How to move to Mexico: Step-by-step guide (2024)

FAQs

How to move to Mexico: Step-by-step guide? ›

Depending on why you want to move to the country, you need to obtain a long-stay visa. Once you have a visa that allows you to enter the country, you can travel to Mexico as a temporary resident and then become a permanent resident of Mexico.

Depending on why you want to move to the country, you need to obtain a long-stay visa. Once you have a visa that allows you to enter the country, you can travel to Mexico as a temporary resident and then become a permanent resident of Mexico.

In general, you'll need to provide a form of photo identification (such as your passport), proof of residency (like a recent utility bill), and proof of legal entry into Mexico (such as a residency card or visa). BBVA Bancomer is the largest bank in Mexico. It has the largest number of branches and ATMs in the country.

Yes, you can go all in and decide to make your move to Mexico permanent but there are also lots of other options. Think about the lifestyle you want and what makes the most sense for you and your family. We live in Mexico full-time now.

In Mexico, you can live a comfortable life on $1,000 a month. The average cost of living for expats, digital nomads and retirees varies between $600 to $2,000 depending on one's lifestyle choices and their location. Baseline costs in Mexico are around $750 a month.

Everyone who intends to move to Mexico for a period longer than six months must have a Resident Visa and a Resident Card, depending on the duration and purpose of their stay. Foreigners who want to settle in Mexico permanently must have a Mexican Permanent Resident Card.

General Information. A visitor visa allows you to stay in Mexico for a period of up to 180 days, provided that you are not carrying out any paid activities.

The city in Mexico considered the safest with the lowest crime rate is Merida, located in Yucatan. It's also one of the most affordable cities in Mexico, making it a popular destination for retirees and expats. Merida's low crime rate makes it an excellent choice for visiting or living.

How much is rent in Mexico? ›

The monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in an average area of Mexico City will cost about USD$400-$500. In a nicer area, expect to pay around USD$680-$830 per month. As in most cities, going outside the city center will allow you to spend less.

Expats prefer the Coyoacán and San Ángel areas for their colonial-style homes and vibrant arts scene, along with the Roma and Condesa neighborhoods, which are popular among families and young professionals, according to Daniel Sánchez of Mexico Sotheby's International Realty.

Mexico boosted its general minimum wage to 207.44 pesos ($11.54) per day from the previous $172.87, with an increase to 312.41 pesos ($17.38) per day in the Free Zone of the Northern Border from the previous 260.34 pesos. The general minimum wage "needs to be paid to all employees working in Mexico.

How much is a house in Mexico in pesos? The current exchange rate in Mexico is 18 to the US dollar — so with that in mind — the average house in Mexico can range anywhere from 1.3-million pesos to 18-million pesos, depending on its location, size and amenities.

How U.S. taxes work for Americans living in Mexico. Expat tax rules state that if you're a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder, you have to file a U.S. tax return each year, even if you live and work in Mexico. The United States tax system is based on citizenship, not place of residency.

“On average, you can live a very comfortable life in Mexico with a budget of $1,500 to $3,000 per month,” said Gene Caballero, co-founder of GreenPal. “This would cover your housing, meals, utilities, healthcare and even some entertainment and leisure activities.”

Got just a little more to spend? Oaxaca City offers a vibrant city with amazing food and culture making you want to stay. The monthly cost of living in Oaxaca City starts from around $1,350 USD depending on your lifestyle choices making Oaxaca City one of the cheapest places to live in Mexico.

Finding a job in Mexico

Unemployment in Mexico is high and finding work can be challenging. Expats looking for employment in Mexico often end up accepting salaries that are comparatively lower than those in other countries, but the cost of living is also lower too, so this must be considered.

Mexico Has a Low Cost of Living. The biggest benefit of living in Mexico is the fact that pretty much everything costs less. Rent, food, transportation, and entertainment are all absolute bargains if you are used to paying American or Canadian prices. Your dollars go much further in Mexico than in the U.S. or Canada.

Foreigners can own property in Mexico. It's perfectly legal. Outside the restricted zones—50 kilometers (about 31 miles) from shorelines and 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) from international borders—foreigners can hold direct deed to property with the same rights and responsibilities as Mexican nationals.

How to get a job in Mexico? ›

Any foreigner who wants to work in the country must obtain a visa. For example, those working for Mexican companies need a residency visa with permission to work. Individuals working for a foreign company in Mexico for less than six months can instead get a visitor's visa with permission to work.

U.S. immigration law assumes that a person admitted to the United States as an immigrant will live in the United States permanently. Remaining outside the United States for more than one year may result in a loss of Lawful Permanent Resident status.

In order to work in Mexico, you'll need a Mexican Temporary Residence Work Visa. You'll also need to have a valid job offer in Mexico, as your employer will first have to apply for a work permit for you.

Financial Solvency: You must choose options a) or b): Investment or bank accounts with a monthly ending balance of at least 300 days of the current general minimum wage in Mexico City (approx. $2,500.00 USD).

It is perfectly legal for foreigners to buy & own Mexican real estate. Beyond the somewhat tedious process of setting up a bank trust (fideicomiso), buying property in Mexico as an American or Canadian is fairly straightforward.

The visitor permit cannot be extended or renewed; and you must leave Mexico by the date it expires. If you over-stay your visitor visa you will need to pay a fine when you leave the country.

