules you may not be familiar with if you previously ran a business in the USA or Canada. This ...

    Read More
  • Read More

    More
    • Page Views 342575

    How To Apply For a Mexican Resident Card For The First Time

    Updated March, 8 2021

    The following article outlines the necessary steps that must be taken by foreigners who intend to live in Mexico (for non-lucrative purposes) to obtain a temporary or permanent resident card for the first time.

    This process starts at a Mexican Consulate and finishes in Mexico by doing something called canje (exchange in English) at the Immigration Offices. Through the canje, foreigners who hold a Mexican VISA in their passports, granted by a Mexican consulate, apply at the Immigration Institute for a resident CARD of the same characteristics as the VISA given at the Consulate.

    Here is the detailed process divided in two main steps:

    REQUESTING VISA AT A MEXICAN CONSULATE

    Applying for the visa

    Submit the following documents:

    • Online form, which is available at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website www.sre.gob.mx as well as at any Mexican Consulate. This form must have the signature of the applicant. In case of minors, the person signing must be the parent or guardian.
    • Original and copy of passport or other valid identity and travel document.
    • One frontal picture (passport size, minimum: 3.2 cm x 2.6 and maximum: 3.9 cm x 3.1 cm) in color with white background. Applicant must not be wearing glasses or earrings in the photo and hair must be behind the ears. Pictures should be taken in a specialized photography studio. Polaroid or cellular phone pictures will not be accepted.
    • Payment of the VISA fees: 44 USD.

    If the foreigner is applying for a TEMPORARY RESIDENCY:

    • Original and copy of statements as proof of investments or statements of bank accounts with a monthly average balance equivalent to five thousand days of general minimum wage in Mexico (141.70 MXP for 2021), approximately $35,425 USD for the past twelve months (considering a rate of exchange of 20 pesos per US dollar).
      • OR
    • Original and copy of bank statements with a monthly income or pension (free of liens) greater than the equivalent of three hundred days of general minimum wage in Mexico (141.70 MXP for 2021), approximately $2,125.50 USD for the past six months (considering a rate of exchange of 20 pesos per US dollar).

    If the foreigner is applying for PERMANENT RESIDENCY:

    • Original and copy of statements as proof of investments or statements of bank accounts with a monthly average balance equivalent to twenty thousand days of general minimum wage in Mexico (141.70 MXP for 2021), approximately $141,700 USD for the past twelve months (considering a rate of exchange of 20 pesos per US dollar).
      • OR
    • Original and copy of documents showing that the applicant has a pension (free of liens) greater than the equivalent of five hundred days of general minimum wage in Mexico (141.70 MXP for 2020), approximately $3,542.50 USD for the past six months (considering a rate of exchange of 20 pesos per US dollar).

    It is worth mentioning that only pensioners can apply for the Permanent Resident VISA without having the Temporary Resident VISA first.

    Interview  

    In an interview with an officer of the Mexican Consulate, the applicant will be asked to provide information such as personal data, purpose of the trip and any other relevant.  During the interview, the officer will analyze the information and documents received and will authorize or deny the VISA.

    Printing the visa in the applicant’s passport

    The VISA will be issued within the following 10 working days and will be valid for 180 days and just for 1 entry to Mexico.  Once the applicant is in Mexico, he/she has 30 days to start the canje application as follows:

    REQUESTING YOUR RESIDENT CARD AT THE IMMIGRATION OFFICES

    Canje application

    Submit the following documents:

    • Online form, which is available at the Immigration Offices’ website https://www.inm.gob.mx/tramites/publico/estancia.html. This form must have the signature of the applicant. In case of minors, the person signing must be the parent or guardian.
    • Letter requesting the canje of the VISA.
    • Original and copy of the passport.
    • FMM form, provided at the port of entry, marked as canje for 30 days.
    • Formato básico (“basic form” in English), which can be downloaded here and filled out by the applicant: http://www.inm.gob.mx/complementos/FORMATO/Formato_Basico.pdf
    • Payment of Immigration fees:
      • TEMPORARY RESIDENT: $4,413 pesos (for one year) – The canje procedure only allows the applicant to obtain a one year resident card. The next year when the applicant renews it, he/she can request a 1, 2 or 3 years card.
      • PERMANENT RESIDENT: $5,379 pesos.

    NOTE: in order to make the payments, an Immigration officer will provide an E5 form to the applicant and with it the applicant can go to any bank to make the payment and then return to the Immigration office with the receipt.

    Follow the procedure

    Once the applicant has submitted at the Immigration Offices all the documents mentioned above, he/she will receive a document with two numbers (one is called “NUT” and other is called pieza) and a password; these numbers will help the applicant to follow up on his/her procedure online at: https://www.inm.gob.mx/tramites/publico/seguimiento-tramite.html

    The applicant can follow the status of his/her application and when a note saying Registre los datos para la expedición de su documento migratorio shows, that will mean that the canje has been approved.

    The time frame of this to happen is between 10 to 15 working days, starting from the day that the documents were submitted until the day of the approval.

    Appointment

    Once the procedure has been approved, the applicant must go the Immigration Offices to request an appointment. On the day of the appointment, the applicant must be at the Immigration Offices 10 minutes before and must bring 3 pictures as follow:

    Three color photos with white background, infant size (2.5 x 3 cm):

    • Two photos taken from the front.
    • One photo taken from the right profile.
    • Applicant must not be wearing glasses or earrings in the photo and hair must be behind the ears; wear dark color shirts; matte finish.
    • Pictures should be taken in a specialized photography studio. Polaroid or cellular phone pictures will not be accepted.

    In this appointment the applicant will sign some documents and have his/her fingerprints taken.

    Resident Card ready

    After the appointment, the card will be printed at the Immigration Offices and be ready for pick up between 1 – 20 days.

    At Yucatán Expatriate Services, we can advise you and/or assist you in this important process, which if done correctly, will keep you from going many times to the Immigration office and incurring additional expenses. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us: info@yucatanyes.com or +52 (999) 927 24 37.

    Share This Article

    New Immigration Fees for 2021

    957 Comments

    1. HJK
      February 21, 2014

      What are the financial requirements for a married couple?

    2. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 24, 2014

      HJK, one of them will need to prove the above requirements and for the economic dependant will need to show additionally:
      a) Savings/investment accounts with an average of 300 times the minimum wage in Mexico City; for 2014 is 67.29 pesos, for a total of 20,187 pesos or 1,550 USD approximately in the last 6 account statements, or
      b) Monthly income of 100 times the minimum wage in Mexico City; for 2014 is 67.29 pesos, for a total of 6,729 pesos or 520 USD approximately in the last 6 bank account statements.

    3. HJK
      February 24, 2014

      Thank you for your response!
      If all bank accounts are joint accounts, can these figures be combined.
      $104,550 savings/investments for married couple
      $2,620 monthly income for married couple

    4. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 24, 2014

      HJK, you´re welcome! Yes, that should work fine.

    5. Laurie
      March 2, 2014

      We are a family of 3. My husband has a monthly pension of $1700 USD and I have a monthly pension of $2500. We are guardians of a 6 year old. We have no debts and have approximately $60,000 in savings, plus have land assets in the US and in Belize.
      Do we qualify to apply for residency?
      Thank you for your response.

    6. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 6, 2014

      Laurie, you qualify but your husband doesn´t, since the minimum income required is 2,100 USD monthly. But both your husband and your son could qualify as temporary residents as your economic dependants once you get the temporary residency. You will just need to prove the relationships (marriage license and birth certificate), both documents with apostilles and translation to Spanish. If you are going to be moving to Yucatan, please contact us at info@yucatanyes.com so that we can assist you. Minimum savings to apply must be at least 100,000 USD and land assets in the US or Belize are not considered for Mexican residency.

    7. Lee
      April 18, 2014

      I have a average monthly income of $2,500 USD working as a independent web designer/digital marketing professional. If I wanted to rent a house or apartment in Mexico and work from a home office or rent a office in the same city what would the best option for me be regarding residency?

      Thank you,
      Lee

    8. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 23, 2014

      Lee, if you were retired you could apply for the permanent resident visa, because you have the sufficient monthly income, but since you are not, then you should apply for a temporary resident visa; for this one, you need to prove monthly income of at least 2,100 USD in your last 6 bank account statements.

    9. Lee Martinez
      April 26, 2014

      Thank you for your response to my question. I have another question, are there franchises in Mexico that are available to foreigners? I have a client who is a franchise broker and many of his clients are people who are semi-retired or fully retired but they want to keep working.

    10. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 12, 2014

      Lee, there must be franchises available to foreigners, as long as they have work permits and of course, as long as the requirements of the franchise allow it; but the Mexican Law does not prohibits it.

    11. wpcoe
      July 5, 2014

      Can one apply for a Residente Temporal or Residente Permanente Visa within Mexico while on a 180-day Tourist Visa? Or, must it be applied for and approved in one’s home country before entering Mexico?

      Is there a provision to combine investments + income, if one is short of both the US$2500/month income and US$130,000 investments for a Residente Permanente for a retiree?

      Can real estate be included in the US$130,000 or is it strictly brokerage account statements and bank account statements?

      Is any consideration given for reducing the income requirement if one owns a home in Mexico?

    12. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 21, 2014

      Wpcoe, you must apply for a Residente Temporal or Permanente visa at any Mexican Consulate abroad (it doesn´t have to be from your home country), but you can´t do it within Mexico.

      About your question if there is a provision to combine investments + income, the law does not give that option, but the criteria of the Mexican Consul will apply in these cases.

      Real Estate cannot be included in the US$130,000, it is only investments or savings account statements.

      There used to be the consideration of reducing the income requirement when owning real estate in Mexico with the former rules; the new rules do not consider it, again, the criteria of the Mexican Consul will apply. However, there is one option to apply for the temporary resident visa if you show investment in Real Estate for approx. US$400,000.

    13. Nicolas
      August 16, 2014

      Hi YES,

      I am french and on the way to request a temporary residence Visa, as my wife is mexican. I bought your eBook that is a great reference, but i would still have some questions:

      1) Do i need to apostillate and translate to spanish my french certificate of marriage? in the page 30 of the ebook, you mention that for such visa you need to provide a legal document issued by an authority of the applicant’s country of origin. But in the page 37 you mention all legal documents issued outside of mexico should have an apostille and be translated to a certified translator from each state. We expect to move to Jalisco, does it mean i need to find a translator there, to send him the certificate and wait for it to be back before going to the consulate in Paris? Does the certificate and apostille need to be issued in the last months?

      2) Regarding the economic solvency for such visa, you speak about documents showing i’m employed and was earning more than 520USD for the past six months. Do my last 6 month paychecks fit as such docs? As I’m leaving my french job in the next months to move to Mexico i felt that was a bit strange compared to bank saving for example.

      3) i understood this temp residence will not come with a work permit, until i find a job in mexico and request the permit as mentioned in page 41, right? I was hoping that would be easier to find a company to endorse me as we’re speaking about work permit and not a complete visa, what do tou think?

      Many thanks for your inputs and your valuable ebook
      Nicolas

    14. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 18, 2014

      Nicolas, we are glad that you found useful information in our e-book. Here are the answers to your questions:

      1) Yes you need to get the apostille for your marriage certificate. As for the translation, I suggest you to contact the Mexican Consulate, perhaps they can translate it there. When we mentioned each State requires translations from within the State is when you do the process at the Immigration offices in Mexico, but you will be doing it at a Consulate, which is different. The certificate and the apostille does not need to be from recent months.

      2) What you need to prove economic solvency are your last 6 bank account statements with the 520 USD income in them.

      3) Yes, it will be easier to get a work permit if you already have a temporary resident visa.

    15. Nancy
      August 20, 2014

      What are the visa requirements for a common law couple? Also is there an age requirement for a retirees?

    16. AlanG
      August 20, 2014

      Hola amigos,
      Soy muy contento con la información excelente q usted proporciona para guiarnos. Gracias¡! Pero, puedes dejarme:
      Are printed PDFs of bank statements acceptable to the Consulate as proof of income and financial assets? I only receive electronic copies now.

      I love your ebooks and even though I will be living in Puerto Morelos QRoo, I plan to use your services again for my business activity.

      Saludos,
      Alan

    17. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 21, 2014

      Nancy, the visa requirement is that you prove the common law union with a document provided by a local judge. There is no age requirement for retirees.

    18. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 21, 2014

      AlanG, we are happy that you find our website and ebooks to be helpful, thanks!

      About your question: unfortunately we cannot give you an accurate answer since each Consulate has its own criteria regarding the presentation of bank statements; please contact your local Consulate and ask if PDF versions are acceptable.

      Looking forward to working with you in the future!

    19. Marie Martin
      August 22, 2014

      Hola,
      Is the 10-15 business day window the max for the immigration to approve the procedure? I have been checking online for the status of my permanent resident card, and it just says ”sin resolucion’. Is that what changes once they approve the procedure. Muchas gracias

    20. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 27, 2014

      Marie Martin, based on each case, the INM can take an average of 4 to 8 weeks to approve a procedure. If you are in the 10-15 business days window, it is still a reasonable time. When they approve the procedure you´ll see online that it’ll say “presentarse a una oficina de INM” (present at an INM office).

    21. Sandra
      September 2, 2014

      Hola.. We are planning to move to the Yucatan in the next few months and I have a few questions that I am hoping you can help me with. My husband is Mexican and we were married in Mexico. We have applied for his visa in US and are awaiting approval for his visa but in the mean time want to live in the Yucatan. What is it that I need, being an American citizen and married to a Mexican citizen to live in the Yucatan.

      Thanks for you help.. Sandra

    22. Steve G
      September 24, 2014

      My wife and I have moved to Merida. We have applied for our 1 year temporary resident visa. We should have it any day.
      Once this year is up, do we need to do another 3 years or can we apply at that time for our permanent residency if we qualify financially?

    23. Steve G
      September 24, 2014

      ALso, we are retirees in our early 50s

    24. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 26, 2014

      Sandra, bring your marriage license so that you can request the temporary resident card in Yucatan. It is important that your name in the license matches your name in your passport. You will need to present this along with forms and letters at the Immigration Institute in Merida. If you want, we can help you with the application; please contact us at info@yucatanyes.com if you have further questions.

    25. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 26, 2014

      Steve G, you can apply for the permanent residency next year if you both are pensioners and qualify financially.

    26. Henry
      November 6, 2014

      Hello YES Employees:

      I hope you are having a great day and staying out of the rain. I had heard that the income requirements for Permanente had been reduced. Is this accurate?

    27. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 7, 2014

      Henry, the income requirements for permanent residency have not been reduced; what was reduced was the savings/investments requirement from 25,000 times the minimum wage to 20,000 times the minimum wage, which translates to usd approximately like this: from 129,000 USD to 103,000 USD monthly.

    28. November 12, 2014

      I have the visa printed in my passport from the Mexico Embassy. Once I arrive in Mexico, how long does the process take to complete? It is for a temporary residency visa.

      Thanks,
      Eddie Flores

    29. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 20, 2014

      Eddie, in the Immigration offices of the State of Yucatan it takes 4-6 weeks.

    30. anne
      November 29, 2014

      I am confused at how you arrived at your monthly income numbers.
      400 x 69whateveritwas = $26,916 mxn at the current exchange rate = $1,931.76usd
      1mxn=0.0718usd

      my current monthly income is $1,629/month. My house is paid for. Effectively for me, I have more than enough income to pay my US bills…your article is both confusing and the math doesn’t make sense. Smh.

    31. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      December 3, 2014

      Anne, we used the exchange rate of the date of the article, February 2014: 13.00 and rounded it up (400*67.29= 26,916/13: 2,070 USD and rounded it up to 2,100 USD, that is why it says this amount is approximate). At the current exchange rate the requirement would be around 1,900 USD. However, in October 2014 the income requirement went down, and instead of 400 minimum wages, Immigration is now asking for 300: 300*67.29: 20,187, at the current exchange rate it´d be 1,450 USD monthly approximately. If you can show income for the last 6 months with at least that amount, you´d be elegible for temporary residency.

    32. Terry
      December 13, 2014

      I just received my temporary visa from my Mexican consulate what is needed when I go to my immigration office in Cozumel. I have property in Cozumel do I need to bring my financial papers which I took to my Mexican consulate?

    33. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      December 16, 2014

      Terry, no, you don´t need to show your financial information again at the Immigration office in Cozumel, just your passport with your visa, your FMM, an online form, a letter in Spanish, pictures and payment of your resident card. If you need assistance, contact us at info@yucatanyes.com

    34. Alan G
      December 16, 2014

      I to thanks you for very helpful and free guidance here on this blog and by email. I needed help understanding the requirements for both residency and for bringing personal property into the country (Canje). You were accurate all the way and I sailed through obtaining my visa residencia permanente (30 day) at the Detroit consulate.

      Having arrived on 30/11 and with closure of federal offices on Friday 20/12 until after the New Year, I am short on time to prepare for my appointment at INM Cancun. (I was also quite I’ll for 4 days.) If I ask for an extension, am I likely to get it? Or should I just do everything I can to be fully prepared?

      Also I have been told that INM Cancun is not likely to have English-speaking officials? My Spanish is beginning level. Would you advise me to take a native Mexican friend to assist? I am running out of time. Muchas gracias y saludos.

    35. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      December 19, 2014

      Alan, we are glad you have found useful information on our website. Unfortunately, we don´t think you´ll be able to get an extension, our advice is that you show up tomorrow and bring the papers you have so that the process starts on time; if then something is missing they´ll request it. If you could take a friend who speaks Spanish, that will help you.

    36. John
      February 13, 2015

      Dear Yucatan Expatriate Services,
      I have been Reading through your information and finding it really useful. I am UK, British man who recently got married and my wife is Mexican. I am trying to sort out where me and my wife would live and work, therefore we are looking to do my temporary one year residency in Mexico first.
      However, my birth certificate, Passport and marriage documents to not all match each other, as I have a long name (6 names in total). I believe the problem is that not all my names fit on my Passport but I am not totally sure that is the only problem. I understand neither The Mexico or The British, UK embassies are allowed to contact each to discuss residency issues. Do you have a solution to suggest? Thanks for your support!
      John

    37. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 16, 2015

      John, what you need to do is get an Affidavit from your country of origin, stating that the 3 names (the one in your birth certificate, the one in your passport and the one in your marriage document) belong to the same person. The Affidavit should have the apostille and then it should be translated to Spanish by a certified translator authorized by the Immigration office of the State in Mexico where you´re planning to live.

    38. HJK
      March 7, 2015

      I realize that some recent changes have been made to the requirements for residency. I have a few questions:

      Is it still required that one be a ‘pensioner’ in order to obtain permanent residency status?

      If my husband, who is retired (I am not), obtains his permanent residency. As his spouse, could this enable my ability to get permanent residency. Or will I only qualify for temporary?

      What are the options for owning (importing or purchasing in Mexico) a car in relation to temporary or permanent residency status?

      Thanks so much for your assistance!

    39. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 9, 2015

      HJK, yes, it is still required to be a pensioner to obtain permanent resident status; if your husband obtains permanent residency, as his spouse, you could get temporary residency for 2 years and then become a permanent resident. If you are a permanent resident you cannot import a foreign plated vehicle. If you are a temporary or permanent resident you can purchase and register a car in Mexico.

    40. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 13, 2015

      Cindy, we asked today at the INM offices and yes, your same-sex marriage certificate will be valid in Yucatan. A 500 USD monthly income is what you need to prove. Canada does not issue apostilles, instead you must go to a Mexican Consulate there and get a legalization of your marriage certificate; the translation can be done in Merida. If you need assistance for your visa process, we´d be happy to help you! We don´t know of a Canadian expat association in Merida, but there is a large Canadian community living at the beach (Chelem and Chuburna mostly); you can log on to YoListo.com, which is a forum where expats living in Yucatan share their experiences and ask if there´s an specific association of Canadians at the beach. Good luck!

    41. Rolex
      March 30, 2015

      Hello,

      Thank you for creating this valuable website. I am a 29 years old Haitian citizen. I have a total of $USD 130,000 in my checking account and checking account combined. Will I be qualified for the permanent resident card (not the temporary one)?

      Also, is there any travel restriction to people with the status of permanent resident.

      Thank you!

    42. Rolex
      March 30, 2015

      *checking account and saving account combined.

    43. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 30, 2015

      Rolex, to qualify for permanent residency the main requirement – along with the financial information- is that the applicant is a pensioner. The applicatn must prove retirement with the letter from social security. As for your other question, no, there are not travel restrictions with the permanent resident status.

    44. April 18, 2015

      We are currently residing in Ecuador (although US citizens) and are considering Mexico as an alternative next year. We are both retired, my husband has more than enough pension to qualify but I come in at $2482.87 monthly in pension income. Does this mean I would have to come in as his dependent? We prefer to not do this since if something happens to him, I would lose my visa (I’m assuming, since that is what would happen in Ecuador).

    45. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 27, 2015

      DB McNicol, you could apply on your own for a temporary resident visa, which requests monthly income of 1,500 USD. After 4 years with it, you can claim permanent resident status.

    46. lesley buckerfield
      May 14, 2015

      Hello YES.
      My hubby and I have our 1-Year Temporary Resident Cards. These cards expire in June, so we plan to start the re-application process soon. We want to apply for the 3 year card.
      Can you tell us what to expect when we go back to our local INM office (Chetumal). Will we need new bank statements, new photos etc?
      Thank you for the thorough and informative service you provide.

    47. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 14, 2015

      Hi Lesley, for the renewal process you don´t need to show bank statements again; new photos yes. You will also need to provide the online form and the letter in Spanish requesting the extension for 3 years and doing the payment of 6,678 pesos each. Good luck!

    48. Henry
      May 30, 2015

      Hello YES.
      I love that you provide such a huge volume of content for free on your site. It really shows that your paid services must be enormously valuable.
      I have a question about the transition from temporal to permanente and a request for advice about choosing temporal.
      If I hold a temporal for one year, can I change this to permanente after the first year or must I wait until the 4 years are completed?

      My only reason for considering temporal is to be able to drive my US-plated vehicle into Mexico. Does it make more sense to immediately apply for permanente and purchase a vehicle in Yucatan instead?

      Thank you so much for your opinion.

    49. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 5, 2015

      Henry, we love that you love it! Thank you for your kind comments. Answering your questions: if you hold a temporary for one year, yes you can change it to permanent after the first year, provided you fulfill the economic requirements and proving you are retired. But yes, like you well say, if you change to permanent you will need to take your US-plated vehicle out of Mexico. You should do a balance of what is more cost-effective for you, applying for a 3 year temporary residency will cost you 6,678 pesos; applying for permanent now will cost you 5,413 pesos, just to give you an idea. Plus the expenses to take your car out of the country and buying a new one with Yucatan plates instead. If you would like to set up an appointment to discuss your options you can contact us at info@yucatanyes.com

    50. Rodrigo Ad
      June 5, 2015

      Hello YES, thanks for all this info! I will be moving to Mexico soon and have some questions related to the residency process.

      1 – The permanent residency is the only one that allows someone to work or open own business right? If I apply for a temporary residency, then it means I need a job offer first to apply for a work permit, and that permit is associated to the company, correct?

      2 – If 1 above is correct, then I would like to apply for a permanent residency. I can give proof of savings required (more than MXN 1,401,000) right away but can not prove income of MXN 35,050/month. Can I still apply for the permanent residency based on investments?

      3 – For the permanent residency, does it need to be family reunion or humanitarian reasons or can it be a permanent pensionado?

      4 – I am only 30 years old, will be 31 soon. If I apply under pensionado because of the investments I have but get a permanent residency, that still allows me to work? Or is there a minimum age requirement for a pensionado?

      5 – My spouse (we are married) has family in Mexico, uncle, aunt, two cousins. Does that help us in any way, shape of form?

      6 – If I am approved for a permanent residency, is my spouse also approved under same and allowed to work like myself?

      Thanks so much!
      Rodrigo

    51. Laurie Broome
      June 7, 2015

      Hello,
      I have a temporary resident card, my first year. To renew to a year temporary or a permanent residency, do I need all the same paperwork as getting a card for the first time or do I just bring my card and pay the fee? Also, I will be arriving a couple weeks after my card expires but I understand I have a 55 day grace period. Will I need additional paperwork for that?
      Once again, thank you. Your service has been invaluable to us.

    52. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 10, 2015

      Rodrigo, both the temporary and the permanent residency allow someone to work or open a business but temporary residents need to request a work permit first and permanent residents are granted with such permit just by being permanent residents. You can´t apply for permanent residency unless you are retired and you must show proof of being retired. In your case and because of your age, you must apply for temporary residency for 1 year, then when you renew you can opt for 1, 2 or 3 years and once you have finished 4 years with temporary status, you will become a permanent resident, regardless of if you are retired or not. Your wife´s family being Mexican won´t help you become permanent resident, since it must be someone Mexican related to you directly. Your wife could go for the permanent but only if she had Mexican parents or siblings, not aunts, uncles or cousins, sorry! If you have other questions or concerns, you can contact us at info@yucatanyes.com

    53. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 10, 2015

      Laurie, you´re welcome! To renew as temporary resident you won´t need to show bank statements, but you will need to present at the INM the online form, the letter in Spanish requesting the renewal, your current card, copy of passport and yes, pay the fee. If you want to change to permanent status, then you must submit bank statements and these must be translated to Spanish by certified translator, approved by the INM. If your card expires while you are abroad, yes, you have 55 days to return to Mexico and once in Mexico, you have 5 days to start the process. Let us know if you need our assistance! Contact us at info@yucatanyes.com

    54. lesley buckerfield
      June 10, 2015

      Hi YES,
      I wrote to you on May 14 with questions and you answered immediately. They required everything you advised us to bring ie: the online form and the letter.
      Thank you!

      We live in Quintana Roo, and our INM office is in Chetumal. To renew for our 3 Year Temp Res cards, we also had to show bank statements for 3 months, translated into Spanish. They also gave us a photocopied page, sort of a statement, that had blank spaces on it. The blank spaces were for our names, plus the NUE numbers off the front and back of our 1 Year Temp Res Cards, plus our passport information. We could not just fill in the blanks and return the sheet of paper to them. We were told we had to re-type the statements, print them out and bring them back.

      I guess different offices have different procedures.

    55. anne
      June 11, 2015

      So I know I qualify for a temp visa. I am retired too. But would the temporary visa allow me to travel back to Florida or must I stay in Mexico. I still have a house here and may need to come back for family things. thanks.

      And where can I find info on brining in my cat?

    56. Nicolas
      June 12, 2015

      Hi YES,

      Thanks to your super e-book I could request a Temporary Residence VISA for family unit, and I’m on my way for the CANJE process those days. You just bring an outstanding added value to us, so I had to sincerly thank you.

      That beeing said, I was hoping this Temporary Residence VISA would greatly simplify the obtention of a work permit and my job search, but I started to doubt. Your eBook explains in its section “Getting a job in Mexico” that in order to request a permission to work for a company, temporary residents need to provide the original letter with the job offer and the proof of its registration in the “constancia de inscripcion de empleador” with the last tax payment proofs.

      Unfortunately, the companies I have contacted until now in my field (software companies in GDL) told me they do not endorse strangers because of the costs and time wastes in that process. So at the end I feel my temporary residence VISA doesn’t help me at all compared to someone who wouldn’t hold any VISA and who would be looking for an invitation letter… I was hoping to find some arguments to explain that it should be more easy (or less costly) as I already have a VISA and just need the work permit..but is that true at all?

      Also, if they keep refusing me, I guess the other way would be to install as freelance or to create a structure to request the work permit followed by the request of a Tax ID to the SAT, as explained in your note page 42. Does this Tax ID only allow me to work for myself, or can I also employ mexican citizens? Also, if some time after becoming freelance with a valid work permit and Tax ID, I’m looking for a job in a company, would they still need to declare me at INM with the “constancia de empleador” and all those stuffs, or could I just get employed…quite easily as a mexican citizen would be?

      Again, many thanks for your help,
      Nicolas

    57. kim
      June 18, 2015

      hi , thank you for the great information. we are a British couple, may I confirm that we are able to initiate the process of obtaining a temporary residence visa at a Mexican consulate in the USA. (we are currently traveling the US on visitors visa). also may I confirm that as common law married, we need to get a judge (in the USA) to verify the relationship and get the document translated into Mexican. kind regards.

    58. Nancy
      June 19, 2015

      I have just received my temporale visa stamp from the Mexican consulate. I understand that i need to submit a letter in spanish requesting my visa card at INM. Is there a special format for this letter? What does it need to day?
      Thank You

    59. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 22, 2015

      Lesley, sorry for not being so immediate this time in replying back! Thank you for sharing this information with us and our readers, as you well put it, different INM offices from different states may have different procedures and the requirements may vary depending on the “Delegado”´s criteria.

    60. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 22, 2015

      Anne, yes, the temporary visa will allow you to travel back to Florida as many times as you wish, you don´t have to stay in Mexico. Here you can find info. on bringing your cat: http://www.senasica.gob.mx/?Idioma=2&id=623

    61. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 22, 2015

      Nicolas, we sincerely appreciate your words; we are more than happy to know we can help expats relocate to our country! About your questions: yes, it is true that if you already have temporary residency in Mexico, for the company it´d take them less time to hire you and you can do the work permit procedure on your own, you don´t need them to request it for you since you already live in the country. You just need that they provide their “constancia de empleador”, job offer letter and last tax payment and you´ll take care of the rest. About your other question, if you get your Tax ID you can work for yourself and/or hire other employees. If you change activity, from being a freelance worker to employed by a company, you need to notify Immigration providing the company´s “constacia de empleador” and the other documents. If you have further questions, you can contact us at info@yucatanyes.com

    62. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 22, 2015

      Kim, yes you can iniatiate the process of getting a Mexican visa at a Mexican Consulate in the US, you just need to prove your legal stay in the US since you are from another country. If each of you is applying on your own, not depending financially on the other, there is no need to prove the common law marriage. If on the other hand, one of you will be economic dependent of the other, that is, one of you can´t prove sufficient economic resources for the resident visa, then yes, a judge should verify the relationship. About the document being translated to Spanish, that is something thay may or may not be requested by the officer at the Consulate, since it depends on their criteria. If you were applying in Mexico, you´d definitely need translation to Spanish.

    63. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 22, 2015

      Nancy, there is no special format as long as the letter specifies the type of visa you got at the Consulate, the number of such visa and that you are requesting the “canje” for the temporary resident card. You should also state your address in Mexico, the date of the letter and you should sign just like in your passport. At some Immigration offices they even let you present such letter handwritten after an officer has helped you telling you what to write. If you need our assistance to write the letter and fill out the online form you can contact us at info@yucatanyes.com

    64. Nancy
      June 23, 2015

      Thank you- I was looking at the online form i did not see a section to indicate common law marriage- is it union libre?

    65. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 24, 2015

      Nancy yes, it falls in Union Libre.

    66. July 7, 2015

      Hi we’re in the process of getting our temporary residence visa. We had to leave the country whilst the application is in process. We got our travel letter in Puerto Vallarta and had it stamped on our exit. My question is when we return do we have to take the stamped exit/entry document back to the same INM office (Puerto Vallarta) or can we submit it to a different INM office (Melaque) as this is where we originally started the visa process. We couldn’t get the travel letter done in Melaque originally as the Principal of the office was on vacation so they told us to go to the Puerto Vallarta INM office for the travel letter.
      Also once our finger prints have been taken & we sign the card are we able to get a representative to pick it up the visa for us and send them to us in Canada or do we have to pick them up personally, we have commitments in Canada and need to return again before the visa will be ready for us to pick up.
      We’re so far through the process we want to make sure we do everything correct. Thank you for your blog it’s full of great information!

    67. Michael
      July 8, 2015

      I am currently in PDC on tourist visa and will return to US soon to get temp resident visa. I hope to start my own company and eventually get a work permit. Can I start a company with a Temp Res Visa SIN permiso de trabajar. I have heard that once I start a company I can get a work permit to do whatever I want (if stated in the business model of the company). Is that true? Also is it true that with a work permit on a temp res visa that one CANNOT have a foreign plated car in Mexico. Also do you know if Quitana Roo is a free zone in terms or temp vehicle permits?

      Thanks, Michael

    68. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 9, 2015

      Michelle, we´d say you must present it at the same INM office where it was issued, but since your resident card process is in Melaque, they should take your exit permit too, so that they acknowledge you are back. Once your fingerprints are taken and you sign your cards, you are not going to be able to fly out of Mexico because you won´t have your cards yet, you´d need new exit permits and the cards will only be given to you or a representative until you present the exit permits stamped with your return date.

    69. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 9, 2015

      Michael, yes you can incorporate with a temp visa sin permiso para trabajar, but you will need to apoint Mexicans or non-Mexicans with work permits to act on behalf of the corporation until you get your work permit. Yes, it is true that temp residents with work permits cannot have foreign plated vehicles in Mexico. And yes, Quintana Roo is a free zone, let´s say you bring the foreign plated vehicle with your temp card sin permiso para trabajar and then you get the work permit, you´d be able to keep it there as long as you don´t drive it out of Quintana Roo.

    70. Sharry
      July 16, 2015

      I am applying for temporary residency. Do I need to go to Mexico within 180 days after it is approved at the US Mexican Consulate? How much time do I need to plan to be in Mexico to procure my visa?

    71. Robbin Del Nagro
      July 17, 2015

      My husband and 90 year old mother are planning to move to Mexico at the end of October. I have poa for my mother. We each meet the financial criteria for temporary resident visa. The nearest consulate is five hours away. Can just one of us apply for all three persons or do we all have to travel to the consulate? Also do we have to wait there the ten days for it to be approved or can someone else pick up our docs and mail to us?

    72. Terri
      July 24, 2015

      I just read your post above from December 9, 2014 to Terry (not me) saying that one does not need to show their financial information again at the Immigration office when they apply for the permanent residency card – that they only need to show the passport with the temporal visitante visa, the FMM, an online form, a letter in Spanish, pictures and payment of the resident card. Now, this being eight months later, does this still apply? And what is an FMM?

    73. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 28, 2015

      Sharry, once the temporary resident visa is issued by the Mexican Consulate you have 180 days to come to Mexico for the 2nd part of the process. Once in Mexico, it depends of each Immigration office how long it takes them to issue the resident card. Just to give you an idea, in Merida, they take 4-6 weeks. But if you can´t stay for that long, you can request an exit permit, which is good for 60 days; in the meantime, your application continues.

    74. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 28, 2015

      Robbin, as far as we know, the applicant must personally request the visa, but you could ask at the Consulate for a special concession for your mother because of her age and the fact that they are 5 hours away. You must pick up your passports with your visas personally as well.

    75. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 28, 2015

      Terri, what we were explaining Terry on that post was that he did not have to show financial information for the “canje” process he was going to start, the FMM was the migratory form he was going to get when he came to Mexico. However, it also applies that you don´t have to show financial information if after 4 years of temporary residency you request permanent residency.

    76. Lise
      August 3, 2015

      We have entered Mexico and started the process of turning our FMM into the actual visa temporal.

      Technological hiccup: I entered the data for the online forms for my husband and myself, entered into my phone the ID# and password for going back in to print them… and the ID and password have disappeared from my phone.

      Is there a way to recover this information from the INM site? My Spanish is decent, but I haven’t found an answer on the site.

      Plus, it turns out that I was told the wrong zip code for my current residence (off by one digit). I’m guessing that means I should start the process over.

      If you have any insights, I’d very much appreciate hearing them.

    77. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 3, 2015

      Lise, you can just start all over; the online form won´t be valid for the “canje” process until you physically submit it at the Immigration office, so the one you previously filled out won´t interfere with the new one (also, there is no way to modify incorrect data so if you supplied your zip code wrong, you will have to do a new one again any way).

    78. Terra
      August 4, 2015

      Hello, I’m a U.S. Citizen married to a Mexican citizen we were married in Colorado. He is there in Mexico and I will move there to live how do I get the proper visa to stay in Mexico?

    79. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 5, 2015

      Terra, you must go to the Immigration office of the State where your domicile in Mexico is located and present the request to change status from tourist to temporary residency by family unit. Along with forms and letters the most important documents you must present are your marriage certificate with the apostille and translation into Spanish and your husband´s identification as a Mexican citizen (voter´s card, passport or birth certificate).

    80. Lise
      August 6, 2015

      Thanks so much for the speedy reply! Now if I can just remember that “primer apellido” is my LAST name. 😀

    81. Dan
      August 6, 2015

      Hi,
      I’m interested in applying for temporary residency.
      Can you clarify how income is determined from bank statements? Do they just look at the monthly deposits? Or, do I also need to bring W-2’s / paystubs? I am self-employed.

      Is that amount still $1500/mo.? Does owning property in Mexico affect these figures?

      Also, if I renew in 1 year, it is true that I do not need to show proof of income at that time?

    82. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 6, 2015

      Dan, bank statements are enough, they will look for monthly income of approximately 1,500 USD in each (although based on the exchange rate these days, it could go as low as 1,350 USD). If you would like to apply by showing you own a property in Mexico, this must be worth at least 2,804,000 MXP (approximately 175,250 USD). When you renew, if you do it before the expiration date, you won´t have to show financial information again.

    83. Elijah
      August 7, 2015

      Receive $1334 usd per month in pension and $1000 per month from rental property income. Total $2334. Enough for temp residency permit? I am 30yrs old, is age any issue? Looking to live in Mexico long term,+4-5years.. Thank you much.

    84. Terra
      August 11, 2015

      Thank you for the information , I have one more question maybe you can help. Where do I get the apostille translated? Can it be translated in Mexico some where? We are in Puebla Tehuacan. Thank you so very much for your time and help!

    85. Cathy
      August 12, 2015

      My husband and I are planning to retire to Mexico in October this year. We are both over 50 and have a combined pension of $8,500.00USD per month. One has $3,500.00 and the other $5,000.00. The pensions are from military retirement, VA disability, and Social Security Disability
      After trying numerous times to set an appointment, we drove to the Mexican Consulate in Dallas to apply for permanent residence. We were told that they have never issued a permanent resident visa and that we had to have $100,000.00 in the bank proven by banks statements. When we tried to describe our pensions, we were told that Social Security payments did not count because Mexico does not have a similar system. We gave up and went home. We are traveling to the Mexican Consulate in Little Rock, AR next week. At least the gave us an appointment this time. Any response or advice would be appreciated.

    86. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 14, 2015

      Elijah, yes, the 2,334 USD income is enough for the temporary resident visa, as the minimum requested is 1,500 USD for the last 6 months. Age is not an issue.

    87. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 14, 2015

      Terra, yes you must get the apostille translated in Mexico by a certified translator authorized by the Immigration office in Puebla. Request the Immigraton officers to provide you with the list of authorized translators so you can contact one of them.

    88. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 15, 2015

      Cathy, the Immigration Law states that a person can apply for permanent residency if he/she can show either income of at least 2,500 USD from pension OR savings of at least 100,000 USD for the last year. As far as we know, you and your husband complied with the income requirement; we just believe your request was received by someone who did not understand or who was not informed well of the requirements. We hope you have better luck at the Consulate in Little Rock!

    89. Nancy
      August 19, 2015

      We have just completed our submission to the INM office in Merida and received the following notification Registre los datos para la expedición de su documento migratorio. Do we have to go to the INM office to request and appointment? Where is the best place in centro to get our pictures?

      Thank you

    90. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 20, 2015

      Nancy, yes, you have to go to the INM office to request an appointment. In centro you can go to a photo studio named “Guido”, the address is calle 65 between 62 and 64 # 517.

    91. Cathy
      August 21, 2015

      Update to my earlier post. We went to Liitle Rock Mexican Consulate. A completely different experience than we had in Dallas. They simply asked for our application, passport with copy, one passport photo, and proof of our income. Within an hour we were getting photos and given the permanent resident approved application cards. As proof of income, we provided a year of bank statements along with six months of pay statements from military retirement and VA disability. I appreciate the work you do on this site. Very helpful.

    92. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 21, 2015

      Cathy, thank you for the update! We are very happy for you.

    93. August 22, 2015

      This was really helpful; thanks! Most folks only talk about the $26K temporary option, but the people we know at the consulate here speak of the $100K option as being better.

    94. Nikhil
      August 24, 2015

      Hi,

      I am a citizen of India and my wife is a citizen of Canada. We are both US green card holders and live in the US. I am 34 years old and my wife is 31 years old.

      We have sufficient funds to meet the financial requirements.

      Can we qualify for the permanent residency program as we wish to move to Mexico? We were wondering because it is unclear if there is a minimum age requirement.

