MexicoTemporary residence

The route, step by step

The first step is open in full. The rest show cost and timing; what you personally need to do is in the personal map.

1. 01

   Income or savings

   no cost·~1 wk

   The consulate checks income for the last 6 months or account balances for the last 12. Thresholds are tied to Mexico’s minimum wage and vary by consulate.

2. 02

   Consulate interview

   $150·~6 wk

   Statements, form, photo. The decision often comes on the interview day and the visa is placed in your passport.

   Step details are in the personal map
3. 03

   Entry

   no cost·~1 wk

   Enter within 180 days. At the border ask for the entry for a visa exchange, not a tourist entry.

   Step details are in the personal map
4. 04

   Resident card at INM

   $400·~6 wk

   Within 30 days of entry, exchange the visa for a card. The first card is for 1 year, then renewals up to 4 years.

   Step details are in the personal map
5. 05

   Move and permanent status

   $3,000·~3 wk

   Housing, bank, RFC tax number. After 4 years of temporary residence you move to permanent.

   Step details are in the personal map

Some steps run in parallel, so the total timeline is shorter than the sum of weeks. Data as of September 2026.

Your PDF map arrives within 24 hours of your answers.