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Mexico Legal Residency

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Program Type:

Independent Means Visa

Processing Time:

2-3 months

Citizenship Timeline:

5 years

Permanent Residency Timeline:

Upon approval

Physical Presence Required:

None

Citizenship Visa-Free Access:

158 countries

Minimum Contribution:

None

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Mexico Legal Residency IMI

Program Overview

Mexico Legal Residency

Mexico offers more or less immediate access to a permanent residence permit for those able to demonstrate relatively modest incomes or assets. Though qualification through investments in real estate or equities are also possible, no investment is required as proof of income is alone sufficient.

The program offers a path to Mexican citizenship in as little as five years. The Mexican passport enable visa-free travel to 158 destinations, including the Schengen countries.

Though no physical presence is required to maintain the residency status, those who wish to eventually naturalize must spend no less than 180 days a year in Mexico for five years.

Mexico Legal Residency

How to Qualify

The financial criteria required to qualify for a legal residency permit in Mexico vary depending on what type of residency permit type the applicant wants to acquire; temporary or permanent. Permanent residence permits are available immediately upon approval for those who can demonstrate a higher income. Temporary residence permits are issued initially for 1 year, while subsequent ones have a validity periods of up to 4 years.

Ways to qualify include:

Proven Income:

  • $4,350 per month for temporary residence;
  • $7,300 per month for permanent residence;
  • Additional proof of income per month per dependent, including spouse and children under 18.

Proven Savings (cash or investments):

  • $73,200 (UMA) for temporary residence;
  • $293,000 (UMA) for permanent residence;
  • Additional proof of savings per dependent, including spouse and children under 18.

The applicant must demonstrate a minimum monthly balance over the last 12 months.

Real Estate Investment

  • $586,000 investment which cannot have any debt, charges or mortgage attached. The investment only allows for a temporary residency permit.

Capital Investment:

  • $293,000 investment into private Mexican-owned company or a company or companies listed on the Mexican stock exchange.

Application fees depend on the visa you obtain:

  • $260 Permanent residency
  • $240 Temporary residency 1 year
  • $320 Temporary residency 2 year
  • $400 Temporary residency 3 year
  • $480 Temporary residency 4 year
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Mexico Legal Residency

Salient Benefits

  • No investment or donation requirement
  • Path to citizenship
  • Permits dual/multiple citizenship
  • Lower cost of living
  • Warm climate
  • Enhanced business access to large economies
  • Short processing time

Mexico Legal Residency

Citizenship Timeline and Requirements

If the applicant has resided in Mexico for 5 years continuously he may apply for citizenship through naturalization. For naturalization, the applicant must have been physically present in Mexico for at least 180 days a year during each of the preceding five years.

The applicant will need to ensure they have a good knowledge of Mexican culture and history, as there is an exam required. There is an exam to test comprehension of Spanish language. Minors, those over 60 years old, and refugees are exempt from the exam.

Browse 195 countries’ paths to citizenship in the hyper-detailed IMI Citizenship Catalog.

Mexico Legal Residency

Program Authority and Legal Basis

Applications for this program may be directed to The National Institute of Immigration (INM).

Legislation upon which this program is based on Migration Law 2014 Article 3.

Mexico Legal Residency

IMI Pros Who Can Help You

Mexico Legal Residency

Qualifying Real Estate

As noted in the program qualifications above, an investor can qualify for this program with a local property purchase above the minimum investment threshold. View eligible properties curated by IMI and our real estate partners:

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Mexico Legal Residency

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Mexico Legal Residency

Program Statistics

See more statistics on this program and others in the IMI Data Center.

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