🇲🇽 Mexico Temporary Resident Visa
Also known as: Mexico temporary residency, Residente Temporal
Last verified: September 6, 2026
What is the Mexico Temporary Resident Visa?
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.
Mexico Temporary Resident Visa requirements, cost, and processing time
| Government fee | $55 |
| Processing time | 2–8 weeks |
| Minimum annual income | $52,000/year (about $4,333/month) |
| Minimum savings | $73,000 |
| Job offer | Not required |
| Degree | Not required |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents of figures set in local currency, verified against official sources for Americans.
Mexico Temporary Resident Visa cost and processing time by nationality
| Applicants | Gov. fee | Processing | Min. income | Min. savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 Americans | $55 | 2–8 weeks | $52,000/year | $73,000 |
Each row links to the full guide for that nationality, with the document checklist.
Documents needed for the Mexico Temporary Resident Visa
- Contact your specific Mexican consulate for its thresholds
- Book your consulate appointment early
- Assemble six months of bank or income statements
- Prepare your passport and photos
- Complete the visa application form
- Attend your consular interview and pay the fee
- Enter Mexico within 180 days of issuance
- Complete the canje at INM within 30 days of entry
- Obtain your CURP and open a bank account
- Register dependants
- Understand your continuing US tax obligations
- Plan renewals and the path to permanent residency
This list is the checklist for Americans. The full ordered checklist, with timing, dependencies, and personalized due dates, is part of the plan.
Is the Temporary Resident Visa right for you?
Answer 6 questions and see every Mexico visa you qualify for — free.
Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- What are the requirements for the Mexico Temporary Resident Visa?
- The requirements we have on record are: income of about $52,000 a year; savings of about $73,000. No job offer is needed. Some routes accept savings in place of income, so check the official source for how the two combine. Amounts are USD equivalents verified for Americans; the official source lists the full document set.
- How much does the Mexico Temporary Resident Visa cost?
- The government fee is about $55 (USD equivalent). Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top.
- What is the Mexico Temporary Resident Visa processing time?
- Typical processing takes 2–8 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What is the income requirement for the Mexico Temporary Resident Visa?
- 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.
- How much savings do I need for the Mexico Temporary Resident Visa?
- Plan for savings of about $73,000 (USD equivalent).
- Do I need a job offer for the Mexico Temporary Resident Visa?
- No. The Mexico Temporary Resident Visa does not require a job offer from an employer in Mexico.
- Can family members join on the Mexico Temporary Resident Visa?
- Yes. Accompanying family members are allowed, with additional documentation.
- Does the Mexico Temporary Resident Visa lead to permanent residency?
- Yes. It offers a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.
- Is the Mexico temporary residency the same as the Mexico Temporary Resident Visa?
- Yes. Mexico temporary residency and Residente Temporal are other names people use for the Mexico Temporary Resident Visa.
Mexico Temporary Resident Visa guides by nationality
Other Mexico visas
Always confirm requirements with the official government source: gob.mx. This guide is general information, not legal advice.