      Thank you,
      NM

    95. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 24, 2015

      Nikhil, the main requirement to ask for the permanent resident status is that the applicant is retired and the minimum income requirement comes from a pension. Either way, if you are not retired yet and you can´t apply for the permanent now, you can apply for the temporary and after 4 years with temporary you become a permanent resident.

    96. Michael Hertz
      September 1, 2015

      I am retired and my understanding is that I can get a permanent residence card immediately. My brother is still working, so my understanding is that he has to get a temporary residence card. Is there any limitation under either on how much time one can spend outside Mexico while holding one of these cards?

    97. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 1, 2015

      Michael, yes, if you are retired and have the minimum income or minimum savings established in the Immigration Law, you can apply for permanent residency. Your brother, still working, can apply for the temporary residency, as long as he can prove he has the minimum requiered income or savings as established in the Immigration Law. There is no limitation as to the amount of time you can spend outside of Mexico while holidng one of these cards.

    98. Henry
      September 12, 2015

      Hello YES!
      Thank you again for all the wonderful information here.
      I have followed your directions for residente temporal and obtained the 180 day (canje) visa in my passport. I understand that my next step is to arrive in Mexico and obtain a 30 day canje FMM, then present myself to the INM office (Progreso, for me-I’m just a lucky guy) with my copies, photos, and a letter requesting the Residente Temporal.
      Is there an example of the letter anywhere? And do I need another copy of the online form that I submitted at the Embassy in Detroit?
      Thank you so much for your answers.
      Henry

    99. Mary
      September 14, 2015

      Wonderful website – the best. I’m 67 and retired. I qualify for a permanent residency visa but can’t readily prove that I’m “retired” unless I produce tax returns that will show that I don’t have employment income. I’m deferring social security until age 70 because of income from a stock buyout arrangement. I have more than the required savings. I’m sure this isn’t a totally unique situation as others defer social security. Anyway, in your experience, what should I expect? Thanks so much.

    100. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 16, 2015

      Henry, thank you! We are happy you found our website to be useful. For the canje process at the INM office in Progreso you must submit a new online form, not the one you filed at the Mexican Embassy. You can find this form here: https://www.inm.gob.mx/tramites/publico/estancia.html. About the letter there is no official format, it is just a request of the canje, with your signature, address in Yucatan and state the activities you will do in the country (which should be the same as the ones stated at the Embassy). If you need assistance, please contact us at info@yucatanyes.com. Good luck!

    101. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 16, 2015

      Mary, thank you for your kind words. In our experience, if you can prove that you are retired (with the social security letter) and you show the amount that you are entitled to, even if you have chosen not to use it until you reach 70, plus the minimum required savings, you will be able to qualify for permanent residency. We believe it´ll be a matter of whether or not the officer at the Mexican Consulate would like to be helpful or stick to the book. If it does not represent a problem for you (a long trip to the Consulate perhaps), you should definitely try it!

    102. colin
      September 18, 2015

      you make it seem like a job isn’t required for the temporary resident visa, but it most certainly is. even if you have 25,000 dollars. I went to the chicago consulate and they turned my temporary resident visa application down for not having a job offer.

    103. Dauda
      September 19, 2015

      Hello. Pls i want to ask a question, Iam a Nigerian staying in Nigeria but my brother who has been in mexico for 9 years wants me to go to mexico..he askd me to send my scand passport to him and he told me he forwarded it to his lawyer to process my visa…pls wat kind of visa is this and How long will the process take? He told me onced approved he will forward the officio to me via email to go and collect visa

    104. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 25, 2015

      Colin, a job isn´t required for a temporary resident visa if you can show you have other sources of income, which should be the minimum required by the Immigration Law: income of at least 1,500 USD monthly for the last 6 months or savings of a minimum of 25,000 USD monthly for the last year. It is strange though that your application was not accepted as many expatriates come to live to Mexico out of their income from abroad without working in Mexico. It must have been a misunderstanding from the officer that reviewed your paperwork.

    105. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 26, 2015

      Dauda, we are sorry but just with the information you are providing we cannot tell which kind of visa is it. We guess it may be a visa for a job offer, since is the only one which process starts in Mexico at the Immigration office and by which you don´t need to be present nor sign anything; it is the company who wants to hire you that does all the necessary paperwork.

    106. Dauda
      September 26, 2015

      Thanks. Yh it is a Job offer.pls How long does it take to process it?

    107. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 26, 2015

      Dauda, at the Immigration office in Merida (where we are located) to get a job offer approved takes 1-2 months.

    108. Dauda
      September 26, 2015

      Thank you veri much! Iam most grateful.

    109. Reg
      September 29, 2015

      Hello/Holla,
      If a person meets the ~$100,000 savings requirement but isn’t retired (still getting income from employment in states/wants to create a business in mexico), can he/she apply for permanent residence?

    110. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 1, 2015

      Reg, according to the Immigration Law if he/she isn´t retired he/she cannot apply for permanent residency. Permanent residency is only for retired people.

    111. Dauda
      October 2, 2015

      Hi,can the nationality of someone delay the descision to aprove a job offer or not? Mine have taken 2 months 2weeks nw.and noting yet.

    112. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 2, 2015

      Dauda, 2 months and 2 weeks is still in the considered average time frame. Although yes, with some nationalities the INM may take further time to study the case.

    113. Dauda
      October 3, 2015

      Pls what is the average time frame? And onced the application is Recieved a descision must be given weather accept or Reject ryt?

    114. Troy
      October 6, 2015

      Hi, thank you for the wonderful information you provide. My question is for Temporary Residency visa, you have indicated one must have at least $25,000 USD in savings for the past 12 months. Does this mean the balance of your savings should be at least $25,000 on each of the 12 statements?

    115. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 7, 2015

      Dauda, this totally depends on each Immigration office, we´re sorry we cannot be of further help. Here in Merida we´ve had cases approved from 2 months to 6. And yes, after you submit your documents and they study the case, they can either accept it or reject it.

    116. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 7, 2015

      Troy, you´re very welcome! About your question, yes it means the balance in each of the 12 months should be of at least 25,000 USD.

    117. Karine
      October 29, 2015

      Hello,
      Thank you very much for this helpful website and all the answers you provide 🙂
      I have 3 questions :
      – I’m not working, and I’m not retired. I’ve been in Mexico for a year under tourist visas. My idea is to request a temporal visa under the category “Economic Solvency”. Can my revenus issued from rentals (2200 US$) are acceptable/ receivable
      – Can I make the request in any country or does it have to be in my country of residency ?
      – Do I need a purpose ? I have my boyfriend here in Mexico, but we don’t live together yet, so no real “legal” reason to give to my visa request

    118. Irene
      October 31, 2015

      I am about to retire at the end of the year but will not collect Social Security for 2 years at full retirement age of 66. My husband is already retired and collecting SS for an amount over the required monthly amount. We have over $103,000 in a joint checking account. I have other retirement accounts of my own which are liquid and well over $100,000 and we have a joint after-tax brokerage account with more money. Plus we own a condo in Mexico. Can we both apply for Residente Permanente after I stop working? I will have a letter from my employer saying I am retired. But I won’t have anything from Social Security because I will not yet be collecting it.

      Also do we need our marriage and birth certificates with an apostille?

      Thank you.

    119. Thomas
      November 4, 2015

      I recieve $1,832 a month in social security and would be living in Playa del Carmen, is this enough to qualify for residency? I have seen conflicting numbers.

    120. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 19, 2015

      Karine, you´re welcome, we´re glad you like it.
      Answering your questions:
      – Revenues in bank statements over 1,500 USD monthly for the past 6 months will suffice for temporary residency.
      – You can make the request in any country, it does not have to be your country of residency.
      – Your purpose would then be be living in Mexico for personal reasons.

    121. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 19, 2015

      Irene, yes, both of you can apply for permanent residency. You will need to show your employer´s letter stating you are retired and your savings account statements for the last year with over 100,000 USD balance per month. Your husband can apply with his monthly SS pension, providing his 6 last bank account statements. Owning a condo won´t help you getting permanent residency. You don´t need your marriage or birth certificates for these processes since you will be applying each on your own, not as economic dependent of the other or by family unit.

    122. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 19, 2015

      Thomas, yes it is enough to qualify for temporary residency, the minimum required is 1,500 USD monthly approximately.

    123. Ana Kekic
      November 22, 2015

      I am living in Mexico with my mexican boyfriend, and we would like to take permanent residence for me without living Mexico. Is that possible and what would be the procedure? New low says that if you have a Visitor Visa you can no longer change it over to another type of visa (Temporary Resident or Permanent Resident) while in Mexico, except if:
      Article 41 – it is to preserve “Family Unity”, for an offer of work or for humanitarian reasons.
      Article 53 – “you have a relation with a Mexican or foreigner with residence in Mexico” (Article 53). We are not sure how open the concept of “relation” is. Is common low relationship enough or we have to be married? Thank you for reply

    124. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 24, 2015

      Ana, permanent residency is just for pensioners. If you are not a pensioner, you can apply for temporary residency and after 4 years you can become permanent. According to the Immigration Law, common law relationships are accepted but you will need to get a legal document proving you are under common law. This document can be issued by a local judge but it will take you 4-6 months to get it. We´d suggest you to approach your local Immigration office first to verify their policies, sometimes, because is much simpler, they´d rather see a marriage certificate in order to grant you with the residency.

    125. John
      November 28, 2015

      Hello,

      I have a few questions:

      1. We are a family of 4. I receive disability compensation from the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs for $1,000 per month for the rest if my life, and can show $130,000 in investment and retirement accounts. Is this enough to get permanent residency for all of us? If not is online employment income I earn from a non Mexican company, or investment income (dividends or rental income) considered?

      2. What other countries can I travel to with a Mexican permanent residency card?

    126. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 30, 2015

      John, permanent residency is just for pensioners or retired people. You meet the minimum requirement to become permanent resident, but if the rest of your family is not retired yet, they won´t be able to get permanent residency. They could apply for temporary residency and then after 4 years they will automatically become permanent residents. As for your other question, the Mexican permanent resident card won´t help you travel to other countries, for that you must show a passport and the visa (if required) of the country you are travelling to.

    127. John
      December 1, 2015

      Hello,

      Thank you so much for your prompt answer to my question above (November 28th, 2015 3:08 pm).

      Is there any way to get my family permanent residency cards based on my current situation? Our kids are older and will be moving out in the coming years – what about just my wife and I? Can the 2 of us qualify for immediate permanent residency based on the above?

      Thank you again.

    128. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      December 1, 2015

      John, to become permanent resident in México, the apliccant must prove he/she is retired and receiving pension or social security. Aside from this, he/she must show retirement/pension income of at least 2500 USD monthly for the last 6 months or savings with a monthly balance of 125,000 USD for the last year. Based in your situation, we think only you are elegible for permanent residency.

    129. Christopher
      December 13, 2015

      Good’day
      I have a couple of questions for you, I am a Canadian citizen married to a mexican citizen we are planning on moving to cancun as my brother in law is opening a business and wants me to work with him. Now what and where do I apply for temporary residency do I do it in canada before or can I switch it while I’m there. Also what are the steps for applying for a mexican passport or citizenship?
      Thank you guys so much love the website lots of info !

    130. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      December 14, 2015

      Christopher, because you are married to a Mexican Citizen you can do all the process in Mexico, no need to start at a Mexican Consulate abroad. You must apply at the Immigration office closer to your domicile. For Mexican passport/citizenship, you must wait until you complete 2 full years with temporary residency by being married to a Mexican citizen.

    131. Jakob miklas
      December 24, 2015

      I have a pension of 3200 usd. My wife does not have a income. We are wanting to live in Sonora. And want to become permanent residents. What is our options. Thank you very much.

    132. Misty
      January 6, 2016

      My husband and I are considering move in to Mexico. He is a Mexican born citizen. We are wanting to live on his families land about 2hours south of Mexico City. My questions are.
      1. What is the best way for me to apply here in the States or in Mexico?
      2. Do we need to show the income?
      If so what are the requirements?
      3.How long does it take to get approved?

    133. YES9681
      January 6, 2016

      Jakob, to become a permanent resident a minimum monthly pension of 2,200 USD is required. For what you write, you are elegible for permanent residency. Once you get permanent residency, your wife can apply as a temporary resident by being married to you by “family unit”. After 2 years as a temporary resident by “family unit” she can request the permanent residency.

    134. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 7, 2016

      Misty, these are the answers to your questions:

      1) We think it´d be easier for you to apply in Mexico under “family unit” by being married to a Mexican citizen.
      2) He´d need to show income of at least 500 USD during the last 6 months in his bank statements.
      3) In Yucatan it takes from 1 to 2 months; we don´t know how long it takes in Mexico City or nearby.

    135. Fran
      January 9, 2016

      My common law husband and I are just in the process of buying a condo in Puerto Vallarta and planning on staying at least 6months of the year in PV. Right now we are there on a 180day tourist visa and want to buy a vehicle (it is just too expensive to rent for 5+months). Do you know if it is true or not that you cannot buy a vehicle on a Tourist visa and that you have to be either a Temporary or Permanent Resident to purchase a vehicle? We have seen blogs on people buying vehicles in Playa Del Carmen and then travelling through South America with them, but we have heard that you cannot buy vehicles in Puerto Vallarta on tourist visas? Can you help us in clarifying this?

    136. Thomas mccormick
      January 14, 2016

      I am coming down to playa del carmen to live. My income is $1,500. Will I have to go to belize or US and if so how long do I have to stay out side mexico before returning. Thanks, great website

    137. Don Saigle
      January 16, 2016

      Is there an expiry date / need to renew once I obtain a permanent resident status?

    138. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 22, 2016

      Fran, you cannot register a vehicle in your name on a tourist visa; you must be either a temporary or a permanent resident. These people you mention may have bought the vehicles but the registration is not in their names (bought them used, already registered). You wouldn´t be able to buy it brand new from the dealership because they are not going to be able to register it and get plates for it.

    139. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 22, 2016

      Thomas, yes, in order to start the Mexican residency process you must do so at a Mexican Consulate abroad, it could be Belize or any in the US. According to the Immigration Law, Mexican Consulates should not take more than 10 business days to issue the visas. In our experience, we know Mexican Consulates in the US take just a couple of days; on the other hand, the Mexican Consulate in Belize can take longer.

    140. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 22, 2016

      Don, according to the current Immigration Law there is no need to renew the permanent resident status. It does not have an expiration date either.

    141. Ric
      January 22, 2016

      Hi YES, I am so grateful for what you’re doing here, really awesome!!!
      My question is, What happens on the 4th year of the Temporary Resident Visa. How do I become a Permanent Resident? (I’m not retired). Are there any requirements at that time to prove? Do we leave the country? I’m assuming the Temporary Resident Visa expires and then what? thanks….

    142. Kukulcan
      January 24, 2016

      I have a 670/ month social security pension and am looking for as long a stay as possible. What is my best option?

    143. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 25, 2016

      Ric, thank you!
      Answering your question: one month before your temporary resident card expires, you apply for the permanent resident card at the Immigration office. You don´t have to leave the country and you don´t need to provide other documents than your passport, temporary resident card, address, online form, letter requesting the permanent status, current pictures and the payment of fees.

    144. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 25, 2016

      Kukulcan, your only option for now is the tourist visa, good for 180 days. Temporary residency requires to show income of at least 1200-1300 USD monthly.

    145. Calum Macnab
      January 29, 2016

      Quick & simple question – I got my temporary resident card approx 4/5 months ago following the procedure above. The only question I have is – should I have got my FMM form back from when I entered the country a few weeks prior to getting the “Residente temporal” card? Or does the INM office just keep that/discard it & I now only need the card I have?

      Thanks so much.

    146. Raja Rashead
      January 31, 2016

      I would like to have speak to some one by phone regarding Mexican residency .
      I live in Victoria BC, Canada,
      My son lives in Oaxaca, Playa del Carmen,

      Thank you ,
      kind regards,
      Raja Rashead.

    147. Fran
      January 31, 2016

      Thank you for your reply about the car situation. I do have another question. When applying for temporary residency do we have to prove the $12-1300/month US income if we own property? We have just bought a condo in Puerto Vallarta and somewhere heard that if you own property you don’t need to prove anything else? We hope to apply for temporary residency when we get back to Canada after our winter ends in PV.

    148. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 4, 2016

      Calum, the FMM is kept by the INM office and in exchange they gave you the resident card. When you leave Mexico you will only need to show your temporary resident card.

    149. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 4, 2016

      Raja, you can contact us at our office to the phone number +52 (999) 927 24 37 or send us an e-mail to info@yucatanyes.com

    150. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 4, 2016

      Fran, yes, you can obtain temporary residency by showing you own Real Estate in Mexico instead of income, but the Real Estate must be worth, approximately, at least 170,000 USD.

    151. David
      February 11, 2016

      If we are planning on living in Mex full time, permanently do we need to show the income separately for both myself and wife? We have approx $2700 income that comes into our joint bank account each month from several rental properties. Do they just look at that gross amount that comes into the account or do they consider that we need to pay HOA’s and taxes out of that amount? If we plan on buying a property for $200K, it looks as if that would be the easiest way for us to meet criteria right? How about our young son, do we need to show additional income to cover him or is that just assumed if both parents qualify?

    152. David
      February 11, 2016

      My wife is here in the States with permanent residency green card from Colombia. What would be the process for her to get temporary and permanent residency for Mexico? Is it a lot harder or would it be easier for her to try to get US citizenship here and then try for the Mexican visas? Can the process for her be initiated in the States or would she need to go back to Colombia to do it? If we plan on traveling to Mex for 6 weeks next Summer is there anything either of us need to do in advance or can we just travel with our passports?

    153. Gavin
      February 14, 2016

      Hi
      I will apply for temporary residency. If this is granted can I return to the UK freely, or do I have to stay in Mexico the entire length of the visa?

    154. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 14, 2016

      David, for permanent residency, the income you show must be strictly from a pension, not from other source. In your case, you would need to apply for temporary residency. Currently at the present exchange rate, each of you would need to show that you have a monthly income of at least 1300 USD during the last 6 months. If you plan to buy a property, that would also meet the criteria for temporary residency, not permanent residency; the Real Estate you buy should be worth at least 167,000 USD. Once you obtain temporary residency, your son can qualify by family unit, proving he is son of a temporary resident of Mexico. He can do this at an Immigration office in Mexico once you obtain your resident cards. No need to show additional income for him.

    155. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 14, 2016

      David, your wife can apply for temporary or permanent residency with her Colombian passport (permanent residency is only for pensioners). Yes, she can start the process at a Mexican Consulate in the US showing her passport and US green card (along with her financial information to get the Mexican visa).If you plan to stay in Mexico for only 6 weeks, you could do it with your tourist visas, since they are valid for 180 days.

    156. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 15, 2016

      Gavin, there is no travelling restrictions with the temporary residency, you can travel freely in and out of the country.

    157. Dan
      February 17, 2016

      My wife will be 62 in later this year, while I am 53. Both are on permanent Social Security disability.

      With respect to getting temporary vs permanent visas, how does disability income factor into qualifying as pensioners?

    158. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 17, 2016

      Dan, the Immigration Law does not establishes it. It only says that as a pensioner you can apply for permanent residency if your pension is of at least 2,200 USD monthly or for temporary residency if your pension is of at least 1,300 USD monthly.

    159. Jim
      February 22, 2016

      I am taking a position with an organization that does relief work in Mexico and moving my family of 4 to Mexico. My income will be US-based, over $5,200/month and investments totaling $100,000. I am 43 years old and we plan to be in this position for the next decade or more. Can we apply for permanent residency? How should we proceed?

    160. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 23, 2016

      Jim, even though financially speaking you could apply for permanent residency, you can´t because permanent residency is only for pensioners; that income you have must come from your pension.

    161. TulumFan
      February 23, 2016

      Hi
      I plan on retiring early (I’m 43 now) in approx. 1-2 years from now and living in Tulum. I’m not sure whether or not I would qualify directly for a permanent residence, as I will not receive any regular pension payments until I’m 65. However, I do have a pension fund (big 6-figure amount) that I can get in cash once I quit my job and leave my home country, plus I have a smaller 6-digit amount on bank accounts (which I will most probably be using to buy a property in Mexico before moving there). I will not have any income once I move to Mexico. Could you please clarify if I have to go for the temporary residence first or not?

    162. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 23, 2016

      TulumFan, the Immigration Law states that to get permanent residency you´d need to show the Mexican Consulate you have enough monthly income from your pension, or enough savings, but the key is to prove you are retired; you prove this with the letter from US Social Security or similar, or the retirement letter from your job. However, we´ve seen cases in which Mexican Consulates grant permanent residency to non retired people as well, as long as they have the mínimum income or savings.

    163. Charlie
      February 25, 2016

      Hi, I’m potentially going to be in Mexico from October for at least 6 months. I’m also going to be out there in the summer for possibly 5 weeks. This I would assume means that I cannot just use a visitors 180 day visa for both? During the 6 months I was looking to possibly work for my brother, who is a Mexican citizen now, and live with my parents who are permanent residents. Would I be able to apply for temporary residence with the precedence of being employed? If so what would I need? Or is there some other way I have to go? Thanks.

    164. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 26, 2016

      Charlie, each time you enter Mexico you will receive a tourist visa for 180 days, so you can use one tourist visa during the summer and another tourist visa when you come back in October. Once in Mexico, you could apply for permanent residency because of your Mexican brother and permanent residents are authorized to work in Mexico.

    165. jennifer
      February 29, 2016

      I am trying to move to mexico as my mexican husband was deported from the US, i will not be working but he will. can i still get a residency card being as we are married and we are moving because he was deorted?

    166. jennifer
      February 29, 2016

      and do I have to do it here in the USA or can I do it in mexico, I am moving on march 30th but will enter mexico with a tourist visa on my passport and need to know where to go from there.

    167. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 2, 2016

      Jennifer, yes you can get a temporary resident card by being married to a Mexican citizen; you can do the whole process in Mexico, at the Immigration office of the State where you will have your address; if you got married abroad, you will need to get the apostille of your marriage document and then have it translated to Spanish by a translator certified by the Immigration office where you will apply.

    168. jennifer
      March 3, 2016

      how do i find someone to translate the marriage certificate and will my marriage certificate work? is that the apostille of the marriage document? im not sure what that means sorry

    169. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 4, 2016

      Jennifer, first you need to get the apostille of you marriage document, which will be issued by the Secretary of State of where you got married. Once you have the apostille, you will need to contact the Immigration office in Mexico closer to your domicile so that they provide you with the list of their approved translators so that you can contact him/her and give your marriage certificate and apostille so both are translated to Spanish.

    170. Laurence
      March 13, 2016

      Me and my husband have the Temporary Residence Visa issued by Mexican Embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE. We are planning to go mexico and have Temporary resident card be issued. However we only have 5 days to finish all the formalities and be back to Dubai. What assistance can you provide in terms of having the fastest way of issuing the cards.
      Thank you

    171. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 15, 2016

      Laurence, we could help you if you were applying in Yucatán, is this the case? However, in the 5 day term you are suggesting is impossible to get your resident cards; what we could do is to get the process started and at the same time request exit permits so that you can leave and then come back to finish it (the exit permits are good for 60 days only). If you would like more information on this please contact us at info@yucatanyes.com

    172. Laurence
      March 16, 2016

      How far is Yucatan from Mexico international airport? If we exit mexico while processing the cards, how will we enter Mexico and which city shall we exit and enter after filing the exit permits?

    173. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 17, 2016

      Laurence, Yucatán is 2 hours away from Mexico City by plane; driving withouth stops, it will take you around 24 hours. But in order to apply in Yucatán, you will need to have an address here. If you need to leave Mexico while the process is ongoing, you can request exit permits; the exit permit is the document that will allow you to leave and then re-enter. You can leave and come back from the city that you prefer, there is no restriction.

    174. Anna
      March 18, 2016

      All of this information has been so helpful, thank you!
      My husband is a Mexican citizen and I am American. Our daughters were born in the US. We are planning to move as a family to Mexico next year. What applications or visas do we need for our children to become residents or Citizens? Should we start the process for them at a consulate here in the states or just wait until we get to Mexico?
      THANK you in advance!

    175. Tony
      March 18, 2016

      Hi, first and foremost, learning lots here and thank you.
      My question is about temporary and permanent visas. We own a Condo in San Jose del Cabo, we only want to stay 5 months in Cabo then return to Canada each year when we retire. From the Mexican Gov perspective, this is not a problem with either Visa, correct? Do you know if it really matters to the Cdn gov if you are a temp or permanent resident of Mexico, but obviously still a Cdn citizen? Lastly, with this scenario, can we buy and register a Mexican car with either the temp or permanent Visa? Thank you.

    176. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 24, 2016

      Anna, we are happy you have found our site helpful! Answering your questions: if your daughters are minor, they can obtain permanent residency and their processes can be made in Mexico by showing their father´s Mexican ID (voter´s card or passport) and their birth certificates, which must have an apostille; birth certificates and apostilles must then be translated in Mexico by an authorized translator approved by the Immigration office where the application will take place. Along with these documents, you must also fill out application forms and pay fees. If you need assistance throughout the process, please contact us at info@yucatanyes.com

    177. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 24, 2016

      Tony, you´re welcome and thank you! Regarding your questions: if you are only living in Mexico for 5 months, either type of residency will work: temporary or permanent and even the tourist visa, which is good for 180 days; yes, you can buy and register a car in Mexico with a temporary or permanent residency. We apologize, but we are unfamiliar with the regulations and requirements of the Canadian Government regarding residency in Mexico or any other country.

    178. Melissa
      March 25, 2016

      I am moving to Isla Mujeres in June. I have signed a year lease, but will be returning to the United States every 3 or 4 months for at least a couple of days. I will not be working in Isla Mujeres- only volunteering. Since I will be never be in Mexico for more than 180 consecutive days and will not be working, is it necessary that I obtain a temporary visa? Wouldn’t a new FMM each time I enter Mexico be sufficient?

    179. Jim
      March 28, 2016

      This site is very helpful. Thank you.

      My family and I are planning to move to Mexico in June. I am the County Director to Mexico for WorldVenture Missions and Relief, an organization serving over 70 nations, but we will be the first in Mexico. Our hope is to move to Ensenada. I am married and have three children. Our oldest will not move with us permanently but simply visit as a college student in the United States. Our younger two, a 16 year old and a 13 year old, will move with us. My wife and I, both 43 years old, will have an income of over $50,000 annually, paid from a US company into our US accounts and have around $100,000 in investments. Our desire is to receive Temporary Residency, possibly transitioning to Permanent Residency in the future and work and serve alongside the Mexican people for the next decade or more. When requesting an appointment at our local consulate, we received the following message, “Please note as I mentioned that when you apply for the Temporary Resident visa yourself it will not allow you or any member of your family to work in Mexico, not even as a missionary. Therefore, if you are moving there as part of an organization (World Venture Missions and Relief) they should get the permit for you and your family at the Immigration Institute in Mexico (Instituto Nacional de Migracion).”

      Any thoughts on how we should proceed?

    180. John
      April 4, 2016

      Thank you so much for lots of valuable information.

      However, I noticed you said many times to lots of inquiries that in order to apply for a permanent residency visa, you must be retired and on pension or 4 years after the temporary residency visa.

      This is not case from this lawyer’s website below –

      http://www.mexicolaw.com.mx/articles/immigration-law-reform

      Permanent Resident

      This is a visa granted for an indefinite term. This is very similar to the old “immigrant” status. The following people can solicit a Permanent Resident permit:

      Family members of Mexicans or other Permanent Residents under the “Family Unity” dispositions – see further on.
      A retired person, with sufficient income to “live in the country”. Right now they want you to show a monthly account balance of 1,619,000 pesos (25,000 times minimum wage). Note.- there is no obligation here for you first to have the Temporary Resident permit for 4 years.
      Because you have had the Temporary Residence for four years.
      For having children of Mexican nationality by birth.
      For being family of Mexican nationals by birth, up to the second grade or tier.

      Please comment on “Note.- there is no obligation here for you first to have the Temporary Resident permit for 4 years.” (hat is, we can apply for permanent residency directly even if we are not retired yet and on pension). This is great news.

      Thank you.

    181. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 6, 2016

      Melissa, no it is not necessary that you obtain temporary residency, you can come with 180 days tourist visas each time.

    182. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 6, 2016

      Jim, I confirm you that the temporary resident visas you will receive at the Consulate do not include a work permit. The organization you will be working for in Mexico will pay you in Mexico? Will you be hired from a Mexican entity? Once you provide these aswers, we will be able to offer you assistance on how to proceed. If you prefer, you can write us directly to info@yucatanyes.com

    183. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 6, 2016

      John, I think what the lawyer is trying to say is that you don´t need to have 4 years of temporary residency to apply for the permanent if you can prove you are retired and meet the mimimum financial requirements. It is also what we mean: you can request permanent residency if a) you have had 4 years of temporary residency or b) if you are retired and meet the financial requirements.

    184. Laura
      April 8, 2016

      Hello. I have a bit of a sticky situation concerning my mother retiring in Mexico. My mom was born in Mexico. She became a US citizen in ’96, but never applied for dual citizenship. My sisters and I all have power of attorney. My mom has dementia. We have an extensive network of family in Mexico City, which is great since we’ve considered relocating my mom there to be treated at a specialized Alheimer’s residence. The price difference is HUGE. Getting her there is time-sensitive and there’s one problem. When I was in Mexico, I obtained her birth certificate because we’ve lost the one she used in the U.S. all these years. Her birth certificate from the registry says she was born Jan 1, 1900 at 00:00 hours. So, as far as recovering her citizenship, it may be an ordeal spanning a year because of this birth certificate mistake. We plan on getting her there a month from now. Would it be possible to simply get her a temporary resident card in the meantime, which any U.S. citizen can obtain, so that she can overstay 180 days legally if the birth certificate rectification takes much longer? Thank you!

    185. Laura
      April 8, 2016

      p.s. between her pension and our income she is more than monetarily solvent, so that type of resident visa is within our reach.

    186. Ryan
      April 10, 2016

      Hello, being that I was overseas from my initial country for the past 4 months I am not able to provide them with the average monthly income. I can however deposit money into my account to make up for it all. Is their a way?

    187. Rich
      April 13, 2016

      First of all, thanks for all the great information.

      My girlfriend and I are thinking at retiring to Mexico within a year or so, either to the Riviera Maya or perhaps Puerta Vallarta, and would like to apply for a Temporary Residence visa. I’m 55 and she is 51.

      I have more than enough investment and savings income to qualify, but she does not. I can easily support the both of us. What would be the best approach to convince Mexican Consular officials that I have more than enough financial resources to support both her and me, and thus allow the both of us to qualify financially? Can I claim her as some sort of dependent when we apply? Would it be best to move money into a bank account in her name to show the required 12 months of savings? Would it be easier if we were to marry?

    188. daniel walter
      April 15, 2016

      hello,

      please how many days does it take to get a residente temporal card, after you have submitted for the process at the immigration?

      thanks

    189. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 17, 2016

      Laura, yes, she could apply for temporary residency at a Mexican Consulate abroad and then get the resident card once she arrives in Mexico City. The visa she will receive at the Consulate is good for 180 days and one entry to Mexico, once she is in Mexico she will have 30 days to start the process before the Immigration office in Mexico City to get her resident card. At the Mexican Consulate she will need to prove she has enough income from her pension: approximately 1,300 USD monthly for the last 6 months.

    190. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 17, 2016

      Ryan, you can deposit money into your account but you must do so for 6 months in order to provide your last 6 monthly bank account statements.

    191. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 17, 2016

      Rich, you ‘re welcome! You could ask for a visa for her as your economic dependent but only by showing she is your spouse through your marriage certificate. If currently it is not in your plans to get married, you could deposit the minimum monthly income into her account so that she presents income for the last 6 months (just keep in mind this income should come from a pension or employment and although not always requested, some Consulates ask for proof of employment by which the applicant generates such income). It would be more practical if you got married.

    192. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 17, 2016

      Daniel, around 4-6 weeks.

    193. Mary Gwen Dungan
      April 18, 2016

      First, thank you so much for all this information.

      Do I understand correctly that someone who is retired with Social Security income of at least US$2,000/mth is eligible for a Permanent Residency visa?

      And this dollar amount is set for the entire year of 2016, even if the exchange rate changes?

      Is this visa applied for just once?

      Right now my Social Security income exceeds the minimum required. What happens if the exchange rate changes in 2017, and my income no longer meets the minimum required?

      Gracias

    194. Elisandro Martinez
      April 18, 2016

      I live in Texas and I would like to know if it is possible to rent a house on the Mexico side of the border and commute to work on the Texas side. Would I qualify for a temporary resident card? Are there any details that I should be aware of?

      Thank you,
      Lee

    195. Jim Westhead
      April 18, 2016

      I am a 53 year old retiring and moving to Mexico We are Canadians and will have enough to prove 103,000.00 us. do we need to show 6 months of bank statements as I will not
      start to collect my pension for 6 to 7 years.
      Thank you very much
      Jim

    196. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 18, 2016

      Mary, someone retired with an income of at least 2,150 USD (at a exchange rate of 17 pesos) for the last 6 months, is eligible for permanent residency. The dollar amount is not set, the pesos amount is set (36,520 pesos) and the dollar amount will vary depending on the exchange rate on the day of the application. In 2017 the amounts will vary since they are set depending on the minimum wage of Mexico City (currently is 73.04); this figure varies year after year and it is known on the last days of each year.

    197. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 18, 2016

      Elisandro, you could rent a house in Mexico and commute to work to Texas; you would be getting a tourist visa each time you enter Mexico, which is good for 180 days. Regarding if you apply for temporary residency, if you have the mínimum income or savings as described in our article above, yes you can qualify.

    198. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 18, 2016

      Jim, if you want to apply through savings, you need to show your statements for the last 12 months with a balance of 103,000 USD mínimum each month.

    199. Anne
      April 19, 2016

      My current social security income is exactly $1,653/month. Does that meet the current requirements for residency as a pensioner? Thanks.

    200. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 20, 2016

      Anne, no it does not meet the current requirements. At the current exchange rate, the minimum social security income is approximately 2,100 USD.

    201. Melissa
      April 24, 2016

      Thank you for the information about only needing a FMM when I move to Isla Mujeres. (I will be traveling back and forth between Isla and Texas every 6 months.). My question now is what are my options for buying a motor scooter? I would like to buy a new one, but have heard that I can’t register it and get plates if I only have a FMM. Are there other options such as having a resident purchase it, register it, and then I buy it “used” from them? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

    202. mike
      April 25, 2016

      I am retired with a pension of $1050 a month. I have $180,000 in savings. Am I eligible for permanent residency in Mexico?

    203. Jimbo
      April 25, 2016

      Hi. I wanna rent an apartment in tijuana but work in San Diego. So, that means I gotta cross back and forth across the border 5 times a week. Do I need a resident card, or can I just keep showing my passport to the mexican border agents?

    204. Vicki
      April 28, 2016

      My Mexican Consulates website states that in order to apply for a visa, I need Form I-797A. It’s not a form you can download or fill out. Do you know how I’m supposed to get this document?

    205. Terra
      April 29, 2016

      I am a United States citizen I’m married to a Mexican citizen since July of 2010 I’m applying for residency here in Mexico I am being told I do not have to hold the temporary for two years. My understanding is that I pay like 1500 pesos wait like 20 days go back and pay for permanent resident like 4500 pesos is this correct? Clarification on this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and help

    206. Bob
      May 1, 2016

      If I’ve had a savings balance of between 18,000 to 20,000 for the last 2 years, is there still a way for my wife & I to get at least a temporary visa that must be renewed every year? Also, can I start my own business there where I am the sole proprietor? We also intend on purchasing a home there for approx. $150,000. Thanks!

    207. Dan
      May 2, 2016

      Hi, I will be going to the MX consulate in CA this week to apply for temporary residency. I just wanted to confirm that with bank statements, they will be looking at the total cash DEPOSITS each month to be at least $1300…. and NOT that the balance in the account is at least $1300 each month? Is this correct?

      Also, does YES offer services to complete the process on the Mexico side?

      THANKS

    208. Steve
      May 3, 2016

      I’m in Mexico now and plan to leave this month to start my residency application. Is it possible for a canadian to apply for permanent residence in Miami? I have heard conflicting into saying that I must apply in Canada and others say no problem. Thank in advance.

    209. Carlos
      May 6, 2016

      Thank you for providing such a useful service. I have a question about applying for a temporary residency visa as a US citizen.

      – Must I apply at the nearest Mexican Consulate, or can it be any Consulate in the US.

      – I’m a business owner in the US, and plan to use my income from my business, combined with investment income to meet the economic solvency requirements.

      I was advised not to mention working (I would use the Internet to keep in touch with my company in the US), even for a temporary residency visa in the “Purpose of trip” section — that I should state that my purpose for requesting the visa is to spend time in Mexico with the intention of retiring there.

      What are your thoughts on this?

      Thank you!

    210. May 11, 2016

      Melissa, you are correct, as an FMM holder you cannot get plates or register the motor scooter. If a resident buys it and registers it in his/her name and then you buy it from him/her, you still would not be able to register it in your name.

    211. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 11, 2016

      Mike, yes you are eligible for permanent residency in Mexico because of your savings; if you can prove you have had that amount (or more than 100,000 USD) for the last 12 months.

    212. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 11, 2016

      Jimbo, you can do it with a tourist visa, by showing your passport.

    213. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 11, 2016

      Vicki, the form I-797A is only needed if you are not an American citizen and currently you do not have a US visa.

    214. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 11, 2016

      Terra, yes, you do have to hold the temporary for 2 years before becoming a permanent resident. You’d pay 6,538 pesos for the change of tourist to temporary and the 2 year temporary card. After the 2 years, you can request permanent residency.

    215. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 11, 2016

      Bob, the minimum monthly savings requirement is 365,200 pesos which depending on the exchange rate it will give you an amount in USD (for example, if you were applying today it´d be 20,300 USD). This means that depending on the exchange rate you may or may not get it; this amount would work only for your visa. Once you get yours, your wife can apply by family unit once you are in Mexico, before the Immigration office of the place where you will have your address. About your business, yes, you can start it here but there is no such thing as sole proprietor in Mexico, what you would do is file personally before the tax office as an individual with business activities.

    216. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 11, 2016

      Dan, yes, they will look for monthly deposits, not balance. Yes, we offer services to complete the process on the Mexico side; where in Mexico will you be living?

    217. Elisandro Martinez
      May 11, 2016

      I asked if I could rent a house in Mexico and commute to work on a daily basis. I earn about $2,500 a month before taxes. Can I qualify for a temporary resident card? Ideally I would like the contract to rent the house in my name and all of the utilities to be in my name. What do you recommend?

      Thank you,
      Lee

    218. Elisandro Martinez
      May 11, 2016

      One more thing, I have been saving my paycheck stubs. Will that meet the requirements of proof of income or do I need to show my bank statements?

    219. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 11, 2016

      Steve, yes, you can apply at any Mexican Consulate abroad regardless of your citizenship. What you will need to prove is that you are legally in the US.

    220. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 11, 2016

      Carlos, you´re welcome!

      About your questions:
      – You can apply at any Mexican Consulate.
      – You cannot combine income and investments. You must fulfill the economic solvency requirements entirely with income or entirely with savings. Also, the bank accounts you show must be in your name.
      – You don’t have to mention work because the purpose of your residency in Mexico won’t be for working; also, the work that you’ll do is not for Mexico and you won’t be making income in Mexico.

    221. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 11, 2016

      Elisandro, yes you can apply for temporary residency with your monthly income. Depending on the Consulate you apply in, they may request the paystubs too, not only the bank statements.

    222. Lea Hawkins Gonzales
      May 12, 2016

      My wife recently passsed away and I am looking to move to Mexico. I recently deposited over 200,000 USD into a money market account. I am looking to come to Cancun and begin looking for a home. What is the best way to get started on getting a visa. Can I come into Cancun on a tourist Visa for the first 6 months to look for a home? After that what do I do to get Visa to stay??

    223. Martee Hays
      May 12, 2016

      My social security income is $1520 a month. Can I live in Mexico permanently by renewing a temporary residency visa since a will never qualify at $2200 for permanent residency?

    224. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 12, 2016

      Lea, if you come to Cancun on a tourist visa and then decide that you would like to change status for temporary or permanent residency, you will have to leave the country and start the process at a Mexican Consulate abroad, since tourists cannot change status within Mexico. Another option to extend your stay is that you leave Mexico shortly before your tourist visa expires and then come back and get another tourist visa.

