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Residency and immigration

The basics for staying longer than 180 days: which residency fits you, how the process works and who can help.

Passport and papers (sample image)

Two kinds of residency

Temporary residency

To live in Mexico for 1 to 4 years. Renewed for one or several years at a time.

Permanent residency

No expiry date. It follows 4 years of temporary residency, or comes directly in some cases, such as retirees with proven income or family ties.

How the process works

  1. An appointment at a Mexican consulateIt starts outside Mexico, at a consulate in your country, with proof of income or savings.
  2. The visa in your passportIf you are approved, the consulate places the visa in your passport.
  3. Arriving in MexicoAt immigration, say you are coming to exchange your visa, not as a tourist.
  4. The exchange at the INMWithin 30 days you exchange the visa for your resident card at the National Migration Institute (INM).

How Trish helps

  • She refers you to an immigration facilitator or lawyer she trusts.
  • She helps with the lease and your proof of address.
  • She guides you through opening a bank account and getting your RFC.

Sample text. Requirements and amounts change: confirm them with the consulate or the INM before you apply.

Want to go through it with Trish?

A 30 or 60 minute consult answers your questions and leaves you with the next steps.

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