Population
130 million
Capital
Mexico City
Languages
Spanish
💰Cost & Practicalities
🏥Living Conditions
🛂Immigration
Visas & Immigration
View all🇲🇽Citizenship (Naturalization)
Mexican citizenship through naturalization available after 5 years of legal residency (reduced to 2 years for Latin Americans, Spaniards, Portuguese, or those married to Mexican nationals). Requires passing exam on Mexican history and culture (5 random questions, must answer 3 correctly) and demonstrating Spanish proficiency. Application fee ~8,755 MXN. Dual citizenship allowed - Mexico permits holding citizenship of another country. Important: naturalized citizens who live outside Mexico for 5+ consecutive years may lose citizenship. Processing takes 6-12 months.
👨👩👧👦Family Reunification
Residency for family members of Mexican nationals or legal residents. Spouses of Mexicans receive 2-year temporary residency initially, then can apply for permanent residency. Parents of Mexican-born children are immediately eligible for residency and can apply directly at INM in Mexico (no consulate visa needed). Dependent children under 18 can be included on parent's residency application. Family ties provide faster path to permanent residency and citizenship (2 years instead of 5).
🏠Permanent Resident
Permanent residency in Mexico with no renewal required. Two paths: (1) After 4 consecutive years as temporary resident, or (2) Direct qualification for retirees/pensioners with higher income (~$7,100 USD/month) or substantial savings (~$280,000 USD). Also available to spouses of Mexican nationals, parents of Mexican-born children, and those with family ties. Permanent residents can work without additional permit. Card must be replaced every 10 years. Provides nearly all rights of citizens except voting.
🎓Student Visa
For foreigners enrolled in Mexican educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter from recognized Mexican school. Valid for duration of studies (typically 1 year, renewable). Limited work rights - can apply for permission to work part-time in activities related to studies. Schools range from language programs to universities. Mexico has several highly-ranked universities including UNAM, Tecnologico de Monterrey (ITESM), and ITAM. Tuition at public universities is very affordable for international students.
📋Temporary Resident
Primary residency option for expats, digital nomads, and those exploring life in Mexico long-term. Valid for 1 year initially, renewable annually for up to 4 years total. After 4 years, can apply for permanent residency. 2026 financial requirements significantly increased: must prove ~$3,700 USD monthly income OR ~$62,000 USD in savings/investments (varies by consulate). Application begins at Mexican consulate abroad, then finalize at INM office in Mexico within 30 days of arrival. Allows multiple entries and exits. Work permitted only with separate work permit from INM.
✈️Tourist Permit (FMM)
Visitor permit for tourism, business meetings, or exploring Mexico before committing to residency. Valid for up to 180 days but actual duration granted is at the discretion of the immigration officer - some receive 180 days, others only 7-30 days. Cannot be renewed or extended; must leave Mexico and re-enter for a new permit. No work permitted. Cost is approximately $983 MXN (~$55 USD) as of 2026, often included in airline tickets. Popular with digital nomads working remotely for foreign companies, though technically a gray area.
💼Work Visa
For foreigners employed by Mexican companies. Employer must be registered with INM and sponsor the work permit. Process typically takes 4-6 weeks. Can be issued as temporary resident with work authorization. Mexican labor law requires that at least 90% of a company's workforce be Mexican citizens, with exceptions for technical/specialized positions. USMCA (formerly NAFTA) provides streamlined access for US and Canadian professionals in specific occupations. Work permit tied to specific employer; changing jobs requires new permit.
Expat Life
View allCost of Living
Mexico offers significant cost savings compared to the US and Canada. A comfortable lifestyle is achievable on $1,500-3,000 USD/month depending on location and lifestyle. Beach towns and Mexico City cost more; interior cities like Merida and Guadalajara are very affordable.
Healthcare
Mexico offers quality healthcare at a fraction of US costs. Many doctors trained in the US speak English. Options include public IMSS (for residents), private insurance, or pay-as-you-go. Medical tourism is huge - many Americans cross the border specifically for affordable care.
Housing
Housing in Mexico is very affordable compared to the US. Renting is straightforward, though landlords often prefer longer-term tenants. Buying property is possible for foreigners, with some restrictions in coastal/border zones that require a fideicomiso (bank trust).
Banking
Opening a bank account in Mexico requires residency for most banks, though some like Intercam accept tourists. Many expats use a combination of Mexican accounts and US accounts with international access. Cash is still king in many situations.
Working Remotely
Mexico is a top destination for digital nomads and remote workers. While there's no official digital nomad visa, the 180-day tourist permit and temporary residency serve most remote workers. Internet is good in cities (50-200+ Mbps). Working for Mexican companies requires proper work authorization.
Taxes
Mexico taxes residents on worldwide income at rates from 1.92% to 35%. You're a tax resident if you spend 183+ days in Mexico. No inheritance, estate, or wealth taxes. US citizens must still file US taxes while living in Mexico, though tax treaties help avoid double taxation.
Transportation
Transportation options vary by city. Mexico City has excellent metro and bus systems. Other cities rely more on cars, Uber, and buses. Driving in Mexico requires patience with traffic and different road rules. International driver's licenses work short-term; residents should get Mexican license.
Language
Spanish is essential for life in Mexico outside of tourist bubbles. While English is common in resort areas and with younger educated Mexicans, daily life requires Spanish. Learning Spanish dramatically improves quality of life and integration.
Safety
Safety in Mexico varies dramatically by location. Popular expat destinations like Merida, San Miguel de Allende, and Puerto Vallarta have low crime rates. Certain areas have serious cartel activity and should be avoided. Common sense and local knowledge go a long way.
Expat Community
Mexico has well-established expat communities, especially around Lake Chapala, San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta, and Mexico City. Communities range from close-knit retiree groups to young digital nomad networks. Finding your people is easy with effort.
Culture & Lifestyle
Mexican culture is warm, family-centered, and celebrates life. Adjusting to different concepts of time, formality, and social norms takes patience. The food, music, traditions, and warmth of people make Mexico uniquely rewarding for those who embrace it.
Climate & Weather
Mexico's climate varies dramatically by region and altitude. Coastal areas are tropical, highlands are temperate year-round, and northern deserts are extreme. Many expats choose locations for their climate - Merida for tropical, Lake Chapala for eternal spring, highlands for mild temperatures.
Food & Dining
Mexican cuisine is UNESCO-recognized and incredibly diverse. From street tacos to fine dining, food is central to culture. Each region has distinct cuisines. Eating out is very affordable, and street food is generally safe in established stalls.
Questions
View allWhat are the safest cities in Mexico for expats to live?
Can I work remotely in Mexico on a tourist visa?
How long does it take to become a Mexican citizen?
What are the financial requirements for Mexico temporary residency in 2026?
How do I open a bank account in Mexico as a foreigner?