    225. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 12, 2016

      Martee, yes you can live in Mexico permanently with a temporary resident card and after 4 years with it you will become a permanent resident, regardless of the amount of pension that you receive.

    226. Lea Hawkins Gonzales
      May 12, 2016

      Can you purchase property and vehicle and get registration, etc. on a temporary visa?

    227. May 13, 2016

      Lea, you can purchase property as a tourist, temporary or permanent resident; you can buy a vehicle and register it on a temporary or permanent residency, not as a tourist.

    228. May 14, 2016

      We accidentally let our 3 yr. temporary visa expire last Saturday May 07′ 2016. Do you not have any leeway for renewing it?

    229. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 16, 2016

      Serena, unfortunately there isn’t; once expired, you must start again from the beginning.

    230. hugh Cullen
      May 16, 2016

      we have inherited a tiny home in South eastern Sonora Mex.
      we have an net income of $2000.00 pm. We own our home here in the US. which we could rent .would this situation qualify us to live in Mexico. Thank you.

    231. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 17, 2016

      Hugh, could you clarify which is the currency of the $2000 of your net income?

    232. Heather
      May 17, 2016

      I am married to a Mexican citizen and we live in the US. We have two young children as well. We are planning to move to Mexico City in the summer of 2017 for 3 years. We own a home in Mexico City. We would need to get temporary residency. What are the current money requirements for us all to get the visas? We would also need to work as we are not retirement age. What are the requirements for us to get work permits. We have a combined income of $4000 usd. would that qualify us? What would the savings requirement be for a married couple? also how far in advance do we need to apply before moving to Mexico? thank you.

    233. May 18, 2016

      Heather, your combined income of 4,000 USD monthly will be enough for your application and your children’s. It is important that you can show in your bank statements you have at least 1,250 USD income. He would need to show 500 USD monthly income for each childen. Savings requirement for a married couple are 22,000 monthly. Your husband won’t need a work permit since he is a Mexican citizen; in order for you to get a work permit, you’d need to either form a company or file yourself before tax authorities as an individual with business activities or get a job offer from a Mexican Company or individual.

    234. Heather
      May 18, 2016

      Thanks for the information. It is very helpful. another question to clarify – my husband would need to show at least 1250 USD plus 500 USD for each child or is the amount for each child included in the 1250 usd? Also I am a photographer in the US, if I have my own business license already in the US does that count for a work permit in Mexico? I would be doing photography in Mexico on a freelance basis so would be earning money in Mexico and possible still in the US at the same time.

    235. May 18, 2016

      Heather, the 1250 USD is just for you, if you apply independently. In case you do not apply independently, but as economic dependent of your husband, then he will need to show 500 USD income monthly for the 3 of you (over the last 6 months).
      Your business in the US does not count for a work permit in Mexico; you would need to pay taxes in Mexico for the profit you make in Mexico and get a work permit for such activity.

    236. Robert
      May 18, 2016

      Hello,
      My wife & I built a house in Q.Roo and plan to move there full time in July, 2016. My last day of work will be July 8, 2016, so my first monthly retirement check (approx. $4000) will not be until August 1st, 2016. I can show that I have $350,000 USD in that account and also an additional $380,000 in my IRA. Would that be suitable or do I have to already be receiving my retirement before applying for Permanent Residency?

      We have tentatively scheduled movers to transport our household goods around the first of July, but I am afraid I won’t be able to get our Residency by then. We have scheduled a trip on June 18, but can only stay for 6 days. Is what I am trying to accomplish even possible in this tight of a window?

      P.S. We live in Ohio, so we don’t even have a Mexican Consulate in state.

    237. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 19, 2016

      Robert, when you apply for permanent residency, you must show you are already retired with the Social Security letter stating the date of retirement, but if you don´t have the 6 months statements showing your pension, you can show 12 months of savings. The key is to show you are retired and of course have the minimum savings/investments. About your household godos, in order to import them under the “menaje de casa”, you need to obtain the resident card first, that means you need to already be in Mexico and had applied for the card at the Immigration office in Quintana Roo and gotten it. Also, if you become permanent, you will need a special permit issued by the Mexican Consulate to import your household godos under the “menaje de casa”.

    238. Robert
      May 20, 2016

      Thanks for the reply! We were thinking we might be better off to apply for Temporal first and then convert to Permanent after a year or two. Do you think that makes sense?

    239. May 20, 2016

      Robert, if you become a temporary resident you will still need to have your card first in order to import your household goods; the only thing you won’t need is the permit from the Mexican Consulate to import them. Also, if you apply for temporary now and decide to request permanent residency after 1-2 years, you will need to show your financial information again and translated into Spanish, which will be an additional cost. If you become temporary, after 4 years you will become permanent, withouth having to show financial information. We think it’s best to wait for the 4 years of temporary residency before becoming permanent, if you decide to become temporary instead of permanent now.

    240. Frederique
      May 24, 2016

      Hi ! First of all, thank you very much for all the information you provide…

      My husband and I are from Belgium. We are currently in Mexico, with a tourist visa, since January 2016 … so our visa is shortly coming to its end… We are looking to buy an apartment…

      We also would like to become residents. Our savings are (before the payment of the apartment) +- 210.000$US (and would be +- 75.000$US after).

      My questions are :

      – is it better to apply for a permanent visa straight away before buying the condo (I don’t know if we are in the conditions as we are not retirees) ?

      – if we ask a lawyer to help us in our visa procedure, have we got to leave the country to go to a Mexican embassy abroad or does the lawyer can do everything while we are in Mexico ? If not, as European citizens, can we go to Miami (or Belize) to apply for our visas?

      – as we are married, do we need to have our certificate of marriage translated ? Our bank statement is in French (and in Euros), do we need to have it also translated?

      Thank you very much for your response !

      Kind regards, Frédérique.

    241. May 24, 2016

      Frederique, you’re welcome!

      Answering your questions:

      – The Immigration Law states that permanent residency is only for retirees; however, we have seen that in some Mexican Consulates they overlook this and grant it if the applicant has the minimum monthly income or the mínimum monthly savings. Minimum monthly income for the last 6 months is approx. 2,050 USD; minimum monthly savings for the last 12 months are approx. 82,000 USD; these numbers are per person.

      – You must leave Mexico to start the process abroad. You can go to any Mexican Consulate, not necessarily of your home country.

      – If you apply independently, you do not need to show your marriage certificate. On the other hand, if one of you will apply as economic dependent of the other, then yes. And it must be apostilled and translated to Spanish by authorized translator.

    242. Frederique
      May 26, 2016

      Thank you ever so much for your advice and help !

      Have a nice day !

    243. Richard
      May 26, 2016

      I am a retired Canadian citizen living with a Mexican national in Mexico and have been going on 3 years. I do the 6 month border FMM and TIP roulette but all this travel is getting stale and fast. The return to Canada has been useful to visit family, an ailing mother, and I bring some of my ‘stuff’ each 6 months in a little VW I drive, but I think do not quite qualify financially for a temporal unless the Canadian dollar reaches par with the USA dollar. Since we have been union-libre for going on 3 years would a permanente be possible under the rules?

    244. May 26, 2016

      Richard, you could become a temporary resident for 2 years and then request permanent residency. However, you would need to prove that you two have a relationship; for that, you will need to get a document from your legal court by a judge, which may take 2-4 months.

    245. Mark
      May 31, 2016

      Hello

      I’m going to apply for a permanent resident visa. I’m retired and have the necessary investment funds to qualify. In my research, there is mention of a retiree providing proof that they are retired. I have in my possession the following 2 official documents that state I’m retired. The first one is my ‘Certificate of Automobile Insurance’ that states included in my premium is a ‘retirees discount’. The other document is a ‘Statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits’ for income I received in 2015. In one of the boxes it states ‘Number of months – retirement – 12’. Do you feel these are sufficient to prove that I’m retired?

      Thank you in advance.

    246. Chow
      June 2, 2016

      Hi, I’m currently working in Mexico for last 2 years and am planning to change my company. However, I don’t have birth certificate with me. To transfer my FM3 to another company, What all documents will be required as alternate to birth certificate? I have all my original educational certificates, voterID card of my country with me and also can view my birth details in my country website as a record, but not as a form. Many thanks in advance!!

    247. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 2, 2016

      Mark, the “Statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits” should suffice. Good luck!

    248. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 2, 2016

      Chow, our apologies, but we do not fully understand what you want to do and the need of a birth certificate to accomplish it. If you could explain further and clarify which type of Mexican immigration status you currently have since FM3’s no longer exist. Or you can write us to info@yucatanyes.com

    249. Richard
      June 3, 2016

      Hello, very informative website. first some background info: My wife’s temporary residency card expires (after 4 years) in August. My 4 year temporary residence as well as our 2 kids expires in March 2017.

      We first entered Mexico together as a family in July of 2012, my wife obtained here 1st one year temporary residence card from her employer. The kids and I went to Guatemala (for a short trip) after 6 months, but when we returned I was told to go to immigration. So our temporary residence visas are about 6 months behind my wife’s.

      My Question is, since we both entered Mexico at the same time (July 2012) can we apply for permanent residence as a family in August of this year, rather than making 2 submission, one for my wife in August and then for the rest of the family in March 2017.

      Thanks,

      Richard

    250. June 3, 2016

      Richard, you must apply for your permanent status 30 days or less before your card expires, not before.

    251. Bernadette
      June 5, 2016

      Hi! Great article! However just to confirm … we are 45 and 46 year old married couple and want to move to tulum. We can meet both bank statement and income requirements. Would we be able to work on a Temporary visa?

      B

    252. Jay
      June 6, 2016

      I hope you can help me with this question or direct me to a place where I can get the answer.
      I am a US citizen and have been living in Mexico for the past 10 years. I am married to a Mexican wife and have 2 children. When I came to Mexico a US passport was not required and so I do not have a passport. I want to return to the US to visit family but now a US passport is required to get back in the States. Any suggestions on how I can get a US passport while still in Mexico or if I can cross the border somehow without a passport and apply for one in the States. Thank you for considered my question.

    253. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 7, 2016

      Bernadette, temporary residents can work in Mexico as long as they have work permits.

    254. June 8, 2016

      Jay, we suggest you to contact your nearest US Consulate so that you can start your US Passport application.

    255. June 9, 2016

      My mother and I own a condo in PDC and are moving down there to live. We both qualify for permanent residency financially. We would like to open a Art studio and learning center once we are living there. If we apply for permanent or temporary residency can we then apply for and open a business?

    256. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 10, 2016

      Tina, permanent residents are authorized to work without requesting any sort of permit, you will just need to notify your local Immigration Institute’s office if you start working and where (any change of reported activity must be notified within the next 90 days that it happens); as temporary residents, you do need work permits issued by the Immigration Institute.

    257. antonio testolin
      June 14, 2016

      My temporally resident card expires September 23. How soon and how late can I start the renewal process without any problems?

    258. Jon
      June 14, 2016

      Hi,
      My common law wife & i are looking into moving to Mexico, she is looking into taking early retirement which would give her a initial pension of around $1600 per month.
      I’m quite a few years younger so i’m not even close to retiring or in a position to do so, also i’m self employed. My business i wouldn’t be able to operate from Mexico so i’d have to look at other options (perhaps something online?).
      We would have around $400k in finances & are looking into buying a place in Mexico for a maximum of $200k. We are considering buying a 2nd property solely for rental to give us income & something to occupy our time.
      Are there any visas available for us to do this or are we just dreaming?.

    259. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 15, 2016

      Jon, with her monthly pension she could apply for temporary residency, provided she can prove she has received such amount over the last 6 months.

      With your 400k you could both apply for temporary residency, providing a minimum savings amount over the last 12 months of approximately 20,500 USD each. In fact, your wife, once she is retired, can apply for permanent residency if she can show statements in her name for the last 12 months with savings of at least 85,000 USD in each.

    260. June 15, 2016

      Antonio, the earliest you can start is 30 days before the expiration date. The latest you can start while in Mexico is the date of the expiration date. If your card will expire while you are abroad you have 55 days to come to Mexico to renew it. Just keep in mind that if you will be changing status to permanent residency, you must start the process on the expiration date at the latest, the 55 day grace period won’t apply.

    261. phil
      June 15, 2016

      Hi We want to sell up in the UK and move to the Yucatan , we want to buy a farm and work it . My wife an i will have £200,00 to buy land and a house, My mother inlaw will come too and she has an income o £1300 per month, plus my 24 year old son and his girlfriend who dont really have any saving
      will this be possible? we want to work on our own farm land at the same time as build our houses

    262. Heather
      June 15, 2016

      hola,
      i wrote to you back in the middle of May. i have some more questions. my husband is a mexican citizen (as well as a US citizen). i am a US citizen and our two children are dual citizens of the US and Mexico. if my two kids and i apply as economic dependents of my husband he would need to show 500 USD for each of us totaling 1500 USD correct? you told me previously that my husband is allowed to work in Mexico without a visa because he is a citizen of Mexico. if i choose not to work in Mexico does that affect the income requirement or the savings requirement? you previously told me the saving requirement for a married couple is 22.000 USD. if i am filling as a dependent is that money amount still the same? i assume our bank statements need to show the 22.000 USD for a certain amount of time – how long? 6 or 12 months? also the house we will be moving to in Mexico City is owned by my husband. does its value affect any of our process or income requirements? thanks in advance for you help with all my questions.

    263. June 16, 2016

      Phil, you and your wife can apply as temporary residents based on your savings, if each of you can show you have had at least 20,000 USD during the last 12 months. Your mother in law can too apply for temporary residency if she can prove she has had an income of at least 1,300 USD over the last 6 months. As for your son and his girlfriend they need to show income of at least 1,300 USD each during the last 6 months. He can’t apply as your son, since he is not under age.

    264. June 16, 2016

      Heather, if your children have dual citizenship, then they don’t need to apply for a visa, they just need to have their Passports to travel to Mexico. You had not mentioned they had dual citizenship. The easiest for you will be to apply for permanent residency because you have Mexican children. The main documents you will need to show are their Mexican naturalization documents and their Mexican Passports.

    265. Heather
      June 16, 2016

      YES,
      thanks for the info. my two children were born in the USA and they received their Mexican birth certificates at the embassy in Seattle before they were a year old. both kids and my husband only have US passports. to make the process and move easier for us the three of them would need to have Mexican passports, correct? As for me, what would I need to do to get permanent residency?

    266. June 17, 2016

      Heather, that is correct, they must get their Mexican Passports. To get permanent residency, you should apply by family unit, by having Mexican children.

    267. Analia
      June 24, 2016

      I have an important question to ask I am a 26 year old disabled adult I am legally blind and not able to work I do receive SSI income monthly 731.

      For me that income I am able to live off of quite easily i stay with my husband’s family and they help me with things that I need if I cannot.

      My husband is a Mexican Citizen and lives here in Mexico I am currently here on a fmm card and would like to know would I be able to obtain a temporary resident card in order to stay with him from time to time more than six months.

      I have talked to immigration lawyers and some I can and some say I can’t. I am of Hispanic descent and I am fulent in the Spanish language.

      I’m afraid that I won’t be able to stay another 6 months when I come back on a new fmm card this is only my second visit to Mexico the first time I was a kid and the second time me being an adult.

      Will they allow me to come back after 4 months of being gone or will I have to wait longer?

      I’m praying it won’t be an issue if I’m not able to obtain a temporary card but it would be lovely if I could get some help with that since I am disabled and not able to work and my income is set at that set income for the past 20 years.

      My husband does work but I do not know how much he makes he works on a weekly basis.

    268. Mary
      June 24, 2016

      Thanks for your great service. I will be applying for a RP and readily qualify based on either my monthly SSA income or an investment account solely in my name. My husband wants an RT. He’s retired but doesn’t have the required SSA income. We do have three other investment accounts that would qualify him BUT they are joint accounts. What are your thoughts on his ability to qualify for a RT using one of these joint accounts? Would it make sense to apply together so as to explain the situation? Your input is very much appreciated.

    269. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 29, 2016

      Analia, yes you can. You can apply for temporary residency under “family unit” by being married to a Mexican citizen. You will need to show your marriage certificate, which if issued abroad, must have the apostille and then translation to Spanish by an authorized translator. After 2 years of temporary residency by family unit, you can request permanent residency.

    270. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 29, 2016

      Mary, you’re welcome! If you split in 2 the joint account and still there is enough balance for temporary residency, he can qualify using one of them. It won’t hurt if he also shows his SSA income, and the 3 joint accounts. And it is important that you apply for your SSA income and not the joint accounts in order to help him.

    271. Norm
      June 29, 2016

      Very impressed with the up to date status of your responses.
      I am considering seeking Permanent Residency in Mexico, soonest possible. What are my options to expedite the process as quickly as possible?
      43 yo male, Canadian / Australian Dual Citizen. Professional Engineer (P.Eng).
      I’ve noted Temp Visas are available for investors. Is the same true for permanent residency? Or, would my best choice be to prove “adequate monthly income from investments”, as in the case of a retiree? Has the points system yet been enacted; would a P.Eng qualify?
      Many thanks in advance.

    272. June 30, 2016

      Norm, thank you! Permanent residency is only for pensioners or for non-Mexicans that have a relative who is Mexican or permanent resident. Also, you can become permanent resident after 4 years with temporary residency. Your best choice would be to apply for income or investments, provided you are a pensioner. The points system is still not in effect.

    273. Lisa
      July 1, 2016

      How would you direct a family of 7. My husband is 51 and I am 49. We have 5 children ages 5-15. We have been living in Mexico for 2 1/2 years, on 6 month tourist visas. How much monthly income do we need to show for our entire family? My husband does not have a retirement pension, but we have a regular monthly income. When we have tried at Mexican consulates previously, even though we had documents showing our monthly income they were insistent that we need a letter of invitation from a Mexican registered business or organization. My husband is looking into starting a business for student exchange in Mexico. Any advice for us obtaining temp residency cards which would eventually lead to permenant after 4 years> thank you

    274. ismail
      July 2, 2016

      i would like to know about :

      1-the posbility and requirements for me and my Mexican GF for getting married in Mexico on a tourist visa

      2- changing my tourist visa it to temporary rsidency or permanent rediency ?

      3-would i have to leave the country and apply at a Mexican consulate or from within Mexico .

      many thanks in advance .

    275. Mike
      July 5, 2016

      > If the foreigner is applying for PERMANENT RESIDENCY:
      >
      > Original and copy of statements as proof of investments or
      > statements of bank accounts with a monthly average
      > balance equivalent to twenty thousand days of general
      > minimum wage in Mexico City (73.04 MXP for 2016),
      > approximately $90,000 USD for the past twelve months
      > (considering a rate of exchange of 17 pesos).

      Hi Yucatan Expatriate Services, I’m a bit confused by this sentence and the responses you gave to others in the comments. Based on the description above, it sounds like one could qualify for a PR by having roughly $90,000 USD in an investment account (mutual funds maybe?) for the past 12 months.

      My wife and I are interested in staying indefinitely (PR) in Mexico, however we still have some years to go from retirement age, could you enlighten us with the alternative(s) and requirements towards getting a PR eventually? Maybe as an investor (either in business or real estate) or something? Thanks in advance.

    276. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 6, 2016

      Lisa, your husband must show monthly income for the last 6 months of approximately 1,300 USD monthly. And for you and each of your 5 children, additional 400 USD monthly, for a total of 3,700 USD monthly. This is, if all of you apply at the Mexican Consulate. The other option is that just your husband applies at the Consulate and once he gets his resident card in Mexico, you and your children apply by family unit at the Immigration office of where your address is. If he has enough income to satisfy the requirements of the Immigration Law to become a temporary resident, there should be no reason why the Mexican Consulate is asking for an invitation letter. However, every Consulate’s criteria is different and some are more strict than others. Perhaps you should try at another Consulate.

    277. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 7, 2016

      Ismail,

      1- Yes, you can get married in Mexico on a tourist visa.
      2- You will be able to change status from tourist to temporary within Mexico, once you get married, by family unit, because you have a legal relation with a Mexican citizen.
      3- If you are married to a Mexican citizen, you can apply at an Immigration office in Mexico.

    278. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 7, 2016

      Mike, the Immigration Law states that to get Permanent Residency, the applicant must 1) be retired and 2) prove sufficient income from a pension for the past 6 months OR prove sufficient investments/savings from the last year. If you comply with 2) but not with 1), you won’t be eligible for PR. The other options to become RP are 1) Having a Mexican parent, child or sibling, 2) Having a PR parent or child, 3) Prove to have had 4 years with Temporary Residency.

    279. Mike
      July 7, 2016

      Thank you Yucatan Expatriate Services for the excellent help and the amount of information you made available on this website. Really appreciate it!

    280. Ahmad Behzad
      July 8, 2016

      Dear Sirs,
      I am a retiree and my wife is too,in Iran.Our total salary is arround USD 1885 per month and we have saved in our bank account equivalent arround USD 400 000 and we receive 20% , that is, USD 80 000 as bank interest per year for the same,in other words,USD 6 666 every month.Also,we have a shop worth arround 285 000 in Tehran and 2 apartments worthing arround USD 370 000 in Tehran and two apartments in my mother land worthing USD 320 00 and more than 10 000 sqm beach land worthing USD 600 000.I was born in 1958 and my wife 1965.We have 3 children,two daughters and one son.Daughters aged:one 10 and other 33 years old and my son is 32 years old.I am going to take my youngest daughter,who is in grade 4 (primary school),to Mexico with us.So,is it possible to request a permanent visa of Mexico from your consulate in Tehran,Iran?
      Your early response will be highly appreciated.
      Thanks and best regards
      Ahmad Behzad

    281. Ahmad Behzad
      July 8, 2016

      Dear Sirs,
      Considering my above-mentioned email questions,i mean a permanent residency in Mexico(Not a permanent visa).
      Please accept my sincere apologies for any inconvenience.
      Thanks and regards
      Ahmad Behzad

    282. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 8, 2016

      You’re welcome Mike!

    283. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 8, 2016

      Ahmad, yes, approach the Mexican Consulate in Tehran; if approved, you will receive a permanent resident visa good for 180 days that you will need to use in Mexico to exchange for the permanent resident card.

    284. Ahmad Behzad
      July 8, 2016

      Thank you very much Yucatan Expatriate Services for your prompt response,but there are some more questions,would you please let me know :
      1)-How long will it take to get our permanent resident card in Mexico?
      2)-Is it necessary to take my wife and 10 year old daughter together with me to Mexico before getting our permanent resident card,or it is better at first i myself go to Mexico alone and do relative formalities for getting PR and then come back to Iran and take my wife and daughter to Mexico?
      3)-Can i register my daughter in school in Mexico?
      4)-When will new study year be started?I mean what month the schools will be begun this year?
      5)-Are the schools free of charge for foreign students?
      I appreciate your kind help.
      Best regards
      Ahmad Behzad

    285. July 8, 2016

      Ahmad, you’re welcome. Here are the answers to your other questions:

      1) Once in Mexico, the process to get the card takes 4-6 weeks.

      2) In order to enter Mexico, since Iran is a country whose citizens need a visa from the Mexican Consulate, the 3 of you need to go to the Consulate in Tehran so then you can enter Mexico. Or the other option is that first you get your PR in Mexico and then you request their “internación” by family unit.

      3) Yes you can, as long as she is legal in Mexico, either with permanent residency or temporary residency.

      4) In September 2016.

      5) No they aren’t.

    286. Tom
      July 11, 2016

      Dear Sir/Madam,

      I’m an Englishman (32) who has lived in Mexico before, in 2012 prior to the visa changes. I meet the monthly income requirements, however, due to the nature of my work the money enters my account in small amounts each month, not one lump sum. Will this be an issue when applying for the temporary residency visa? Also, are there any other requirements i must meet, or just the financial ones?

      Kind regards,

      Tom

    287. Chris
      July 14, 2016

      Looking into moving to the Yucatan, i have a pension of around $1500 per month. My husband is younger & wouldn’t have a pension. Would we meet the criteria to live in Mexico?. We are looking at buying a home around the 200k mark, would this help us in our process?.

    288. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 15, 2016

      Tom, you must show a minimum monthly income of approximately 1,200 USD for the last 6 months, regardless if it’s one income of 1,200 or various that add up to 1,200 USD. The main requirement is the financial one. However, obtaning the visa will depend on the Consulate’s officer criteria, even if you do meet the requirements. Sometimes they look for other subjective information, such as your purpose of moving to Mexico: are you moving because you have a job offer? because you want to retire (which we don’t think is your case)? etc.

    289. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 15, 2016

      Chris, you meet the criteria to become a temporay resident based on the amount of your pension and if your husband has a similar income, he does too. You could also get temporary residency through the Real Estate option if you can show original and copy of the legal document proving ownership of real estate with a value of more than forty thousand days of general minimum wage in Mexico (73.04 MXN), which are 2,921,600 pesos. If you need assitance or more information, feel free to contact us at info@yucatanyes.com

    290. H
      July 15, 2016

      Hello.
      I have a few Q’s that you can hopefully help me with?

      We are based in Canada & are looking to move to the Caribbean side of Mexico. My wife can retire & take a initial pension of 36k Canadian rising to 55k in five years time.

      I would have no pension in place at this time, however we wish to buy a home there so would we both qualify through any type of visa to do this whether it be a permanent or temporary visa, or is there another visa path we could perhaps take?.

      Also would we be required to own a home that is a certain amount in value?. We would also have savings of around 150k (CAD) if we were to buy a home around the 200k to 300k mark.

      Many thanks.

    291. Dan
      July 15, 2016

      Hi,
      I went to the Mexican Consulate in CA to apply for my temporary residency. In the interview, I was denied even though I had bank statements that showed deposits of at least $1500 USD / month. The woman said that there was no proof where that money came from even though I told her I was self-employed. She asked how I plan to have income if I will be living in Mexico. She also said that I couldn’t apply as a retiree because I am only 43 and do not have a pension. She said my options were to either invest in a business in Mexico of at least $78K USD or show that I own at least $200K USD in real estate in Mexico. Does this seem correct?

    292. H
      July 15, 2016

      Hello,
      Firstly thank you for this wonderful website.

      I have a few questions:

      What is the criteria for a couple (common law) regarding income?. I would have a pension of 28k rising to 38k in five years time however my other half has no pension in place until further down the line. He is younger than myself.

      Would i/we qualify for any type of visa to allow us to live in Mexico?.

      Would buying a property help in anyway?, we are looking in the max 200k range at property. Also we would have savings of around 150k?.

      Many thanks in advance.

    293. William
      July 18, 2016

      Hi, and thanks so much for this wonderfully informative site.

      I’m an American citizen who would like to get my temporary residence permit. I have a monthly income of 2600 so I think I should be fine on that. But I would like to bring my son to Mexico to live with me. He’s 16 years old and a citizen of South Africa. Would I be able to do this? And what would be the best way to go about it? I plan to live near the border and commute to my job in Texas. Thanks for any information you can offer.

    294. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 19, 2016

      H, to buy Real Estate in Mexico you could do it under a visitors visa too, it does not have to be strictly under a temporary or permanent status.

      Once you are retired you could apply for permanent residency as long as your monthly pension for the past 6 months is around 2,300 USD or you have savings for 90,000 USD monthly for the last 12 months.

      If you are not retired, but you can show income for the past 6 months of approximately 1,300 USD or savings for the past 12 months of approximately 25,000 USD you can request temporary residency.

      You are not required to own a home to become permanent or temporary residents, but if you own Real Estate worth approximately 165,000 USD you coud apply for temporary residency (not for permanent).

    295. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 19, 2016

      Dan, the Immigration Law states that if you can show income of at least 1,300 USD approximately over the past 6 months before your application, you should be able to qualify for temporary residency. However, each Consulate has the authority to request more information if they consider it necessary. The other options you were given are correct; there is also the possibility of getting a temporary resident visa if you are offered a job by a Mexican company, or through family unit, if you have a relative (spouse, sibling, parent or child) that is Mexican or temporary/permanent resident.

    296. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 19, 2016

      William, thank you! With your income yes, you will be eligible for temporary residency. About your son: once you get your temporary residency card in Mexico, you can request his “internación” into the country at your local Mexican Immigration office, so that once it is approved, he can go to the Mexican Embassy in South Africa to get his visa to enter Mexico. Once in Mexico he will do a procedure to get a temporary resident card. The main document that you will need to show at the Immigration office is your son’s birth certificate, with apostille or legalization from the Mexican Consulate and translation to Spanish by a translator authorized by the Immigration office. It is important that your name in the birth certificate appears exactly as your name in your Passport.

    297. July 22, 2016

      Hi there,
      My dad, mother, 14 yr old sister, my wife and myself are trying to get our temporary resident visas.

      My dad has a large income and savings that I’m sure meet the requirements. He would continue working while in Mexico.

      My mother does not work.

      My sister of course does not work and would be a dependent.

      My wife and I work in the states but will not have income one we move to Mexico.

      The plan is to start a deep sea fishing charter. My father and I are business partners. I understand you can obtain this visa on an investment in Mexico.

      What would you recommend we do to make sure our visas are approved?

      Thank you.

    298. Norm
      July 25, 2016

      Thanks for your earlier reply.
      If I do apply for perm residency under the income/investments section for pensioners, how do I qualify as a “pensioner”? Are there specific rules, or can proof of monthly income suffice?
      Thanks.

    299. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 28, 2016

      Cory, the easiest way to get your visas approved would be through economic solvency, not throught the investments requirement. Economic solvency is the most straightforward option. If you need assistance through the process, reviewing documents, etc. please write us to info@yucatanyes.com

    300. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 28, 2016

      Norm, you qualify as pensioner by proving you are retired and receiving a pension. This proof can be your social security letter or a letter from your former employer stating it so.

    301. H
      August 2, 2016

      Thank you for your reply on the 19th July. You mention that i can apply for (if i’m not retired) temporary residence if i can show i have income paid into my account each month for six consecutive months of at least $1300 USD.
      I am looking into my retirement options & I’m currently still working, would i be able to show my bank statements with my salary being paid in even though i won’t have that salary once we move to Mexico?. My monthly income would be well above the $1300 each month required. Also once i retire my pension would also be above the minimum monthly amount.
      If possible i would like to do this while still working so that once i retire i don’t have to wait six months to show my pension being paid in.

      Last question………i promise!

      Also my husband is self employed, could he show his business bank acounts for six months to also apply for temporary residency?.This account is the only account he uses which covers both business & personal.

      Many Thanks.

    302. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 3, 2016

      H, yes, as long as you show you have had that salary for the past six months, that will do; it won’t matter if after you get the visa you don’t have that salary anymore; when you renew temporary residecy or when you change to permanent status, you won’t be asked to show financial information again (that is, as long as you renew on time and you don’t let your visa expire and unless the rules change!). And yes also to your husband’s question.

    303. Amaze12
      August 4, 2016

      Hello,

      I just want to confirm something that it is possible to reside in Mexico on a temporary VIsa and own an online business where the money come from the US and Canada, deposited into a Canadian bank account. And also, that taxes will not need to be paid in Mexico.

      I have heard many stories of people doing this, but I wanted to ask for your opinion.

      Also, if that is the case, I think this could also be done by renewing a tourist visa?

      Thank you.

    304. Elizabeth Rodriguez
      August 4, 2016

      I am single and have a monthly income over $5200 a month. My company is US based, but we have a office in Mexico City. My plan is to work remotely, out of Oaxaca. Can I apply for a Temporary or Permanent Visa and work remotely, listing my company address in Mexico City?

      Thank You in advance!

    305. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 4, 2016

      Amaze12, yes it is possible to reside in Mexico on a temporary resident status owning an online business where the money is generated abroad and you receive no income in Mexico and you pay taxes abroad. The same applies if you are a tourist.

    306. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 4, 2016

      Elizabeth, you could apply for temporary residency because permanent residency is only for retired people. The Company in Mexico City should request the visa for you at the Immigration office; once it is approved, you can go to any Mexican Consulate abroad to get your visa in your passport and then come to Mexico and exchange it for the resident card at the Immigration office.

    307. Pablo Cib
      August 5, 2016

      I’m a software engineer with more than 15 years of experiencia and a barchelor degree in computer science. I also owner of a software consulting firm in Argentina. My Family and I want to relocate in Yucatan. I already have several Customer in the US so I could able to work remotely. I have a monthly income of 10.000 usd. I read your inmigración guide book but it’s still not clear to me what would the right path for me to apply for temporary or permanent residency. It looks like the system of points is a good option but there is no enough información about it. Any information would be helpful. Thanks

    308. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 8, 2016

      Pablo, you should apply for temporary residency because permanent residency is just for pensioners. After four years of temporary residency, you will become a permanent resident, regardless if you are retired yet or no. The points system is a path that the Immigration Law mentions, but to this date it is not in force.

    309. Mark
      August 18, 2016

      Hello YES
      My question is about how much time someone with a temporary or permanent residence visa can be out of Mexico before the visa is cancelled. I just came across some information (on the internet and not sure how accurate it is) that states that the Mexican government are now cancelling visas given to those that ‘abuse’ the system. If this is the case, there must be a rule that states how much time you must spend in Mexico on an annual basis. I would appreciate your feedback on this, and if there is a rule, what it is or where I can get more information.
      Thank you

    310. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 24, 2016

      Mark, there is not an established amount of time that a temporary or permanent resident can be outside of Mexico before their status is cancelled. The Immigration Law does not say so. If the Mexican Government is cancelling Immigration statuses because some are abusing the system, it would be something based on criteria.

    311. Tita Sokoloff
      August 27, 2016

      Thank you for providing a great service here on your website!
      I have bought a home in Merida which I am presently remodeling. It should be ready to move in to in October. My question is, what is the advantages of a permanent residency card over a temporary card? Will I still need to maintain a Fideicomiso with the permanent residency?

      Many Thanks,
      Tita

    312. August 30, 2016

      Tita, thank you for your kind words. The main advantage of permanent residency over temporary is that you don’t have to renew your card again and also that permanent residents are allowed to work in Mexico. Yes, you still need to maintain your fideicomiso with permanent residency, only if you decide to become a Mexican citizen you could cancel it.

    313. Mark
      September 11, 2016

      Hello. I just want to confirm that my understanding is correct for applying for Permanent Residency. At the time I will retire, my pension earnings will be fairly small initially, and well below the $2,300 required. But I will have substantial savings/investments (over $1M) in the bank. It sounds like as long as I can prove that I am retired from my employer, the small pension amount wouldn’t prevent me from applying for Permanent Residency, as long as my bank investments/savings are sufficient. Just confirming that it truly is ‘adequate pension income’ OR ‘adequate savings’, for Permanent Residency as a retiree? Is this correct?

    314. Jonty Rees
      September 15, 2016

      Hi – I’m a UK citizen, permanently resident in the US, with a US citizen wife, and two US born college age kids. My wife and I have both worked continuously for over 30yrs, both with monthly incomes of $5k+. We will be selling our home in the US and moving to the Yucatan, so we’ll have in excess of $500k with which to buy a house in Mexico, and live on until we can access our 401k plans at age 59 1/2 (we are both currently 55 yrs old). Does our past monthly income qualify us to apply for temporary residency, even though we will be “retiring” from those jobs? We won’t be at US retirement age, and we won’t be pulling a regular pension. Are 401k plans considered assets by the Mexican authorities? Thanks – this site is a great resource!

    315. Levell
      September 26, 2016

      My wife and I are planning to move to the Yucatan area from the U.S. She is a Mexican citizen. I am an American. We were married here in the U.S.. Are there any special requirements with regard to our purchasing property in Mexico based on this?

    316. Ahmad Behzad
      September 26, 2016

      dear sir,
      My wife & i are retired and our total pension is around usd2000 but we have a saving of around $400 000 in our bank account and receive around $7000 as interest per month from our bank. we have a lot of properties but Tehran Mexican Consulate advised that they can issue either a 6 month multiple tourist visa or a temporary resident visa,but we asked for 1st one and they issued the 1st one. we want to come to Mexico and take action for PR Card,well, is it possible to get PR by this tourist visa or we should ask for temporary visa’ so that we can proceed for PR Card when we enter in Mexico.please guide so that if it is necessary i ask Tehran Mexican Cosulate to change our tourist visa into temporary resident visa.
      Thanks a lot for your kind prompt guidance.
      Best tegards

    317. Norm Stangl
      September 29, 2016

      My wife and I are going to be visiting El Centenario, Baja Sur for six months starting in November 2016.
      We had a little difficulty with some of the visa documents so we are going to apply for our PR Visa after our first six month stay.
      Our initial plan is to enter the country as tourists. My question relates to bringing in some of my photography and art supplies that seem to be outside of the allowable limits. Of course we would take everything out with us when we leave the country.
      Can we bring these items in with us if we pay duty or a tax on them? If they are going to exit with us would that expense be required? Since the Baja is conisidered a free trade zone does that open up some of our import possibilities?
      Thanks for the great information that you provide here.

    318. Lee Martinez
      September 30, 2016

      I would like to apply for a temporary residency VISA and move to Reynosa because the cost of living is cheaper and when I lived in Mexico a few years ago I enjoyed it. I currently live in McAllen, TX so for work I will either start a web development business and work from home or continue to work for my current employer in which case I will need to commute daily across the bridge to go to work in McAllen. I have a few questions regarding the application process.

      Regarding the copy of my passport, do I need to photocopy every page of the booklet? Will a passport card suffice or do I need the booklet?

      Regarding proof of income, will print outs of statements from my online bank account suffice or do I need to actually go to my bank and request copies? I have been saving my paycheck stubs since February, will they come in handy?

      Regarding the interview, will they believe me when I tell them that I simply want to rent a house in Reynosa because it is cheaper and I can get more house for my money? What kind of personal data will I need to provide?

      Regarding the canje application, how will I provide my signature if the form is online?

      Regarding the letter requesting the canje of the VISA, does the letter need to be in Spanish and what do you recommend I say in the letter?

      Do I need to provide an address in Mexico at any point in the process?

      In the process you state that once the applicant is in Mexico she/ he has 30 days to start the canje application. During those 30 days do I need to stay at a friend’s house or can I legally already rent a house?

      Thank you for your time and consideration.

    319. Queen
      September 30, 2016

      I am interested in residency however neither my husband or I are retired but we can show 300,000 in our account. Also my husband is jamaican and I am American , we have two kids that are American and our parents are jamaican and American respectively. How do we apply coming from two different countries? And how long is the process.

    320. October 1, 2016

      Hello. I have read thru many of these questions but did not see mine. I am retired. Is it necessary to have temporary residency before I may apply for permanent residency? Thank you.

    321. flo
      October 2, 2016

      Hello, Can one work/open a business on a temporary resident visa?

    322. October 4, 2016

      Hi YES,

      I am 47 yrs old and curently live in UK with my Wife and 3 children. I have aprox £10,000 enter my bank account each month and had done for the past 5 years. I intend to Live and invest in Playa del Carmen in the next 6-8 months. I intend to invest in a business that my wife and I will manage, and have our 3 kids in an international school in playa del carmen.
      I intend to invest aprox £300,000 following the sale of my house. this will be used to purchase an existing local Playa del Carmen business (e.g restaurant) that my wife and I will manage. I will also employ local staff.
      Question. Once I move away from UK to Mexico I would no longer be receiving income from UK.
      1) What visa would I require to purchase and work in my own business
      2) Can I place my children in school on a temp visa
      3) Can I purchase a business and manage it on a temp visa
      4) Is a permanent visa guaranteed after 4 years on a temp visa (as long I am receiving income from my investment business)

      Thanks in adavnce

    323. Alonzo Quijano II
      October 5, 2016

      Your answering so many questions for other (even duplicates) is impressive. You are a teacher and humanitarian.

    324. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 6, 2016

      Mark, what you say is correct; it is either adequate income OR adequate savings, as long as you are retired.

    325. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 6, 2016

      Jonty, when you apply for temporary residency each of you must prove income of at least approx. 1,300 USD for the past 6 months or savings of at least approx. 25,000 USD for the last 12 months.

    326. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 6, 2016

      Levell, since your wife is a Mexican citizen, she could buy property in Yucatán directly instead of you; you would need to set up a trust (fideicomiso) with a financial institution in order to buy property in Yucatán, which makes it a longer process and more expensive.

    327. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 6, 2016

      Ahmad, in order to get PR, you must get TR first and have it for 4 years. After 4 years with TR you can request PR.

