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Mexico is a country in North America rich in culture, with fabulous beaches, ancient ruins, and delicious cuisine, and one of the most-visited countries in the world. The country might seem an excellent choice for career-driven expats, especially digital nomads since the country offers many work opportunities. Mexico is also more affordable compared to most countries, so you can live comfortably without spending much.
This article will serve as a general guide on how you can move to Mexico and why it makes a great place for expats to live.
Do I Need to Obtain a Visa to Move to Mexico?
Unless you travel to Mexico for tourism purposes, you will need to get an entry visa to enter the Mexican Territory. For stays longer than three months, you need to get a resident visa and a resident card depending on your purpose of stay.
How Can I Move to Mexico?
There are many pathways you can take to 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.
Moving to Mexico to Work
You can move to Mexico for work if you have been offered a job by an employer in Mexico. However, your employer must apply for you since you cannot apply directly for a work visa yourself. The National Migration Institute (INM) must authorize the work visa request so that you can continue with the procedures at the Mexican embassy.
Once you arrive in Mexico, you must present the visa to the National Migration Institute (INM) to receive a temporary resident card. This card will allow you to stay in Mexico for four years.
Moving to Mexico for Retirement
Anyone who wishes to move to Mexico for retirement first needs to apply for a retirement visa. But, they must first get a permanent resident visa and then convert it into a Mexican permanent resident card.
However, to be eligible for a retirement visa in Mexico, you must meet a set of certain criteria and have the necessary financial funds to live comfortably in Mexico. If you move to Mexico on a retirement visa, you will not be allowed to perform any kind of work.
Moving to Mexico to Study
Students who want to move to Mexico for a more extended period need to get a student visa. You can apply for a student visa at the Mexican embassy in your country of origin. Once you get the temporary resident visa (student visa), you must turn it into a temporary residence card. You can apply to get your temporary residence card at one of the National Immigration Institute in Mexico (Instituto Nacional de Migracion (INM)) offices in Mexico.
Moving to Mexico for Family Reunification
You can move to Mexico to join your family members who are legal citizens or permanent residents of Mexico by getting a family visa.
A family visa is issued to individuals who are the siblings, children, or parents of a Mexican citizen or a legal permanent resident in Mexico
However, you cannot apply for a family visa unless you get permission for family reunification at the National Immigration Institute in Mexico. Therefore your family member (citizen/permanent resident of Mexico) must request permission first so that you can continue to apply at the nearest Mexican diplomatic missions in your home country.
Why Should I Move to Mexico?
Here are the pros and cons of moving to Mexico:
| Pros | Cons |
| Healthcare— Mexico has a two-tier healthcare system consisting of public and private schemes. Both Mexican citizens and legal residents are entitled to free access to medical services and medicines. You can choose between public or private health insurance. | Bureaucracy— due to the increased number of expats and Mexican citizens, many administrative processes take longer, and there is a lot of paperwork to do, which can be confusing for many people. |
| Living costs— pretty much everything in Mexico costs less. Whether you want to build your own home, purchase property, or rent a condo, the prices will still be lower than in the majority of other Western countries. | Natural disasters— Mexico is threatened by strong earthquakes with a magnitude of over 8.0. Although the country is subject to earthquakes, Mexico also faces hurricanes and tsunamis very often. |
| Housing— property taxes in Mexico are relatively low and real estate can be cheap. However, this depends on the area you look. Construction prices are also low, so if you want to purchase property to build a house from scratch, this is an affordable option. | Poor water quality— you cannot drink tap water in Mexico. Due to the increased population, many water resources in Mexico have become overexploited. Locals do not drink the water either and they will not offer your tap water to drink. |
| Movement— as of 2023, Mexican citizens can travel visa-free to 159 countries and territories with only their Mexican passports. This is valid for a period of three months as you need a visa for longer stays. | Language barrier— Spanish is the dominant language in Mexico and the first language of more than 90% of the population. And although there are 85 different native languages in Mexico, not speaking Spanish will be a major barrier for you. |
| Cuisine— Mexican cuisine is ranked amongst the best cuisines in the world and is famous for its delicious and full of flavors dishes. The food is a mix of traditional and modern food, with dishes from different cuisines containing healthy and fresh ingredients. | |
| People— Mexican people are known to be warm, charming, polite, and very friendly. They will make friends with foreigners quickly and will make you feel part of the community. | |
| Nature— one of the best things about Mexico is definitely the breathtaking natural beauty. Mexico has many diverse and stunning natural environments, starting from rainforests, mountains, and volcanoes to caves and cenotes |
How Can I Become a Permanent Resident of Mexico?
To become a permanent resident of Mexico, you must have lived in the Mexican territory for at least four years on a temporary resident card, or you must have been married to a Mexican citizen or permanent resident for at least two years on a temporary resident card.
Does Mexico Allow Dual Citizenship?
Yes, Mexico allows dual citizenship. This means that you can become a legal citizen of Mexico while still maintaining citizenship in another country or country of origin.
How Long Do I Need to Live in Mexico to Win Citizenship?
To apply for citizenship in Mexico, you must live in Mexico for a minimum of five years prior to the application date. However, certain groups of people can obtain citizenship faster if, for example, they have been e permanent residents or have family ties with Mexican citizens, or they are legally married to a Mexican or have a child who is born in Mexico.
Can I Bring My Household to Mexico?
As a resident of Mexico (temporary or permanent), you have the right to import your household duty-free once within six months from the date you entered the Mexican territory. You can choose to import your household goods by air, land, or sea.
