Deep coverage15 verified routes across visit, study, work, investment, family and more.
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Select the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Mexico.
3 routes
Visit
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Mexico Electronic Authorization (SAE)
Free online electronic authorization allowing ordinary-passport holders of Russia, Türkiye and Ukraine to fly to Mexico without a consular visa for tourism, business or transit. Valid 30 days from issuance for a single entry by air on a participating airline; the immigration officer grants up to 180 days on arrival. If the SAE is denied, the traveler must apply for a regular visitor visa at a consulate.
Valid passportOrdinary passport of an eligible nationality (Russia, Türkiye, Ukraine).How to get it ↓
Online SAE applicationCompleted on the INM portal before boarding.How to get it ↓
Printed SAE authorizationMust be shown at airline check-in and to immigration on arrival.How to get it ↓
Arrival by air on participating airlineSAE is valid only for air entry.How to get it ↓
FMM on arrivalCompleted at the port of entry.How to get it ↓
Tourist Visa
Mexico Visitor Visa (without permission to work)
Consular visitor visa for nationals who are not visa-exempt (e.g. India, China, and since the suspensions Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela). Issued for a single entry, valid 180 days, allowing a stay of up to 180 days for tourism or business without paid activities. Applicants book via the MiConsulado portal, attend an interview and show economic solvency; the 2026 consular fee is USD 56.
Government fee
$56
Service fee
$160
Processing time
10 days
Max stay
180 days
Validity
180 days
Document checklist (7)
Visa application formCompleted and signed official form.How to get it ↓
Valid passportOriginal plus photocopy of data page and pages with visas/stamps.How to get it ↓
Passport photoOne recent photo, white background, no glasses.How to get it ↓
Proof of legal stayIf applying in a country of which you are not a national.How to get it ↓
Proof of economic solvencyBank statements and/or employment letter; amounts vary by consulate.How to get it ↓
Proof of purpose of tripOptionalItinerary, hotel reservation or invitation letter.How to get it ↓
Fee payment (USD 56)Non-refundable processing fee, charged regardless of outcome.How to get it ↓
Tourist Visa
Mexico Visa-Free Entry (Visitor / FMM)
Nationals of ~50 countries (US, Canada, UK, EU/EFTA, Japan, Australia, etc.) and holders of valid US/UK/Canada/Japan/Schengen visas or permanent residence enter Mexico visa-free as visitors for tourism, business or transit. The immigration officer grants up to 180 days (often less, at discretion); the non-resident fee (DNR) is MXN 983 in 2026, included in air fares and waived for land stays of 7 days or less. The FMM is now digital or replaced by a passport stamp at most ports; no extension or work allowed.
Government fee
MX$983
Max stay
180 days
Validity
180 days
Document checklist (6)
Valid passportPassport valid for the entire stay.How to get it ↓
FMM (digital or stamp)Multiple Migratory Form completed online (land) or replaced by passport stamp at airports.How to get it ↓
DNR fee paymentMXN 983 non-resident fee (2026); included in airline tickets, payable at land borders for stays over 7 days.How to get it ↓
Proof of purpose of tripOptionalHotel booking, return ticket or invitation; may be requested by the immigration officer.How to get it ↓
Proof of fundsOptionalMay be requested at the officer's discretion.How to get it ↓
Valid visa or PR of US/UK/Canada/Japan/SchengenOptionalOnly for nationals using the document-based exemption instead of nationality-based exemption.How to get it ↓
Not yet researched
Transit Visa
Business Visitor Visa
Medical Treatment Visa
Pilgrimage Visa
1 route
Study & Training
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
Mexico Student Visa (Temporary Resident Student)
For foreigners admitted to courses, degrees or research at Mexican institutions for stays over 180 days. Requires an acceptance letter and proof of economic solvency (roughly USD 1,500/month at US consulates in 2026, varying by post; solvency may be shown by parents for applicants under 25, and Mexican-government scholarship holders are exempt). The student resident card is renewed annually for the duration of studies; paid work requires separate INM authorization, and time as a student does not count toward permanent residence.