    328. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 6, 2016

      Norm, you are able to bring your photography and art supplies paying the corresponding duties. Baja California is a free trade zone but the duty free would only apply if you were a resident of Baja California who wishes to import goods.

    329. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 6, 2016

      Lee, answering your questions:
      – You don’t need to photocopy every page of the booklet, just the 2 pages that contain your information and signature.
      – Print outs of your bank statements will suffice; your paycheck stubs will definitely come in handy.
      – About the interview, each Consulate has its own criteria; some will grant you the visa because of the actual reasons you are explaining in your comment and other will only grant it if you have a job offer in Mexico or if you want to retire.
      – Regarding the canje, you will need to print the online form, sign it and submit it at the Immigration office in Tamaulipas.
      – The letter for the canje needs to be in Spanish.
      – You will need to provide an address in Mexico when you fill out the online form.
      – During the 30 days you can legally rent a house.
      If you need further information or assistance, contact us at info@yucatanyes.com

    330. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 6, 2016

      Queen, since neither of you is retired, you can apply for temporary residency. Each one can use their own nationality. The process at the Mexican Consulate cannot take more than 10 business days and the process at the Immigration office in Mexico will take about 4-6 weeks.

    331. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 6, 2016

      Jen, if you are retired and comply with the minimum income or savings requirements you can go directly to permanent residency withouth passing through temporary.

    332. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 6, 2016

      Flo, to work or open a business you need to have a temporary resident card WITH a work permit.

    333. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 6, 2016

      Danny, answering your questions:
      1) Temporary residency with a work permit.
      2) Yes you can.
      3) Yes you can.
      4) Permanent residency is granted after 4 years with temporary residency regardless of the income of savings you have at that time; you won’t even need to show financial information.

    334. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 6, 2016

      Alonzo, thank you for your kind words. It is our pleasure.

    335. Christel
      October 10, 2016

      Hi,

      Thank you for the valuable information you provide here. Your ebook has been very helpful as well.
      I am in my early thirties and want to live and eventually open a business in Mexico (Sonora), I have the savings required to apply for temporary residency. I understand that in order to open a business I need to hire Mexicans or people with work permits and get my tax ID. My questions for you are:
      1. when I apply for temporary residency, in the interview, is it wise to mention my goal of opening a business (legally, of course)? Or will that complicate the interview and the application?
      2. Do you know what the process is to apply for a work permit when you open your own business? Is it a very strict selection/hard process?
      3. Do you know if it is hard for a temporary resident to obtain a tax ID?

      Thank you in advance for taking the time.

    336. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 11, 2016

      Christel, we’re happy that you have found our site and e-book useful!

      Answering your questions:
      1) We’d say that you don’t mention it since it is just a plan; however, recently we have seen that some Consulates refuse to authorize visas to foreigners who their purpose is not retirement or who do not have a job offer from a Mexican Company. You are both not retired and do not have a job offer from Mexico so if you see that explaining your intentions of creating a Company in Mexico that will give jobs to Mexican people will help you, it may be wise to express so.

      2) It is not more strict or harder than if you were hired by a Mexican Company, you will need to prove that the business exists (deed of incorporation), that the address where the business will take place exists and is functioning or ready to be functioning, that the business has filed for its tax papers, etc.

      3) No, it is not, but you should get the work permit from the Immigration office first.

    337. Diane B
      October 13, 2016

      First thank you for all of your valuable information!!! I plan to start the process for temporary residency at the Denver Mexican Consulate. I will arrive in Merida early November. Does it matter if I go to the Progresso or Merida office to continue the process? Is Progresso processing quicker than Merida’s?

    338. October 13, 2016

      Diane B, you’re welcome! The office you go to is related to where your address is. If your residence in Mexico is Merida, you need to go to the office in Merida, if it is Progreso or the coast, you need to go to the office in Progreso. If you need assistance with the process, let us know! Just send us an e-mail and we will make an appointment info@yucatanyes.com

    339. Dave
      October 13, 2016

      My wife and I purchased a property in Playa del Carmen worth $350,000 and the intention is to retire in Mexico permanently. I retired from work over a year and a half ago, my wife retired a month ago.
      The fact we have already invested in a property in Playa, do we still need to prove that we have had savings of $80000 per person for the last 12 months?
      Plus, do we need to also prove we receive $80 or more per month, per person in retirement funds?
      We have a total income of $4000 per month inclusive of our retirement funds, will this be enough to quality for a retirement visa?
      Will the retirement visa also allow us to have dual citizenship with the United Kingdom?
      Thanks in advance

    340. kate
      October 14, 2016

      I have uploaded my questions on several occasions and they do not appear on this website. Why is this?

    341. October 14, 2016

      Dave, to apply for permanent residency, the fact that you own Real Estate is not involved. You strictly need to prove that you are retired and that you have a monthly pension of at least 2,000 USD for the last 6 months or savings with a monthly balance of at least 80,000 USD for the last 12 months. Regarding your other question: permanent residency does not mean you have Mexican citizenship, you’ll still be a citizen of your country but with permanent residency in Mexico.

    342. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 14, 2016

      Kate, we are sorry, we have not seen your questions. Please send them again.

    343. October 17, 2016

      Hi YES,

      Many thanks for answering my questions of 6 Oct. My close Friend has now shown a great interest in Joining my wife and I in investing and living in Playa Del Carmen. With this in mind, we will have a combined money pot of aprox $1.0m that can be invested in a local business they we would own and manage.

      Is there a fast track way of obtaining perminent residency, as its risky investing such large sums on a business when on a temporary visa?

      Thanks in advance,
      Danny

    344. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 17, 2016

      Danny, you’re welcome. Permanent residency is just for pensioners, people who wish to retire in Mexico and who have the minimum required income or savings/ or those who have had temporary residency for 4 years. Investing money in Mexico will only allow you to have temporary residency the first 4 years.

    345. October 18, 2016

      I have a house in Playa and will be travelling to Cancun in November with the aim of bringing my personal items with me as part of my airline luggage. The consulate has clearly stated they are unable to assist me with my personal items and now I need your help:
      – Will customs charge me for bringing my personal items if i show them my property deeds and that I own a property in Mex?
      – I understand for all electrical items I need to provide serial numbers?
      – Should I create a list of personal items in English and Spanish?
      – Should the list be attached outside the boxes or should I just present customs with the list for example box 1 contains items abc etc etc?
      Thank you very much for your help

    346. Marie
      October 18, 2016

      Hi, your information is very useful…thank you very much. My husband and I are currently residing in Guanajuato, and are going to Leon tomorrow to do a canje from our 30-day temporary visa to a temporary resident card. I saw above where you said that the canje letter must be done in Spanish…does it have to be done on formal letterhead and would you know to whose attention it should be directed to? I’m not even sure how to word it or what information it should contain…Not sure if you can help since you do not deal in this part of the country, but just thought I’d take a chance.
      Thanking you in advance,

    347. October 18, 2016

      Kate, what you can bring with you as part of your airline luggage is listed on this link: https://www.yucatanexpatriateservices.com/do-it-yourself/personal-items-into-mexico.html; whatever you bring that is not in such list, you will need to declare and pay the corresponding duties. If you already have your temporary resident card, you could import your house hold goods duty free with the assistance of a customs broker; you will need to provide him with a full inventory of the items you will bring. For more information you can contact us at info@yucatanyes.com

    348. October 19, 2016

      Marie, yes, the letter requesting the canje is in Spanish, no letterhed necessary and it is addressed to the Immigration office. Even though we are in Merida, yes, we can help you with all the paperwork. Please contact us at info@yucatanyes.com

    349. Dan
      October 20, 2016

      I got my permanent resident visa at the consulate today and was was planning on getting it stamped at the border tomorrow to get my FMM, then head to the INM office. Once I enter Mexico to start this process at the INM am I forbidden from leaving Mexico and re-entering prior to completing this process?

    350. October 21, 2016

      Dan, you are not supposed to leave but if you must, you can request an exit permit at the Immigration office, which is good for 60 days, while your process continues.

    351. Luis
      November 2, 2016

      I don’t have any paper statements from the bank, everything is online. Should be enough by printing those bank statements?

    352. November 3, 2016

      Luis, yes, that will work.

    353. Dani
      November 5, 2016

      Hello,
      I really appreciate all the valuable information you provide through your site.
      I’m a USA citizen, living currently in Chiang Mai, Thailand under a retirement visa. I would like to relocate to Mexico at the end of January, 2017. What would be the best way to secure a Permanent Resident visa? There’s only a Mexican embassy in Bangkok and it seems- from what I read from their website- that they don’t process these type of visas. Should I go to Mexico then, get the Tourist visa first and then go to Guatemala to apply for the Permanent resident visa? I’m 51 years old and have currently USD$128,000 on bank savings. ( I won’t be able to touch social security and pension till I’m least 65 years old). Looking forward to your suggestions.

    354. Dani
      November 5, 2016

      Hi,
      Clarification from my post above. I’m planning on relocating to San Cristobal de Las Casas in Chiapas, and so the closest Mexican consulate would be the one in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Thanks!

    355. Bernard Farmer
      November 9, 2016

      My wife and I are considering moving to Mexico and applying for permanent residency. We are both retired from our jobs and receive retirement income through a state retirement system, but do not receive Social Security yet. Our income amounts, and our savings are both sufficient to qualify us. What documentation must be presented at the Consulate to prove we are ‘pensioners’ so that we can request permanent residency.

    356. Jeff Ezell
      November 9, 2016

      My same-sex spouse and I are interested in immigration to Mexico. We are retired and have adequate investment, royalty, and social security income to meet the requirements, I believe. We are legally married (originally married in Canada, but both US citizens and the marriage is fully recognized in the US). Would our marriage be recognized by the Mexican federal authority for immigration purposes, and thus the joint nature of our financial holdings? I should also mention that my spouse was born in Venezuela and was/is also a citizen of that country (though no longer has a Venezuelan passport, but does have his birth certificate). I understand this may give him some enhanced ability to immigrate to Mexico. What general guidance can you give us on these issues?

    357. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 10, 2016

      Dani, thank you for your words. Answering your question: you could come to Mexico as a tourist and when you decide to change status to permanent residency, you could go to the Mexican Consulate in Guatemala and apply there.

    358. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 10, 2016

      Bernard, you could show your retirement letters from your Jobs and the proof of your retirement income in bank statements.

    359. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 10, 2016

      Jeff, yes, your marriage will be recognized, do not worry. We have made family unit procedures for same-sex couples without relevant issues.

    360. Khym
      November 16, 2016

      Hello. I am considering purchasing a house in Progreso for my future retirement home. I will still be working in the US full time before my retirement but I plan to live in the house on some weekends and holidays. What type of resident visa is best suited for my situation? A temporary resident or permanent resident one. Thank you for your advice and for this very informative website.

    361. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 17, 2016

      Khym, if you will be staying in Mexico for periods of less tan 180 days, with the tourist visa is enough. However, if you look for a longer term type of visa, start with temporary residency and then after 4 years you will become permanent resident.

    362. Mary Monica Carrillo
      November 19, 2016

      My husband is a Mexican currently living in Merida, Yucatan taking care of his mother. I am an American citizen but wanting to go to Merida and live in the year to come. I am looking for information to get a temporary visa with a possible working permit.

    363. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 22, 2016

      Mary, you could come on a tourist visa and request TR for 2 years because you are married to a Mexican citizen. You must show your marriage certificate with the apostille (if you got married in the US) and translation to Spanish and the proof that he’s Mexican (Passport or voter’s card). To get a work permit, you will need to have a job offer first. If you need assistance with both processes we’d be happy to help you; contact us at info@yucatanyes.com

    364. Dani
      November 24, 2016

      Thank you so much for your suggestions to my situation. One more quick question. Once I go to Quetzaltenango, Guatemala to apply for the Permanent Resident Visa, which address should I put down on the application? (they ask for original and copy of proof of legal stay) My Guatemala hotel address where I’ll be staying should be enough?
      Thank you so much for all the help!

    365. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 25, 2016

      Dani, you’re welcome. By “proof of legal stay”, they mean that you must show the document that proves you are staying legally in Guatemala, since you are a not a resident of such country. You have to show the migratory document that the Guatemala’s Government gives you when you enter the country

    366. Jen
      November 26, 2016

      When you start the temporary resident visa process at the Mexican consulate in the USA, do you need to have a Mexican address at that time? How far ahead of arriving in Mexico can a person start the temporary resident visa process?

      Gracias!

    367. Jen
      November 26, 2016

      Also, is it possible to register a vehicle in Mexico with a temporary resident visa?

    368. MacKenzie Salinas
      November 26, 2016

      This is probably a stupid question but I am going to ask it anyway. My husband is a Mexican national. I am a US citizen. We live in the US. In 4 years we are planning to retire in Mexico.
      I assume that the financial proofs apply only to me since I am the only one that will be applying for a visa. Is that right? Is it a bit easier to get a visa if you are married to a Mexican citizen? Thank you!

    369. David R
      November 27, 2016

      I am considering getting the Permanent Resident (pension) card as I live in Sonora nine months of the year. As I actually live in the free zone I do not get the temporary car import tags unless I am leaving the free zone and then I get the tourist visa and the tags together. I also have several vehicles back in the US-so I do not always drive the same vehicle. My fear is that if I become a Permanent Resident I would have to legally import a car to go further south than the state of Sonora. Any way around that?

    370. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 29, 2016

      Jen, you do not need to have a Mexican address at that time; you will need to have one when you start the process in Mexico to get your resident card. The temporary resident visa process can be started 180 days in advance, since the visa provided by the Mexican Consulate is good for 180 days.

    371. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 29, 2016

      Jen, about your other question, you can register a vehicle in Mexico once you obtain your temporary resident card at your local Immigration office.

    372. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 29, 2016

      MacKenzie, it is much easier to get temporary residency if you are married to a Mexican citizen. You don’t need to show financial information, just your marriage certificate with the apostille and translation to Spanish along with forms requesting the residency and the payment of fees.

    373. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 29, 2016

      David R, if you become a PR you won’t be able to drive your foreign plated vehicle out of the free zone. Your only option would be to get TR instead of PR, but eventually you will face the same problem when in 4 years you become a PR.

    374. Stephen
      November 29, 2016

      Good day YES. I have a couple of questions. First) Are you localized to only the Yucatan Peninsula area or can you assist expats anywhere in Mexico?
      Second) If we (my wife and I) recently purchased a home in Mexico and have crossed the border on a temporary visitor’s visa (less than 180 days), will we still have to go back to the US to apply for and obtain the residente permanente visa?
      The closest Mexican consulate is in Laredo, TX…a 10 hr. drive away.
      And, Third) if the answer to the 2nd question is Yes, can an immigration attorney handle that for us?
      Thanks for your input.

    375. Kate
      November 29, 2016

      Hi – what does it mean if the immigration office sends you an email stating:
      “”Regarding the immigration process with Unique number Step (NUT) accordance with Article 8 A, Section III of the Guidelines for procedures and immigration procedures, and derived from consent to receive electronic notices stated in the immigration application form pendency with the part number you are informed that the immigration authority has issued a trade, which is notified by this means, same as available on the following link with its part number and password””

      Can someone please help me?

    376. November 30, 2016

      Hi – what does it mean if the immigration office send me the following message:
      Se emitió oficio. Translated in English it means “Office was issued”. Thank you

    377. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 30, 2016

      Stephen, we are localized in Merida, Yucatán so our services are mostly for the State of Yucatán but we can offer consultancy for all Mexico. Answering your other questions: if you are currently in Mexico on a tourist visa (180 days) and you would like to get permanent residency, yes, you need to leave the country and apply at any Mexican Consulate abroad. It is a personal procedure, an attorney cannot represent you before the Mexican Consulate.

    378. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 30, 2016

      Kate, it only means that your process has been accepted and it’s starting its course. When it shows “Registre sus datos” in the system is when you can go to the Immigration office and request your appointment.

    379. November 30, 2016

      Thank you so much for your reply, it has been most helpful. It is comforting to know you provide such useful information to those in dire need.

    380. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      December 2, 2016

      You’re very welcome Kate!

    381. Jen
      December 8, 2016

      As far as showing 6 months of bank statements for temporary resident status, do you just have to do that at the Mexican consulate, or do you need to show them again in Mexico at the immigration office?

    382. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      December 9, 2016

      Jen, you just need to show them at the Mexican Consulate.

    383. December 20, 2016

      Hi, I applied for my temporary visa on 10th November 2016, I still have not received the status ‘Registre sus datos, from the immigration office. I was informed that it takes 30 days to obtain a temporary visa. I know it is the Christmas period. Could you let me know exactly how long it will take to get the temporary visa?

      Will it help if I hire a lawyer for this process? Thank you.

      Also my son has had a very bad accident and i need to go out of the country to see him, therefore I need this visa process completed as soon as possible.

    384. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      December 20, 2016

      Kate, the Immigration offices closed on Friday and will re-open on January 2nd. You will likely be getting your visa between mid and the end of January. It is the standard time it takes in this period of the year. If you need to travel you can request an exit permit starting January 2nd; the exit permit is good for 60 days while your process in Mexico continues.

    385. December 20, 2016

      Please can you let me know who do I need to apply or ask for the exit permit?
      If I get the exit permit will the immigration office put a stop to my visa application and will I have to apply for it all over again?
      If the immigration office issue me with a visa between mid-January and end January 2017, will I need to return back to as soon as possible to Mexico for my finger prints etc?
      Will the immigration office wait for me to return back to Mexico within the 60 days of the exit permit and I will be able to continue with the visa process?
      Thank you once again for your very kind help.

    386. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      December 20, 2016

      Kate, the exit permit is granted by the Immigration office, so you should present a written request to them, along with the online form and the payment of fees.
      When you get the exit permit, you can leave the country while the process in Mexico continues, it is not put on hold and you do not have to start all over again.
      If you leave Mexico on an exit permit and have not been fingerprinted, you will need to come back for that and then wait about 1 week to get the resident card.

    387. Ria
      December 22, 2016

      We will be married at the time of moving to Mexico in 2017. If my husband has a savings account in his name in excess of the amount needed for temporary resident visa and mine is in a joint account with him in excess of the amount will we both qualify? Or does my account need to be only in my name? Also if he has an income from renting our house ($4500 pm) will that qualify him, or does it need to be from employment only? I get social security disability but only $1400pm so I guess I am fine on that end for temp resident.

    388. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      December 23, 2016

      Ria, if the account is joint it works too, as long as the total savings split in 2, equals the mínimum savings requirement per person. Income does not have to be only from employment when it comes to temporary residency and 1,400 USD monthly social security is fine for temporary residency.

    389. Miguel Caamaño
      December 24, 2016

      Hello,

      I am Spanish EU national interested in starting a barbershop in Rocky Point Mexico. What will I need to start with? Could I just go there and do the process there?

      Thank you kindly,

      Miguel Caamaño

    390. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      December 26, 2016

      Miguel, yes you could, but eventually you will need a work permit. You could come to Mexico and start the business but if you are going to pay taxes as an individual with business activities (instead of a corporation), you will need a temporary resident card with a work permit. The process to get the resident card needs to be started at a Mexican Consulate abroad, not within Mexico.

    391. CC Doty
      December 27, 2016

      What a great service you provide! Thank you for all the great info! My question is when going to the Mexican consulate for a temporary residency what kinds of questions do they ask? We need to fill the application out online first? We have had a home in the Yucatan for 9 years and now know it would be a great asset to have TR. If we wanted a work visa as well at some point do we go to the consulate in states first then to Mexico to receive it? How lomg does it typically take to get into see them? It is closed for holiday and we go south in mid January, Thanks in advance for your help!!

    392. December 28, 2016

      CC Doty, thank you! At the Consulate they will ask for your purpose of getting a temporary resident visa, the activities you currently do and what you will do in the near future; if you have real estate in Mexico or any other sort of tie. The application is not online, is a form that you print, fill out and sign; you do not need to do it prior to your interview, you can do it right there. If you wanted a work permit, it’d be easier to get it at the Immigration office in Merida, provided you already have TR and that you have a job offer. Some Consulates requests that the applicant has an appointment, some do not; you will need to check on their website. The process at the Mexican Consulate usually takes just a couple of days. The process at the Immigration office in Merida, takes 4-6 weeks. The Immigration offices in Merida are closed for the holidays but they re-open on January 2nd.

    393. Carolyn
      December 28, 2016

      Hello! I am just still a bit confused, but maybe you can help. I earn about $2200 USD per month as a US citizen living in Brazil, but my Brazilian husband does not work, is my income sufficient for us both? Also, should I apply at a consulate here in Brazil, or back in the US? Last thing, do we need to go to the consulate together? Because he cannot enter the US, but I already have permanent residency in Brazil.

    394. Carolyn
      December 28, 2016

      By the way, I telecommute for a US company, so I will be working that job while in Mexico, planning to stay for up to 7 years, if that matters.

    395. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      December 29, 2016

      Carolyn, you can apply for TR based on your income and once you get the card in Mexico, your husband can apply in Mexico by family unit, by showing he´s married to you with your marriage certificate with apostille and translation to Spanish, and you won’t have to present additional banking information. Yes, you should apply at any Mexican Consulate, it can be the one in Brazil.

    396. Jonty
      December 29, 2016

      Hi – my wife and I are in the process of retiring to Tulum, Mex. I’ve read a lot of this website and others, but I’m still not clear on whether we should apply for temporary or permanent residency. We have paycheck stubs showing income for the last 6mths, and we both clear the minimum amount hurdle. We also have savings, but mostly tied up in our 401k plans. We are having a house built in Mexico, which won’t be ready for several months, but I’m considering moving down there soon, and renting a small apartment. As a possible further complication, I’m a UK citizen resident in the US, but my wife is a US citizen.

      Would my best next move be to go to the Mex consulate here in Austin TX and provide them with passport, passport copies, pics, paycheck stubs etc to get this process started? Or is online easier? Thanks!

    397. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      December 29, 2016

      Jonty, in order to request temporary or permanent residency you must appear personally at any Mexican Consulate abroad, you cannot do it online. Permanent residency is for pensioners, so most likely you will be asked to show income from your pension; if you do not have this, then you will receive temporary residency, if you meet the mínimum income requirement. After 4 years of TR you will become a PR.

    398. Jonty
      January 5, 2017

      Thanks YES – you guys are a great resource! I’ve read a couple of different docs recommended to show that monthly income – bank statements, and paycheck stubs. Are both acceptable? Is there a preference for one over the other? I think we’ll likely take both.

    399. Jonty
      January 5, 2017

      Of course, more questions…..
      I started to fill out the online application form, but stalled at the question asking for “fecha de ingreso a Mexico”. We don’t have a date set yet, since it’ll depend on the house building progress in Mexico. Should I wait until we have a firm date set?

    400. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 5, 2017

      Jonty, you’re welcome! Presenting bank statements or paycheck stubs depends on the criteria of the Mexican Consulate where you will apply. Some accepts both, others prefer one over the other. We suggest you to contact your Mexican Consuate of choice first and ask how they want to see the financial information. As per the date of entry to Mexico, it is better for your application process to have a date; but then again, it will depend on the criteria of the Consular office to grant the visa or not if you do not have a date yet.

    401. Len Overby
      January 8, 2017

      Does owning housing in Mexico ameliorate the savings/investment requirement?

    402. Chimpy
      January 10, 2017

      Just a note on some of your above advice which was somewhat misleading. If you are married to a Mexican national and wish to live in Mexico there is no need to evidence any income, you simply need to have proof of the marriage and enter on a temp visa which you can turn into a permanent visa after 2 years. Cheers.

    403. kim
      January 10, 2017

      Thanks for all your useful information! I have some questions.
      1) Which is most likely to be approved, an application for a Temporary Visa via family unit marriage, or an application for a Permanent Visa via family unit father? I married a Mexican national some years ago and we have a child; I have been living in Mexico using tourist visas for about 10 years, traveling back and forth. Not always convenient.
      2) Will I need to show financial solvency if applying with either option mentioned above? I have heard and read conflicting info on this.
      3) Has the Mexican government released any new minimum wage numbers, or anything else related to financial solvency requirements for visa applicants for 2017?
      4) Can IRA funds count toward proving financial solvency even though I would not be applying as a retiree/pensioner?
      5) Do you assist applicants in other states (Oaxaca); if not, can you recommend someone competent?

    404. CC
      January 12, 2017

      We were recently granted our temporary residency we are now going to mexico and will finish process. What do we need to take to that appointment? We will go to Progreso Yucatan. Thank you for your advise, we followed your guidelines and In Seattle Consolate last week were approved.

    405. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 12, 2017

      Len, owning Real Estate in Mexico only helps if you are applying for temporary residency, not for the permanent. Having said this, when applying for temporary residency you can choose to do it through economic solvency (income or savings) or other options, one of such is owning Real Estate. It does not ameliorate the economic solvency requirement, since it is a completely different option. The requirement is that Real Estate must be worth at least 3,200,000 pesos or approximately 160,000 USD.

    406. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 12, 2017

      Chimpy, thank you for your comments. You are right, in practice it works that way sometimes. But the Law establishes the income requirement and we must write /advice what the Law says, in case the authority does request the financial information at some point.

    407. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 12, 2017

      Kim, our comments:

      1) Both will be accepted. Best to become Permanent Resident from the start.
      2) The Law says yes; in practice it is rarely asked.
      3) Yes, the minimum wage for 2017 is 80.4 pesos.
      4) No; you must show income or savings.
      5) Yes we do. Please contact us at info@yucatanyes.com

    408. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 12, 2017

      CC, it involves filling out an online form, a letter in Spanish, copies of Passport and visa and payment of fees. If you need representation during the process please contact us at info@yucatanyes.com. We’d be happy to assist you.

    409. jonty
      January 13, 2017

      Your answer to Kim’s question about IRAs is interesting. I have most of my savings in a 401k plan – would that also not be allowable for the financial solvency test?

    410. January 16, 2017

      Hi, I applied for my temporary visa on 10th November 2016 and my visa status has not changed from ‘office is issued’. It has been over 2 months since the visa application. Can I personally go to the immigration office to ask why my visa application is taking so long? Please advice asap. Thank you

    411. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 16, 2017

      Jonty, if you are retired already and you can prove it, your savings in a 401k plan will work. In the case of Kim no, since she was not applying as a pensioner.

    412. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 16, 2017

      Kate, “office is issued” means it has been approved and you must go to the Immigration office to request your appointment so they take your fingerprints and signatures.

    413. 303Mark
      January 18, 2017

      Hello YES — and thanks for all you do!
      I’ve read and tried to digest all the information regarding FMMs, temporary and permanent resident visas, and auto import issues. Here’s what the path for retiring in México looks like to me. Does this look reasonable? Any glaring mistakes?

      1 Store important papers and other items we cannot sell or dispose of.
      2 Sell/dispose of everything except clothes, suitcases, toiletries, medications, bedding, laptops, a car, a few books, DVDs and CDs.
      3 Drive into México, obtaining 180-day FMMs at the border. (My wife cannot now leave without bringing her car with her.)
      4 Rent a home.
      5 Within 180 days (prior to the expiration of our FMMs) we must exit the country with our vehicle (and then return).
      a We drive back to Colorado.
      b We start the temporary residency process at the Consulate. The visa will be issued within the following 10 working days and will be valid for 180 days and just for 1 entry to México.
      c We sell the car.
      d We fly back to México and start the canje process.
      6 Within 30 days we obtain Temporary Resident Permits.
      7 We buy and register vehicles in México.
      8 We convert our temporary residency to permanent.
      a One month before your temporary resident card expires, you apply for the permanent resident card at the Immigration office. You don´t have to leave the country and you don´t need to provide other documents than your passport, temporary resident card, address, online form, letter requesting the permanent status, current pictures and the payment of fees.

      Thanks again!

    414. koushik
      January 21, 2017

      Hi Yucatan Team,

      Your service is very good in terms of replying for each and every person, as a foreign nation people we appreciate your service.

      I am from India, i have one question regarding my Temporal Resident extension.

      Can you please find my below travel details and let me know if i am eligible for permanent resident or do i need apply again for a temporary resident as i went back to India for 9.5 months during my 4 years stay. But my Temporary resident card was renewed all the three years in time.
      Date of entry to Mexico —–Date of return to India
      Project1– 08/September/2013 —— 18/October/2014
      Project2–31/July/2015 —— Still in Mexico with FM3 valid till 7/September/2017
      Marrige Vacation(21-October-2015)Date of return to India (04-November-2015) Date of return to Mexico.

      Can you please help me to find if i am eligible for Permeant Resident or Do i need to make another renewal as i was out of Mexico for 9.5 months.

    415. Nicole
      January 23, 2017

      YES – Thank you for all the incredibly helpful information. I have a few questions. I have been living in Guatemala for the past 6 years and would now like to move to Mexico. I am a US citizen. I want to apply for permanent residency but since I am only 33 I’m not sure I would get it. I have the $90k in savings. I also get about $3k a month from a private company in S. Africa. My questions are:
      1. Should I go back to the US to apply (the Raleigh, North Carolina is the closet office) or can I apply here at the Quetzaltenango, Guatemala office? Where would I get approved easiest?
      2. Will I need to do temporary residency since I’m younger or can I go straight to permanent?
      3. If I do temporary now and then the law changes, will I have to deal with the new laws or will I be grandfathered-in under the old laws (guaranteed residency after 4 years)?

      Any and all info is appreciated. Thanks!!

    416. Carolanne
      January 23, 2017

      Thank you so much for all the great information!

      Here’s our situation. I have around $120K in savings as of January 2017 and have also begun making $5,000 monthly transfers into a separate checking account. I have another $1K each month of income from freelance writing, paid via PayPal. An additional $70K will be deposited into my savings account within the next month. I am a single mother with a six-year-old daughter. I’m 47-years-old, so too young to be retired. My daughter and I are currently living in Mexico on a tourist visa.

      We would like to become permanent residents — is this possible without having temporary residency first? If we do need TR for four years before becoming permanent, my understanding is that I will need to provide 12 months of bank statements showing at least $40K in savings, correct? Showing $5K of transfers from savings into my checking account for six months wouldn’t be acceptable? After 4 years of TR, what financials do we need to show in order to become permanent?

      How does immigration view freelance work, which generates income from outside of Mexico, in regards to temporary and permanent residence? I’m American, but the company I work for is in Australia. Is it a problem to state I’m a freelancer when I apply for TR or if I continue this freelance work after TR has been granted?

      Are you able to provide visa services for those outside the Yucatan? We’re in San Miguel de Allende.

      Thanks again and all the best.

    417. Simon
      January 26, 2017

      hi thanks for the great information! I wanted to ask some quick questions. I am in my 30s and work remotely and make a demonstrated income of about US$5,000 a month
      1. Some websites seem to suggest that you can only get the permanent residency when you are retired, is that true? Or can you get it right away with an income like mine?
      2. Do I need to show proof of income or other documents after the consulate has granted the visa and I am processing it in Mexico? Or is that only needed for the first step at the consulate.
      3. Is there anyway to leave Mexico and re-enter during that residency processing time? I notice you can exit Baja back into California without any Mexican official checking your documents and also you can enter Mexico usually without anyone checking your passport also.
      4. From arriving in Mexico how long until you would be able to leave? I ask as I sometimes need to go back to the US for meetings.
      4. Which US consulate have you found to be the best to apply to get this visa, I am close to LA but could do any?

      Thanks so much! 🙂

    418. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 27, 2017

      303Mark, everything looks fine, except:
      6) you do not get the temporary resident card in 30 days; you must start the application process for the card wihtin the next 30 days after your arrival to Mexico, but the process may take 4-6 weeks to be completed.
      8) You convert temporary residency to permanent after 4 years of being temporary; or if you are retired and have enough income/savings.

    419. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 27, 2017

      Koushik, thank you! We are glad you find our services to be helpful. Answering your question: If you renewed your temporary resident card on time, you are eligible for Permanent Residency, regardless if you spent 9.5 months away from Mexico.

    420. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 27, 2017

      Nicole, answering your questions:
      1) You can apply at any Mexican Consulate, so the Quetzaltenango office is ok to start your application. We have had no experience dealing with that Consulate in particular so we do not know if it would be an easy process.
      2) Permanent residency is just for pensioners. You will get temporary residency and after 4 years you will become a permanent resident regardless if you are not pensioned yet.
      3) Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee you´ll be grandfathered-in under the old laws if the law changes.

    421. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 27, 2017

      Carolanne, yes it is possible to become a Permanent Resident withouth passing through Temporary Residency but only if you are retired. In your case, you will become a TR and after 4 years you will become PR (withouth having to show financial information). To request TR you need to provide 12 months of bank statements with at least $25k in savings or 6 months of income with at least $1.2K each month.

      We have consultancy services regarding Immigration to any State in Mexico. For further information you can contact us at info@yucatanyes.com

    422. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 27, 2017

      Simon, you’re welcome! The answers to your questions:

      1) The Immigration Law states that Permanent Residency is only for retired people.
      2) In Mexico you don’t need to show financial information after the Mexican Consulate has issued the visa.
      3) Yes, there is: you can request an exit permit at the Immigration office which is good for 60 days.
      4) Typical visa process timing at the Immigration offices is 4-6 weeks. If you cant’ stay, you can request an exit permit.
      5) LA is fine.

    423. Jacqueline
      January 29, 2017

      Hi YES,

      The information you have provided has been great. I have a question that I haven’t been able to find an answer to yet. The Mexican Consulate in North Carolina took the original of the Child Consent Letter that my ex signed for my daughter to get her visa. They gave me a copy. Is this copy ok? Or do I need to have an original copy with the notarization on it? I just wanted to make sure that the INM knows that I provided a notarized copy to the Mexican Consulate here in North Carolina.

      Thank you for all the great information!

    424. Danielle
      February 1, 2017

      Hi, I am from the USA and would like to open a business in Mexico. I am trying to figure out what the best option is. Should I be the owner of the business alone, co-own with a business partner from Mexico or just have my Mexican business partner be the sole owner? With that being said, If I am the sole owner what type of Visa do I need and what is the income requirement I need to have? If I am not the owner what Visa do I need to move to Mexico and be able to work and what is that income requirement? Any other options you may know of would be helpful too! Thank you!!

    425. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 2, 2017

      Jacqueline, the INM won’t ask for the Child Consent Letter; this was necessary for the approval of your visa; the INM will only exchange the already approved visa for the definitive resident card.

    426. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 2, 2017

      Danielle, any of your options are good (sole-ownership, which in Mexico, would be known as “individual with business activities”; or co-own it). If you chose the “individual with business activities”, you’d need to get a temporary visa and a work permit. The income requirement for temporary visas is a mínimum of 1,200 USD monthly for the past 6 months. If you do not own the business, but you will be working in Mexico, the visa you need is the same mentioned before. For further information you can contact us at info@yucatanyes.com

    427. Dani
      February 2, 2017

      Hello, as always, your service is so invaluable!
      My questions:

      I’m living right now in Chiapas on a 180 days Tourist Visa. I’m planning on going to the closest Mexican Consulate in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala to apply for the TR.

      1) How long before my Tourist Visa expires should I apply for the TR?

      2) Can you give me an estimate on how long it takes from the moment I give my application to get approved? If it takes 4-6 weeks to get approved, can I go to Guatemala, apply for the TR and then go back to Mexico and wait to get approved? Or do I have to stay in Guatemala till my TR gets approved?
      Cannot thank you enough for all your help,

      Daniela

    428. SPS
      February 5, 2017

      Hi, thank you for answering all these questions. It has been very helpful for me. Your website is excellent.
      My question is about a supposed change of law. A friend told us that since December 2016 you can now apply for a temporary residency visa in Mexico. Is that accurate or do you in fact still need to apply at a consulate or embassy outside of Mexico and finish off the process within 30 days of entering Mexico?
      Thanks again.

    429. Sheila Goldthorpe
      February 5, 2017

      Was just wondering if my partner and I would be able to apply for temporary and then permanent residency if we purchase and own a house in Cozumel, and can prove we have sufficient money to live on for at least 25 years. We plan on paying a house here completely off at time of purchase. We plan on moving back to Canada in our later years. We can prove that he has had money in his bank on a consistent basis, and that he has saved more over the last few years to increase his money.

    430. Olusola Aimasiko
      February 8, 2017

      I am an American Citizen and I have all the requirements you listed here to apply for temporary residence permit. My question is, can I add my husband who is presently in Nigeria now on my application?

    431. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 8, 2017

      Dani, thanks! We’re happy that you find useful information in our website.
      Answering your questions:
      1) There’s no amount of time tbetween your tourist visa expires and you apply for TR; you could leave Mexico on the day 179 and go to the Mexican Consulate in Guatemala.
      2) The part at the Mexican Consulate in Guatemala should not take more than 10 business days, as the Mexican Immigration Law establishes it. The 2nd part of the process, which takes place at your local Immigration office (in Mexico), takes between 4-6 weeks.

    432. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 8, 2017

      SPS, you’re welcome and thank you for your kind words.
      You cannot aply for TR within Mexico, unless you have a relative who is Mexican, temporary or permanent resident. If you will apply on your own, you need to do it at a Mexican Consulate abroad and come to Mexico to get your resident card, by starting such process within the next 30 days of your arrival.

    433. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 8, 2017

      Sheila, owning Real Estate in Mexico can help you get temporary residency, as long as the value of it is of at least 3,201,600 pesos. Having income of at least 1,200 USD monthly for the past 6 months or savings of mínimum 25,000 USD for the past 12 months also work at applying for temporary residency. After 4 years of temporary residency, you can request permanent residency.

    434. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 8, 2017

      Olusola, he will be able to apply for temporary residency by family unit once you get your temporary resident card.

    435. Pamela
      February 9, 2017

      Hello, I’m applying for a conversion from a temporary residency card to a permanent residency for family reasons (my daughter is Mexican and lives in Mexico; I am American and want to be able to travel here more frequently, have bank accounts, etc.). Just started the process and will turn in documents tomorrow but I’m now worried about needing to stay past the 10-15 days. If I have to return to the US, how much will it cost for a permission to travel and do I have to return to Mexico to pick up the permanent residency within a certain number of days? Also, they asked for $1800+ initially but will I also have to pay the additional $4900+? Thanks!

    436. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 10, 2017

      Pamela, after you submit your application, it will take 3-4 weeks to complete the process. The exit permit to leave Mexico while your application continues is 380 pesos; the exit permit is good for 60 days, whithin such, you must return to Mexico to complete the residency process. Yes, you first pay 1,187 pesos for your change of status from TR to PR and then you pay the actual cost of the PR card, which is 4,528 pesos.

    437. SPS
      February 10, 2017

      Thank you for your previous answer. Very helpful. Can I just clarify?
      My husband and I and our 16 year old daughter already have temporary residency. Our 19 year old daughter would like to apply for it as well. She is here in Mexico with us on a visitor visa at the moment. Can we apply for her temporary residency here under family unit (she qualifies under monthly earnings) or does she have to apply outside of Mexico because she is over 18. Thanks 🙂

    438. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 10, 2017

      SPS, you can’t apply for her residency under family unit because she is over 18 years old.

    439. Pamela
      February 11, 2017

      Thank you for your response about converting from Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident. Here in Cuernavaca immigration authorities did tell me it would be 10-15 days minimum and 30 days max. As I do have a return ticket, I need to go to their offices 5 days before departure to request the permission to travel. It shouldn’t be a problem. They also didn’t ask me for any financial information, although I brought 12 months of bank statements and a letter from my bank with me.

    440. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 13, 2017

      Pamela, you’re welcome and thank you for sharing your experience with us.

    441. Judy
      February 22, 2017

      Can I purchase a property with a tourist visa? I don’t want to spend more than $120.000 on a property. Would that be considered sufficient when applying for a Temporary visa?

    442. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 22, 2017

      Judy, yes you can purchase property with a tourist visa. To apply for Temporary Residency under the Real Estate option, the property must be worth 3,201,600 pesos, which at the current Exchange rate, would be approximately 160,000 USD.

    443. Sean
      February 28, 2017

      Hello – love this website and the info nit provides!
      My wife and I are planning on purchasing a home in Merida later this year. I have $68,000 in an IRA account and my wife has $100,000 in her IRA. We have about $25,000 cash in a savings account. Are IRA account balances sufficient for applying for a Temporary Residency Visa? Also, I would be living in Mexico full time while my wife would continue to work and would be traveling back to the US 8-12 times a year. Would it make a difference if she had a Temporary Resident Visa with all of her traveling or would a tourist visa be better?

