Mexico•North AmericaTemporary Resident Visa (Residente Temporal)
At a Glance
1–5 days
From USD $54
Other charges may apply
4 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote work OK
Overview
Multi-year Mexican residence permit (1–4 years) for income- or savings-based applicants; allows remote work for foreign employers, leads to permanent residency.
Mexico's Residente Temporal, issued by the SRE under the 2011 Migration Law, is a multi-year residence permit for stays of 180 days to four years. Most applicants qualify by economic solvency — monthly tax-free income around USD 4,200+ over six months, or savings averaging USD 70,000+ over twelve months — though family, real-estate, and investment routes also qualify.
Granted for one year initially and renewable up to a four-year cap, after which holders may convert to permanent residency. The consular fee is about USD 54, plus an INM resident card from MXN 5,570 (1yr) to MXN 12,529 (4yr); consular decisions issue in 1–5 business days. Remote work for a foreign employer is permitted; Mexican employment needs separate INM authorization.
This visa is ideal for remote workers, retirees, and investors with stable foreign income seeking a multi-year base in Mexico with a path to permanent residency.
Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 4 years |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
MexicoPermanent Resident Visa (Residente Permanente)
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Proof of income (~USD 2,500/month) or savings (~USD 43,000) or job offer
Valid passport
Application at Mexican consulate abroad
INM registration within 30 days of arrival
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
Experience
1+ years
Min. Income
52,800 USD/yr
Min. Savings
74,000 USD
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport
Passport photocopy
Passport photos
Proof of monthly income
Proof of savings
Proof of accommodation
Health insurance
Criminal record certificate
Completed visa application form
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Multi-year residence: 1-year initial visa renewable up to 4 years total
- Clear path to permanent residency after the 4-year temporary period
- Remote work for a foreign employer is permitted (salary paid abroad)
- Dependents may accompany the principal applicant
- Consular decisions are fast — typically 1 to 5 business days after interview
- Multiple qualifying routes: income, savings, family ties, real estate, or investment
- Dual intent: holders may pursue permanent residency without losing status
Worth Knowing
- Requires either ~USD 4,200+/month income or ~USD 70,000+ in savings
- Cannot work for a Mexican employer without separate INM work permit (lucrativo)
- Visa application must be filed at a Mexican consulate outside Mexico
- Must register with INM and obtain resident card within 30 days of arrival
- INM card fees rise with grant length: MXN 5,570 (1yr) to MXN 12,529 (4yr)
- Insufficient documented income or savings to meet the financial-solvency threshold
- Cannot apply from within Mexico — must be issued at a consulate abroad
Application Process
Gather financial documents
Collect bank statements, income documentation, proof of funds
Schedule consulate appointment
Book appointment at Mexican consulate nearest to residence
Submit application package
Attend interview with all required documents
INM processes application
Authorization processed by National Migration Institute
Receive visa
Visa issued in passport for entry to Mexico
Register with INM in Mexico
Within 30 days of arrival, obtain residence card at local immigration office
Application Forms
| Visa Application Form | — |
| Temporary Resident Visa Economic Solvency RequirementsOptional | — |
Related visas
More visas in Mexico
Work visas in other countries
Ready to see if the Temporary Resident Visa (Residente Temporal) is your visa path?
Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.
Start Visa Discovery