Study: Enrollment in accredited institution required
INM card exchangeStudent resident card at INM within 30 days of entry.How to get it ↓
Not yet researched
Language Course Visa
Internship / Trainee Visa
Exchange Program Visa
2 routes
Work & Self-Employment
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Skilled Work Visa
Mexico Work Visa (Temporary Resident with Job Offer)
Employer-led work route: a Mexican employer registered with INM (holding a Constancia de Inscripción de Empleador) files the work authorization with INM; once approved, the worker receives a NUT number and attends a consular interview (visa fee USD 56, no solvency proof needed - the job offer qualifies). After entry, the visa is exchanged within 30 days for a temporary resident card with work permission (1 year, MXN 11,141 plus ~MXN 4,341 work authorization in 2026), renewable up to 4 years, then permanent residence. Workers cannot self-petition; changing employer must be notified to INM.
Work: Work allowed with INM job-offer permit (NUT)
Study: May study while resident
Residency after 4 years
Family: Spouse and children via family unity
Government fee
$56
Service fee
$220
Validity
180 days
Document checklist (8)
INM work authorization (NUT)Approval obtained by the Mexican employer before the consular stage.How to get it ↓
INM card exchangeTemporary resident card with work permission within 30 days of entry.How to get it ↓
Seasonal Work Visa
Mexico Border Worker Visitor Card (TVTF)
Card allowing nationals of Guatemala and Belize to work legally in Mexico's southern border states (Campeche, Chiapas, Tabasco and Quintana Roo) with multiple entries. Issued at seven southern border entry points upon presenting a written job offer from an INM-registered employer; the 2026 fee is MXN 581, waived when the job pays the regional minimum wage. Valid 1 year, not renewable - holders must reapply, and a change of employer must be reported to INM.
Work: Paid work in border states; tied to region
Government fee
MX$581
Service fee
MX$780
Max stay
365 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (5)
Valid passport or travel documentGuatemalan or Belizean.How to get it ↓
Written job offerSigned by an employer registered with INM (valid employer registration certificate, CIE).How to get it ↓
Fee payment (MXN 581)Waived if the job pays the minimum wage of the work zone.How to get it ↓
Biometric captureFingerprints, iris, photo and signature at the border entry point.How to get it ↓
Parental authorizationOptionalFor applicants aged 16-17, per labor law.How to get it ↓
Not yet researched
Digital Nomad Visa
Freelancer Visa
Self-Employment Visa
Startup / Entrepreneur Visa
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
3 routes
Invest & Capital
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Residence by Real Estate
Mexico Temporary Resident Visa (Real Estate Ownership)
Temporary residence for foreigners who own Mexican real estate: a notarized public deed must show the applicant owns property in Mexico worth more than USD 624,405 (Las Vegas consulate, 2026; equivalent to about MXN 10.76 million), free of liens. The visa leads to a 1-year temporary resident card renewable up to 4 years, after which permanent residence is available. No income proof is required under this option.
Public deed (escritura pública)Original and copy of notarized Mexican deed showing ownership of property worth over USD 624,405 (2026).How to get it ↓
Proof of legal stayIf not a national of the country of application.How to get it ↓
Fee payment (USD 56)Non-refundable consular fee.How to get it ↓
INM card exchangeTemporary resident card at INM within 30 days of entry.How to get it ↓
Non-Lucrative / Passive Income Visa
Mexico Temporary Resident Visa (Economic Solvency)
Residence route for financially self-sufficient people, including remote workers and pensioners (Mexico has no separate digital-nomad visa; consulates explicitly accept remote-work income under this category). In 2026 US consulates require monthly net income of about USD 4,510-4,630 for the last 6 months (680x UMA = MXN 79,771) or average savings/investments of about USD 76,000-78,000 over 12 months, plus ~USD 1,498/month per dependent. The visa is valid 180 days for entry; within 30 days you exchange it at INM for a temporary resident card (1 year, MXN 11,141 in 2026, renewable up to 4 years, then permanent residence).