    444. Mark
      March 1, 2017

      A few questions. My wife and I (we’re Canadians) purchased a house in Progreso area for 95K(usa dollars) – we have a Mexico bank account and formed a corporation for the purchase- we want to permanently move to Mexico – we understand that getting temp resident visas for 4 years, then applying for permanent status is probably the way to go. We don’t have a pension plan, but we have zero debt and will have apx. 200K (Canada dollars) when we sell our house in Canada in the next few months – we will be in Merida area soon for about 10 weeks – what kinds of documents do we need to get during our visit to provide the consulate in Calgary? What kinds of docs are required? For example, could we deposit 1,000,000 pesos into a 1 year Mexican CD to satisfy the $$$ requirements? If so, what kind of document? Do each of us need the minimum amount of $$$ or can one of us become a temporary resident then have the other join on that visa? Many questions, but we’ll have time to sort it out during our visit. Great site!!! Thanks in advance.

    445. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 2, 2017

      Sean, thank you! We´re glad that our website has helped you. Both of your IRA account balances will work for getting temporary residency, provided you can prove such amounts during the 12 previous months of your application. As for your wife, it doesn’t make a difference if she remains a tourist or if she gets TR, since there are no travel restrictions for temporary residents.

    446. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 2, 2017

      Mark, yes you could get a temporary resident card for 4 years and then you will become permanent residents. When you apply at the Mexican Consulate in Calgary you should show the minimum required income for the previous 6 months or the minimum required savings for the past 12 months. You could have one of you get the temporary residency at the Consulate and the other could request it by family unit at the Immigration office in Progreso once the other has gotten his temporary resident card (providing legalized marriage certificate with certified translation). If you need assistance through the process, please send us an e-mail to info@yucatanyes.com

    447. koushik
      March 3, 2017

      Hi Team,
      Thank you for the information you are providing, previously i asked you for my permananrt residence if am i applicable and you told me that yes.

      Right now i have another quetion.
      Question 1:
      My wife is pregnent and if we have a baby in mexico and what will be process time for getting mexican passport.

      Question2:
      After our baby is born in mexico and after obtaining the mexican passport. If we move back to india without applying for the Permanant residence , can we apply from India for permanant residence as our baby will be with mexican passport?

      Question3:
      If we can apply for permanant residence with the help of our baby Mexican passport, what will be the process and when can we apply for it in india, do we need to wait until the baby turn 18 years old or can we apply immediatly.

    448. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 6, 2017

      Koushik, you’re welcome.

      Here are the answers to your questions:

      1) Once the baby is born, you will need to register him as a Mexican citizen at the civil registry to obtain his birth certificate. Once you have it, you will need to approach the local Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs office; they issue the Passports. You will need to get an appointment over the pone and then provide the necessary documents and the payment of fees.

      2) Yes you can, but you will only get a visa for 180 days for the canje; you will need such visa in order to obtain the permanent resident card, but that’s only possible to do in Mexico.

      3) You can apply immediately.

    449. Nicholas Fulcher
      March 6, 2017

      I am a Canadian citizen whom earns $3440 monthly after tax, I am married to a Mexican citizen, we are gay. Can I apply for a Temporary visa under spousal or should I go FM-2 visa? What are your thoughts?

    450. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 7, 2017

      Nicholas, yes you can apply for temporary residency for family unit, because you are married to a Mexican citizen. For your information, FM2 is the former name of the current temporary residency.

    451. mike
      March 7, 2017

      YES, thanks to your advice from several online chats & info on this page, we got our temporary resident visa from the Mexican Consulate in Calgary yesterday. Although folks at the consulate were a bit informal, we had a very enjoyable experience there and the warm attitude from the folks there further convinced us that we made the right choice.

      I didn’t find this from your website, but I’m wondering if you provide any help in finding an apartment or a place to rent long term (6-month or more lease)?

    452. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 8, 2017

      Mike, great news! Congratulations. Yes we can help you find a place to rent, are you moving to Merida? Please contact us at info@yucatanyes.com

    453. mike
      March 8, 2017

      Thanks and yes, we are going to move to Merida and will also get your help with the canje application. I’ll get in touch with you guys as soon as things are sorted out here 🙂

    454. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 8, 2017

      Mike, thank. We´ll be looking forward to hearing from you.

    455. Lamont Butts
      March 10, 2017

      I have started my canje process for my 1st time Temp Residence card, using the Cancun office. I got to the point where I went back in to request an appointment which they gave me so I am set for fingerprinting on 3/25, I understand it takes 1 to 2 weeks after (I hope 1)

      I also got a special exit permit to fly out and need to fly back by 3/25 for the appointment.

      What happens if I miss that appointment – do I have to start the entire process over.

      If I do make the appointment, but don’t wait the 1 to 2 weeks to pick up the card, how long will I have to go pick it up.

      Some business is forcing me to get to Buenos Aires for an extended time maybe 3-4 months and I don’t think they will let the card sit they ready for pickup that long.

      Any feedback is appreciated.

    456. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 13, 2017

      Lamont, nothing happens if you miss the appointment; it’d be advisable to have someone go to the INM office and let them know you won’t be able to attend and that you will reschedule once you are back (within the allowed 60 days). If you do make the appointment but cannot wait the 1-2 weeks for the card, you will have to ask for another exit permit and you will need to be back within the next 60 days.

    457. Ron
      March 13, 2017

      I have owned property in Baja for 10 years and have not applied for Tr or Pr and wondering if ownership changes any requirements for application for either.My property valve was at purchase 400,000 USD, maybe lower today.I also am retired but are not collecting my pension as of yet because I am not needing the money as of yet.In Canada if you leave your pension until 60 years of age it will give you more money for the future.How does it work as I am retired but do not collect or have pension income at this point.Please advise as I am thinking about applying for Tr or Pr,which would you suggest.I also am married and my wife is on long term disability and will never return to work,but is not collecting a pension at this point either.What does she apply for as she has no income from pension either.
      Thanks

    458. koushik
      March 14, 2017

      Hi Team,

      Do you have services only in Yucatan or in CDMX also. If you have some office or some person from CDMX can i get contact of the person.

    459. Jim Wadde
      March 15, 2017

      My family (me, my wife and three children) would like to go to Tijuana to complete the canje process during the spring school break from school. If we run out of time and my minor children have to return to Wisconsin for school, can I (as their father) remain in Mexico and pick up their resident cards when they are ready or must they return to do this themselves?

    460. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 16, 2017

      Ron, real estate is one of the options to apply for temporary residency, but not for permanent. The real estate must be worth around 165,000 USD.
      According to the Immigration Law, for permanent residency you must show income from your pension; for temporary residency, the income can come from any source (approximately 1,300 USD every month for the past 6 months). But if you have the savings (around 90,000 USD every month for the past 12 months) and you can prove you are retired, you can go for the permanent residency.

    461. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 16, 2017

      Koushik, we do not have offices in CDMX, nor representatives.

    462. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 16, 2017

      Jim, you would be able to pick the cards up, but they need to return at some point, since they will be leaving Mexico with exit permits (because they won’t have an immigration form) and exit permits must be surrendered to the INM offices to keep records clean. Exit permits are good for 60 days.

    463. David
      March 16, 2017

      I am currently a snowbird spending six months in Canada and six months in Florida. I am wanting to spend my retired time in a Country where I can be a full time resident and it seems to me that Mexico has that and much more to offer. Researching a move to Mexico can be overwhelming, there is so much information. Can you tell me the best sites to give me step by step requirements and what needs to be done in order to facilitate a move to Mexico and a site where I can connect with other Canadians to learn from their experiences?

    464. Jim Wadde
      March 21, 2017

      Thanks! I need to double check one piece of information that our local Mexican Consulate gave to me yesterday. The manager of the VISA agents told my wife and I that exit permits are not being issued. In order for my family to obtain permanent visas for my children and I as well as a temporary visa for my wife, my whole family will need to stay in Mexico for 4-6 weeks. Is this true? Could this manager be mistaken?

    465. John
      March 21, 2017

      Hello YES
      Above it states — ‘It is worth mentioning that only pensioners can apply for the Permanent Resident VISA without having the Temporary Resident VISA first’.

      I’m retired and want to apply for a permanent resident visa. I don’t have a pension large enough to qualify, however I do have proof of investments showing that I have more than the $90,000 US required. Will this allow me to apply for a permanent visa, or I must apply for a temporary visa since as a pensioner I fall short in the pension income category?

      I guess what I’m asking is should I be reading the above statement and substituting ‘pensioners’ with ‘retirees’?

      Thank you

    466. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 23, 2017

      David, you should definitely check http://www.mexperience.com or if you are interested in the Yucatán Peninsula you should check http://www.yucatanliving.com or http://www.yolisto.com or our site!

    467. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 23, 2017

      Jim, exit permits are being issued, at least here in the Yucatán state, which is where we are based.

    468. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 23, 2017

      John, if you are a pensioner/retiree and have 90,000 USD in investments that you can prove for the past 12 months, yes, you can apply for permanent residency.

    469. joseph
      March 23, 2017

      i am a canadian citizen and just received my permanent residency in mexico. how long can i stay outside mexico each year. i dont want to lose my permanent residency.

    470. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 23, 2017

      Joseph, there are no travelling restrictions when it comes to keeping your permanent residency in Mexico. The restriction exits if you want to become a Mexican citizen.

    471. SPS
      March 27, 2017

      Hello again. We are thinking to go to the States to apply for my daughters visa, simply because we seem to be able to get flights fairly cheap. Can you recommend a consulate that is good to deal with? We are from New Zealand so it’s too far and too expensive to go back there to apply. Thank you for any help you can give us.

    472. Daniela Teniente
      March 27, 2017

      Hello,
      I thank you one more time for your kindness and the invaluable help your company provide to all of us.

      I live in San Cristobal de Las Casas and planning on going to Quetzaltenango (Xela) to apply for my TR. At such embassy in Xela one of the requisites for proof of financial solvency is to provide the ORIGINAL and copy of the letter from the bank or financial institution stating that I have had investments or savings necessary for a TR and provide the related bank statements for the last 12 months.

      My question is: Instead of the ORIGINALS, can I print out the letter and bank statements from my email/bank online account and having them notarized by a notary at the USA embassy/consulate here in Mexico? Would that be good enough?

      Thanks!

      Dani

    473. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 29, 2017

      SPS, we’ve heard good comments of the Mexican Consulates in: Portland, San Antonio, Albuquerque, Yuma, San Francisco. We must say we have not dealt personally with them, it is what we have been told by our clients.

    474. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 29, 2017

      Dani, you’re welcome! We are happy to hear we can help.

      About your question: our advice is that you contact an officer from the Mexican Consulate there, since every Consulate has their own policies. We’ve heard from other Consulates that if you do not have original bank statements (which is completly common in this digital age) a letter from the bank officer stating those are copies of true statements will suffice (original letter in letterhead of the bank and signed by the manager). We have not heard about the option of the notarization at the USA embassy but it does sound like a good choice, however, we cannot tell you “go for it”, since we have not dealt with that Consulate and we do not know what would they like to see to support the lack of original statements.

    475. Lamont Butts
      March 30, 2017

      Thanks for answering my question. Just to update my case so others can follow, I did make it back for my appointment on the 23rd did my fingerprints and signed papers. They told me to come back in 10 days, keep checking the status of the case no new updates since Se emitió oficio which I think was posted when I got my exit permit.

      A little confused if I should just show up and go the counter and ask – it would be crazy to wait in that long information line again, or am I supposed to see a status change on the website. There really is no paper to bring with me this time like there was with the appointment. I booked a flight out of Mexico on the April 4th which might have been a big mistake if the card is not ready within those 10 days.

      I was sure I read someone that they post a final message on the website which is what to look for but can’t recall what that was.

    476. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 1, 2017

      Lamont, the status is not changed after “se emitió oficio”; the system does not let you know once the card is ready. If they said 10 days, you should go there in 10 days to pick up your card.

    477. David Goadby
      April 20, 2017

      What you don’t mention in your description of the Permanent Resident application process is the following critical detail:
      A person does not qualify for a Mexican visa + Permanent Resident card if that person will not be continuously remaining in Mexico for a period of not less than 181 days upon their next entry into Mexico. The person also cannot leave Mexico for even 1 day within that 181 day period.

    478. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 20, 2017

      David, thank you for sharing this information. However, we’d like to know your source, since we had not heard of this before. Thank you!

    479. Andrea
      April 22, 2017

      Dear all, you are providing fantastic services .. i read all the messages and i have now a very good clear picture of what is required to get the TR and the PR.
      Just for one thing i could not find the answer: when I enter Mexico to start the change procedure i have to provide an address in Mexico (and actually i have to go to the INM in the area of the address). If still i did not buy any house, which address should i give
      1) the address can be an hotel address in which i will stay during the process; or I have to rent an house (for example for 3 months period) or can be an address of a friend?
      2) INM will send anything to that address (they will ask any proof of the address such as utility bills, etc)
      3) once i get the Resident Card what if I change address (for example of the house that i will buy) and what if the address is in an other part of the Mexico (under a different INM)?
      Thanks

    480. Jonathan
      April 24, 2017

      Hi, My wife and I are thinking about relocating to Mexico. We have read many articles, Q & A’s including this one. We have the following questions:
      1) If we have the temporary residence visa, can we leave Mexico to visit our relatives before the year is up?
      2) During the temporary residence renewal term for the 3 years, what will be the answer for the 1st question?
      3) Once we get the permanent visa after 4 years what will be the situation for the above question?
      4) If we can, how long can we be away from Mexico before returning?
      5) I receive Social Security Payment of USD $1750.00 each month and my wife does not work or get any payments yet. Does this qualify us for the temporary visa in Mexico.
      Thank you in advance

    481. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 24, 2017

      Andrea, thank you.

      Answering your questions:

      1) It is not stated in the Law whereas it must be a place you have purchased or it can be a place you rent or a hotel. However, it is reasonable to expect that the address you provide is a place where you can be found in case of inspections.

      2) They can send documents and they can request utility bills; however, they don’t have to be in your name.

      3) It is your duty to notify the INM of any change of address within the 90 following days after it occurs. If you apply, for instance in Yucatán, and then you move to Quintana Roo, you must do the notification of change of address in Quintana Roo.

    482. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 24, 2017

      Jonathan,
      1) Yes you can.
      2) You can travel freely in and out of the country.
      3) The same, there is no travel restrictions.
      4) As long as you want.
      5) Yes; you apply at the Mexican Consulate and once you get your card in Mexico, your wife can apply as your economic dependent in Mexico.

    483. Lori
      April 25, 2017

      What kind of proof does the Consulate require that someone applying for PR using savings is retired?

    484. Don MacPhee
      April 30, 2017

      Very useful website. However it was not clear to me regarding duty free importation of personal household effects. (A) I presume a broker in Mexico could help me in defining what is considered “household”or “personal” effects; (B) I must hold at least a Temporary resident visa in order to import my household effects.

      My plan is that once I have the temporary resident visa to return to Canada and either buy a used van or (b) borrow a friend’s van and then drive with my personal effects to my rented house in Mexico. I would return the van back to Canada a month or two later. Is this possible?

    485. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 3, 2017

      Don, in order to import your house hold goods duty free, you need to have the resident card (issued by the Immigration office in Mexico), not the visa (issued by the Mexican Consulate abroad). So you need to wait until you get the card in Mexico in order to have the bróker do the import duty free.

    486. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 3, 2017

      Lori, proof is the social security letter, stating the age when you retired and the amount of the monthly pension you receive.

    487. Jonathan
      May 4, 2017

      Hi,
      Once we get the residence card, can we open a bank account in Mexico?

      If not how do we get a Mexican bank account?

      Thank you

      Jonathan

    488. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 4, 2017

      Jonathan, yes; just verify if the bank of your choice accepts both temporary and permanent residents as we know some banks only accept permanent residents, not temporary.

    489. Dylemma
      May 8, 2017

      I have questions regarding the temporary visa
      1) Can I get it for 4 years automatically the first time or do I have to get it for 1 year then have options for renewing it for the next 3 years?
      2) If I can only get it for 1 year the first time what is the renewal process? Do I have to go to the consulate again or just the office in Mexico and do I have to show proof of income again?
      3) At what point do you apply for permanent? After the 4 years has expired? Just before it expires? Do I have to back to the consulate again or just the office in Mexico? Do I have to show income again?

      thanks so much

    490. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 8, 2017

      Dylemma,

      Here are the answers to your questions:

      1) In Yucatán, where we are based, you get TR for 1 year and then you renew it for up to 3.
      2) The renewal process is done in Mexico, without showing proof of income; you don’t need to go to the Mexican Consulate again.
      3) You apply for permanent residecy during the 30 days before your 4th year as a TR expires. You don’t have to go to the Consulate again and you don’t have to show income again.

    491. MIRANDA
      May 17, 2017

      Hello, i have a question. I am First Nations with Treaty Status from Canada and want to know if i have to go through the same application process and income requirement to get approved for temporary or permanent residency? The reason i ask is because First Nations people have a Jay Treaty and can live and work in the USA as long as they proper documentation. See below….

      (The Jay Treaty, signed in 1794 between Great Britain and the United States, provides that American Indians may travel freely across the international boundary. Under the treaty and corresponding legislation, Native Indians born in Canada are entitled to freely enter the United States for the purpose of employment, study, retirement, investing, and/or immigration).

    492. Eyepod
      May 18, 2017

      Hi, Great website!
      I am married to a Mexican citizen. How does this affect RP and RT process and rules? Is there any change to financial requirements? I am retired and my monthly pension income is $2,000 USD. I also have savings. My spouse is not retired. We own a house in el Estado de México, if that should matter, well, actually it is in the name of my spouse, but that could be changed if need be.

    493. Natalia
      May 22, 2017

      I had a question regarding the income/bank statements for proof of income for temporary resident card. Is the income averaged or does it have to include a deposit each and every month. We travel a lot for business and often make a large deposit one month and no deposit on another? Thanks!

    494. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 22, 2017

      Miranda, yes, you have to go through the process described in this article to acquire Mexican residency.

    495. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 22, 2017

      Eyepod, since you are married to a Mexican citizen, you can apply for temporary residency in Mexico under the “family unit” option, and you won’t need to show financial information. You will get 2 years of temporary residency and then you can request permanent residency.

    496. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 22, 2017

      Natalia, you must show a consistent income each month; one month with a large amount of deposits followed by a month with zero deposits, will not work.

    497. Eyepod
      May 23, 2017

      Thanks Yucatan Expat Svcs, very informative. If I apply for residente temporal from within Mexico, what documentation do I need? How do I prove I am married to a Mexican citizen?

    498. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 23, 2017

      Eyepod, yes you do need to prove you are married to a Mexican citizen with your marriage certificate (if issued abroad, it needs to have the apostille or legalization and then be translated to Spanish). Your spouse needs to show Mexican ID (voter’s card or Mexican Passport). Your names in your Passports and marriage certificate must be identical. You should also provide an online form requesting the residency, a letter signed by both of you and the payment of 2 years for temporary residency.

    499. Eyepod
      May 24, 2017

      Thank you again! I bought your Immigration Guide. If I have a Temporal, how much can I be out of country without losing the Temporal? Also, same question about being out of country, but with the plan on going for Mexican citizenship.

    500. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 25, 2017

      Eyepod you’re welcome! There is no time restriction regarding the time you spend out of Mexico in the case of temporary residency. If you wish to claim Mexican citizenship, you must be in Mexico 9 months out of 12 during the 2 years prior to the request of the citizenship.

    501. JB
      May 27, 2017

      Hello,
      This is our situation……my wife (we are common-law) & i are both currently working & are looking into selling up & moving down to Mexico & the Merida area. We hope to buy a home there & live off the pension my wife could then collect. Also we’re looking at possibly starting a small rental business to help generate additional income.

      We would like to buy a home in the 75k-125k price range & we’d also have around $200k to put into savings, if this would help in anyway?.

      My wife is looking into the options available to her & taking early retirement, however her income from her pension wouldn’t initially meet the retirement criteria for Mexico. If she can hold off a little while the amount would increase due to no penalties etc.

      She earns a higher salary than me per year so would she be able to apply for TR through her income that is paid into her account each month from her current job now by showing 6 -12 months bank statements?….this amount is higher than the minimum requirement of around 1300-1500 per month. Also would they then look at what is paid out per month from the current account or just the amount that goes in every month? (we are still paying mortgage payments, bills etc from the account).

      My income is up & down each month seeing i’m self employed & the work i do is seasonal so there are months when i wouldn’t meet minimum monthly criteria for income.

      From what i understand i can apply for ‘union libre’ through her TR once she is granted this, i understand though it is a longer process with being common-law & that i need documents from a local judge?.

      Thank you in advance.
      JB

    502. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 29, 2017

      JB, if her monthly income is higher tan 1,300 USD, she will need to provide 6 months of bank statements proving such income and she will get temporary residency. The authority will look for the income that goes in every month.

      As per your other question, if you wish to apply for temporary residency under the “family union” category, since you are not legally married, you will need to get a document from a local judge stating you live in common-law and that can take approximately 6 months.

    503. Nancy Krause
      June 16, 2017

      My husband and I are buying a lot in Mexico and will be building a home that we will be staying in 5 to 6 months a year. We want to open a bank account in Mexico. What type of residency should we be applying for? We are retired and financial requirements are not an issue.

    504. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 19, 2017

      Nancy, in order to open a bank account you need to have either temporary residency or permanent residency; since you mention you are retired and the financial requierements are not an issue, you can opt for permanent residency.

    505. Kong
      July 3, 2017

      Hi I am wondering if I could use a hotel’s address for the canje process since we are going to be staying in various hotels while holding the temporary residency status anyway. Does it matter if we change hotel when we viait another state?

    506. John
      July 5, 2017

      Can a Mexican Temporary or Permanent Residency Card be used to enter Mexico at the border instead of a passport?

    507. Drew
      July 6, 2017

      Hi,

      Where are the Immigration Institutes locations?

      Can we pick the one that we have the appointment at?

    508. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 6, 2017

      Kong, the Immigration Law states that the holder of a temporary or permanent resident card must notify the Immigration office of every change of address within the following 90 days that the change takes place. What you want to do makes it very difficult to do those notifications, so you must be aware that if the authority realizes it you may be subject to penalties.

    509. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 6, 2017

      John, no; the passport is your travel document, you must show it at any country where you are travelling to.

    510. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 6, 2017

      Drew, you must apply at the Immigration Institute office closer to your domicile in Mexico.

    511. July 13, 2017

      Regarding a Permanent Resident permit:I am 62 years old ,and has been receiving Social Security Disability benefit of appx US$ 1900 for the last 15 years as well as I have savings of over US$ 600000.Will my Social Security Disability benefits be recognized as proof of retirement for the PR permit purposes?
      Andrew

    512. Andrea
      July 15, 2017

      Hi,
      here my questions:
      – do you have offices in cancun or someone of your representative that can support there in getting through the TR process ?
      – i read above you told that to open a bank account you need to be resident; in most of the countries i travelled there is the possibility to open a bank account for non-resident; is that not possible in mexico?
      thanks
      Andrea

    513. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 17, 2017

      Andrew, even though your SS is less of what the Immigration Rules request for PR (2,500 USD), your savings are ove the amount (90,000 USD), so you will be able to apply based on the fact that you are retired and have more than the minimum savings amount requested.

    514. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 17, 2017

      Andrea, no, we don’t have offices in Cancun, but we could provide long-distance consultancy regarding Immigration processes.
      Regarding your other question, in Mexico you need to be a temporary or permanent resident to open a bank account.

      If you need assistance regarding Immigration matters, please contact us at info@yucatanyes.com

    515. July 28, 2017

      Anybody know if the response from the INM system for notice that they have approved the canje is still “Registre los datos para la expedición de su documento migratorio”

      I am getting a little antsy and it says the tramite has been registered, ha sido asignado el tipo de tramite, and that the payment has been registered. Does the sytstem still give they “Registre los datos para la expedición de su documento migratorio” notice to come in and make the appointment?

    516. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 31, 2017

      Jason, yes, it still needs to show “Registre los datos…. ” in order for you to request your appointment at the INM.

    517. jonty
      August 11, 2017

      Hi YES – thanks for answering all these questions! I think I’ve asked these before, but my plans are now more settled. this is my situation:

      We are having a house built in Tulum, which will be ready in early October
      We are leaving our jobs in the US shortly – my last day is next Friday, 8/18/17. My wife will leave her job in September
      We are visiting Tulum next week, arriving 8/18/17
      We are trying to get to the Mexican consulate in Austin Tx next week before visiting Tulum, to apply for Mexican residency
      Although we will be retired, I don’t think we qualify yet for a Permanent Resident visa, as we don’t have a year of savings over $90k (we do have 401k over that amount, but I understand that doesn’t qualify), so we will apply for a Temporary Visa, based on our 12 months of bank statements showing the necessary income from our employers.
      We want to drive our car to Tulum with some household goods – small appliances, clothes, artwork, etc

      My question is, if we do get to the consulate next week, will we be able to go to an immigration office in Mexico while we are visiting next week, and have a temporary visa in our passports?

      If that is too soon after visiting the Mexican consulate in Austin, would we have to go to Mexico again to convert the visa to a card before we are able to bring our household goods into Mexico?

      Thanks, and we have contacted you about retaining your services also – I’m just trying to get the schedule set in my mind before moving ahead.

    518. paul nicholson
      August 12, 2017

      The closest Mexican Consulate for me is a 100 mile drive. It appears that one must make three trips to the Consulate, trip
      1 to deliver the required documents and be interviewed, trip

      2, to sign forms, pay the fees, be fingerprints and submit pictures

      3. pick up the up the approved documents a week later.
      Is there a method for at least avoiding trip three ? Seems like it could be mailed.

    519. Parimal Garg
      August 14, 2017

      Hello,
      I have a question on temporary resident card.
      I arrived in Mexico on 11th july 2017, gave the FMM I received at immigration to my company’s Lawyer and he applied for temporary resident card on 12th July. My office address is in Cuautitlán Izcalli so he applied in INM Estado and not in DF.

      Today is 14th August and I am still waiting for approval (more than a month allready). Its been difficult wait since I cannot start work and cannot be paid until I receive this approval.

      Please let me know how long exactly INM takes to approve the resident card ? I googled so much but I dont get this information anywhere.

      Appreciate your help.

    520. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 16, 2017

      Jonty, Mexican Consulates can take up to 10 business days to issue resident visas. However, they usually take less than that, 2-3 days or even they issue them on the same day. Such visa has a validity of 180 days and 1 entry to Mexico. After you set foot in Mexico with your visas, you will have 30 days to approach the Immigration office in Playa del Carmen to start the process to obtain your resident card, which takes approximately 4 weeks. In order to bring your household goods duty free into Mexico, you will need to get the resident card.

    521. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 16, 2017

      Paul, it depends on each Consulate. We suggest you to check with your nearest Consulate if they take that much time, we’ve heard some Consulates issue visas on the same day that the applicant submits the request, so no need of 3 trips.

    522. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 16, 2017

      Parimal, if you are applying through a “canje” process the Immigration Law states that the INM office should not take more than 15 business days, which is 3 weeks. But if you are applying because of a job offer, it usually takes more.

    523. Colleen
      August 20, 2017

      Greetings and thank you in advance for any help. You have a great, informative site here. I will be applying for TR soon. I contacted the Mexican Consolate and they sent me a list of items needed. What confuses me is the request for an I-94 form, original and copy. I am currently in Mexico on a tourist visa and will be headed to the United States soon.

    524. Chi
      August 20, 2017

      Would a combined monthly retirement from 401(k) and Social Security benefits of at least $2,200 USD be eligible for a permanent resident status in Mexico? Thanks!

    525. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 21, 2017

      Colleen, you’re welcome! We’re pleased you’ve found useful information here. Answering your question: the I-94 form is for non US citizens applying in the US.

    526. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 21, 2017

      Chi, the minimum pension requirement for permanent residency per person is approximately 2,500 USD monthly; or monthly balance in savings/investments of approximately 100,000 USD per person.

    527. Connie Tang
      August 23, 2017

      i try to apply a permanent resident visa to Mexico, Do I have to setup an appointment at the Mexican Consulate to start the process?

    528. Reed
      August 23, 2017

      I have been approved permanent residency & have booked my flight to Mexico. Is my permanent residency now complete or will I have more steps once I get to Mexico & will I have to return to the USA again within a short period of time or can I now stay in Mexico permanently?

    529. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 23, 2017

      Connie, it depends on the Mexican Consulate where you will be applying; some Consulates request that you make an appointment, others don’t. We suggest you to visit your Mexican Consulate’s website, in the visas section you will be able to get the answer.

    530. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 23, 2017

      Reed, within the following 30 days after your arrival in Mexico you must approach the Immigration office that is closer to your domicile (in Mexico) to start the “canje” process, through which you will receive your permanent resident card. You don’t have to return to the USA, you can stay in Mexico permanently after receiving your permanent resident card.

    531. Dave
      August 24, 2017

      Thank-you YES for an excellent website!
      I am a little confused about IRA’s in regards to financial solvency for the Temporary Residency Visa. In January, you told Kim that her IRA’s would not count towards her financial solvency since she wasn’t retiring (but I couldn’t tell if it was in regards to TR or PR). Then in March Sean had a pretty similar question about their IRA’s and you advised that the IRA’s would be fine for a TR. I couldn’t tell if Sean was a pensioner, though, so maybe that was why his IRA would count and Kim’s didn’t. If you could please explain the details as to when an IRA counts and when it doesn’t, I would appreciate it.

      I will not be retiring for at least another decade, but am looking to buy some property to live down in Mexico for most of the year and don’t want to hassle with the “border run” every 6 months. If I did the calculation correct, the current avg bank balance for the prior year should be about $23,500 (2017 Mex City min. wage of 80.04 X 5000 with an exchange rate of 17 pesos). The average of my last year’s monthly statements is $23,600 (I get paid quarterly, so my balance will jump up into the $30K range and then will trickle down to the low 20’s ever few months–right now it is closer to $25K and will be back up around $30K by next months statement which will be the last before I go to apply for the TR). I also have a small rollover IRA that is only worth about $3500. The rest of my money is tied up in assets/investments that would not count. It looks like depending on how they calculate my average bank balance and what they use for exchange rate (as of today it is 17.7 pesos which would mean an average balance about $1000 less than with 17 pesos exchange rate).
      So here are my questions–1) is the process of determining your average monthly bank balance as straightforward as them averaging the last 12 bank statements total amount or is it up to each individual who is processing the paperwork at the consulate?
      2) Do they look at the exchange rate the day that they are processing the paperwork or is it a more generic value that remains stable over time?
      3) In regards to the rollover IRA, if I am not a pensioner, will they consider that amount for a TR?
      4) If I buy land in Mexico during or after the process of getting my 1st TR, will the value of the property be counted towards my financial solvency for future renewals?
      5) Is it the same calculation for financial solvency to get the TR renewed after the first year–so if the Mexico City minimum wage goes up (which is almost a guarantee) then will I need to make sure to have a higher average balance or will I be “grandfathered” in with the same calculations that they did for the original application.
      Thanks!

    532. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 24, 2017

      Dave, we are pleased you have found our site to be useful!

      Answering your questions:

      1) You should check with the Mexican Consulate where you will be applying which is the amount they are asking for bank balance. Some of them are very updated in regards to Exchange rate and some others are not.

      2) We’ve seen the majority of them uses a generic value, not the actual Exchange rate of the day.

      3) Retirement information is requested towards getting permanent residency.

      4) For renewals you don’t need to show financial information again, so if you buy the property after you have been granted with your 1st year of TR it won’t be necessary for your renewals.

      5) You don’t need to show financial information for renewals.

    533. James
      August 27, 2017

      Hi,
      If I apply for residente temporal via vínculo familiar, do I have the right to work in Mexico for a Mexican employer? Or what is the process and is there any advantage for applying via the family link? In this scenario, do I need bank statements or not?

      If I apply for residente permanente de jubilado, do I have the right to work?

      thanks for the great website!

    534. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 1, 2017

      James, as a temporary resident you don’t have the authorization to work in Mexico until you get a work permit. The advantage to apply via the family link is that you don’t have to leave Mexico, you can do it here instead of applying at a Mexican Consulate abroad. You do not need bank statements. If you apply for permanent residency you do have authorization to work.

    535. James
      September 4, 2017

      Hi,
      Even if I have Residencia Permanente como jubilado, I still have the right to work? My consulate told me as a retiree I would not have the right to work.

    536. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 4, 2017

      James, that is correct. Permanent residents are authorized to work in Mexico.

    537. James Haselwood
      September 5, 2017

      I plan on applying for a Tesidante Permenante but I’m not sure when I should do so. I plan on traveling to mexico in November for about a month, returning to the states in Decemb
      er for a few week, then returning to Mexico in January for several months.

      My concern is that if I apply before my November trip, I won’t have enough time in Mexico to complete the process. Similarly, I’m concerned that if I wait until December, I may not have enough time to complete the U.S. portion before returning to Mexico in January.

      Can I start the process now but still enter Mexico n November as a ‘tourist’ then enter in January with the 30 day visa for compleing the RP visa?

      Jim H.

    538. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 6, 2017

      James, you can’t obtain your visa at the Mexican Consulate and then come to Mexico in November as a tourist; you will have to enter with such visa and do the canje. You could come in November, start the process and if you need to leave and the process hasn’t finished, you can ask for an exit permit. The exit permit will allow you to be out of Mexico for 60 days máximum, while the process continues.

    539. Roxanne
      September 10, 2017

      I am a permanent resident of Baja California Sur and have been living in Mx for 6 years – I have now married an American. can he come down and live with me as a dependent if I am working in Mx? Does he still need to show bank records etc

    540. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 11, 2017

      Roxanne, he can apply for temporary residency because he’s married to a permanent resident. After 2 years, he will become a permanent resident as well. He won’t have to show bank records if he applies as your husband.

    541. Colleen
      September 14, 2017

      Good morning. I am happy to say that I have obtained a PR stamp in my passport and I will enter Mexico soon proceeding with canje. I am concerned that I do everything correctly when I enter the country. I will mark the canje box on the fmm form. Do you have any tips for entry and handling of my form at the airport; immigration. Thank you again for this fantastic resource.

    542. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 14, 2017

      Colleen, just make sure that when you meet the Mexican Immigration officer he understands that you got a PR visa from the Mexican Consulate, that way he will mark the FMM as canje and will write 30 days on it. Good luck!

    543. md Habib
      September 14, 2017

      I’m coming in maxico from banglades it had tourist visa validity one month but I’did marriage a maxican girl So i don’t want to leave maxico how can i will live in maxico and how i will be maxican citizen. please answer me

    544. Colleen
      September 14, 2017

      Hello again. Will the officer put a stamp in my passport? Thank you.

    545. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 14, 2017

      Md Habib, if you have a tourist visa to enter Mexico, once you are here, you can approach the Immigration office that is closer to your domicile and provide proof of the marriage to Mexican citizen to request temporary residency for 2 years under the family unit criteria. After those 2 years, if you lived in Mexico at least 9 months out of 12, you will be able to request Mexican citizenship.

    546. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 14, 2017

      Colleen, they will put a stamp in the FMM form you will receive. That stamp will have the date of your entry in the country.

    547. Colleen
      September 26, 2017

      Buenas noches,
      I will be visiting INM soon. I understand that they will give me the Formato Básico to fill out. When I list myself as retired it asks for my monthly income in pesos. My concern is that I have been stamped PR in my passport and that was based on other financial holdings. My monthly income via social security is mediocre. Should I be concerned? I only write things that are accurate. Hoping for the best. Thank you once again. Things went smoothly at port of entry btw.

    548. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 27, 2017

      Colleen, the monthly income box is only filled if you have an employment. If you are retired, you just write retired in the current situation box and leave the monthly income box in blank.

    549. Colleen
      September 27, 2017

      Thank you so much for your quick reply. This information is extremely useful. Your site brings a lot of clarity. I recommend all of my friends to this website. Bravo!

    550. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 27, 2017

      Colleen, you’re welcome! And thank you!

    551. Taman
      September 28, 2017

      YES, thank you for this wonderful website. One quick question about temporary resident visa, namely what is going to happen if one enters Mexico with Fmm stated as canje but never started the process, left the country and returned the fmm form (with canje stated on it)? Will he/she be bannes from entering mexico again with any sort of visa/tr/pr?

    552. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 28, 2017

      Taman, we’re pleased that you like our site! Answering your question: nothing will happen, he/she won’t be banned entering Mexico again. The only thing that will happen is that this person would have lost the chance to do his/her canje on such opportunity.

    553. Taman
      September 28, 2017

      YES, I See. Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. We are thinking of temporarily staying in Merida, but need to be concerned about leaving our parents in the hoke country. So I have to take into account of all possible scenarios. If the consulate approves our app, we will definitely get your help with the canje 🙂

    554. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 29, 2017

      Taman, we’d be pleased to help you with your canje! When the time comes, you can contact us at info@yucatanyes.com to set up an appointment.

    555. Daniela Teniente
      October 3, 2017

      Hello!
      I was granted the Temporary Resident Card a month ago. Now, I’m planning on attending a private school in Guanajuato (nursing) and I’m wondering if I’ll be able to do that as I was born in USA but have my Bachiller/Titulo Secundario from Argentina. Is my Mexican Resident Temporary status enough to be able to attend school or do I need to do the High School Diploma and Birth Certificate apostillado to do so? I called the school with these questions but they didn’t seem too sure and I received different answers every time I called.
      As always, I cannot thank you enough for your help and the service you offer to all of us. Is priceless!
      Daniela

    556. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 4, 2017

      Daniela, unless the school requests you something different, you’ll be fine with your resident card and your current diploma. They should ask you to have it apostilled, it would be the correct thing to do, since it will make it legal.

    557. Daniela
      October 4, 2017

      Thank you so much!!!!

    558. Moreno A. Olano
      October 7, 2017

      How hard is it to file for Residency Card. Retired Real Estate Investor in America. Own quarter acre lot overlooking Sea of Cortez , will build house in two years.

    559. Colleen
      October 7, 2017

      Hello again,
      I just got the message “Registre los datos para la expedición de su documento migratorio”.
      On the bottom of this page there is a highlighted area that says “para la expedición de su forma migratoria o actualice sus datos aquí”. Do I need to update information? I notice it takes me to a page with info I have already submitted. Thank you once again for your help.

    560. Rhonda
      October 13, 2017

      If you are 55 and have a 401k account with the requried financial amount, own property in Mexico, but are still working part time/sesonally (as semi retired) but do not meet the monthly income requirements on a consistent basis monthly, but in total for the year you do, can you apply for permanent status as a “retired investor”

    561. Miikka
      October 16, 2017

      Hello YES.
      I am just a little confused about the common-law process.
      Do we apply together at the Mexican consulate nearest to us outside of Mexico. Or does my common-law partner apply then add me to their visa once landed in Mexico?.
      Does my partner have to show funds for me to apply through family unit?, i do not work & have no income. If so what amount needs to be presented?.
      When you say local judge needs to sign papers proving common law, do you mean local judge outside of Mexico or local judge within Mexico?

      Miikka

    562. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 16, 2017

      Moreno A., if you own real estate that is worth at least 3,201,600 pesos you can apply for temporary residency. After 4 years of temporary residency, you will become a permanent resident.

    563. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 16, 2017

      Colleen, yes you must update it.

    564. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 16, 2017

      Rhonda, to apply for permanent status you must prove you are retired and that you meet either the savings criteria or the income criteria (one of the 2, not both).

    565. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 16, 2017

      Miikka, you can either apply at any Mexican Consulate abroad or wait until your partner gets the visa and then you apply in Mexico.

      If you apply abroad yes, your partner needs to show funds to support you (500 USD monthly for the past 6 months); if you apply in Mexico, he does not.

      The local judge is from the place where you apply.

    566. Jonty
      October 16, 2017

      Today, my wife and I got our temporary visas in our passports from the Mexican consulate in Austin. We were planning to travel to Mexico on Oct 30th – Nov 4th, get our house set up, go to a immigration office in Mexico to perform the canje, then return to the US through Thanksgiving. The person helping us at the consulate thought that might be a bad idea, if we were unable to complete the canje process on that visit, and that we may have to start the process over again if we entered and left Mexico. Is the visit to the immigration office in Mexico a one time visit, or does it take some time to get the card? Should I plan on staying in Mexico until we get the cards, or can I make it a quick visit to initiate the canje process, and mak the permanent move after Thanksgiving? Thanks!

