What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Mexico for a while?
We asked expats what residency documents or visas they need when settling in Mexico. They wrote...
"Residente Permanente Visa: I didn't have to call them, I had gotten approved on a Thursday and they just told me to come back on Tuesday afternoon to pick up my passport with the visa stamp. All in all I was able to complete the entire process from initial application to getting the visa in 2 weeks with a bit of time to spare, might have been faster if I had been totally prepared. Bring color passport photos and pay attention to any Mexican government holidays that may fall around the time of your application and what day theyes have off to celebrate. For instance today is "Cinco de mayo" But yesterday (Friday) the many government offices were closed, (At least around here in the Yucatán, seems like it varies a bit state to state). [If you are married] You can apply together and if your total combined assets/income meet the criteria you will both recieve your permanent visas at the same time," remarked another expat who made the move to Merida, Mexico.
"would suggest that you research the requirements for a Residente Temporale visa at different Mexican Consulates in your area and apply if you can qualify. The income thresholds are only going to increase every year and if I had waited until now to apply, I would not qualify. The visa does not obligate you to spend any time in Mexico--just make sure the immigration officers see it when you do enter the country so you don't accidentally lose the visa by entering as a tourist. (Your customs form should have the word "canje" on it when you do this!) After you enter, you have to complete the second part of the process within 30 days at any inmigración office near where you are staying in Mexico. You can renew a Temporale each year for three years and then roll over to Permanente without any further "proof of income"," explained one expat living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

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Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
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What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Mexico for a while?
If you live in Mexico, newcomers to Mexico would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.