Valid passportOriginal plus photocopies of data page and stamped pages.How to get it ↓
Passport photoRecent, white background, no glasses.How to get it ↓
Proof of legal stayIf not a national of the country where you apply.How to get it ↓
Bank statements - income optionLast 6 months showing monthly income of at least ~USD 4,630 (Las Vegas 2026), with employment letter, contract, payroll or pension voucher.How to get it ↓
Bank statements - savings optionOptionalAlternative: last 12 months with minimum monthly balance of ~USD 78,025 (Las Vegas 2026).How to get it ↓
Remote-work employer letterOptionalIf employed: letter on letterhead stating salary and explicit agreement with residing in Mexico and working remotely.How to get it ↓
Fee payment (USD 56)Non-refundable consular fee.How to get it ↓
INM card exchange (canje)Apply for the temporary resident card at INM within 30 days of entry.How to get it ↓
Business Investor Visa
Mexico Temporary Resident Visa (Investor)
Temporary residence for investors in Mexican companies: a notarized deed must show paid-in participation in the capital stock of a Mexican legal entity exceeding USD 312,169 (Las Vegas, 2026; about MXN 5.38 million / 45,850x UMA), or ownership of fixed assets used for business of the same value, or documented business activity such as employing at least three workers registered with IMSS. Leads to a renewable temporary resident card (up to 4 years) and then permanent residence. Mexico has no golden-visa or citizenship-by-investment program.
Work: Work allowed via investor activity (INM permit)
Notarized corporate deedShowing participation in a Mexican company's capital stock exceeding USD 312,169 (2026), e.g. share purchase contract.How to get it ↓
Proof of fixed assets or business activityOptionalAlternative: assets over USD 312,169 used for business, or contracts/invoices/IMSS proof of employing 3+ workers.How to get it ↓
Fee payment (USD 56)Non-refundable consular fee.How to get it ↓
INM card exchangeTemporary resident card at INM within 30 days of entry.How to get it ↓
Not yet researched
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Citizenship by Investment
2 routes
Retire & Lifestyle
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Retirement Visa
Mexico Permanent Resident Visa (Retirees / Pensioners)
Direct permanent residence for retirees and pensioners, with no prior temporary residence required. In 2026 the threshold is 1,140x UMA in monthly pension income (MXN 133,733, roughly USD 7,400 - Omaha consulate listed USD 6,789 in 2025) for the last 6 months, or savings/investments of 45,850x UMA (MXN 5,378,664, roughly USD 298,000) averaged over 12 months; consulates increasingly require proof of actual retired status. The permanent resident card (MXN 13,579 in 2026) is obtained from INM within 30 days of entry and never expires; permanent residents may work.
Proof of pension incomePension statements showing monthly tax-free income above the threshold for the last 6 months.How to get it ↓
Proof of savings/investmentsOptionalAlternative: bank/investment statements with average monthly balance above the threshold for the last 12 months.How to get it ↓
Official proof of retirementDocument stating retired/pensioner status; required by many consulates for direct permanent residency.How to get it ↓
Fee payment (USD 56)Consular processing fee (2026).How to get it ↓
INM card within 30 daysPermanent resident card processed at INM after entry.How to get it ↓
Working Holiday Visa
Mexico Working Holiday Visa
Mexico runs reciprocal working-holiday schemes with New Zealand (since 2007, 200 places per year, ages 18-30, 12 months), France (Visa Vacances-Travail, since 2016, ages 18-30, 1 year) and Pacific Alliance partners Chile, Colombia and Peru (since 2014). Eligible young people apply at the Mexican embassy in their country (e.g. Wellington for New Zealanders) and are issued a temporary visa under the 'international legal instrument on mobility of persons' category, allowing them to work to fund their holiday. Quotas and supporting-funds requirements are set per agreement; the visa is not extendable beyond the agreed year.