    567. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 16, 2017

      Jonty, depending on where in Mexico you do the canje, the process can take from 3 to 8 weeks. That being said, it is not a process to accomplish in 1 week, also because November 1st and 2nd are holidays in Mexico. What you can do is start the process and request an exit permit, which is good for 60 days; while you are away the process continues and you must return before the 60 days expire for an interview with an Immigration officer and then get the card (which also varies in time frame, from the following day to 4-5 days after).

    568. Jonty
      October 16, 2017

      Thanks – we’ll be flying into Cancun, and eventually residing in Tulum. Will all immigration offices be closed November 1st and 2nd? Will large stores also be closed? We were planning to shop for household goods at Costco in Cancun and other places. Maybe I should postpone the visit for a week

    569. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 17, 2017

      Jonty, perhaps not all both days, but for sure November 2nd, it is a traditional holiday in Mexico (Day of the Dead). We don’t think large stores will close. Mostly Government offices are closed.

    570. Jonty
      October 18, 2017

      ok, thanks. Where is the immigration office to apply for a canje in Quintana Roo?

    571. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 19, 2017

      Jonty, if your domicile is Tulum, you should go to the INM office in Playa del Carmen, located in Avenida 10 Sur Plaza Antigua Local 1 A Planta Alta.

    572. Peter
      October 23, 2017

      Hi, I have been reading the posts and receiving some good information. After looking at the qualifications for temporary resident I am still a little confused. I have owned real estate in Q Roo for the past 11 years that exceeds the the 3,201,600 p threshold. That being said I am still on title with my ex wife, and she would not be applying. Do I need also to qualify with the investment, or income guidelines? Thanks.

    573. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 24, 2017

      Peter, you can apply through the Real Estate option if you’re the only one applying for TR through this option (if it was both of you, you’d need to double the minimum amount requested of the value of the Real Estate). However, it may be that the Mexican Consulate requests economic information of yours, that will depend on the criteria of the officer reviewing your application.

    574. Rainer Ingmann
      October 26, 2017

      Hello, I have been owning a condo in Mazatlan for over 10 years and have been going there for vacation every year and once retired (2014 ) at least 4 month a year.
      As we are getting older we are thinking of selling the place eventually.
      As we are hearing there will be a huge capital gains, naturally we like to circumvent that.
      We are also hearing that if we would be temporary residents ( TR ) or even permanent residents the taxes would be avoided.
      We are both retired, income evidence is no problem, love Mexico and only want to go through these immigration procedures to save these taxes. Is it worth it ??
      Would very much appreciate the answer from an Expert, which I can read through your answers.

    575. ML
      October 26, 2017

      Hi, my husband and I hope to retire to Nayarit next Spring. Have any of the regulations for applying for a permanent resident visa changed from the above article?

    576. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 27, 2017

      Rainer, if you qualify for permanent residency, we do believe is worth it. For further information about the immigration procedure you can contact us here: info@yucatanyes.com

    577. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 27, 2017

      ML, the only aspect that has changed is the fees you pay at the Immigration office in Mexico, but those currently valid won’t be valid for 2018 either since each year they increase from 300-500 pesos. Other aspect to consider is the Exchange rate; the one used in the article is 17 pesos per dollar; currently the dollar is worth around 19 pesos.

    578. Susan Whitehurst
      November 9, 2017

      Do you have do have a Permanent Residency Visa to buy property in Mexico? Is there a written test? I understand that the PR Visa process is speedy up, if you want to buy a property. tx, susan

    579. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 9, 2017

      Susan, no, you don’t have to have PR to buy property in Mexico. You could do it even as a tourist. When you sell property is better to have PR because you could exempt capital gains taxes.

    580. Kevin Payne
      November 10, 2017

      Hi there thanks for the great website. My father has a permanent resident visa and owns a house in Mexico. (He was born in the UK and I was born in Canada). Can I apply for a permanent visa without being retired (no pension) based on money in the bank? Does his visa help for that, or for temporary visa applications? Thanks, Kevin

    581. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 10, 2017

      Kevin, thank you!
      According to the Immigration Law, permanent residency is only for pensioners.
      If you wish you to apply for permanent residency based on the fact that your father is a permanent resident, you could but only if you are under 18 years old.

    582. Kevin Payne
      November 10, 2017

      OK thanks, no, I’m not under 18. So there’s no advantage of my father being a permanent resident?

    583. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 10, 2017

      Kevin, unfortunately no, there’s no advantage for you since you are older than 18.

    584. Kevin Payne
      November 11, 2017

      Tabien, muchas gracias para mi ayudar. Viva Mexico!

    585. julie pinette
      November 11, 2017

      Hi,
      We crossed the border in Tiajuna with a temp residence VISA initiated in the states but we were waved on at the border when we requested a stamp on our passports. We drove to Todos Santos where we are staying and now need to go to La Paz to complete the Canje process but don’t have a stamp on our time of entry. What can be done? Is this going to hang up our Temporary residence card? thanks so much for your reply.

    586. Melissa
      November 11, 2017

      My husband retires in April 2018. I’m retired and applying for my permanent residence now. Should he apply first for temporary or just wait until April to apply for permanent?

    587. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 13, 2017

      Julie, you must have an FMM stamped with your date of entry in order to start the canje process. We’d suggest you go to the La Paz Immigration office to explain what happened and see if there’s a solution and if they can assist you.

    588. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 13, 2017

      Melissa, if he can, we’d suggest that he waits until April 2018 and applies straight for permanent residency.

    589. Rita Montes Martin
      November 18, 2017

      I am exploring the idea of starting business in Mexico. Please provide all the help possible.

    590. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 21, 2017

      Rita, if you wish to start your business in the State of Yucatán, please send us an e-mail with more information to info@yucatanyes.com

    591. steven a neal
      November 30, 2017

      I am 66, wife 64. My SS $1800, hers is $864. I have been retired 16 years and have joint personal bank statements showing $4,000 per month or more income deposited from oil and gas royalties and a joint “Rent Account” showing $12,000 or more rent income deposited every month for 10 years or more. Also have tax return verification.
      Does “pension” have to be Social Security (SS) or do my investments qualify. I want both of us to be able to get “Permanent Residency” at the same time, not temporary. We want to apply asap because our daughter’s family moved to Mexico.

    592. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 30, 2017

      Steven, pension can be from Social Security or from your former employer; as long as you can show you have 2,500 USD income monthly for the past 6 months, you can apply for permanent residency. Your wife could apply to temporary residency for 2 years, by being married to a permanent resident; after those 2 years, she can request permanent residency as well.

    593. Chris
      December 7, 2017

      Me and my husband are looking at retirement in yucatan, we are looking at buying a property for around $100,000 us. We will not be retiring until 2019 at which time we will have about $200,000 us in investment plus our home in yucatan. If we keep or investment for a year will we meet the terms needed for permanent residency.

    594. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      December 10, 2017

      Chris, for permanent residency the minimum savings/investments requirement is 90,000 USD per person over the past year; so 200,000 USD for both will suffice.

    595. SPS
      December 14, 2017

      Hello. My daughter has had temporary residency for the past year and has just gotten it renewed for the next 3 years meaning she will be automatically qualified for permanent residency at that time. She has been applying under my husband because she is under 18. By the time she applies for permanent residency though, she will be 20 yrs old.
      How will that affect her application? Will she need to prove economic solvency for an adult or will she still just automatically qualify?
      Thanks for your help.

    596. SPS
      December 15, 2017

      Sorry, I meant she will qualify automatically for permanent residency at the end of the 3 years.

    597. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      December 16, 2017

      SPS, she will automatically qualify for permanent residency.

    598. Stevenjb
      December 16, 2017

      Awesome information. My question is related to the FMM (180 day visa) – how many times in succession can one come and go on this visa (ie: approx. 2 times a year, for how many years?).

    599. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      December 18, 2017

      Stevenjb, thank you! Regarding your question: there is no limit to the number of times you can come in on a tourist visa.

    600. jstadrm
      December 22, 2017

      Following up on Steven A Neal’s post. Are you saying he cannot use their oil and gas royalties or their rental income as part of their monthly retirement income?

    601. jstadrm
      December 22, 2017

      My wife and I are both retired. Our bank statement is from a joint account. Do we need to separate the account, or can we apply together by doubling the monthly income? If this is possible, would we double the required $2500.00 per month? Thanks you in advance for all your help.

    602. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      December 27, 2017

      Jstadrm, to apply for permanent residency the source of income must be a pension.

    603. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      December 27, 2017

      Jstadrm, you can apply together by doubling the monthly income, the income from the pension must be 2,500 USD for each of you. Both of your names must appear in the bank statements.

    604. Steve I
      January 13, 2018

      Hello, great article!
      I was wondering if you can you have the contact information of someone around Guadalajara Jalisco, who can help us with the formalities when we arrive in mexico? It can be a lawyer or anyone who knows how the system works to help us with things like applying for our resident cards, talking to landlords to rent our first house etc.

      We started learning Spanish but I don’t expect it to be great within the next 2 months and having someone there who speaks Spanish would be a great help with all the formalities. (we speak English, French and German)

      Thank you very much!
      Regards,
      Steve.

    605. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 16, 2018

      Steve, we have worked in the past with this law firm for Immigration procedures: http://www.rrs.com.mx/english/migratorio_mexico.php

    606. Dale Charrette
      January 20, 2018

      My wife and I are retiring to mexico in next 9 months. My wife will have verifiable retirement papers with 2 pensions, with over 5400 in pension $$ per month. I am a self employed chiropractor retiring in May, Last 12 months veritable 3K a month income after expenses, 7.5 gross per month before taxes. We both have over 80K in savings combined. I will have accounts receivable that will come in over next 1-2 years of 35-40K. Trying to get permanent visas right from the start. Thanks, what is the process, start with the Mexican consulate right from the start.

    607. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 22, 2018

      Dale, you can apply for permanent residency once you are both retired, based on the figures you mention. Just contact your nearest Mexican Consulate to request an appointment (if needed). Or if you need our assistance through the process, please send us an e-mail to info@yucatanyes.com

    608. KZ
      February 8, 2018

      Can my husband and I apply for permanent residency. We are retiring in 2 years. We own property in Mexico.

    609. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 9, 2018

      KZ, the Immigration Law states that permanent residency is for those who are already retired. You could apply now for temporary residency, next year request a 3 year extension and by the end of the 4th year you can apply for permanent residency.

    610. michael schuth
      February 19, 2018

      I have $140000 in CD’s which I have had for years. Is this enough to apply for permanent residency? Also a $11000 IRA and $20000 in US bonds. mcschuth2@hotmail.com

    611. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 19, 2018

      Michael, our apologies, we don’t know what CD’s is. You need to show income of 2,500 USD monthly from a pension for the past 6 months OR 90,000 USD in savings every month for the past year.

    612. Jackie
      February 23, 2018

      Hi,
      I am a British national and hoping to apply for the temporary residency. However, there doesn’t seem to be much information available as to the financial requirement for a British national. I know that in american dollars it is now 1,400 but could you please give me a rough idea of what that will be British pounds (GBP)? And will I need to produce payslips and bank statements or just bank statements? Also I would like to apply for the visa in the UK…is that possible?
      Thank you in aavance for your help!

    613. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 23, 2018

      Jackie, it would be income of approximately 1,050 GBP monthly. Depending on the requirements of the Mexican Embassy in the UK you will need to show payslips or bank statements (or both). Yes, you can apply for temporary residency at the Mexican Embassy in the UK.

    614. Jackie
      February 24, 2018

      Thank you so much that’s very helpful information! One other question…I do a couple of part time jobs which I receive regular income from..will it be an issue that I have more than one income? I will be able to prove my income I just want to make sure that this won’t be an issue. Thank you again for your help!

    615. Jackie
      February 26, 2018

      I have one more question I would like answered. Thank you very much in advance for your patience. I am nowhere near retirement age, in fact I am 33 years old and will not be applying for my temporary residency based on a job offer from a Mexican company. Could you give me some advice on what I should say when I am asked why I am applying? My application is based on personal reasons. Will this be enough to be granted the residency as well as being able to prove economic solvency?
      Thank you.

    616. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 26, 2018

      Jackie, no, it won’t be an issue.

    617. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 26, 2018

      Jackie, it will depend on the criteria of the officer at the Mexican Embassy as each case is analyzed. According to the Immigration Law, temporary residency can be granted based on economic solvency.

    618. Sabine
      February 26, 2018

      Hello, I am currently working in Mexico and my boyfriend will join me as soon as possible. The employer started the application for his temporary resident visa a while ago, but we still are waiting for the NUT. The thing is, for semana santa we are going to Cuba. Leaving from Mexico. My question is, if my boyfriend can fly to Mexico as a tourist. Then leave again as a tourist and with the NUT get the temporary pre-approved stamp in his passport in Havana. Or come back again as a tourist and then go to a different country to get the visa with the NUT. Or will the whole application (before receiving the NUT) be canceled when he arrives in Mexico as a tourist? I know if you come with the pre-approved stamp in your passport, you need a travel letter with permission to leave the country before you get the temporary residency card.
      I hope you can help me with some information! Thank you in advance. Kind regards.

    619. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 1, 2018

      Sabine, we would have to ask you for some clarifications before responding. Send us an e-mail to info@yucatanyes.com or call us at +52 (999) 927 2437. Thank you!

    620. Jayne Dye
      March 11, 2018

      I have pieces of ivory jewelry from my mother-in-law. I inherited it in 1965. I have no documentation. I am in Merida as a tourist but my intention is to stay here permanently.
      Is it permissible to have these ivory pieces sent to me via FedEx or brought to me by a traveler? There are US laws and Mexican laws to consider as to crossing the border (allowed exiit as well as allowed entrance) although the actual trip will be by air.

    621. Craig
      March 11, 2018

      I am a little unclear about the “only pensioners can apply for permanent residency without temporary residency first”. We are a married couple who own a house in Mexico and have ~$500,000 US in savings. Do we qualify for permanent residency or do we need to hold temporary first? We do not have any pension.

      Also if I want to work for a US company remotely from Mexico, will permanent resident card allow this?

    622. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 15, 2018

      Jayne, since this is a very specific question, we’d suggest you to check directly with FedEx. They have a new office in Cupules, almost in front of the new convention center.

    623. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 15, 2018

      Craig, if you are retired, yes, you qualify with that amount in savings. As for your other question, if you won’t be receiving any income in Mexico from that Company, your resident status in Mexico won’t matter: you could do it as a temporary or as a permanent resident.

    624. Dennis R Hodge
      March 17, 2018

      I am interested in temporary Mexican Visa. I am marrying a Filipina in the Philippines on June 12th 2018. We want to retire to Mexico in either Cancun area or Carmen del Playa. Need help for all the process.
      Dennis Hodge
      +17609985835

    625. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 20, 2018

      Dennis, first you need to apply for temporary residency at a Mexican Consulate abroad. Once you and your wife get your visas you will need to exchange them at the Immigration office in Cancun or Playa del Carmen, this will depend on where your address will be. If you need consultancy on the process, please send us an e-mail to info@yucatanyes.com. We cannot fully represent you because we are based in Merida, Yucatán, not in Quintana Roo.

    626. Kevin Lin
      March 29, 2018

      I am applying for temporary resident visa (non-work) soon. There are two options to prove financial solvency:

      (1) Original and a photocopy of investment receipts or bank statements showing a monthlyending balance of over $23,300.00 dollars during the past twelve months;
      OR
      (2) Original and a photocopy of documents showing that the applicant has employment or apension with a monthly tax-free income of over $1,400.00 dollars during the past sixmonths (last six months of pay stubs, employment letter specifying your position andsalary, bank statements)

      For options #1, I meet the financial solvency requirement of ~$23,300 for 12 months. I can even prove a lot more by showing my saving accounts, stock investments from broker accounts, and checking accounts. However, I am just 41. Is it too young to say that I want to retire in Mexico? Would the consulate have any issue with that?

      For options #2, I am currently employed in the U.S, and can possibly work for my current employer remotely from Mexico over the internet. The pay satisfies the income requirement of $1,400 a month easily. So, I can also present my past 6 months pay stubs, bank statements, and employer’s letter about verification of employment. But, would it complicate the application more and can be more tax burden on me since I might be asked by Mexican government to pay tax on the income?

      Personally, I would prefer to give the option #1 for financial solvency as long as age is not an issue for early retirement, but I am also willing to use option #2 if I have to, and there is no Mexican tax liability!

      Any suggestions or insight? Appreciate your answer!

    627. Ron Allanach
      March 30, 2018

      Hi
      I understand that Merida Immigration appointment times are delayed because the office has one guy doing the fingerprints. Any experience how long of a wait to get appointment for prints and doc review after filing the application?

    628. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 3, 2018

      Kevin, you can apply for temporary residency even if you are not retired. If you were asking for permanent residency then it’d be likely they would deny it. You could apply through any of the 2 options; in option no. 2 you would not have to pay taxes in Mexico because you are receiving your income in the U.S. and you are paying your taxes there.

    629. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 3, 2018

      Ron, it is currently taking around 7 weeks from the date of application to the date of the appointment for fingerprints.

    630. Bill
      April 11, 2018

      My wife is from Mazatlan and has a green card for the US. I will be entitled to approximately 1800 from a pension August 1st 2018 and another 2700 + ( max benefits) in social security August 2019. I also currently have 160,000 in a bank account. And other funds in IRA’s. I plan on moving to Mazatlan at the end of 2018 where we already have two houses that I have in my wife’s name and are paid in full .Do I have to currently be receiving my pension and SS benefits in order to apply for residency? also I would like to apply for permanent residency from the beginning and skip the temporary residency do I qualify?

    631. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 11, 2018

      Bill, you can apply for temporary residency by being married to a Mexican citizen and you will get 2 years; after those 2 years, you will become a permanent resident. If you chose to follow this route, you won’t have to show proof of income or savings.

      If you prefer to apply for permanent residency from the start, then you will need to prove retirement and pension from SS of minimum 2,500 USD monthly or savings of miniumum 90,000 pesos monthly (approximately).

    632. Jana Mazura
      April 13, 2018

      Thank you for providing such a valuable information on your website.
      I will be applying for temporary residence visa in UK where I am currently living. 2 years ago my partner and I formed mexican corporation and through this we purchased land in Tulum, which we are going to develop( commercial/ residential unit)
      I would like to move to Mexico in October this year to supervise construction. I would also like to work independently as cavern/ cave guide. My question is: can I legally work, employing myself using my mexican corporation, paying taxes through it?

    633. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 18, 2018

      Jana, you’re welcome! We’re pleased to know you have found useful information here.
      Answering your question: yes you can work legally for your Mexican corporation if you are a shareholder of such corporation.

    634. Helena Anderson
      April 19, 2018

      Hello. My name Helena Anderson. My family want travel in yucatan 6 months, find a property, buy it, and open small urban farm. We have about 150,000 in stocks and 401k that we will cash to buy property and open business. Then will begin making money there in Mexico. What you think our best option for resident permits?

    635. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 19, 2018

      Helena, you should apply for temporary residency at a Mexican Consulate abroad, showing monthly income of approximately 1,500 USD for the past 6 months or showing monthly savings of approximately 25,000 USD for the past 12 months.

    636. Helena Anderson
      April 19, 2018

      Will we be able to get permanent residency if we are making money in Mx but not any from US?

    637. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 19, 2018

      Helena, permanent residency is only granted to pensioners who wish to move to Mexico for retirement purposes.

    638. Helena Anderson
      April 19, 2018

      Thank You. What would we do in 4 years when our temporary residency is up? If we were living and running business in Mx? We wish to relocate permanently………

    639. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 20, 2018

      Helena, after 4 years of temporary residency you can request permanent residency, regardless if you are retired or not or the income or savings that you have at the moment, since you won’t need to show any financial information.

    640. Phanish
      April 26, 2018

      Hello.I have monthly average of $100,000 in the bank.will I get permanent residency only based on savings irrespective of age or retirement?I am a professional working as a software engineer and I am 29.I heard there is permanent residency eligibility for professionals- if I can prove my savings and skills is there a change I get permanent residency??
      thanks in advance.

    641. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 27, 2018

      Phanish, the Mexican Immigration Law states that permanent residency is for retired people. However, we have met non-retired people as yourself who were granted with permanent residency because they fulfilled the income/savings minimum requirements. This is discretional of the Consulate where you will apply. You could try and if they say no, you can request temporary residency.

    642. tom
      April 30, 2018

      Great information!!
      I am retired but am not receiving a pension or social security at this time. My investment income is supporting my wife and me. My IRA is valued at $730,000 and at 61 years of age I can make withdrawals. My wife is also retired and her IRA is valued at $130,000 but at 59 years of age she is not able to make withdrawals. We are moving to Mexico. Do we both qualify for permanent visas? A concern is do we meet the definition of “retired” by not drawing upon a pension or social security benefits.

    643. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 30, 2018

      Tom, if you can prove retirement (with letter from social security of from your former employer) you can qualify as retired even if you’re not getting your pension money yet. Otherwise, it’ll be left to the criteria of the officer at the Mexican Consulate.

    644. tom
      May 1, 2018

      I will be able to provide a social security letter later this year. Assuming I meet the requirements for a permanent visa, would my wife be able to qualify for a permanent visa as my dependent? Thank you!

    645. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 2, 2018

      Tom, if you get permanent residency and your wife applies as your dependent, she will get 2 years of temporary residency and then she’d be able to request permanent residency.

    646. sandra
      May 2, 2018

      Hi, my question is, I am retired. My husband is 55 and is receiving permanent disability benefits from ssa we moved to mexico three years ago and have our appointment at the mex consulate to apply for permanent residency. would his disability benefits count as a pension?? he gets $2300 a month….thanks

    647. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 3, 2018

      Sandra, this decision will fit into the criteria of the Consular office, since the Immigration Law does not mention if a disability benefit could be considered as a pension.

    648. Reed
      May 4, 2018

      Hello, There is a utube video of a Mexican Merida lawyer stating that one can apply for temporary or permanent residency WITHIN Mexico after your tourist visa expires (day 181). You will have to pay a small penalty ($100 usd) but you can request allowance within Mexico and submit all your paperwork for temporary or permanent residency. All banks statements much be translated to Spanish. This video was published September 2017. Do you know if this is true? If so, would the Visa application have to be translated to Spanish also?

    649. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 7, 2018

      Reed, this information is not correct.

    650. Earl Lee
      May 11, 2018

      Thanks for posting such wonderful information. Do you have information of the office in Guadalajara or is there information online about the address, hours of operation, etc? Thanks so much.

    651. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 15, 2018

      Earl, you’re welcome! The Immigration office of Guadalajara is located in Alcalde No. 500 4° Piso Palacio Federal, Col. Centro, C. P. 44280; the phone number is 01 (333) 942 02 90. They are open Mon-Fri from 9 AM to 1 PM.

    652. ALI HAROUAL
      May 22, 2018

      I was wondering if it will be a faster processing a renewal for a temp residency for 3 years if we file in INM Chetumal instead of playa del Carmen? or if there is a way to pay extra fees for quick processing? thank you.

    653. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 23, 2018

      Ali, we are based in the State of Yucatán, so we don’t know the timing in other offices outside of our State. There is no option of paying extra fees to speed up the process.

    654. May 30, 2018

      Thank you the information and kind speech. I am 76 and just retired with tax statements showing SS and small pension totallling 2,200.00 monthly . I have 400,000. In a conservative stock market. I made a rental deposit to hold an apartment in Jalisco, Mexico. I prefer a permanent Mexican Visa. My Long Term Health care Insurance covers me outside USA. Thank you!! I’m applying at the N. Carolina Raleigh Mexican Consulate.

    655. Cory
      May 31, 2018

      Hello, and thank you for so much information.
      I am wondering I do not receive SSA, however I do receive a (permanent) monthly disability check (amount meets criteria) as a disabled u.s. veteran. I am not officially retirement age. Would this qualify for permanent residency?

    656. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 1, 2018

      Suzzane, you could apply for permanent residency based on your 400,000. Your monthly income falls a little below the requested: the Mexican Consulate Will ask to see income of at least 44,180 pesos, at today’s exchange rate this is 2,239 USD. If the Exchange rate works in your favor, you could apply using your monthly income as well.

    657. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 1, 2018

      Cory, this will depend on the criteria of the Consular officer. We suggest you contact them first and explain your case.

    658. Stephen
      June 7, 2018

      I’m applying for a permanent resident visa. On the application, on line 25, it asks ‘Purpose of trip’. Can I get your opinion what I should state?

      Also, I read somewhere (not sure where) that when you are approved for a resident visa at a Mexican Consulate, the stamp is attached at that time and you do not have to return to pick up your passport later. Is this the new policy?

      Thank you.

    659. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 8, 2018

      Stephen, if you are requesting permanent residency is because you intend to retire in Mexico, so the purpose of your trip would be: retire in Mexico.

      Regarding your second question, this depends on the policies of each Mexican Consulate; at some they issue visas on the same day of the application and at some others they ask you to return for them another day. The Immigration Law authorizes them for no more than 10 business days to issue visas.

    660. Allison
      June 13, 2018

      I was granted a temporary resident visa stamp in my usa passport. I’m retired and meet the the permanent resident requirements (I should have applied for the permanent visa). Is there anyway the immigration office in Mexico would issue me a permanent resident card if I apply for one even though I only have the temporary resident visa stamp?

    661. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 13, 2018

      Allison, if you were granted with the temporary resident visa in the Consulate, the Immigration office can only give you a temporary resident card. They cannot change the type of residency you’ve been authorized with.

    662. Ken Bell
      June 15, 2018

      Hello, I have recently acquired my temporary visa from the Boston Massachusetts office. I will be returning to Progreso in August. What do I need to do to finalize this? Do I need to make an appointment? What do I need to bring with me? How long will it take to complete my application?

      Any assistance is appreciated

    663. Daniel
      July 16, 2018

      Hi there, I’m a little confused on the required income amounts for a family. I have a wife and 2 children that will be coming with, and have read varying reports of requirements on monthly pension income. For a temporary visa, is it 300 days @ 88.36 pesos, plus 100 days each additional for wife and children (600 days/$53,016 pesos/$2,790 USD)? Which then means it would be 800 days/$70,688 pesos/$3,720 USD for a permanent resident visa for the four of us? Thanks for (hopefully) providing some clarity on this.

    664. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 16, 2018

      Daniel, your numbers are correct!

    665. Gary
      July 17, 2018

      Thank you so much for the great website and information (particularly being up to date!) on the residency process. My wife and I have retired early and will be in Mexico for a large part of the year going forward (but not the entire year).

      We would like to get permanent resident visas, but had heard a rumor that you are required to stay in Mexico for at least 12 months consecutive once the permanent resident visa is granted. Is that true?

      Also, I am hoping that showing 401K balances for my wife and I (each will qualify fine) is sufficient for showing financial ability.

      Thank you again for all the great information

    666. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 18, 2018

      Gary, thank you for your kind words, we are happy that you have found useful information on our website. Answering your question: there’s no mínimum amount of time that you must stay in the country to keep your permanent residency. It just applies if you are looking to obtain Mexican citizenship. Your 401K balances should work fine!

    667. Barrie Lee Watters
      July 24, 2018

      I am retired researching possible residency in Mexico. I understand that I can do all of the applying while still in the US. How to start Thanking you in advance for any assistance you might provide… Barrie

    668. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 24, 2018

      Barrie, you must start the application at a Mexican Consulate abroad and then finish the process at an Immigration office within Mexico. If you need assistance through the whole process send us an e-mail to info@yucatanyes.com

    669. Sean B
      August 16, 2018

      Hello! Thanks for the informative website. I am in Mexico now, and married to a Mexican national. I can apply at the SRE in Mexico because my wife is Mexican, is that correct? Thanks!

    670. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 22, 2018

      Sean B, you can apply for temporary residency for 2 years at the Immigration office that is closer to your address in Mexico. Please note that you don’t apply at the SRE but at the Immigration office.

    671. Angel Haraday
      September 4, 2018

      Hello, my husband and I are here on a temporary resident visa, expecting eventually to get permanent status. I am wondering if my sister, who is living with us in Mexico on a tourist visa, can apply as our dependent. Her social security will not be enough to meet the yearly criteria but perhaps if she can apply as a member of our family?

      Thank you,

      Angel

    672. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 4, 2018

      Angel, your sister could apply for residency by family unit only if you were a permanent resident card holder, and only if she was a minor.

    673. Dyan Bernstein
      September 15, 2018

      I have been in Merida since Aug.23. I have my temporary visa but the more I read the more confused I am as to where I go to take the next steps. I have my photos already done. Do I need an appointment, I believe I have to go next week to meet the 30 days but I don’t know which office I am supposed to go to.

    674. Luciana
      September 16, 2018

      Hi! I’ve just started researching about living in Mexico and really appreciate your website. I’m 40 years ago and my boyfriend is 36, and we’re both seeking temporary residency in Mexico, but what kind of documents would we need to apply as a couple? Is proof of common-law sufficient, or immigration requires a marriage certificate? And would the bank statements showing an average monthly balance of approx. $27,654.00 Canadian dollars during the past twelve months be the amount for both of us or for each individual? Thank you so much for your help!

    675. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 17, 2018

      Dyan, we’d be happy to assist you finishing your Immigration process. Please send us an e-mail to info@yucatanyes.com

    676. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 17, 2018

      Luciana, common law is accepted in the family unit process to get temporary residency. The mínimum savings amount per person is 25,000 USD or 33,000 Canadian dollars. Other option is proving income of 2,000 Canadian dollars per month for the past 6 months (per person).

    677. September 23, 2018

      I have qualified for a Mexican Permanent residence Visa and my wife for a Temporary in Canada and our passports have documentation inserted by the Consulate supporting this. We were told to report to Mexican Immigration within 30 days of arriving in Mexico to complete the process. We arrive on October 1 and I am now lead to be believe that we must remain in Mexico for six months during this first visit once the process at the Immigration has been finalized or we would have to start the process over again in Canada. Is this correct as I must return home for medical reasons prior to six months and my wife may accompany me?

      Thanks you.

    678. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 25, 2018

      Ralst, you only have to stay in Mexico for the time it takes to the Immigration office to issue your cards, which is approximately 4-6 weeks. If you can’t stay for this amount of time, you can request exit permits, which are good for 60 days, while your processes in Mexico keep their regular timing.

    679. Jonty Rees
      October 9, 2018

      Hi YES – you guys are best! So helpful. It’s time for me to renew my Residente Temporal status after the first year. Do you have an article walking through that process? I have read several, and I think I understand what to do, but your articles are always very clear. I have a couple of questions. My wife is going back to the US for a visit, and will be back in Mexico 5 days before our RT cards expire. I would like to get the process started before she leaves (tomorrow afternoon!), but not if she has to give up her actual card when we apply. Would she have to give her card up at the first visit to INM? Also, I have not been able to download the renewal form from the inm.gob website. Do you know if there is a problem downloading from that site right now?

      Thanks!

    680. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 9, 2018

      Jonty, thank you!! We don’t have an article per se about the process to renew your temporary resident card, but we can assist if you are in Yucatán; if so, please write us to info@yucatanyes.com

      When you and your wife apply for the renewal, you will have to surrender your cards, so it’ll be better to start once you have returned.

      As far as we know, the INM website is working properly, we have not had any trouble downloading forms.

    681. Greg Smith
      October 31, 2018

      Thanks for all the great information. A few questions:
      – we’re moving December 31. How far in advance do we need to go to the consulate to complete the first phase of the process here in the U.S.? Do they complete it all the same day while we’re there, assuming we have all our necessary documents?
      – do I need to drag my wife and 7-year old daughter with me and can I spare them and do it all myself?
      – my wife and I are young (38 and 41) … will they still count retirement accounts like 401k or IRA as our savings, or does it have to be investments or non-retirement accounts?
      Thanks!

    682. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 2, 2018

      Greg,
      – you have 180 days to come to Mexico after you apply at the Mexican Consulate, so you could start any time now.
      – some Consulates complete all the process on the same day and other Consulates ask you to return a few days later.
      – every applicant has to go to the Mexican Consulate, you cannot represent them.
      – since you are still young and I assume not yet retired, you will be able to apply for temporary residency only, showing your current income or current savings.

    683. Tammy Abram
      November 8, 2018

      My son-in-law was deported from the U.S.. His wife, their six children, myself and my three children left the U.S. to join him in Mexico. Are we able to apply for residency? My daughter is legally married in the U.S.. Three of their children are his. The other three from a prior marriage (my daughter). He is a citizen of Mexico. I earn around $3800 a month. My other three children are 14, 18 and 21.

    684. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 8, 2018

      Tammy, please send us an e-mail to info@yucatanyes.com or give us a call to +52 999 927 24 37. We’d need some clarifications in order to give you a response. Thank you!

    685. Nik
      November 9, 2018

      Hi,
      We are planning on moving to Mexico in December. Family with 3 kids, we have all got temporary residency visas stamped in our passports. I have question about document requirements in mexico to receive residency cards. Do they require birth certificates for kids? When parent signs a child application how do they verify that you are a parent. A bit confused as they do not explain well requirement for children.

    686. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 9, 2018

      Nik, you won’t need to provide birth certificates for the part of the process in Mexico, as they assume that if the visa was authorized was because the consular office received the birth certificates and verified their validity.

    687. Debbie Tilton
      January 17, 2019

      Appreciate your expertise. Hoping you can clarify a few things for me on the requirements I received to bring to the Denver Consulate for my Permanent Visa; 1) does the letter from me “requesting permanent residency… ” have to be in Spanish as well as English? 2) Bringing my Passport as the document to prove legal status – do I need a copy? 3) A Notarized letter from my bank stating the source of my income (they don’t know and aren’t willing to write letter) – I have the income (shown on bank statements) but what to do to meet requirement? 4) Original and NOTARIZED photocopy of investment accounts from last 12 months – I only have statements to print and notaries here notarize signatures not docs… do they really want them stamped “Certified Copy”? What do people do to meet this requirement? Just in case should I bring my marriage license as my bank statements have both names on them as my husband is a signer but I’m the primary. Lastly, if I have more than enough in my investment accounts to meet the financial criteria do I just bring those statements with copies and skip all the other bank accounts to avoid further questions – multi names, etc? I should add I am 56, work remotely because I want to have W2, Shareholder Distribution and also own a home in Mexico and was going to bring my Fedei/trust original and copy with some utility bills to show I’m already invested there. Thanks so much as I’ve had several bad days trying to get banks to write and notarize letters – they wont, get certified copies…. enough to make me give up after FINALLY getting an appointment. Oh I’ve called and left messages for clarifications but not answers… THANK YOU!!!!

    688. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 18, 2019

      Debbie, you must fulfill all the requirements requested by the Mexican Consulate in Denver, you must get the notarizations of the accounts you show, otherwise you risk the denial of the visa. As per the letter requesting the residency, they don’t specify the language, so either of the 2 should be fine as long as it contains all the requested information. As for the passport, yes, bring original and 1 copy. If you need further assistance you can send us an e-mail to info@yucatanyes.com

    689. Michael Solomon
      February 11, 2019

      Good morning,
      My monthly income is 2,602 per month. Do I qualify for a permanent residency Visa? Would also like to know if once I am in Mexico, can I get my wife a permanent residency card?

      Thanks

    690. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 11, 2019

      Michael, the Immigration Law requests a pension (free of liens) greater than the equivalent of five hundred days of general minimum wage in Mexico (102.68 MXP for 2019), approximately $2,700 USD for the past six months (considering a rate of exchange of 19.5 pesos per US dollar). Depending on the Exchange rate you may qualify or not. Once you are in Mexico, if your wife applies by family unit, she will get 2 years of temporary residency and after that she can request permanent residency.

    691. Paul T
      February 18, 2019

      Does the copy of passport have to be of all pages in the passport or only certain pages?

    692. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 18, 2019

      Paul T, just copy of the pages containing your personal information and your picture.

    693. Yazzle
      February 27, 2019

      Hi, I’m wondering about applying for my TR Visa. I have recently married my husband (he’s from Mexico) I have been coming and going every 6 months as it only allows me to stay 180 days. Now that we are married, do I need to leave after 6 months or can I stay and apple for my TR VISA ?

    694. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 28, 2019

      Yazzle, you could apply for temporary residency for 2 years since you are married to a Mexican citizen. After that, you can request permanent residency.

    695. Paul T
      March 5, 2019

      Once the canje process is started in Mexico is it required that you stay in Mexico till the process is complete? Can one leave the country and return or will this require a restart of the whole process?

    696. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 6, 2019

      Paul T, you should stay until it is completed, but if you must leave, you can request an exit permit which is good for 60 days. If you leave without an exit permit, the process that you started will be cancelled.

    697. Corina Alcasid
      March 12, 2019

      Hello….Could you please tell me the qualifications around applying for a 180 day tourist visa? We are husband and wife and an 11 year old child. We would like to spend 5-6 months in Mexico but return home to Canada for the remaining 6 months. Is that possible? How often can we renew a tourist visa?

      Gracias!

    698. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 14, 2019

      Corina, if you hold Canadian Passports, you are granted with 180 day tourist visas automatically, there are no requirements. There is no limit in the amount of times you get a tourist visa.

    699. James
      March 17, 2019

      Hi I have a permanent residence card do I need to report to the Immigration office that I am moving to a new house in Mexico. Gracias

    700. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 19, 2019

      James, every temporary or permanent resident has to report their change of address within the next 90 days that the change occurs.

    701. craig purves
      April 3, 2019

      Hi fantastic website so much info thank you so much
      We are looking to retire next year myself and wife both 57 we currently will have savings
      of 400k in the bank but this will not show for the last 6 months due to sale of existing house. We will also have in my pension pot 655k and wife has 200k of which we are not currently drawing upon but we are able to. We are both currently employed wife $1703 per month and myself $5240 net obviously this income will disappear once we retire are we able to go permanent or would we need to go temp

    702. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 3, 2019

      Craig, we’re glad you’ve found our website useful! When you retire, you will be able to go permanent.

    703. Nita Botes
      April 15, 2019

      I have temporary residency and my husband and kids have permanent. I have done 1 year temp can I apply for permanent residency or do I still need to do 1 year temp.

    704. Dwayne
      April 17, 2019

      Thank you for the excellent website and information. We have a “unique” situation we did not find the answer and would like your guidance. We are both Canadian citizens who met/married in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (we left Dubai 4 years ago so are no longer live there). We understand we would need to have our UAE marriage certificate legalized by the Mexican consulate in the country where we were married. The UAE does not issue apostilles. Would we need to go the the Mexican Consulate in Abu Dhabi to get a legalization of our marriage certificate? We assume there is another way to get this done as clearly that would not be practical.

    705. Ann Murrell
      April 20, 2019

      So if I do not meet the requirements for permanent resident for a retiree, but do for a temporary, will I automatically be allowed permanent application after 4 years?

    706. Rob
      April 23, 2019

      These are terrific posts- thanks for the help!
      We’re applying for our permanent residency and submitting paperwork to the Mexican Consulate in Omaha, Nebraska. I understand there is the 180 day window to arrive in Mexico to finish the process. It sounds like there is a (approximate) 4-6 week wait if we finish the process in Merida though. Wondering if the wait in Chetumal might be shorter and (if so) we can select that site to complete our registration process?

    707. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 23, 2019

      Nita, if you applied for temporary residency with your income from abroad, you will need to wait 4 years to become a permanent resident; if you applied for temporary by family unit since your husband is a permanent resident, you still need to wait 1 more year to become permanent.

    708. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 23, 2019

      Dwayne, thank you, we are happy that you have found useful information here! Answering your question: yes, you would need to request to the Mexican Embassy in Abu Dhabi the legalization of your marriage certificate.

    709. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 23, 2019

      Ann, yes! When you are about to finish your 4 years of temporary residency (30 days before it expires, to be exact) you can request permanent residency.

    710. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 23, 2019

      Rob, thank you! The waiting time depends on each Immigration office; we are not familiar with the time it takes in Chetumal, just here in Yucatán. For your information, in order to apply at the Immigration office in Chetumal, you will need to provide an address there (owned or rented).

    711. Terri Mcwatters
      April 25, 2019

      Hello, do by any chance know the current wait time to get an email back with approval for the change of residency. I gave all my papers in Feb. and got my email with password but it has been saying no resolution since.

    712. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 26, 2019

      Terri, it depends on your type of application, the location of the INM office and other factors. If you could share more information, we may be able to answer.