This includes the following items:
- Clothes
- Furniture
- Book
- Works of art
- Scientific materials, etc.
You must complete the application form for importing household goods, which you can find on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and submit the required documents together with the form.
How Can I Move to Mexico With Pets?
You can import two pets per person into Mexico. This means that if you move to Mexico as a couple, you can bring four pets. If the number of pets surpasses three, you will need to pay additional fees. Transportation of pets can be made by air, land, or sea.
If you plan on bringing your pets to Mexico by plane, you need to consult with the airline first, as each airline has its own rules and regulations.
Your pets (cats and dogs) need to follow the pet regulations set by the Mexican government, such as:
- Your pets must have a certificate of vaccination (not applicable for pets from the USA). Kittens and puppies under the age of 3 months are exempt from this requirement.
- Your pets must undergo a rabies titer test. (required for all countries)
- Your pets must have been treated for internal and external parasites.
Your pets must be imported in a clean pet transporter without a bed, toys, or snacks. At the port of entry (land, sea, or air), you must present the pet’s documents.
Most Popular Areas in Mexico for Expats
Here are some of the most popular places for expats to move to in Mexico:
- Puerto Vallarta.
- San Miguel de Allende.
- Mérida.
- Lake Chapala.
- Ensenada.
Puerto Vallarta
A resort town on the Pacific coast of Mexico, where you can feel the authentic Mexican culture. Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination among expats. Besides being known as the expat heaven by the sea, the town is also famous for its beaches, water sports, and nightlife scene. Puerto Vallarta offers many daily activities, with a stunning view of nature, endless sunshine, and friendly people. The area is also a perfect place for retirees who want to continue their retirement in Mexico and have the right financial means.
San Miguel de Allende
If you want to live in a colorful, affordable, and beautiful town, San Miguel de Allende will be the perfect place for you. Considered one of the prettiest small towns in Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is home to thousands of expats from all over the world. One of the reasons why San Miguel de Allende is so packed with expats is the low cost of living and low crime rate. You can find apartments in the city center and outside the city center for very cheap.
The town is perfect for young individuals and families. However, the year-round sunny weather attracts many retirees to move to San Miguel de Allende.
Mérida
Mérida is a vibrant city rich in culture and a metropolis of almost a million people. The town is a popular destination for expats, especially digital nomads. Due to the low cost of living and the low crime rate Mérida has won the reputation of one of the best cities for expats in Mexico. Mérida has many beautiful, elegant white-stone buildings that give a unique and mesmerizing view of the city that attracts tourists from all over the world. There are bands performing in plazas almost every day of the week and restaurants with delicious authentic Mexican food.
Lake Chapala
The largest lake in the country, is also home to the largest number of expats from the US. With its scenic setting, great climate, picturesque villages, and some of the most attractive retirement communities in Mexico Lake Chapala has become a famous lake resort and a retirement center for US citizens. The location of the lake makes it accessible by highway, railroad, or air.
Lake Chapala is also a very affordable and safe community that offers many activities to make life more fun and enjoyable.
Ensenada
Ensenada is a port city with huge importance as a major port and cruise ship hub. The city is quiet and has an incredible ocean view. Ensenada also offers a number of activities, such as fishing, surfing, swimming, and scuba diving. You can enjoy your days sunbathing in the beautiful beaches and turquoise waters.
Just like most cities in Mexico, Ensenada is also a great place to spend your retirement years. In fact, many expats that want to retire in Mexico consider moving to Ensenada.
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As a seasoned expert in the field of international migration and expatriate living, I bring a wealth of knowledge to guide you through the intricacies of relocating to Mexico. Having extensively studied and advised individuals on immigration policies, residency processes, and the nuances of living in various regions, I am well-equipped to provide comprehensive insights into the topics discussed in the article.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts covered in the article:
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Do I Need to Obtain a Visa to Move to Mexico?
- Yes, unless for tourism purposes, an entry visa is required for stays longer than three months. The type of visa depends on the purpose of your stay.
-
How Can I Move to Mexico?
- Various pathways exist, such as work visas, retirement visas, student visas, and family reunification visas. The process involves obtaining a long-stay visa and transitioning from temporary to permanent residency.
-
Why Should I Move to Mexico?
- Pros include a two-tier healthcare system, lower living costs, diverse natural beauty, and a rich cultural experience. Cons involve bureaucratic processes, potential language barriers, and environmental challenges like earthquakes and hurricanes.
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How Can I Become a Permanent Resident of Mexico?
- To become a permanent resident, one must live in Mexico for at least four years on a temporary resident card or be married to a Mexican citizen or permanent resident for at least two years on a temporary resident card.
-
Does Mexico Allow Dual Citizenship?
- Yes, Mexico allows dual citizenship, enabling individuals to maintain citizenship in another country.
-
How Long Do I Need to Live in Mexico to Win Citizenship?
- To apply for citizenship, a minimum residency of five years is required, though certain groups may qualify for expedited citizenship.
-
Can I Bring My Household to Mexico?
- As a resident, you can import household goods duty-free within six months. The process involves completing an application form and submitting required documents.
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How Can I Move to Mexico With Pets?
- Each person can import two pets, with specific regulations such as vaccination certificates, rabies titer tests, and treatment for parasites.
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Most Popular Areas in Mexico for Expats:
- Notable expat-friendly areas include Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende, Mérida, Lake Chapala, and Ensenada. Each offers unique attractions, from scenic beauty to affordability.
This article serves as a valuable guide for those considering a move to Mexico, providing essential information on visas, residency, cultural aspects, and popular expat destinations. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification on these topics, feel free to ask.