Work: Work allowed; capped/limited duration
Study: Short study permitted; limited
Service fee
$220
Max stay
365 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (6)
Valid passportOf a partner-country nationality (NZ, France, Chile, Colombia, Peru).How to get it ↓
Visa application formFiled at the Mexican embassy with reference to the bilateral agreement.How to get it ↓
Proof of fundsSufficient resources for the initial stay, per the relevant agreement.How to get it ↓
Return ticket or funds to purchase oneOptionalCommonly required under working-holiday agreements.How to get it ↓
Health/travel insuranceOptionalCommonly required under the agreements.How to get it ↓
3 routes
Family & Origin
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Family Reunification Visa
Mexico Family Unity Visa (Vínculo Familiar)
Residence for close relatives (spouse/partner, children, parents of minors, stepchildren) of Mexican temporary or permanent residents, temporary resident students, or Mexican nationals. The resident sponsor must show extra solvency of about USD 1,498 per month (or equivalent savings) per family member at US consulates in 2026; parents, minor children and siblings of Mexican citizens can qualify directly for permanent residence with the Mexican citizen appearing at the consulate. Family-unit applications may also be filed in-country at INM, and INM card fees are discounted 50% for family-unit cases.
Proof of family linkOriginal marriage or birth certificates, apostilled and translated if issued outside Mexico/US.How to get it ↓
Sponsor's resident card or proof of Mexican nationalityTemporary/permanent resident card, or Mexican birth certificate/passport of the sponsor.How to get it ↓
Sponsor's proof of solvency~USD 1,498/month income or equivalent 12-month balance per family member (not required for spouses of Mexicans).How to get it ↓
INM card exchangeResident card at INM within 30 days of entry (50% fee discount for family unit).How to get it ↓
Spouse / Partner Visa
Mexico Residence for Spouse/Partner of a Mexican National
Spouses and common-law partners of Mexican citizens (or of permanent residents) qualify for temporary residence with no economic solvency requirement - only the marriage certificate and proof of the Mexican spouse's nationality are needed (Las Vegas 2026 checklist, option G). The temporary resident card is issued for 2 years, after which the holder converts to permanent residence; applications can also be made in-country at INM under family unity. After 2 years of residence with a Mexican spouse the holder may also pursue naturalization.
Original marriage certificateOr document proving concubinage/common-law partnership; apostilled and translated if foreign.How to get it ↓
Proof of spouse's Mexican nationalityMexican birth certificate, passport or nationality certificate per Article 3 of the Nationality Law (or permanent resident card if sponsor is a PR).How to get it ↓
Fee payment (USD 56)Consular visa fee; no solvency proof required for spouses of Mexicans.How to get it ↓
INM card exchange2-year temporary resident card at INM within 30 days; convert to permanent after 2 years.How to get it ↓
Ancestry / Repatriation
Mexican Nationality by Descent (Birth Registration Abroad)
Anyone born abroad to a Mexican-born (or naturalized) father or mother is Mexican by birth under the Nationality Law and can register at any Mexican consulate or civil registry to receive a Mexican birth certificate, usually issued the same day. Registration is free of charge and there is no generational limit through a Mexico-born parent; grandchildren first register the intermediate parent. Once registered, the person holds full citizenship (passport, unrestricted residence and work) rather than a visa.
