Remote Work in Mexico
Mexico has become one of the world's most popular digital nomad destinations, with thousands of remote workers based there.
Legal Considerations
The Gray Area:
- No official digital nomad visa
- Working remotely for foreign companies while on tourist permit is technically not addressed in law
- INM focuses on preventing unauthorized employment WITH Mexican companies
- Thousands of digital nomads do this without issues
- Conservative approach: get temporary residency
If You Work for Mexican Companies:
- Requires proper work permit
- Employer must sponsor
- Cannot work on tourist permit
Tax Implications:
- 183+ days = Mexican tax resident
- Tax residents owe taxes on worldwide income
- Tax rates: 1.92% to 35% progressive
- Many digital nomads don't establish tax residency (controversial)
- Consult a tax professional for your situation
Internet Quality
Urban Areas:
- 50-100 Mbps typical
- Fiber available in many neighborhoods
- 200+ Mbps in premium areas/coworking spaces
- Providers: Telmex, Izzi, Totalplay
Coworking Speeds:
- Most offer 100-200+ Mbps
- Backup connections common
- Reliable for video calls
Rural/Beach Areas:
- More variable quality
- Starlink expanding coverage
- Always test before committing to lease
Best Cities for Remote Work
| City | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico City | World-class infrastructure, huge nomad community, endless amenities | Size, traffic, pollution |
| Guadalajara | Growing tech hub, affordable, modern | Less character than CDMX |
| Merida | Safe, colonial charm, growing scene | Hot and humid |
| Puerto Vallarta | Beach life, good infrastructure | Tourist prices |
| Playa del Carmen | Beach, large expat community | Very touristy, expensive |
| Oaxaca | Culture, affordability, food | Smaller city, less infrastructure |
| San Miguel de Allende | Beautiful, artistic | Expensive, older crowd |
Coworking Spaces
Mexico City:
- WeWork (multiple locations)
- Selina (Roma Norte)
- Homework (various)
- Centraal
- Costs: $100-300/month
Other Cities:
- Coworking options in all major expat destinations
- Day passes: $10-20
- Monthly: $80-200
Remote Work Tips
- Test internet before signing lease - ask for speed test
- Have backup connectivity - Telcel or AT&T Mexico SIM with data
- Consider time zones - Mexico City is Central Time (same as Chicago)
- Join nomad communities - meetups, Facebook groups, Slack channels
- Cafe culture exists - many laptop-friendly cafes in expat areas
- Invest in good setup - ergonomic chair, external monitor worth it
Pro Tips
- •Test internet speed before committing to any rental
- •Get a local SIM card as backup for connectivity
- •Mexico City has the largest digital nomad community
- •Join Facebook groups and Slack channels for the nomad community
- •Consider temporary residency for longer stays
Have questions about working remotely in Mexico?