Mexico Temporary Resident Visa for Americans

Overview

The standard route for Americans moving to Mexico for up to four years, whether retiring, working remotely or simply relocating. You qualify on economic solvency: consulates generally want around USD 4,300-4,500 a month in net recurring income over the past six months, or an average balance near USD 73,000 over twelve months. The critical thing to understand is that these figures are calculated from the UMA (117.31 MXN in 2026) and each consulate applies them differently, so the amount your consulate wants can differ meaningfully from any number you read online — confirm directly with the one covering your state before booking. You must start the application at a consulate outside Mexico; entering as a tourist and converting is not possible.

This page covers Americans. For every nationality we track, see the Mexico Temporary Resident Visa overview.

Requirements for Americans

Processing time & costs

Typical processing takes 2–8 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $55. Difficulty: 2/5.

Documents you'll need

• Contact your specific Mexican consulate for its thresholdsSolvency figures derive from the UMA but are applied differently at each consulate.
• Book your consulate appointment earlyYou must apply outside Mexico; a tourist entry cannot be converted.
• Assemble six months of bank or income statementsOriginal statements of net recurring income, or twelve months showing average balance if on savings.
• Prepare your passport and photosPassport photos to Mexican specification: white background, face uncovered.
• Complete the visa application formThe consulate provides the form; fill it exactly as your passport reads.
• Attend your consular interview and pay the feeShort interview, fingerprints and photo; consular fee roughly USD 54, visa placed in your passport.
• Enter Mexico within 180 days of issuanceThe consular visa is an entry document; your FMM must be marked for the canje, not as a tourist.
• Complete the canje at INM within 30 days of entryFile at an INM office with the form, photos, proof of address and fees; missing it voids the visa.
• Obtain your CURP and open a bank accountThe CURP is Mexico's population identifier and comes with your residency card.
• Register dependantsMarriage and birth certificates need a US state apostille and an official Mexican translation.
• Understand your continuing US tax obligationsUS returns on worldwide income continue; over 183 days in Mexico may make you a Mexican tax resident.
• Plan renewals and the path to permanent residencyTemporary residency issues for one year, then renews for one, two or three years.

The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Mexico Temporary Resident Visa take for Americans?

Typical processing time is 2–8 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.

What does the Temporary Resident Visa cost?

The government fee is approximately $55. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.

Do Americans need a job offer for the Temporary Resident Visa?

No. The Temporary Resident Visa does not require a job offer from a Mexico employer.

Can I bring my family on the Temporary Resident Visa?

Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.

What is the income requirement for the Temporary Resident Visa for Americans?

The minimum income is about $52,000 a year, roughly $4,333 a month, expressed in US dollars. The official threshold is set in local currency and moves with exchange rates, so confirm the current figure with the official source.

Other Mexico visas for Americans

• Permanent Resident Visa

Other destinations for Americans

• 🇨🇦 Canada
• 🇵🇹 Portugal
• 🇪🇸 Spain