Government fee
$0
Document checklist (6)
Foreign long-form birth certificateShowing both parents' full names; abstract versions not accepted; apostilled/translated as applicable.How to get it ↓
Parent's Mexican birth certificateCertified copy of the Mexican father's and/or mother's birth certificate.How to get it ↓
Parents' official IDsMexican passport, INE/voter card or matrícula consular; foreign parent presents valid passport.How to get it ↓
Parents' marriage certificateOptionalIf married; if not married (or married less than 6 months before the birth), the father must appear to sign.How to get it ↓
Applicant's official IDValid photo identification of the registrant.How to get it ↓
Appointment via MiConsuladoRegistration and certificate issuance are free.How to get it ↓
Not yet researched
Dependent Relative Visa
1 route
Special Categories
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Permanent Residence
Mexico Permanent Resident Status
Open-ended residence status with unrestricted right to live and work in Mexico. Obtainable directly from abroad by retirees/pensioners, by family unity with Mexicans (parents, minor children, siblings), or via the rarely-used points system; in-country it is granted after 4 years as a temporary resident (2 years if married to a Mexican or permanent resident). The card never expires for adults (minors renew every 4 years); the 2026 INM card fee is MXN 13,579 (MXN 8,569 when transitioning from temporary residence).
Proof of qualifying basisPension/savings evidence, family-unity certificates with the Mexican relative appearing in person, or points-system evidence.How to get it ↓
Proof of legal stayIf not a national of the country where applying.How to get it ↓
Fee payment (USD 56)Consular visa fee (2026; USD 54 in 2025).How to get it ↓
INM card within 30 daysPermanent resident card processed after entry; MXN 13,579 (2026).How to get it ↓
How to get these documents General guidance for any passport.
Valid passport
How to get this document
Apply for or renew your passport at your country's passport authority (often the foreign-affairs or interior ministry, a passport office or designated post office). Most visa portals want a clear colour scan of the bio-data page; keep the passport valid at least 6 months beyond your trip with two blank pages.
Issued by
National passport authority
Typical cost
$20–$150
Typical time
1–6 weeks (expedited often available)
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Online SAE application
How to get this document
Complete the official visa or residence application form for your destination. Most consulates now use an online portal where you fill in the form, upload documents and book an appointment; print and sign the confirmation page.
Issued by
Destination consulate / immigration portal
Typical cost
Usually free (the visa fee is separate)
Typical time
30–60 minutes to complete
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Arrival by air on participating airline
How to get this document
Provide a flight reservation or an onward/return ticket itinerary. Many travellers use a held reservation (not a paid ticket) from an airline, travel agent or flight-itinerary service so they are not committed before the visa is granted.
Issued by
Airline / travel agent
Typical cost
free–$30 for a reservation
Typical time
Same day
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Passport photo
How to get this document
Have a recent passport photo taken at a pharmacy, photo booth or photographer, or use a compliant online photo tool. The common size is 35×45 mm with a plain light background, neutral expression and no glasses; the US and a few others require 2×2 in (51×51 mm). Get 2–4 prints plus a digital copy.
Issued by
Any photographer or photo booth (ICAO 9303 standard)
Typical cost
$5–$15
Typical time
Same day
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of legal stay
How to get this document
Show where you will stay: a hotel booking, a signed tenancy/lease, a host's invitation with their address, or an address-registration document. For longer stays a registered rental contract is usually expected.
Issued by
Landlord / host / municipality
Typical cost
free–$50
Typical time
Same day–1 week
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of economic solvency
How to get this document
Show you can support your stay using bank statements, a salary or pension certificate, a sponsorship/affidavit of support, or evidence of savings or income that meets the published minimum for the visa. Combine several documents if one is not enough.
Issued by
Your bank / employer / sponsor
Typical cost
free–$20
Typical time
Same day–1 week
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of purpose of trip
How to get this document
Write a signed cover or motivation letter explaining the purpose of your trip or application, your plans and your ties to your home country, addressed to the consulate. You prepare this yourself.
Issued by
Self-prepared
Typical cost
Free
Typical time
Same day
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Fee payment (USD 56)
How to get this document
Pay the visa or government fee through the channel the consulate specifies — card payment on the application portal, bank transfer, or in person at the visa centre. Keep the receipt or transaction confirmation to upload or present.