Monterrey is Mexico's third-largest city, second-largest industrial center and No. 1 in per-capita income. Often referred to as Mexico's most Americanized city, this economic hub is a bridge between the two North American countries' economies.

Mexico's lowest-crime region is strengthening its reputation as an oasis of calm in a country roiled by drug killings. Yucatán, the southeastern state known for its Mayan ruins, has a homicide rate more than 90% lower than the national average.

Key Trends in Mexico Peace Index 2021 report

Yucatán remains the most peaceful state, followed by Tlaxcala, Chiapas, Campeche and Nayarit. For the third consecutive year, Baja California is the least peaceful state in Mexico, followed by Colima, Zacatecas, Chihuahua and Guanajuato.

In 2019, the average cost of a mid-sized car in Mexico City amounted to approximately 17,184 U.S. dollars, up from 15,236 U.S. dollars a year earlier.

How much is a Big Mac in Mexico? ›

The average price for a Big Mac burger in Mexico was estimated at 3.34 U.S. dollars in January 2022. Although the increase in comparison to the previous years, the Big Mac burger price is still one of the lowest in Latin America.

The price of 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas in Mexico City is $1.32 (Mex$ 23) This average is based on 29 price points. It can be considered reliable and accurate. Latest update: May 31, 2023.

Lower Cost Of Living

With skyrocketing inflation and living costs in the United States, many Americans are finding that their dollars go much further in Mexico. Housing, healthcare, food, and transportation are just a few of the things that are significantly cheaper in Mexico than in the United States.

The top three countries for American expats are Mexico, Canada, and the United Kingdom, which are all popular for their proximity to the States and lower cost of living.

Average Wage in Mexico

The average base salary for an entry-level manufacturing worker in Mexico is approximately $4.90 (USD) per hour, well below the average federal U.S. minimum wage of $7.25 (USD) per hour.

How much does a Mexican make? As of Jun 2, 2023, the average hourly pay for a Mexican in the United States is $21.92 an hour.

What is average wage in Mexico? Average Wages in Mexico increased to 527 MXN/Day (640.405 USD/Month) in April 2023. The maximum rate of average wage for employees was 433 MXN/Day and minimum was 129 MXN/Day. Data published Monthly by Secretariat of Labor and Social Welfare.

It is safe to buy property in Mexico! Foreigners can buy and sell property with ease, there are only a few special rules you need to follow when buying property, and strictly from an investment point of view, Mexican real estate has a great deal of upside potential.

Holbox Island is the cheapest beach town to live. Which side of Mexico has the best beaches? The Caribbean Coast of Mexico is one of the most renowned beach destinations in the world and certainly the most popular in the country.

Is $100 a lot of money in Mexico? ›

Is $100 a lot of money in Mexico? Yes. $100 USD goes a lot further in Mexico than in the United States and in other western currencies.

For expats living here, say you move US$100,000 into a certificate of deposit into a bank in Mexico because you are getting a better interest rate down here. Your Mexican bank will have to report the interest on that account to the IRS. It is important to report that interest on your tax return on Schedule B.

The types of taxes in Mexico are basically three: federal taxes, state taxes and municipal taxes. Mexican citizens and taxpayers have rights and obligations.

What is the 'SAT' in Mexico? SAT stands for Servicio de Administracion Tributaria. This is Mexico's tax collection agency, akin to the IRS in the United States. Like the IRS, SAT has offices in every state around the country.

With a monthly budget of $1,000-$1,400, everyone will find their life comfortable in Mexico. You can rent at least a one-bedroom apartment with air conditioning in a good location. Moreover, you can even afford a maid once per week. They charge only $3-$4 per hour.

The average salary in Mexico is typically measured in pesos and varies widely depending on various factors. As of 2023, the average monthly salary in Mexico in pesos is approximately 25,000 MXN or about 1,400 USD.

Is it easy for me to get paid in mexico? The government of Mexico establishes that Mexicans must get paid in Mexican pesos through government approved banks. Employees may convert their salaries afterwards but cannot receive payment in American dollars.

General Information. A visitor visa allows you to stay in Mexico for a period of up to 180 days, provided that you are not carrying out any paid activities.

The process is very straightforward and inexpensive. You simply have to prove you have enough funds to cover your cost of living and pass a simple immigration interview done at the Mexican Consulate nearest you. There are two types of residency visas: permanente or temporal (permanent or temporary).

Can I drive in Mexico with a US driver's license? ›

Valid driving licences from most countries are legal in Mexico, including UK, EU, Canadian and US licenses. However, you may be required to purchase an International Driving Permit if your license is not printed in English. This will allow you to drive in Mexico for two year after it is issued.

If you're planning to move out of the US permanently, or even give up your US citizenship, then you need a second passport. You can move to certain countries for 5 years and then apply for citizenship, or you can buy a passport and have it in hand in 90 days to 8 months.

But in general, yes, you can move to another country without a job. Each country has its own specific visa rules and entry requirements that can be pretty strict when it comes to working. Despite this, you absolutely can move to another country without a job. People do it every day.

The current exchange rate in Mexico is 18 to the US dollar — so with that in mind — the average house in Mexico can range anywhere from 1.3-million pesos to 18-million pesos, depending on its location, size and amenities.