Mexico Digital Nomad Visa - Eligibility and Requirements (2024)

As of December 2023, Mexico ranks 14th in the VisaGuide.World Digital Nomad Index, a ranking of the best countries for digital nomads, with a score of 3.15.

Technically, Mexico’s digital nomad visa is called a temporary residence visa, and many remote workers are eligible.

Throughout the article, the temporary residence visa will be used interchangeably as the digital nomad visa to avoid confusion.

Criteria for the Mexico Digital Nomad Visa

The Mexico digital nomad visa is open to nationals from all over the world. However, you must meet a few income requirements such as:

• Bank balance of $43,000 for the last twelve months.
• Income of $2,595/month for the last six months (when bringing a dependent, this increases by $861 for each dependent).
• Be the owner of a Mexican property worth at least $346,000.

Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Mexico

There are many benefits to working as a digital nomad in Mexico:

• Internet. The Internet is essential for working remotely. Mexico has several good wifi providers, the best being Telmex. The usual internet speed is 77.07 Mbps.
• Tax matters. The tax system is simple; you could pay from 0% to 30%, but it mostly depends on your situation, what kind of job you do, and how much money you make.
• Accommodating visa requirements. As a digital nomad in Mexico, you have many visa options, such as the tourist visa, which allows you to stay for six months; the temporary residence visa (up to four years); and the permanent residence visa, with which there is no time limit on how long you have to stay in Mexico.
• The warm climate. With an average of 24℃, you can go to Mexico whenever you want. With this, you can relax and enjoy sunny skies all the time.
• Low cost of living. Mexico has a low cost of living. The cost of living also depends on your lifestyle, but if you want a budget-friendly life, you can have it in Mexico.
• Accommodation. Rent prices vary depending on location, but they are generally reasonable. A one-bedroom apartment in Mexico City may cost $500 per month, with rent typically ranging from $350 to $700.
• Mexican culture. Mexico is well-known for its culture as a result of its history. Everywhere you turn, you will find something new, from ancient Mayan ruins to colonial Spanish architecture. There is always something new to learn and explore.
• Friendly people. The Mexican people are known for their warmth, and if you ask them for help, they will be happy to help you, and you will feel at home.
• Delicious food. The food in Mexico is excellent. It varies by ingredients, flavors, and regions. It was influenced by the Aztec, Mayan, Spanish, Dutch, and Caribbean people. There is so much more to Mexican food than the usual you find at your local restaurant.
• Transportation. Mexico has a large network of high-quality intercity roads connecting all of its major cities, and more roads are being constructed every year to connect previously isolated areas. The most common vehicles used are small, green micros that cost 5 or 6 pesos ($0,24 or $0,29), depending on how far you are traveling.

Requirements for Mexico Digital Nomad Visa

The documents required to apply for a Mexico digital nomad visa are:

• A valid passport. Your passport needs to be valid at least for the next six months when you apply.
• A completed visa application. The visa application is in English or Spanish, printed double-sided and on one page only. You can find the application form on the Embassy’s website.
• A recent photo You must submit a recent passport-size picture, with these dimensions: 3.9 cm X 3.1cm
• Proof of income. You must prove you have a monthly income of about $2,595.
• Proof of medical insurance. You need health insurance designed for digital nomads and remote workers who are living abroad.
• Criminal background check. The proof of a clean criminal record you can get at the police department in your country of residence.
• Proof of relationship to dependents. If you have dependents, you have to submit proof of relationships, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.
• Payment of fees. You must provide proof you paid the necessary fees, such as the visa receipts.

Note: The Mexican embassy may ask you to provide additional documents, depending on the specific situation.

How to Apply for a Mexico Digital Nomad Visa?

These are the steps you have to follow in order to apply for a Mexico digital nomad visa:

1. Schedule visa appointment. Request a visa appointment at a Mexican embassy or consulate in your country. It might take a few weeks to get the appointment because of the location and the time of the year. On the embassy’s website, through their online booking system, you can make the appointment.
2. Gather the required documents. The list of the documents is in the section above. You should have your documents in English or Spanish. It is suggested that you bring the originals and the copies as well.
3. Complete application. After gathering the documents, you have to fill in the application. The application form can be found on the embassy’s website and needs to be filled in English or Spanish. Make sure to print it double-sided and on one page only.
4. Attend the visa appointment. Make sure you have double-checked everything. Before entering the appointment, you have to pay $40. It is suggested to be paid in cash. During the appointment, you might get the visa, or you might have to wait for a few weeks.
5. Travel to Mexico. After finishing the previous steps, you are ready to travel to Mexico. You have six months to enter Mexico and register for temporary residence.
6. Pay the fees. Before getting the temporary residence permit, you have to pay $150 to 350$. This has to be paid before you go to the National Migration Institute.
7. Go to the National Migration Institute. You have 30 days to go and get the card for the temporary residence permit. You do not have to make an appointment, and you should complete the online form. You can find the application form here. You have to bring along the same documents you needed for the visa application, as well as two additional photos.
8. Wait for another appointment to get the card. Oftentimes, you have to wait for another appointment. This is needed if an immigration officer asks for more documents in order to avoid deportation.

Processing Time For A Digital Nomad Visa in Mexico

The processing time for a digital nomad visa in Mexico depends on whether you have the right documents and passed the interview at the visa appointment. You might get the visa on the same day, or you may have to wait for weeks. Then, after going to Mexico, you might have to wait up to two months, depending on the National Migration Institute, in order to get the temporary residence card.

How Much Does the Mexico Digital Nomad Visa Cost?

Firstly, you have to pay the interview fee to get ($40) the visa at the Mexico Consulate. This should be paid when the visa is issued. Then to get the Mexico digital visa, you have to pay between $150 and $350. This has to be paid before you go to the National Migration Institute.

How Long Can I Work in Mexico as a Digital Nomad?

The validity of the Mexico digital nomad visa is six months to 4 years. After the validity has passed, you can apply for a permanent residence visa if you want to stay longer.

Paying Taxes as a Digital Nomad in Mexico

The tax system is simple; any resident has to pay from 0% to 30%, but it also depends on your situation and how much money you make. You have to pay taxes on every purchase you make, but it will be pre-taxed.

In addition, if you earn more than 51% of your income outside Mexico, you do not have to pay taxes in order to prevent double taxation. Whereas, if you make 50% of your income in Mexico, you’ll need a tax accountant to determine which tax bracket you belong to and if there are any options available to you.