Issued by
Destination consulate / payment provider
Typical cost
Varies by visa
Typical time
Immediate–2 days
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Valid visa or PR of US/UK/Canada/Japan/Schengen
How to get this document
Obtain a national ID card or a citizenship/nationality certificate from your civil-registry or interior ministry. For ancestry- or origin-based routes, request the birth, naturalisation or archive records that prove the qualifying lineage.
Issued by
Civil registry / interior ministry
Typical cost
free–$50
Typical time
Same day–several weeks
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Acceptance letter
How to get this document
Once you are accepted, request an admission/acceptance letter or certificate of enrolment from the school or university's admissions or registrar office. It should confirm the programme, the dates and that tuition is arranged.
Issued by
School / university (admissions office)
Typical cost
Usually free
Typical time
A few days–2 weeks
Verified 11 Jun 2026
INM work authorization (NUT)
How to get this document
Request a letter on company letterhead from your employer stating your position, start date, salary and that your leave or continued employment is approved, signed by HR or a manager. For work visas this may instead be a formal work permit or job-offer letter issued by the employer or labour authority.
Issued by
Employer (HR) / labour authority
Typical cost
Free
Typical time
A few days
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Biometric capture
How to get this document
Book a biometrics appointment at the destination's visa application centre (e.g. VFS Global, TLScontact or BLS) or consulate, then attend in person to give fingerprints and a facial photo. Bring your passport and the appointment confirmation.
Issued by
Visa application centre / consulate
Typical cost
Often included in the visa feesometimes a small service fee
Typical time
15–30 minute appointment
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Public deed (escritura pública)
How to get this document
Obtain the title deed or an extract from the land registry proving ownership; for a purchase, provide the notarised purchase contract. The land-registry office issues certified copies.
Issued by
Land registry / notary
Typical cost
$10–$100
Typical time
Same day–2 weeks
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Bank statements - income option
How to get this document
Request a stamped statement covering the last 3–6 months from your bank, or export an official PDF from online banking. Many consulates require the bank's stamp/signature or a separate letter confirming your balance.
Issued by
Your bank
Typical cost
free–$10
Typical time
Same day–a few days
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Notarized corporate deed
How to get this document
Get an up-to-date extract from the commercial/companies register (chamber of commerce or trade registry) showing your company's registration, or your trade or professional licence. Many registries issue this online for a small fee.
Issued by
Commercial register / chamber of commerce
Typical cost
free–$50
Typical time
Same day–1 week
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Official proof of retirement
How to get this document
This is a destination- or programme-specific supporting document. Follow the exact instruction on the official consulate or immigration checklist for your visa; if it is unclear, contact the consulate or visa application centre for guidance on how to obtain it.
Issued by
Destination consulate / immigration authority
Typical cost
Varies
Typical time
Varies
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Health/travel insurance
How to get this document
Buy a travel-medical insurance policy covering your whole trip and every destination country, then print the certificate. For the Schengen Area the EU Visa Code requires at least €30,000 of cover for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid across all member states.
Prove the family link with civil documents — marriage and birth certificates connecting you to the relative, a family or household register, or, for unmarried partners, evidence of cohabitation (joint lease, bills, photos). Civil documents often need an apostille and translation.
Sponsor's resident card or proof of Mexican nationality
How to get this document
Have your sponsor sign a letter or affidavit of support undertaking to cover your costs, attaching their ID and proof of funds or income. Some countries require a notarised affidavit or an official guarantee form.
Issued by
Sponsor (sometimes notarised)
Typical cost
free–$50
Typical time
Days
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Original marriage certificate
How to get this document
Order a certified copy of your marriage (or divorce) certificate from the civil registry that recorded it. For foreign use add an apostille or legalisation and a certified translation.
Order a certified copy of your birth certificate from the civil-registry/vital-records office where you were born (often available online). For foreign use it usually needs an apostille or legalisation and a translation.
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