    713. Holly Bailey
      April 28, 2019

      Hello
      I am interested in getting my temporary resident card. We have a home in Merida. I am currently in the USA. Can I do it the in Merida? My appointment is on 4/22/2019 in Dallas Texas. Do I have to stay in Mexico for 30 days after I return to Merida? I have a family member getting married n Columbia 6/14/2019 in Medellin.
      /

    714. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 1, 2019

      Holly, you have to start the process at a Mexican Consulate outside of Mexico and then come to Merida to do the 2nd part of the process at the local Immigration office. Once you start the process, if you can’t stay for the 6-8 weeks it takes, you can request an exit permit to leave, while your process continues. The exit permit is good for 60 days.

    715. rizwan zafar
      May 3, 2019

      hi. very good information on your website. i am 52 years old British national and i am retired. i have a wife and two kids. i have 2 questions
      1-i have a rental income from uk of nearly £4000 per month. can i use that income for a permanent residency for the whole family?
      2- Mexican consulate website in London has no info on a permanent residency. they only list requirements for a temporary residency. how do we apply for a permanent residency?

    716. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 6, 2019

      Rizwan, here are the answers to your questions:
      1- permanent residency if for pensioners and the income that you show must be from your pension. The minimum pension income for you, your wife and your two kids must be of minimum of £3,100 monthly. Your wife won’t get permanent residency, as an economic dependent she will get temporary for 2 years and then she can request permanent residency. Your 2 kids are able get permanent residency.
      2- I’d suggest you to send an e-mail and ask for the requirements: consulmexuk@sre.gob.mx

    717. Christine M Lowe
      May 8, 2019

      I plan on arriving in Mexico August 15. I will be leaving for Belize on October 4. Will this be enough time to obtain my Permanent Residency Card?

    718. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 9, 2019

      Christine, if you will be doing the process here in Merida, yes it will be enough time.

    719. Kazybek Moldash
      May 14, 2019

      Hi there.
      if I am gonna apply initially for a temporary visa 1 year, do I need to stay there whole calendar year or can reside abroad and visit the Mexica 1 time per year for vacation?
      Does my stay abroad ( outside of Mexica ) affect my further application after expiration of 1-year residency?

    720. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 15, 2019

      Kazybek, no, you don’t need to stay in Mexico for the whole year and it won’t affect your renewal.

    721. Xolo
      May 21, 2019

      Hi, I just received my consular one-time visa for entry into Mexico for residencia permanente. I am retired. My question is about working. Do I have the right to work in Mexico and, if so, what is the process involved?

    722. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 21, 2019

      Xolo, yes, as a permanent resident of Mexico you’re authorized to work. You don’t have to do anything other than let the Immigration office know of the new activities you are be doing, within the following 90 days after you start doing them. You notify at the Immigration office that is closer to your address in Mexico.

    723. WOODLAND Oliva
      May 26, 2019

      Do you have to prove where you are living when you apply either in the US at the Mex Consulate?
      Or do you have to prove where you are living when you submit the visa in your passport at immigration?

    724. PATRICIA ROBERTSON
      May 26, 2019

      Please tell me if I am a renter and not an owner if I must submit a rental lease in Spanish as well as a CFE and Telmex bill to the immigration office when I take my passport to the immigration to apply for my Permanent card?

    725. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 27, 2019

      Oliva, you will need to provide your address in the US when you apply at the Mexican Consulate; when you apply for the resident card at the Immigration office in Mexico, you will need to prove your address in Mexico.

    726. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 27, 2019

      Patricia, depending on the Immigration where you apply, they will tell you if you need to submit a proof of address or not; some offices do not need a proof of address, they just want you to provide one.

    727. Cato
      May 30, 2019

      Hello,

      If I am approved for my permanent visa application and my wife and two minor dependants are approved for their temporary visas, can I…

      1. Complete the second part of the process in Mexico while they remain in the US?

      2. If we can’t make it to Mexico within the 180 days, can we extend the 180 days? What if I am sick or have a family emergency?

      3. Can the 60 day exit be renewed if we can’t stay in Mexico during the process because we have to return to the US such as for medical care?

      Thanks!

    728. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 31, 2019

      Cato, they must come to Mexico to complete the second part of the process; the 180 days cannot be extended; the 60 days of the exit permit cannot be extended, but you can come to Mexico before they expire and request another exit permit.

    729. Xolo
      June 12, 2019

      Thank you all for such useful information. I have a “detail” question maybe you can help me with. When I first enter Mexico I have 30 days to visit INM to get my Permanente Resident card. My question is during the roughly one month period after visiting INM and when I am waiting for the card, can I buy a car with Mexican plates? Or do I need to wait for the card?

    730. Felipe
      June 12, 2019

      Hello, my name is Felipe I am from Brazil. I would like to know what kind of permission was replaced by the FM3 since it no longer exist. I am planing to move to Mexico and I want to know what kind of permision I can get.

      Thank you

    731. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 14, 2019

      Xolo, you need to have the resident card to register a car in your name; so a) you could not buy a brand new car, but b) you could buy a used car and get it registered when you get your card.

    732. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 14, 2019

      Felipe, it is now called temporary residency.

    733. June 14, 2019

      Hi, i applied 14 weeks ago in Cancun for my resident card and my status on the INM website is still ‘sin resolucion’ it takes forever so it seems and not 15 working days, there is not even a mention of the canje being in process or anything. It is a very shady process, , only that we applied. do you know if i can move to another city and finish the process there?

    734. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 14, 2019

      Jeanette, you cannot stop the process and apply somewhere else since you have already started in Cancun. We’ve heard that the processes in Cancun are very delayed. We have a client who started his application by late February and it is still in process, just like you.

    735. Jeanette
      June 14, 2019

      Thank you for your answer, love your website very informative

    736. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 18, 2019

      Jeanette, thank you for your kind words!

    737. Xolo
      June 22, 2019

      This website is the BEST.
      I have a permanent resident visa and my girlfriend is Colombian. My question is if I bring her in-country on a FMM visitor visa will I have any chance of finishing the family unity visa process by the 180-day limit that the FMM has? What happens if we need more time?
      My other question is about income requirements under family unity – there is no proof of income required, right? And she will get a temporary resident visa, right?
      Thanks for all the great info.

    738. June 22, 2019

      One more question. I notice in your description of the canje process (at the top of this page) you mention that the “Formato para solicitar trámite migratorio de estancia” must be signed, but I don’t see how or where it can be signed as it’s an online form. Could you please clarify? Also, this form is asking for a CURP which I don’t think I have, do I leave that blank?

    739. Ernest
      June 24, 2019

      Hello, I applied for a TR 6 months ago in Nuevo Leon (Cambio de condición a residente temporal por unidad familiar, I married a mexican citizen).

      1 Since the process is taking a long time, what happens when you move to a different state in the mean time? If the status changes from ‘ sin resolucion’ and I need to go to the INM, can I go to the INM in my new state?

      2 Does INM ask for proof of address later on? Up to this point they have not asked for a copy of a rental contract or utility bill

    740. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 24, 2019

      Xolo, thank you very much! Answering your questions:

      – You cannot start a family unit visa process if she’s your girlfriend, you must be married. –
      – There’s no proof of income required.
      – When you get married and she applies for residency under family unit, she will get 2 years of temporary residency.

    741. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 24, 2019

      Xolo, you have to print the online form once it’s been filled out completly. Once printed, you sign it in the 3rd page. You leave the CURP space in blank.

    742. June 24, 2019

      First of all, thanks again for some great input. I have a question about having to be married in order to be able to apply for residency under family unit for my girlfriend. I’m a little confused. Is the requirement to be married a practical one or because of some subsequent reglamento? I googled up the original Ley de migración dated 25 May 2011 and Article 55 which is concerned with family unity for permanent residents, in Section III reads:
      “Concubinario, concubina, o figura equivalente al cual se le concederá la condición de estancia de residente temporal por dos años, transcurridos los cuales podrá obtener la condición de estancia de residente permanente, siempre y cuando subsista el concubinato”
      Which seems to clearly make family unity visa the same process for a boyfriend/girlfriend as for a spouse?

    743. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 25, 2019

      Xolo, you’re welcome! Ok, you are referring to common law; in that case, yes, your girlfriend can apply for temporary residency by family unit, but she will need to provide a document from a local judge certifying that she does live under common law with you. That documents goes in lieu of the marriage certificate.

    744. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 25, 2019

      Ernest, you must continue the process in the same state where you started it, it cannot be transferred. INM won’t ask for a proof of address, but you will need to notify the INM of your new state of residence when you move (after the TR process has been finished).

    745. Dennis Combs
      June 26, 2019

      My wife and I are looking to get a permanent Visa. We would like to know the law pertaining to permanent Visa. We’ve been reading a lot of conflicting requirements for this. I would like to know what your fee is for a consultation on these matters.

    746. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 26, 2019

      Dennis, please send us an e-mail to info@yucatanyes.com

    747. June 26, 2019

      Thank you for the information, you are the best. Yes, I failed to say “common law”. My bad.

    748. Meli
      June 28, 2019

      Good afternoon!
      Can you tell me what the current processing time for a residente permanente visa is in Merida? Is the immigration office there suffering from the plastic shortage that other offices are?

    749. Edwin
      June 29, 2019

      I am waiting for my residente temporale now for 6 months but due to being understaffed the INM has not processed it yet. I applied through marriage. Unfortunately the marriage did not last long and my wife wants an express divorce. How will this impact my application for residency? Will INM check or see somehow if the divorce is processed before my residency application has been processed?

    750. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 1, 2019

      Meli, it is currently taking around 3 months. Yes, we are too suffering from plastic shortage 🙁

    751. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 1, 2019

      Edwin, it should not affect your current process if she has already signed the letter asking for your residency. However, you should know that you must notify the INM of any change in your marital status 90 days after the change happens.

    752. Luke
      July 23, 2019

      Me, my wife and our two young boys will be applying for our Temporary Resident Visas. When scheduling the appointments at the Mexican Consulate, do I only need to schedule appointments for my wife and myself, or do I need to schedule an appointment for each of my boys as well (ages 3 and 7)?

      Also, just to confirm, even though I exceed the monthly income requirement with consistent monthly income deposits, and I do not need to work in Mexico, I still do not qualify to apply for the Permanent Residency Visa because I am not a pensioner? Is that correct?

      Does Temporary Residency count toward the 5 years required to apply for Naturalization? (4 years of temporary visa + 1 year of permanent visa)

    753. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 23, 2019

      Luke, these are the answers to your questions:

      – you need to schedule appointments for each member of your family.
      – if you are not retired, you are not eligible for permanent residency, this is according to the Immigration Law. We’ve seen however that some Consulates do grant permanent residency as long as the applicant fulfills the income requirements.
      – Yes, temporary residency does count toward the 5 years required to apply for naturalization.

    754. Luke
      July 25, 2019

      Thanks for the answers.

      During the visa application process at the Mexican Consulate, will I be required to list a residential address within Mexico?

      We planned to complete the initial required steps in the US and then enter Mexico to complete the visa process and find a long-term place to live. Is that possible, or will we have to have a place in Mexico before we begin the visa process in the US?

      Do you happen to know which Consulates have been granting permanent residency based solely on meeting the income requirements lately?

    755. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 25, 2019

      Luke, you’re welcome!

      During the visa application process at the Mexican Consulate you won’t need to list a residential address in Mexico; you will need to do so when you do the 2nd part of the process at the Immigration office in Mexico.

      We’ve seen Las Vegas and Portland recently grant PR based on meeting the income requirements.

    756. Alvin
      July 31, 2019

      Hello. Good day.
      I am a Nigerian and married to a Mexican woman. She went back to Mexico to do all formalities at the immigration for my visa. The immigration has processed all and sent to the secretariats of interior and exterior affairs. I have a NUT number and a FOLIO number.
      The problem is that I can’t find a date to book an appointment and I am given 30 business days to contact the consul.
      Can I go to the embassy with all my documents, my wife documents, and documents the Mexican embassy?

    757. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 1, 2019

      Alvin, we’d suggest that prior to going to the Embassy, you try contacting them by e-mail or phone; if you get in touch with them within the 30 business days, even if they give you an appointment for later, that will work. If they don’t answer, then just go, although they may not assist you without an appointment.

    758. Xolo
      August 10, 2019

      Hi wonderful Yucatan Expatriate Services
      My Residencia Permanente is in process in-country in Mexico, I have gone to INM for the initial processing but I haven’t received the PR card yet. The dealership is saying they can sell me a car and put plates on it (here in Estado de México). They say that I need my passport with the PR visa of “un solo uso”, a constancia de vivienda from city hall, and a driver’s license from Estado de Mexico. You have previously told me that it wouldn’t be possible to buy a car without the PR card. What is wrong with what the dealership is saying.

    759. THOMAS DANIS
      August 11, 2019

      Hi! I am moving to Mexico City next year to be with my longterm boyfriend. I have enough money in investments to qualify for either a Temporary or Permanent Visa but not sure which is best for me. My goal is to live in Mexico long term. I will have some consultant work in the US while living there but would also like to eventually find work in Mexico City. Is one “better than the other? Does the Permanent make it easier for me to get a work Visa once I am living there? I can’t seem to tell. Thanks so much!!

    760. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 12, 2019

      Xolo, hi! Here in Yucatán, the police would not provide license plates if the owner of the car does not have a temporary or permanent resident card. We don’t know if the police in Estado de Mexico works differently.

    761. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 12, 2019

      Thomas, permanent residency is for pensioners. If you are retired and receieve a monthly pension of minimum 2,500 USD (for the past 6 months) or monthly savings of 106,000 USD (for the past 12 months) you can qualify. Permanent residents are authorized to work in Mexico, you won’t need a work visa.

    762. Xolo
      August 20, 2019

      Hi wonderful Yucatan Expat Services,
      I have a Permanent Residence visa (well, it’s being processed in-country in Mexico, but my question is for when I have the PR card and all is finalized).
      If I fly to Tijuana airport (domestic flight) and walk across to the US, where do I get my FMM properly stamped for exit? Can I see INM at the airport of origin (in my case CDMX) even though it’s a domestic flight? Or where in the TIJ airport? I will walk across the CBX bridge if that matters but I don’t want to get too hung up on details. Thank you!

    763. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 21, 2019

      Xolo, you will need to pass Immigration in Tijuana, before leaving Mexico not in CDMX; there must be an Immigration spot at the airport in Tijuana.

    764. OuttaBelize
      August 26, 2019

      As of now what are the processing times in Chetumal if known, or Merida?
      What kind of letter is needed to prove retirement? I had to quit work due to military disability for which I receive $1786 compensation per month for now. It will be going to $3200 in about a year hopefully.
      I do meet the savings of over 200,000 for permanent residency. But will need to get exit letters.

    765. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 27, 2019

      OuttaBelize, we do not know the processing times in Chetumal. Here in Merida is taking 2-3 months. The letter to prove retirement is the one issued by the institution that gives you your pension or compensation. If you will be doing the process in Merida, we can help you; please contact us at info@yucatanyes.com

    766. Nancy Rigg
      September 23, 2019

      We are still waiting for our cards (plastic shortage!) to be printed and need to leave the country. Can you please tell me how far in advance I can go into INM to request a letter to leave and return and how long does it take them to prepare the letter?
      Thanks
      Nancy

    767. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 24, 2019

      Nancy, we suggest you to present your exit permit request 5 days before your departure date, since they take 3 days to issue it.

    768. Stuart
      September 26, 2019

      Can you help with some confusion I am having with photo sizes and perhaps advice on finding a photo shop to provide these?

      For the application stateside at the Mexican Consulate I see instructions that I need “One frontal picture (passport size, minimum: 3.2 cm x 2.6 and maximum: 3.9 cm x 3.1 cm”

      For the Canaje appointment I see that I need
      “Three color photos with white background, infant size (2.5 x 3 cm):
      Two photos taken from the front.
      One photo taken from the right profile.”

      (A local university that offers Passport and Visa photos with foreign government specifics in mind lists the Passport size as 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm, this is also the case for what the website ePasspotPhoto shows for a default when using their app.)
      I
      ‘m sorry if this has been answered already but I can’t take the time to scroll through and read almost 800 comments, questions.

      Thank you,

      Stuart

    769. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 26, 2019

      Stuart, please follow the measurements provided by the instructions at the Mexican Consulate: Passport photo of minimum 3.2 cm x 2.6 and maximum 3.9 cm x 3.1 cm; and the requirements for the canje are infant size photos of 2.5 x 3 cm. These are the correct measurements of the pictures.

    770. Alice Allison
      October 11, 2019

      After 2 long months I was finally approved for a 3 year extension renewal on my Temporary resident permit. Today, in CDMX my domicile, I provided photos and my fingerprints for the new card.

      The representative told me it could take 15 days for them to be ready. The first time I applied in 2018, they simply just told me to come back next business day and pick it up.

      My question is, what type of notification are they sending out to folks to let them know they can pick up their resident permit? What terminology are they using so I know it means to pick it up.

      Thank you!

    771. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 14, 2019

      Alice, in the system you should read something similar to this: “se ha expedido el documento migratorio y está listo para recogerse en las oficinas del INM” (your resident card has been issued and it is ready to be picked up at the INM office).

    772. October 17, 2019

      Hey Yucatan Expatriate Services, remember me, from a few months ago? I and my son are still waiting for the temporary resident card, according to the website from INM where you can check your status, the files have shifted from desk A to desk B, and that was over a month ago. My total waiting time is nearly 8 months now. I really have no clue what is taking them so long, but I thought you might want to know the update on waiting time 😉 I keep telling myself: it could be any day now….hahahaha.

    773. Jeanette
      October 18, 2019

      Hi, So I commented Yesterday, that I was still waiting, but today I got the notification as you say in the article that I can get the appointment, yet….when I click the provided link on their website, I get a whole set of questions to fill out, personal data, profession, income, reason of visit….etc.

      After that, it saves your data, and nothing more. So there is a new step added?

      Kind regards

    774. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 21, 2019

      Jeanette, great news! Now you have to fill the form with the questions and after that you have to go to the INM offices to request your appointment for fingerprints!

    775. Wayne
      November 10, 2019

      Hi, for retiree permanent resident visa, can I add my mom to my application as dependent?
      And I tried to make appointment for the visa interview using the “Programación de citas MEXITEL” web portal. But it seems all the options are for Mexicans. Is there a web portal for visa applicants or should I email the consulate for appointments? thank you.

    776. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 11, 2019

      Wayne, once you get your permanent resiency, yes, you can request your mom’s permanent residency as well. The Mexitel web portal has the option for Mexicans and for non-Mexicans. You should look the one for non-Mexicans.

    777. Tom
      November 15, 2019

      Hello! I recently read that all “exit/re-entry” permits for people who have been approved and are waiting for their card have been temporarily suspended due to the backlog in Mexico City. Is this your understanding too? The Law firm Frogman posted it on their website a week ago.

      Any information would be appreciated!

      Tom

    778. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 19, 2019

      Tom, here in Yucatán, no. Exit permits are being issued even after the fingerprints appointment. Perhaps in Mexico City it is the new rule.

    779. SPS
      November 28, 2019

      Hello. My daughter has temporary residency that expires in June 2021. She will be getting married and living out of Mexico from March 2020 until probably May 2021. Will she lose her residency status because of being out of Mexico for so long? She wants to come back to live in 2021 and get her permanent residence (she will have 4 consecutive years of temporary residency by then). Will her absence affect her ability to get permanent residence? Thanks.

    780. EO
      December 3, 2019

      Hello,

      any information when the INM offices open after the holiday season in January?

      With kind regards,

    781. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      December 4, 2019

      EO, they don’t have exact dates yet but they mentioned they should close around December 19 and be closed for 15 days, so they should open on January 6 or 7.

    782. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      December 4, 2019

      SPS, she won’t lose her resident status if she’s out of the country, the Immigration Law does not establishes a minimum amount of time to stay in Mexico in order to keep the residency. She won’t have any issues either applying for permanent residency.

    783. Jennifer Klunder
      December 15, 2019

      Hi there!

      What if I’m coming to Mexico to do just two days of work for a music festival? I’m from The Netherlands. Can I work under the FMM form? Or do I need something else?

      Thanks a lot!

      Jennifer

    784. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      December 16, 2019

      Jennifer, if you get paid abroad, you can enter with an FMM marked for business purposes.

    785. Matt B.
      December 22, 2019

      Hi YES,

      I’m an American war veteran that receives a little over $3400 a month compensation from the VA every month for life. We are endeavoring to move permanently to the Los Cabos area, namely San Jose Del Cabo. Two questions: would my wife and I qualify immediately for permanent residency (she as my dependent) and if we’re granted residency, since the whole Baja peninsula is a free zone, can I keep my U.S. plated car there indefinitely, provided I don’t drive the car out of Baja? And lastly (sorry, 3 questions), can YES provide assistance to help us with the 2nd part of residency (in Mexico)? I understand you’re based in Merida. Thank you!!

    786. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      December 26, 2019

      Matt, you will get permanent residency but if your wife applies as your economic dependent, she won’t, she will get 2 years of temporary residency first and then she can get permanent residency and yes, you can keep your US plated car in Baja indefinitely, but only there. Regarding your 3rd question: we’d be happy to help you with the 2nd part of the process, please contact us at info@yucatanyes.com for more details!

    787. M Jones
      January 10, 2020

      Thank you so much for such a wealth of information. Try as hard as I could I cannot find any information that tells me whether I should try to apply for permanante, or just temporary for now. I would like Permanente if possible. My situation is unique I believe.

      We would apply in Vancouver.
      We own a family business in Canada primarily operated by our daughters for a majority of the year which generates my wife and myself our retirement income in excess of $100,000/year. We spend a majority of our time at our home in Mexico valued around $800K and have owned it for ten years. The business is in our name and valued over 2 million. We do not have traditional investments, only real estate in both countries. We do not regularly retain that much cash in savings, revolving probably $20-30K at any given time.

      We wish to get a business license and register for taxation so that we can offer rentals for the three homes on our property in Mexico.

      Is it worth trying for Permanent by presenting these facts to our consulate, or are we wasting our time?

      Much thanks for your assistance and opinion on this.

    788. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 13, 2020

      M Jones, with the numbers you provide, you will get temporary residency. For Permanent residency you need monthly savings/investments of minimum 127,000 USD per applicant.

    789. Mark Allen Brown
      January 14, 2020

      I have a pension of $1462 per month, and I have about $400,000 in savings. Would I be eligible for a temporary, or better, a permanent residency?

      Thank you, Mark

    790. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 14, 2020

      Mark, if you have had more than 127,000 USD in savings for the past 12 months, you could get permanent residency if you are already retired.

    791. David
      January 17, 2020

      Hello .. my question is about financial requirements to obtain temporary residency status. I’m not fully retired, but eventually working toward that. I work in commission based sales. My bank account would show varied deposits, but the balance will well exceed the monthly balance requirement. At my initial Mex consulate visit, will I be able to present six months of bank statements, showing the balances? .. The income will not be from “pension income.” .. I don’t think I would have the 12 month financial balance requirement (as I’m not as yet fully retired) In any written letter requirement, is it enough to say I’m semi-retired? .. I would also be renting my condo out when I’m living in Mexico (so, there would be income from that). Is there a way to use present this data (and, would it be accepted as part of my financial picture)? .. From doing some research, I’ve heard the consulate in Laredo, TX is easy to work with. While from Canada, I had planned to initiate my application at the Laredo consulate. Is there any specific pros & cons of doing this? ..

    792. Nate
      January 20, 2020

      Question, I am interested in getting a temporary Mexican residency for myself, and my 2 young children. I am in the process of divorce, not finalized. Do I need permission from the mother in the kids application as they are minors of 5 and 10 years old? Or one parent/ guardian signature is enough proof?
      Wondering what special requirements are needed for minor children’s application, are both parents authorization required.?
      Thankyou.

      Nate

    793. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 20, 2020

      David, depending on the Consulate where you apply, they can aks for 6 or 12 months of bank statements, we’d suggest that you confirm this with the Consulate in Laredo; it won’t matter if the income you show is not from pension, since you are applying for temporary residency, not for permanent. Any income that you can show in your bank statements will be taken in consideration towards obtaining your residency. We’d recommend that you also inquire Laredo if you can apply there even if you are a Canadian citizen, some Consulates allow this but some others don’t.

    794. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 20, 2020

      Nate, one parent/guardian’s signature is enough.

    795. Alex
      January 21, 2020

      Hello,

      If I want to get a foreign marriage certificate registered here in the yucatan. Do both husband and wife have to sign for this?

    796. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 22, 2020

      Alex, yes, since the form must be signed by the interested parties.

    797. Elizabeth A Brown
      January 23, 2020

      Hi-
      We plan on applying for temporary residency. Is INM still taking 3-6 months to issue cards?
      Have reservations to be there Aug 14- Sep 1 and Dec 1 to Jan 3. Should we apply at our consulate before the Aug trip and start the INM while there is Aug? Is there a time limit to pick up the cards after issuance?

    798. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 23, 2020

      Elizabeth, here in Merida it is taking around 4 months. You could start the process in August and request an exit permit to leave on Sep 1, but the exit permit is only good for 60 days, so you’d need to come back in November, not December. There’s no limit to pick up the cards after issuance.

    799. February 2, 2020

      Your Formato Basico link in the text is not working anymore, it goes to a 404 page. Just to let you know.

    800. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 5, 2020

      Jeanette, thank you for pointing this out, we made the necessary changes.

    801. Jeff
      March 24, 2020

      My wife and I just returned from Progreso to the States on an “Exit Permit”. Do you know if the INM offices will extend the 60 day return requirement due to the current Pandemic that is going on?

      Also we have been waiting for 3 weeks for our Permanent Resident Visa Card to be printed at the Progreso INM but have been told they don’t have the “Plastic” to print it. What going on??
      Sound kind of fishy to us.

    802. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 24, 2020

      Jeff, the Immigration offices have not made a statement regarding extension of exit permits, since the Federal Government has not instructed them yet. We are continuoulsy asking regarding this matter and we will inform of it in our social media as soon as we have news. Regarding the lack of plastics, unfortunately, it is true, they run out of it quite often and the printing of cards is slow.

    803. March 25, 2020

      I just wanted to say this has been the most helpful and informative site I have come across. Thank you! I have emailed you with questions about my temp res visa.

    804. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 25, 2020

      Natasha, thank you! We are happy to hear you have found useful information here! We will reply to your e-mail soon.

    805. Keely Brown
      March 27, 2020

      Hello,

      Thank you very much for your informative site!

      My husband and I want to move from the US to Mexico in the next three or four months. We would like this to be a permanent move. We are US citizens.

      I receive permanent disability payments of $1,069 a month (after my Medicare payment), and my husband will receive $1,270 a month when he applies for early retirement (which he will do in the coming weeks)–plus, he has an additional small monthly pension.

      This will give us a joint pension, as a married couple, of $2,495 USD. Can we get a temporary residency visa in Mexico with this amount, or do we need more?

      Thank you very much for your help!

    806. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 27, 2020

      Keely, thank you! One of you must show 1,950 USD of monthly income to get temporary residency; the other can apply as his/her economic dependent in Mexico, as son as the other gets the resident card and in Mexico is not necessary to show income.

    807. Kyle
      April 7, 2020

      I’ve gone through all the hoops to get a permanent resident visa based on having enough retirement. (I’ve never had any other visas.) I’m in Mexico now and planning to going to INM with all the documents. At the page https://www.inm.gob.mx/tramites/publico/estancia.html I can’t figure out what two pulldown menus under Tipo de trámite I should be selecting? Also, do I need to still create a letter in Spanish requesting the canje? Is there a form I could copy somewhere?

      This page is AWESOME. Thanks for what you do! Kyle

    808. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 7, 2020

      Kyle, you should look for “canjear….” and in the second one “canje…”. Yes, you have to present a letter in Spanish requesting your canje. We can help you prepare all these documents for you, in case you are interested, please send us an e-mail to info@yucatanyes.com

    809. David Sebastianelli
      April 23, 2020

      Thank you! A few fairly quick questions for you. 1- With the recent exchange rate changes of Pesos to Dollars, have/should the Mexican Consulates made adjustments required for determining economic solvency? 2- I’ve heard differing accounts on the questions asked concerning “Border Visa Runs”. Are there any Mexican or U.S. laws or rules addressing this, or time restrictions between turning in old FMM at border and getting a new FMM for 180 days? 3- What ever happened with the UMA? Apparently it did what it was supposed to do. It allowed the minimum wage of workers to go up, while keeping most Government fees, fines and other regulatory costs down. Why hasn’t the UMA adjusted the requirements for determining economic solvency? I thought that was part of the law that was passed.

    810. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 23, 2020

      David, Mexican Consulates are currently closed and we expect that the exchange rate will return to how it was after the contigency is over; if it doesn’t then the Mexican Consulates should adjust their minimum income/savings requirements. Regarding question 2., we’re sorry but we don’t know what is “Border Visa Runs”. 3. The UMA is not being used, economic solvency is based on the minimum salary.

    811. David Sebastianelli
      April 24, 2020

      Sorry, by Border Run what I meant is, are there any laws or regulations regarding an expiring FMM or Tourist Visa that was only good for 180 days. How long do you have to wait to get a new Tourist Visa after you’ve gone to the border, turned in your expiring FMM and left the country? In other words, can you “Legally” live in Mexico, full time, by just renewing your Tourist Visa every 180 days? As far the UMA is concerned, seeing that the minimum wage has exploded by over 68 percent over the four years since the UMA was passed into law.. Do you think they will amend the law for economic solvency to recognize it? Thanks again! Have a great weekend!

    812. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 24, 2020

      David, 180 visas cannot be extended in Mexico; in order to extend them you will need to leave Mexico and come back and get another 180 day tourist visa. You can come back the next day.

      There is nowhere in the Immigration Law that says that one cannot legally live in Mexico on 180 days tourist visas, however, if you do this frequently, eventually, the Immigration officers of Mexico will ask you why you’re doing it and will “advice” you to get a resident visa.

      Regarding the UMA … we don’t think they will amend the Law, not soon at least.

    813. David
      May 1, 2020

      Thank you very much for maintaining such an informative website! My wife are planning to immigrate to Mexico as soon as this pandemic is under control, and have a question about the minimum financial threshold for residency. Our monthly retirement income together is a bit less than the required minimum threshold for permanent residency as a married couple; however, we exceed the listed minimum threshold savings requirement of $130,000 that is listed. Our question: Is the $130,000 savings option the minimum for a couple; and if not, what would that minimum savings threshold be? Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.

    814. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 1, 2020

      David, thank you for your kind words!! The minimum savings requirement is listed in pesos and then converted to USD according to the Exchange rate; currently the Exchange rate works in your favor, so 130,000 USD should work. However, when you are about to apply, please contact us back to verify how the Exchange rate is at that time.

    815. George Kern
      May 18, 2020

      I am a US citizen, married to a woman from Thailand. We got married in Thailand. Thailand does not use apostille, only legalization. So how do we satisfy the Mexican requirements for proof of marriage? We can get the Thai Marriage certificate translated into English. Then, is the legalization enough, or do we have to get an apostille in a country other than Thailand?
      It is difficult to get a translation into Spanish in Thailand. Is it possible to use the English version of the marriage certificate or does it have to be in Spanish?
      Which version needs to be apostilled/legalized – the original Thai version, or the English version, or the Spanish version?

    816. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 18, 2020

      George, a legalization works in place of the apostille if the country does not issue apostilles. You should have your marriage certificate legalized by the Mexican Embassy inn Thailamd. You Will need to get legalization of the original Thai marriage certificate and then have the Thai marriage certificated translated to Spanish.

    817. May 19, 2020

      Thank you for providing so many great tips on how to gain a Temporary Residency VISA for Mexico! My best friends husband died last year so I trying to get a TRV to move in with and help her…but COVID-19 is creating delays in my efforts to get an appointment at the consulate in Denver – which needs to be made on line between the 1st and 3ed business day of the month. So I have two questions that I hope you can answer.

      #1 – I want to make sure that I CAN schedule an appointment in June – and I’d like to know what time of day that the new schedule (for the month of June) is posted so I can apply for an appointment ASAP.

      Do you know what time of day the schedule can be accessed on line?

      #2 – I want to make sure that I get an approval for my TRV application BEFORE I book a flight to Mexico. But one of the tips you posted says that I need to provide my date of travel.

      Can I just give them an ETA oe do I need to give them the exact date of my arrival to Mexico?

    818. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 19, 2020

      Lauren, you’re welcome! We’re happy to know you enjoy our site! Mexican Consulates are closed and appointments are not available; Denver appointments are made through a website called Mexitel and it does not allow you to book any appointment. You should just keep trying until they do. Regarding your question No.2, you can give them an estimated date, if it changes, it won’t cause you any problems. If you need further assistance with Mexican Immigration Issues, please contact us at Info@yucatanyes.com

    819. George Kern
      May 20, 2020

      I am planning to get Mexican temporary residency once it is possible again based on having enough savings during the last 12 months.
      My wife is a Thai citizen, and I want to get her residency as a family member once I have my residency permit in Mexico.
      After I get my approval from a Mexican consulate in the US, it is possible that we both enter Mexico, I with my Canje, and she on a tourist visa, and then she stays with me in Mexico until my residency is finalized? Can I apply for her while she is in Mexico already, or does she have to be outside of Mexico?

      As a second option, is it possible that my wife and I can apply as a couple for temporary residency at the consulate in the US, based on me having enough cash in the bank? She does no qualify on her own since she does not have enough funds in an account in her name. But I have enough cash to show for both of us. Is this possible?

    820. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 20, 2020

      George, both of you can apply as a couple at the Mexican Consulate in the US providing your marriage certificate.

    821. Alice
      June 7, 2020

      Have the Mexican immigration offices open now?

    822. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 9, 2020

      Alice, the Immigration offices did not close, at least not in Yucatan.

    823. Alice
      June 10, 2020

      Thank you for answering my question. As a follow-up, do you know currently how long it’s been taking to obtain a permanent residency card via canje process?

    824. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 11, 2020

      Alice, you’re welcome! Here in Yucatan it is taking 2-3 months.

    825. Alice
      June 11, 2020

      Thank you again! 🙂

    826. Alice
      June 19, 2020

      Just want to provide a stunning update. I applied for permanent residency on June 9, 2020 and picked my permanent residency card up today, June 19, 2020 in CDMX. 10 calendar days! Can’t believe it. Thanks again for your vlogs and responses!

    827. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 19, 2020

      Alice, that’s amazing, thanks for sharing! It was indeed quite fast! Here in Merida it is taking 2-3 months.

    828. Alice
      June 20, 2020

      I just thought of another question that I really need an answer to. Are permanent residents also required to go to the immigration office inside Mexican airports to fill out those FMM forms prior to departure and return with the top half of the form upon arrival back into Mexico like temporary residents do?

    829. Robert Wagner
      June 21, 2020

      Thank you for your excellent site with lots of information. I want to be sure I have not missed a point on my documents for Permanent resident visa. My question is from the list of documents that I need to take to the Mexico Embassy does my birth certificate or any financial documents need to be apostles or notary? Thank you
      Robert

    830. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 23, 2020

      Robert, we’re happy you enjoy our site. For the permanent residency if you’re applying under the economic solvency criteria, you don’t need to show your birth certificate. Your financial documents do not need apostilles; whether they need to be notarized or not, that will depend on the requirements of the Mexican Embassy where you will be appplying. We suggest that you contact the Embassy to inquire if they need them notarized or not.

    831. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 23, 2020

      Alice, yes, you will need to fill the forms for statistical purposes, just as temporary residents do.

    832. Maryna
      June 24, 2020

      Alice, what office in CDMX did you use that produced cards in 10 days? Also did you used an immigration professional?

    833. Marjan
      June 29, 2020

      I have just received TR visa in my US passport and I am going to enter Mexico at McAllen/Reynosa border crossing in a week or two with my US plated car requiring TIP.

      Would it makes sense for me to initiate canje application at Reynosa immigration office and stay in the city for as long as it takes (say, a month total) until I could pick up Resident Card and only then obtain TIP and drive to the south of Mexico?
      Or could I do TIP immediately, drive to Tuxtla (my destination) right away, and initiate canje application there? But how do I handle TIP extension in such scenario?

    834. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 30, 2020

      Marjan, you will need to obtain the TIP as soon as you cross the border, with the FMM for 30 days you will receive. You cannnot wait until you get the resident card to get the TIP. You should drive to Tuxtla, do your canje application and notify the nearest customs office to extend the TIP. If you need assitance you can send us an e-mail: Info@yucatanyes.com

    835. Lizz
      July 3, 2020

      I have been in Mexico for one year and just got approval for a 3 year extension. I retired a little earlier than my common law spouse of 20 years who will like to join me in the next year. For ease of application we plan to get married before he applies. I have a few questions…
      1. Could I apply for him when he enters Mexico to join me or do I need to go back to Canada and apply at the Consulate there?
      2. What economic solvency proof will he need? I see the Toronto Mexican Consular website saying that the applicant needs to have $950 Canadian monthly balance on account (each office has a different amount). https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/toronto/index.php/en/servicesforeigners/visas?id=233
      3. When he gets a resident card, will it be only for a year for the rest of my temporary residency?
      4. Can we apply for permanent residence anytime before the 3 year temporary resident visa is up? and do we have to prove economic solvency according to PR rules at the time or is there some recognition that you have lived for the period and doing fine?
      Thank you in advance.

    836. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 3, 2020

      Lizz,
      1. He can apply in Mexico, after you get married.
      2. No need to show economic solvency if he applies in Mexico.
      3. It will be for the rest of your temporary residency.
      4. No, you must wait until your current 3 year card is about to expire and when you apply for PR you won’t have to prove economic solvency again.

    837. D. Jones
      July 10, 2020

      Hello,

      I am about to get my temporary resident visa completed and my wife will be going to INM to apply under the family unit. We think we have a problem though. Our marriage certificate uses her maiden name. Her passport and Drivers license is using her married name. I’ve read everywhere that the passport and marriage certificate must match exactly and if they don’t she has to go the the Embassy in Mexico City to have it notarized that she is the same person in both documents.

      Is this correct? Is there an easier way to get this done? we will be living in Ensenada and going all the way to Mexico City seems extreme.

      Thank you for any guidance/info you can provide.

    838. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 10, 2020

      D. Jones, yes it is correct what you say. You can go to your nearest US Consulate, not necessarily the one in Mexico City.

    839. A Dodd
      August 3, 2020

      Hello YES,
      MY common-in-law partner and I plan to apply for permanent residency at the Mexican consulate in Canada. We are retired although in our late 50’s.We have joint savings exceeding 200,000 Cnd. dollars. also one pension of 1,700 CND per month. My questions are:
      What do you advise from our end.
      !. Will we both be able to apply for permanent residency?
      2. Should one apply permanent and one temporary? ( If yes which should be perm which should be temp)
      3 Will getting married first may the process easier?
      Any advice moving forward would be greatly appreciated.

    840. Dina
      August 4, 2020

      So much valuable information! Thank you!

      My husband and I just bought a house in Merida. We are retired and would like to apply for permanent residency.

      1. Based on our reading, permanent residents are taxed on any income income earned in Mexico rather than worldwide. Is our understanding correct?

      2. From your recent experience, is there a significant slow down in the permanent residency processing? Is it possible for stage 2 to take more than 180 days and run out of time?

      Thank you very much in advance!

    841. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 4, 2020

      Dina, thank you! Answering your questions:
      1. if the income you get is not generated in Mexico, you don’t pay taxes in Mexico.
      2. yes, there’s been a slow down in the process, it is currently taking around 3 months.

    842. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 4, 2020

      A Dodd,
      1. One of you could get permanent and the other temporary (based on your economic information).
      2. It’s up to you who gets PR and who gets TR.
      3. If you have a document certifying your common-law partnership, you won’t need to get married.

    843. Andrew
      August 7, 2020

      YES, I have a pension of $4500 US, and currently own a place in the San Jose Del Cabo, I plan on applying for permanent residence. My wife wants to wait to apply so are there any issues for me to apply and then have her apply in a year or so? Also the Houston Consulate requires bank verification of statements for the 130,000 but doesn’t seem to require the same verification for bank statements when accompanied by my pension statements, I just want to make sure I don’t have to have them signed by a bank official when I go in for my appointment. Here is what their website say. I plan on applying under option B.

      Financial Solvency: You must choose options a) OR b):
      a) Investment or bank accounts with a monthly ending balance of at least 20,000 days
      of the current general minimum wage in Mexico City (approx. $130,000 USD). To
      prove this, you need to provide:
      i. The printouts of your electronic bank statements certified (signed and/or
      stamped) by the bank, of each of the previous 12 months.
      OR
      ii. The printouts of your electronic bank statements PLUS a letter from your
      financial institution indicating your full name (no omissions), the details about
      your account, and the ending balance of each of the previous 12 months. The
      letter must be signed by hand.
      b) Pension that yields a monthly income of at least 500 days of the current general
      minimum wage in Mexico City (approx. $3,200 USD) after taxes, during each of the
      previous 6 months. You must provide the following:
      i. The Original or most recent letter from the Social Security or Pension issuer indicating the
      monthly amount that you receive PLUS the bank statements in which that amount is
      reflected or the pension receipts for each of the last 6 months

    844. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 7, 2020

      Andrew, we think we’d need to review your documents before we can comment on your case. We have consultation for that, if you are interested, please write us to info@yucatanyes.com

    845. Kate
      August 9, 2020

      Hi, I am preparing to submit my application for pensionado permanent residence at a consulate here in the U.S. I have two questions:

      1. Do I make the appointment with the embassy and bring all the documents with me? Or am I required to mail the documents to them prior to the interview (including my passport?!!?!) If it is the latter, is it permissible to deliver the documents instead of sending by mail, and to obtain a receipt? I do not want to lose my passport, especially now, because I would have to deal with significant delays in getting it replaced.

      2. Your information (thank you!) states that a permanent resident cannot import a car with foreign plates. I am planning to drive into Mexico in my car (with US plates) to turn in the visa and obtain the residency card. Is that a problem? Is it possible to either drive back to the U.S. once the card is received or, preferably, obtain Mexican plates for my car on the same trip to get the residency card?

      3. One more! Must I apply for the card at the immigration office nearest where I plan to live, or does it matter – could I just cross the border and request it? And do I need to show evidence of a residence in Mexico to get the card?

      Thank you so much.

    846. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 10, 2020

      Kate,
      1. It depends on the Consulate; some ask to send everything prior to the appointment and others to bring everything on your appointment. You need to confirm with a representative first. However, they won’t ask you to send your original Passport, just a copy.
      2. You are not going to be able to import your car with US plates if you obtain permanent residency. In order to get Mexican plates, the car must be 9 or 8 years (not more tan 9, not less tan 8) and the VIN number must start with 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.
      3. You should apply at the Immigration office closer to your Mexican address.

    847. Alex
      August 11, 2020

      Hi, I’m thinking of applying for a PR visa directly as I have more than 130,000 USD in investments and bank savings. However on the Mexican government website it clearly states that PR visas are only available for either ‘jubilados/pensionados’ – are there any specific requirements on age? I’m in my mid-30s, would this make me ineligible to apply for a PR visa straight away even if I meet the asset requirements? Or would I have to apply for the temporary one?

      Also do you know if it’s allowed to work once I get a PR card (I know this isn’t allowed if you’re only a temp resident)? The consulate where I live (in Asia) hasn’t picked up my phone calls or replied to emails. Thanks a lot!

    848. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 11, 2020

      Alex, it will depend on the criteria of the Consular officer receiving your documents; in our experience, they will give you temporary because of your age, you don’t fall in the jubilados/pensionados category, but you could give it a try! The worst that can happen is that you get temporary residency. If you get permanent residency, yes, you will be allowed to work in Mexico.

    849. ELVIS KEMBOI
      August 25, 2020

      I want to change my last name, can I do that on a Temporary\Permanent Resident Card?

    850. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 25, 2020

      Elvis, yes, you must do the change first and then notify Immigration of such change with the corresponding legal document so they issue a new card with your updated information.

    851. Donald
      September 9, 2020

      Thanks for this helpful information! I just got my TRV and will be heading to Mexico this weekend to do the canje. However, I had one question:

      If you do your canje of FMM to temporary residency in one INM location, say Cuernavaca, will you always have to go to that same INM for future issues, such as if you lose your card or come the end of the year and you want to extend your temporary residency? Or could you do all this at the CDMX INM at any future time?

    852. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 10, 2020

      Donald, you can’t go to a different INM office for future issues, unless you notify your change of address to the INM office where you will be presenting new processes.

    853. Rebecca
      October 13, 2020

      Hello,
      I wanted to say thank you for the information provided on this blog – it helped me a great deal. I went to INM in Mexico City yesterday to apply for permanent residency. It took less than two hours for the entire process – submitting forms, photos and fingerprinting and receiving my permanent residence card. You must pay the permanent residence fee before you submit your forms. The forms requested were the pieza, letter requesting permanent residence, FMM canje from the airport, photocopy of passport photo page. The formato basico was not required when submitting forms but they will ask you the questions on that form when you are being fingerprinted. So it is easier to have a completed formato basico to hand the agent. You do not need to bring photos either. Here is a link for the bank payment form – https://www.inm.gob.mx/gobmx/derechos/. So if you are in a hurry to get your Mexican permanent residence, I recommend applying in Mexico City.

    854. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 15, 2020

      Rebecca, thank you for sharing this very useful information with us and our readers! We had heard that CDMX was becoming quicker (1 week), but 1 day, is fantastic! There are other Immigration offices in Mexico adopting this new fast process, we know of Cuernavaca, La Paz and Mazatlán. Stay well!

    855. October 23, 2020

      Hi there, do you have the direct link to the online form for the start of the process. The one here just took me to the govt site and I couldn’t work out where to look after that. Any advice or links? Thanks

    856. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      October 23, 2020

      Sarah, do you mean the application form for the visa or the online form for the canje?

    857. Hakki
      October 31, 2020

      Can you apply in Mexico City even thou you will be residing in another city, like Cancun?

    858. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 3, 2020

      Hakki, you need to apply at the Immigration office closer to your address in Mexico; if you will be residing in Cancun, you should apply at the Immigration office in Cancun.

    859. Anita
      November 15, 2020

      We went to the INM office in Puerto Vallarta on Thurs, 22 Oct 2020. The form I’d printed from their website online was an outdated one. The gentleman who helped me gave me the sheet of everything I needed. I went back to the hotel, completed the forms (translated from/back to Spanish), made the appropriate copies as mentioned on the sheet, went to the bank to pay the fee, and returned to the INM office on Friday. The line at the PV goes really quick. We got in, they reviewed our forms, and took our photos and fingerprints. Told us our cards should be ready in 2 weeks and they’d send us an e-mail when they were ready. Well, they did NOT send us an email saying they were ready. They did send an email acknowledging receipt of our application. The email included a link to our file and a password. Turns out they updated the link on Monday to show that our cards were ready for pickup! Unfortunately, not realizing there was the link & password, I didn’t pay attention, waiting for 2 weeks before I checked. All is good!

    860. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 17, 2020

      Anita, thank you for sharing your experience with us and our readers!

    861. Reg
      November 22, 2020

      Great article! It looks like closest INM center to me is Play Del Carmen (PDC). A few questions: 1) First appointment: Do I need to make appointment to come come first time to request canje from visa to card or I would just walk in with all docs and stay in line? 2) Fee processing: After I stay in line and get form to pay fees, do I come back and stay in line again after I paid fee at the bank? Or should I ask for F5 payment form before hands and go with it to the bank and then come back to INM and get into line? 3) Fee Bank: What is the closest bank to pay fees next to INM in PDC? 5) Photos: Where can I make infantil size pictures close to INM in PDC? Will it be ready right away? Many thanks in advance

    862. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 23, 2020

      Reg, thank you! Answering your questions: 1) you don’t need to make an appointment, you just show up during their office hours Mon-Fri from 9 AM to 1 PM; 2) better if you ask for the F5 payment form before hand so when you go to the INM office you have the payment receipt and you don’t have to return; 3) We’re sorry but we don’t know, we are in Merida, not in PDC; 4) Procedures at all INM offices are currently changing and in many INM offices you can now get your pictures taken, you no longer have to bring them; we suggest you to check with the INM office in Playa.

    863. Terry
      November 23, 2020

      Thank you for the very useful information you provide. My wife and I used your suggestions to assemble documents to take to the INM office in La Paz to apply for our Permanent Resident Cards.

      We are retired and the process to obtain our visas at the Mexican Consulate in Fresno, California was very straightforward. Then we stopped at the immigration office at the San Ysidro border crossing into Baja by land and got our no-cost 30 day FMM to be used during the canje process in La Paz.

      We began assembling documents during our first week here and went to the INM office on a Monday morning at 9:00 a.m., no appointment needed. (Office hours are 9:00 to 1:00 M-F). We ended up with some things we didn’t need, but here is what they asked for and how the process went:

      * A copy of Passport picture page and a copy of Visa picture page. Black and white works here. We had extra copies but didn’t need them.

      * The printed copy of the online form signed with blue ink identical to passport signature. https://www.inm.gob.mx/tramites/publico/estancia

      * The Formato Básico pdf that we had downloaded, printed and filled out by hand, found here: https://www.gob.mx/inm/documentos/informacion-formato-basico

      * The original 30 day FMM that we got at the border.

      * We wrote a letter requesting the canje, but they didn’t want it. They instead had us sign a pre-printed form.

      * We downloaded the E5 payment form and paid at the bank before going to INM. They will give you the form, but then you have to go to the bank, pay, and find a place to make 3 copies, then go back to INM and get back in line. Form is found here https://www.inm.gob.mx/gobmx/derechos/.

      * They want a copy of a utility bill showing your place of residence, not the original.

      After scrutinizing and stamping all the forms they asked us to wait for 50 minutes. We were then invited to the window one by one where they took our pictures and fingerprints. (We had had pictures, infantil, taken previously at a photo shop, but they didn’t want them.) They gave us our Pieza numbers and passwords, our NUT numbers and said the Permanent Resident cards should be ready to pick up in about a week. We can follow the status by logging in to this link https://www.inm.gob.mx/tramites/publico/seguimiento-tramite.html

      So, in La Paz the process is very simple and straightforward. Just make sure that everything is filled in correctly and matches your passport. The agents handle English very well. We were in and out in a little over two hours, and if the cards are ready to be picked up as advertised, we will be very happy. Thank you for your help!

    864. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 24, 2020

      Terry, thank you for this very clear and detailed information! We’re sure it will be very helpful for our readers!

    865. Carlos
      December 7, 2020

      My wife and I recently completed our permanente applications in Chapala, MX. We applied separately as our 40+ year-old marriage certificate was in pretty rough shape! It was a very straightforward application process for us. Due to COVID, the Mexican consulate in Phoenix is only making visa appointments via email. You can no longer make those online. As of mid-October, the lead time for appointments was about 2 months. We presented ourselves at the INM office in Chapala a few days after arriving with our forms completed (using our AirBnb host’s address – no utility bill requested). We were given the E5 forms, paid our fees at a bank down the street and returned a half hour later with copies. Photos and fingerprints were taken and we were given Pieza numbers and passwords. We returned to INM 10 days later and now have our permanente cards.

    866. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      December 8, 2020

      Carlos, thank you for sharing this valuable information with our readers!!

    867. Stephanie
      December 8, 2020

      Hi,

      I have a couple of questions.

      1) Are consulates open in the US right now to give temporary visas?
      And
      2) If we obtain a temporary visa is it possible to drive our US plated vehicle from Texas down to Playa del Carmen?

      Thanks in advance,

      Stephanie

    868. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      December 8, 2020

      Stephanie, some Mexican Consulates in the US are open, you’d need to contact them to ask how they are working right now. If you obtain a temporary visa, yes you can drive your US plate vehicle from Texas to Playa del Carmen and you will be able to keep it in Mexico while you are a temporary resident (4 years maximum).

    869. Norm
      January 6, 2021

      What a great website! Thank you.
      I was wondering if you knew how long the Canje process is taking in Ensenada. I plan to apply in March.

      Thanks,
      Norm

    870. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 6, 2021

      Norm, very fast! In 1 week you’ll have it.

    871. Norm Poire
      January 6, 2021

      Whaaat?!? That’s amazing! Thank you for the quick response and thank you for a most helpful website!

      Norm

    872. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 6, 2021

      Yes, about 2-3 months ago the Immigration offices all over Mexico have made their process faster. Good luck!

    873. Linda Maria
      January 7, 2021

      Hi there. My daughter is a Mexican citizen through her dad, but she was born in the US (she’s been registered at the consulate and we have that birth certificate). Can I apply through her?

    874. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 7, 2021

      Linda Maria, if your daughter has her Mexican naturalization letter and a Mexican ID (passport or voter’s card), yes, you can apply through her.

    875. Ryan
      January 10, 2021

      Hi there, great information on this post! I am wondering if you can tell me more about the address to use for the Canje process- I would like to use a type of temporary address while I search for a more permanent address in Mexico.

      I am wondering if it is possible to use a virtual mailbox/office address- does the INM require proof of address at the time of Canje, or it depends on the specific INM?

    876. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 11, 2021

      Ryan, whether the INM requests a proof of address or not depends on each office; for instance, here in Yucatan is not mandatory to show a proof of address.

    877. Tannia Andrews
      January 11, 2021

      Hi, I’m Mexican and my husband is American, we want to move to Merida and he found a job there but how can we apply so that he can work in Mexico ASAP? Do we still have to apply here in the United States for a Visa and then go to Merida and do the rest of the process there? How long will it take for him to be able to work in Mexico? Thank You!

    878. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 11, 2021

      Tannia, if the Mexican company is going to sponsor him, then the Mexican company should request his work permit, provided they have the proper registration to do so. For more information, please send us an e-mail to info@yucatanyes.com

    879. Maria
      January 22, 2021

      Hi, I am a US citizen and permanent resident in Mexico and reside in Mexico. I have been offered a job in the US and will receive payments through my US bank account and pay taxes there. I will work remotely from Mexico. Am I required to pay taxes in Mexico, too?

    880. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 23, 2021

      Maria, no, because the income you receive is in the US and you will pay your taxes there.

    881. HGL
      February 3, 2021

      Hi and thanks for the good information. I just started freelance working and have a pretty low income right now, but I do have savings. Would a savings account or a retirement account at a certain dollar amount be enough to meet the economic requirements, or does it have to be income?
      Alternatively, if my partner (Mexican national) and I married, would that be a better way to apply for temporary residency?

    882. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 3, 2021

      HGL, yes, a savings account with a balance that meets the minimum requirement for the past 12 months will be ok, not only income. And if you are married to a Mexican national, you would not need to show financial information, just to prove your relationship with your marriage certificate.

    883. Doug
      February 12, 2021

      To successfully apply for the temporary visa, is a passport BOOK required? I currently only have a passport card.

    884. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 15, 2021

      Yes, you need a passport book.

    885. Jim Zheng
      February 17, 2021

      I received my permanent Resident Visa, but I have not applied/requested canje yet and I plan to do it in a couple of months. Right now I need to go to Mexico for the weekend to take care of some business and come back. I plan to use my passport card not the passport with the Visa. Will this trip void my visa?

      My understanding is that not until you start requesting canje, you don’t have a pending status issue, correct? This is urgent and I would really appreciate your guidance!

    886. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 17, 2021

      Jim, yes, this trip will void your visa if you don’t start the canje process. You must start the canje on this trip when you enter the country with the visa stamped in your passport.

    887. Jim Zheng
      February 17, 2021

      Thank you so much! You are the best!

    888. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 17, 2021

      You’re welcome!

    889. Jim Zheng
      February 17, 2021

      Do you know how long the Canje process is taking in Mexicali?

    890. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 17, 2021

      Jim, the canje process can take 1-2 weeks.

    891. Sam
      February 22, 2021

      “It is worth mentioning that only pensioners can apply for the Permanent Resident VISA without having the Temporary Resident VISA first.”

      1 ) My wife and I would like to apply for permanent resident visa (through 12-month bank statements with required minimum monthly average) but we are not pensioners (we’re in our late 40’s), and one of us is not retired. Does any of that make us ineligible to apply for permanent residency without going through temporary residency first?

      2) What Mexican cities currently have the fastest Canje processing times (1 day, 1 week)? Assuming that we can apply straight for permanent resident visa, it may not be possible (due to work) for one of us to stay in Mexico longer than a couple weeks for the Canje process. Given this predicament, is it advisable (or even possible) for one partner to apply for PR now and add the other as dependent later on? Any known issues in visa issuance in such cases?

      Thank you.

    892. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 22, 2021

      Sam, answering your questions:

      1) The Immigration Law states that permanent residency is just for pensioners. However, some Consular officers are more flexible and do grant it as long as the applicant meets the financial requirements.
      2) Mexico City, Ensenada, León, Mazatlán, that we know of. And yes, one of you can apply now and add the other later as dependent, but this one will only get temporary residency for 2 years, and after that he/she can request permanent status.

    893. Sam
      February 23, 2021

      Thank you for your response and for the awesome website and information. Much appreciated.
      With respect to #1 above, do you have any feedback from applicants who applied in the Toronto consulate? Are they known to be flexible? (Sorry, this could be a very vague question).
      Looks like it may be better for both of us to apply together and hope for the best from the consular officer we interact with.

    894. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 23, 2021

      Sam, thank you for your kind comments! We have heard that the Toronto Consulate is not very flexible, sorry.

    895. Julie
      March 4, 2021

      Hello,

      Thank you for such clear instructions about how to obtain a resident card!

      I am retired under Social Security, making $1840/month. I have obtained a temporary resident visa. But, after reading your website, it seems that I could have obtained the permanent visa at once. What is the current income requirement for a retiree to obtain the permanent visa in 2021? Is this income requirement waived after the 4-year temporary residency?

      Also, any idea how long it could take to obtain the resident card in Tijuana?

      Thanks so much!
      Julie

    896. Julie
      March 4, 2021

      Hello,

      Regarding photos for the “Canje”, can they be taken with a cell phone or is a studio photo required?

      Thank you.
      Julie

    897. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 5, 2021

      Julie, thank you!! The minimum income requirement for permanent residency during 2021 is approximately 3,200 USD. You will get your resident card in Tijuana in less than 1 week.

    898. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 5, 2021

      Julie, photos for “canje” are no longer necessary to be taken at a photo studio; now they are taken at the Immigration offices.

    899. Allen Aune
      March 13, 2021

      Hello,
      Thanks for all the helpful info on your site! My wife and I and our two adult children will soon be applying for Mexico residency. My wife and I are in our mid-50s and we just retired. We will be seeking permanent residency. We want to get our 2 adult children (18 and 22) temporary residency. Regarding this:
      1) Can my 2 adult children use our assets for getting temporary residency (my wife and I have enough to cover 2 permanent and 2 temporary residencies)?
      2) I have about 400 pages of financial documents for the assets. Do i need to make a copy of these for each of the applicable applications?
      3) Do my wife and I somehow need to proved we are retired. We won’t be collecting any sort of pension for at least 6 years.
      Thank you again!!

    900. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 16, 2021

      Allen, thank you!

      Answering your questions:

      1) No, they can’t because they are over 18 years old.
      2) You will need to make copies for you and your wife.
      3) If you want to get permanent residency, yes, you’ll need to prove you are retired.

    901. Mildred (Millie)
      March 17, 2021

      Hello
      I’m thankful to have found this site! I want to apply for my permanent residency. I am retired. What forms do I need? What paperwork do I need to bring in filling out the permanent residency form? Showing my financial status, you need proof for my income? For how many months? Also, bank statements for how many months? I own a condo, the title work is still in process with the lawyer. The Mexican Consulate in Philadelphia, PA says appointments aren’t needed. It is approximately 5-6hours of driving time and I need help to make sure I have all correct paperwork. I do have my passport. Can you, please, help me with this information and what is needed. I appreciate your help and thank you in advance!

    902. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 18, 2021

      Mildred, please send us an e-mail to info@yucatanyes.com to assist you properly. Thank you!

    903. Geliani Lopez
      March 29, 2021

      My husband and I would like to move to Merida and we are in the process of doing the documentation to be presented at the Miami consulate office in two weeks.I would like to clarify the annual social security income gross of $1828 or $1708 net monthly would qualify for permanent residency. I also have rental income of $1850 gross. In addition, approx. $150 to 200 monthly income in investment stocks. I own all my properties free of debt. My husband only receives monthly social security income of $675.00. Do we qualify based on our monthly income? Would I have to submit monthly statements or just my 1099 of the rental income and the stock investments? Please let me know as soon as possible since I am do to go to the consulate in two weeks. Thank you very much for your attention.

    904. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 30, 2021

      Geliani, please send us an e-mail to discuss your situation in more detail: info@yucatanyes.com

    905. Norm
      April 10, 2021

      I submitted my visa paperwork at the INM office in Ensenada on March 18. On April 4 I received an email in Spanish (I don’t speak it) that I believe is telling me it’s time to go down for fingerprints on my next trip. The email, after logging in, took me to a status site that said

      Fecha Estatus trámite Ubicación
      17/03/2021 El trámite ha sido registrado Delegación Local Ensenada
      18/03/2021 Ha sido asignado el tipo de trámite Delegación Local Ensenada
      18/03/2021 Un pago ha sido registrado Delegación Local Ensenada
      28/03/2021 Registre los datos para la expedición de su documento migratorio Delegación Local Ensenada
      31/03/2021 Se emitió oficio Delegación Local Ensenada

      Am i interpreting this correctly? Also, when I do go down for fingerprints will I need to make an appointment? And will I get my visa card the same day or will that be another trip a week later?

      Norm

    906. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 12, 2021

      Norm, yes, you should go to the INM office to request your fingerprints appointment. On the day of the appointment you’ll get your resident card.

    907. Mark S.
      April 25, 2021

      Hello, guys! Thank you for all the outstanding help you provide.
      My wife and I are retiring within the next 6-12 months. We are moving to Mexico at that point. We have our 23 year old son with whom we have power of attorney (financial, medical) due to his intellectual disability. Do we need to obtain full guardianship of him to facilitate the move? He currently receives SSI in the US. We know that will end.
      We want to obtain permanent residency. Will there be issues concerning our son? We assume that we will be responsible for him forever.
      Thanks, again. Your services are invaluable.

    908. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 26, 2021

      Mark, thank you!! The Immigration Law states that when a son is older than 18 years, he cannot apply as economic dependent of the parents. However, since your son has an intellectual disability, you could explain it at the Consulate and provide clinical proof of this. We believe your case will be evaluated as special and a different criteria will apply.

    909. Oscar
      June 12, 2021

      Thanks for all the useful information.
      My question is, if you buy a condo 2017 that worth 238,000 USD and received the deed 2020, and then applying for temporary residency in 2021, which year’s minimum wage will be calculated by the consulate in abroad?
      Many thanks.

    910. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 12, 2021

      Oscar, it will be used the minimum wage of the year in which you are applying for the residency, hence, 2021.

    911. Nick
      July 9, 2021

      Good day,
      Very insightful comments. I am a young proffessional and have spent 2 years in Mexico from 2019 before living.
      I have access to mexico as a visitor. But would now like to settle for good in Merida. Does the rule for retirement still appplies for permanent residency visa?

      Or can I just apply based on my monthly foreign income?

      Would like to enter with a permanent visa directly if possible as I am from the African continent. and making forth and back trips can be difficult and long.

    912. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      July 9, 2021

      Nick, yes, to apply for permanent resident you must be retired.

    913. Lisa Callejas
      August 28, 2021

      Hi, I have received the permanent residency visa (family unity) and will be entering in Veracruz in a few months. Does anyone have experience with the INM office in Veracruz? What is the most up-to-date list of requirements and what can I take care of here in the US before I arrive in Mexico? For example, can I fill out the FMM and/or pay the fees online? Thank you for your help!

    914. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      August 28, 2021

      Lisa, we can help you with the forms and appointment. Send us an e-mail to info@yucatanyes.com

    915. September 3, 2021

      Hello…I want to apply for a temporary resident visa and start the process from here (US)…I have tried my nearest consulate several times by phone and so far have not been able to reach a person. Do you know if the Mexican consulate in Albuquerque NM requires an appointment or do you have a direct phone# or email for them? thank you so much!

    916. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 3, 2021

      Ellen, yes, they do require that you make an appointment. You can try with this e-mail address: visas@consulmexalb.net

    917. mohammed khatri
      September 13, 2021

      Hello, I am retired person with social security of 2200,0 plus annuity of 789.0 a month. total of 2989.0 dollars. Also the annuity comes from my ira account in which i have about 130,000.00 With these amounts do i qualify for permanent residency. Another question is can i apply any at consulate I am not able to get any info from here Chicago office. Thinking to apply in Las Vegas or Yuma, Arizona. your input deeply appriciated. thanks

    918. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 13, 2021

      Mohammed, depending on the Consulate where you apply you may or may not get permanent residency, because your numbers are very close to the minimum required but don’t reach them. We’d suggest you contact the Consulate where you wish to apply and ask.

    919. Sam
      September 13, 2021

      Hello,

      I am in the process of filling out my permanent residency visa application and the form asks for the date and point of entry in Mexico. I do not however, have the date and destination city planned out yet. Does it make a difference if my actual date of travel and/or destination city is different from what I indicate on the form?

      Also, are the cities of Mexico City, Ensenada, León and Mazatlán still the fastest in terms of Canje processing times (1 day, 1 week) like in February this year? Which other places have similar faster processing times? I have not travelled to any of these cities (besides Cancun) and am wondering which city would be easier for me to figure out in addition to faster processing of Canje?

      Thank you for all your help. Will keep you posted on my experience with the interview.

    920. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 13, 2021

      Sam, you can put an estimate date of entry and point of entry, if then it changes it won’t affect your residency application. The cities you mention are still very fast, also San Miguel de Allende and Merida.

    921. Sam
      September 27, 2021

      Update:

      I finally got permanent residency (Ontario, Canada) last week. Provided proof of solvency through 12 months of bank statements. I was afraid they would grant me temporary instead of permanent. But it was all perfect in the end. So happy.

      Also, I was not sure if applying together with wife would deny both a shot at the direct permanent residency visa because one of us isn’t retired yet. So wife will apply later. I believe she cannot apply for permanent directly like I did but will have to go through two years of temporary first? Or can she apply for permanent directly if she meets solvency requirements?

      Importantly, does she need to apply from outside Mexico or can she do it from within Mexico, now that I have the permanent?

      Lastly, I am targeting either Leon or San Miguel de Allende for the canje process, as you have indicated these have fast processing. I do not know much Spanish (working at it). Do you think I will be able to do the canje at INM myself or would you suggest I hire help? How difficult or easy is the process?

      Thank you again! Such an awesome and helpful forum.

    922. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      September 27, 2021

      Sam, we are happy to know you got the visa you wanted and thank you for sharing your experience with us! In the case of your wife, if she applies as your economic dependent she will get 2 years of temporary and then she can get permanent residency. If she applies with her own resources but she is not retired, most likely she will get temporary residency and not the permanent. If she applies as your economic dependent she can do it from Mexico, if she applies on her own, she will have to do it at a Mexican Consulate abroad. Regarding your last question: we´d suggest you hire someone to help you with the paperwork at least, because at the Immigration offices there’s always minimum one officer that speaks English. If you need assistance with this, send us an e-mail: info@yucatanyes.com

    923. Peter
      November 23, 2021

      Hi,
      Do you have information on the canje (residency card) processing times at INM in Puerto Vallarta? Are they fast? Would you advise going to INM there?
      Thanks…

    924. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 25, 2021

      Peter, yes, they are fast, not more than 1 week, most of the times 1-3 days. Here in Merida too.

    925. Peter
      November 25, 2021

      Thank you. It’s been driving me nuts trying to decide on where to go for the canje process. The air tickets have gotten so expensive!
      I am also considering Merida but the 5-6 hour bus ride from Cancun airport will make for a long travel day. Still thinking about it though.
      Does Cancun have an INM office that will provide the canje services? How fast is it there?
      How about Playa del Carmen? Is it fast there? What would you suggest?
      Muchas gracias!

    926. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      November 25, 2021

      Peter, Cancun and Playa del Carmen do have an INM office for the canje service but they are not as fast and their appointments are not as available as Puerto Vallarta or Merida.

    927. Mark
      December 28, 2021

      Thank you for your helpful wesbsite. I’m looking to apply for a temporaty residency through economic solvenc, but will already be in Mexico on a tourist visa, so will need to travel abroad for the first part of the application. Do you have any particular consulates you recommend travelling to for those in my situation? I am from the UK but ideally would minimise cost, so would be looking for somewhere cheap and convenient to get to from Mexico City, and ideally somewhere that processes fairly fast so I wouldn’t have to hang around for long before returning to Mexico.

      I would also be worried about have to do the process in Spanish. Do you offer a service where you help check all my documents are in order before I apply?

    928. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      January 3, 2022

      Mark, you’re welcome! We´d suggest a Consulate in Texas. We will be happy to help you with the process, please contact us at info@yucatanyes.com

    929. Robert
      January 30, 2022

      Hello, Do the bank statements need to be stamped by the bank or can I just print them out from computer?

    930. Robert
      January 31, 2022

      Are there any documents required that need to be apostilled?

    931. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 1, 2022

      Robert, it depends on the Consulate where you will apply; some take printed versions and others ask for notarized or stamped versions.

    932. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 1, 2022

      Robert, documents that you present that are not issued in the country where you are applying need to be apostilled or legalized. For more exact information you should check with the Mexican Consulate.

    933. Bianca
      February 3, 2022

      Thank you for this website! I still have a few questions that I hope you can answer:
      We are a family of 2 adults and 2 children.
      We will start the 1-year Visa process in Europe the 14th of February.
      If we get pre-approval, we will fly to Mexico and will hopefully get the 1-year Visa.
      My questions:
      Is there a fast IMN in Chetumal? I am thinking about going there, I heard in PDC it takes more than 2 months to get appointment, maybe here it doesn’t take that long?
      Is it easy or complicated to go to the INM appointment without help from an immigration specialst and to apply by ourselves?
      Do we need to make an appointment or can we walk in?
      If we have to make an appointment at INM: how can we do that?
      I cannot find a immigration specialist (no lawyer!) in Chetumal. Do you know how I can find one?
      Or would it be much better to fly to San Miguel or another ‘fast’ INM?
      Thank you very much!

    934. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 4, 2022

      Bianca, there’s just one INM office in Chetumal and you don’t need an appointment, you just go during their office hours (Mon-Fri from 9 AM to 2 PM). We could help you with the paperwork, if you’re interested send us an e-mail to info@yucatanyes.com

      In San Miguel appointments are fully booked through March.

    935. Sam
      February 8, 2022

      Update-2 (from Leon):
      Good morning.

      I finally decided to apply for the canje at the Leon INM. Been here for near four weeks now. As fate would have it, I had to deal with a medical emergency within a couple days of landing in Leon. Out of action for couple weeks. Did a information seek trip to INM later and was told by staff that canje for card can be done in a day. Got an appointment a week out. Used the time to collect all the required documents. But on the day of the appointment I was told it will take anywhere from 2 weeks to a month! Reason – backlog. Very disappointing, as this forced me to change my travel plans a second time (after medical issues). I keep checking the online status everyday. My question to you is, do you have similar reports out of Leon? Will it really take as long as 2-4 weeks if they told me so?

      A couple quick notes –
      I speak minimal to nil Spanish, and the INM at Leon is Spanish only staffers. Communication has been a struggle (understatement) without knowledge of the local language. That, and the fact that Leon is not currently as fast as I had initially thought, I keep wondering if I should have picked Merida or PVR instead.
      Second, your detailed description of the tramite, as described on this page, is thorough and proved very helpful in putting together all required documents for submission. Thank you so much!

      Keep you posted.

    936. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 8, 2022

      Sam, thank you for sharing this information with us. We have not worked with Leon, so we don’t know how they usually work and their timing. In Merida the process is taking 1 day, although appointments are almost 2 months delayed (currently they are full until april) and in PV they take 1-2 weeks. We’re glad you found useful information here on our site! We hope you get your card soon!

    937. Tim Goodwin
      February 15, 2022

      Hi I am planning to move to Mexico with my wife next year. We are an English, Iranian couple and will apply at the Embassy in Istanbul. We will apply based on savings which total more than $45000. I have already contacted the Embassy and they said $42,000 for 12 months is necessary for the application. My wife works but will apply as my dependent. I have a few questions. 1) I am under the impression the Temporary residence visa is for 4 years, although I read about some people who only received one year. Are there different types based on the amount of money you have? 2) Applying with a dependent the embassy said that I did not need a higher amount although their reply did not fill me with confidence that applying for two people with $42000 was a good idea. Should we have a higher amount or can she apply as a dependent once I get residency on my own 3) What is required to change the temporary permit into permanent residency after 4 years. We are planning to go long term 4) Everyone that I read about was American or European. We have experienced our fair share of issues with my wifes Iranian nationality, is the process more complicated with a non-western applicant. Does anyone have any experience. I appreciate all and any help. Thank you

    938. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 16, 2022

      Tim,

      1) The first time you apply for temporary residency you only get 1 year and when it is about to expire you can request a 3 year extension.
      2) It is 43,000 USD plus 850 USD monthly for each dependent. Or she can also apply from within Mexico once you get your resident card and you won’t need to show financial solvency to sponsor her.
      3) It is just paperwork you will need to prepare at the time and the payment of fees; no need to show financial information.
      4) As long as you provide marriage certificate apostilled and translated to Spanish if she applies from within Mexico, you should have no issue. Also, check if she can enter on a tourist visa or if she needs a visa from the Mexican Embassy.

    939. Sam
      February 19, 2022

      Good morning,

      I am in a limbo here in Mexico. I submitted my canje application for my resident card but upon visiting the INM to get a status update after more than two weeks of submission (online status still says “Sin Resolución”), I am told there’s a problem with my visa!

      As it turns out, the Mexican consulate in Canada reversed my first name and last name on my residency visa. The visa that they stamped on my passport has my first name under Apellidos and my last name under Nombres!!! I am told they have contacted Mexico City and it could take long.

      This mistake and uncertainty has messed up my travel plans bigtime and causing me a lot of grief. If you could please respond to my following questions it would be very helpful –

      1) Is there a possibility that they could reject my canje process because of the error in name on my visa?

      2) If they don’t cancel my visa/canje, how long would it normally take for Mexico City to respond to the Leon office with a correction so it can issue me the residency tarjeta? I am told by INM Leon that it will be another couple weeks or more before they hear from Mexico City!

      3) Would you suggest that I apply for the permission to leave and return (max. two months) and hope the issue will be resolved during that time, or is it better to stay put here and keep waiting until this is fixed?

      4) If I leave (after applying for permission), will they put my application on hold until I return or will the processing keep going while I am out of Mexico?

      5) Do you know of any other cases where there was a simple mistake on a Mexican residency visa that was later corrected/resolved by INM? How long did it take?

      6) Do you think there’s any way this can be expedited?

      It is frustrating that they should take that long to correct an obvious human error on my visa. The spelling of my name is all correct, just the first and last names are reversed. It is easy to confirm with my passport details on which the very visa is stamped. I am not sure why the simple correction should take such a long time. This is causing me a lot of anxiety and this delay, coupled with my health issues here, have already cost me a lot of stress and money.

      Look forward to your kind response.

      Thank you…

    940. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      February 22, 2022

      Sam, here are the responses to your questions:

      1) We don’t think so.
      2) 4 weeks in our experience.
      3) Yes, if you must leave.
      4) They won’t put it on hold, the process will continue even if you are not here.
      5) Yes, it took about 1 month for a client here in Merida.
      6) Unfortunately no.

    941. Armando
      March 13, 2022

      Hello,

      I’ve got a few questions.

      1. My spouse is a Mexican national and we currently live in the US, is it possible for me to apply for Mexican residency or nationality through her? If so, do we need to be living in Mexico throughout the time to not lose the residency or can we live in the US still?

      2. My adoptive parent is born Mexican and has the Mexican nationality, can I apply for mexican nationality/residency through him? We currently reside in the US and I am an adult and have been adopted at an adult age.

      Which one of the two ways do you recommend going tor?
      Where can I find more information regarding these procedures?

      Thanks

    942. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 15, 2022

      Armando,
      1. Yes, you can get temporary residency through her and you can remain living in the US.
      2. No because you’re not a minor.

      For more information you can contact us at info@yucatanyes.com

    943. Paulette
      March 30, 2022

      Would you know which INM office is the most efficient. I am open to go wherever is the easiest and takes the least time to change my visa to the canje. I also speak very little spanish. I would like to go to Mexico City but I am told that it is very busy because most central or south americans use the INM in Mexico City. Do you know if that is correct?

    944. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      March 30, 2022

      Paulette, Mexico City is not bad, we believe is an efficient office. Also San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta and Merida. We would avoid the offices in Quintana Roo.

    945. Randy
      April 15, 2022

      Do you know how long INM process time to change visa to the canje? I summited all documents to INM in Tijuana on 3/25/2022 and was told 2-3 days I could get email and wait 7 days to take picture and get card. But 21 days now, no email, no updated informatioin online. I don’t know how can I contact INM, can you help? Thanks!

    946. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      April 18, 2022

      Randy, we’d suggest that you go to the INM in Tijuana and ask for an update, it’s the only way to know for sure. Twenty-one days is quite some time.

    947. Danny Michael Degarmo
      May 4, 2022

      I have rented an apartment in Cancun on a 6 month temporary passport and have decided I want to get permanent residency card. —–How do I do this while in Cancun?

    948. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 5, 2022

      Danny, unfortunately you cannot apply for residency from Mexico, you need to apply at a Mexican Consulate abraod.

    949. Jacqueline
      May 15, 2022

      Good morning!
      Thank you so much for your wonderful website and the up to date info that you provide I really appreciate it. I will soon be changing my temp residency card to permanent but I notice that the website to make appointments isn’t available. Siempre dice servicio no disponible. Do you have any information as to what’s happening and when it will be up and running?

    950. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      May 16, 2022

      Hi Jacqueline! The website has been off for 2 months now and there’s no information about when it will be working again. Appointments are provided in person at the Immigration office. If you are in Merida, we’ll be happy to book it for you, just send us an e-mail to info@yucatanyes.com

    951. florencia randall
      June 1, 2022

      hi folks,
      what info do you have about the INM offices in Valladolid, Yucatan? how long does the process take to complete the permanent or temporary visa? (is that what the canje is? i’ve already completed the first part of the process in Los Angeles.) i had been told that if you’re going to live in Valladolid you need to go to the local office rather than the office in Merida. is that correct? i’ll make the trip to Merida if it’s a lot faster. thank you!

    952. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 3, 2022

      Florencia, unfortunately we have not heard about how long is currently taking in Valladolid. In Merida in just one day to get it all done. You should do the canje process at the Immigration office closer to your address in Mexico, if you own or rent in Valladolid, you should do it there.

    953. Jacqueline
      June 10, 2022

      I am in Playa del Carmen but I was told that I would have to wait until November to make an apopointment since my card expires in December. Since it’s a busy office I hope that there’ll be enough time for me to complete the process. I was also told that some of the requirements have changed to switch from temporary to permanent. Do you have any information on this?

      Thank you so much for your help!

    954. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 13, 2022

      Jacqueline, yes, you can apply for the new card starting 30 days before its expiration date, not before. It won’t matter if the process is not finished by the time your card expires, as long as you started before it expired. We have not heard of changes in the requirements to switch from temporary to permanent, as far as we know, everything remains the same.

    955. Lizabeth
      June 27, 2022

      I have to write a personal letter at least one page long stating my reasons for requesting temporary residency in Mexico. What does the letter need to say? Any tips as to what to write?

    956. Yucatan Expatriate Services
      June 28, 2022

      Lizbeth, you should include the type of visa you are requesting, where in Mexico you wish to relocate and when. State also the reasons why you are seeking the residency in Mexico.

    957. Peter
      October 8, 2022

      Hello,

      I got my Mexico permanente residente early this year and had to leave Mexico and return to Canada immediately after due to health reasons. It has been more than seven months now since I left Mexico after getting my residency. I have a few questions related to address change:

      1 ) Should I have let INM know that I have not been living in Mexico for seven months (and counting)? I believe I have three months to notify them of address change?

      2) Is there a fine to be paid to INM because I did not let INM know that I have not been living at my previous Airbnb address in Mexico since the past seven months after I returned to Canada?

      3) How much is the fine (if any) to be paid to INM because I did not notify them of address change?

      4) I do not have a permanent address yet in Mexico and will be staying for short-term periods at different Airbnbs in different cities in Mexico for sometime when I come back to Mexico…do I have to let INM know every time I change Airbnbs in a few weeks, as it will be very onerous to do so?

      5) How can I update my new address with INM in an easy and efficient way to fulfill their requirement? Can it be done online and could you share a weblink where this can be done?

      Thank you for your help with the above. This page is a treasure trove of valuable information. Thank you!

    Leave a comment

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    WPChat