How to Get Temporary Residency in Mexico (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’re thinking about staying in Mexico longer than the 180 days granted by a tourist permit, temporary residency is your best next move. It’s the legal pathway for anyone who wants to live in Mexico full-time or part-time, open a bank account, sign long-term rentals, buy a car, or work with the proper permissions.

This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process, what documents you need, what to expect at the consulate and in Mexico, and which trusted immigration consultants can make your life much easier.

What Is Temporary Residency in Mexico?

Temporary residency allows you to live in Mexico for 1–4 years. The most common first permit is 1 year, and it can later be renewed for up to 4 years total. After that, you can apply for permanent residency.

Most foreigners qualify through one of these pathways:

Economic solvency (most common)
Family unity
Job offer from a Mexican company
Retiree/pension
Marriage to a Mexican citizen
Special criteria (humanitarian reasons)

Step-by-Step: How to Get Temporary Residency

Step 1: Schedule an Appointment at a Mexican Consulate

Temporary residency begins outside of Mexico. You must start the process at a Mexican consulate in your home country or wherever you are legally staying.

Tips:

Some consulates book up weeks in advance—plan early.
Each consulate has slightly different documentation and income requirements.
Not all consulates accept walk-ins (most don’t anymore).

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

For the economic solvency route, you will need:

Typical Required Documents

Passport (valid for 6+ months)
Completed visa application form (from the consulate website)
Passport-sized photographs
Proof of income or savings:
- Savings/Investments: Often around $35,000–$50,000 USD for the past 12 months
- Monthly Income: Typically around $2,500–$3,000+ USD for the past 6 months
  (Exact amounts depend on the consulate.)
Bank statements (downloaded PDFs—not screenshots)
Proof of residency where you’re applying from

If applying through family unity, marriage, or job offer, the required documents differ.

Step 3: Attend Your Consulate Appointment

This is usually quick—10 to 20 minutes.

You’ll:

Submit your documents
Answer a few questions
Pay the fee (usually $40–$50 USD)
If approved, get a visa sticker in your passport

This visa is not residency yet—it’s permission to enter Mexico for finalization within 180 days.

Step 4: Enter Mexico and Apply for Your Residency Card (Within 30 Days!)

Once you enter Mexico with your new visa sticker, you have 30 days to finalize your residency.

This process happens at the local immigration office (INM – Instituto Nacional de Migración) in the city where you’ll be living.

You will:

Fill out the online form (Formato Básico)
Pay the fee for the 1-year card
Provide photos (front and profile)
Submit your passport and entry form

Some offices allow walk-ins; others require appointments.

Step 5: Pick Up Your Temporary Resident Card

Processing times vary widely by location:

Playa del Carmen: 2–6 weeks
Mérida: 1–3 weeks
Mexico City: 4–10 weeks

Once approved, you will return to the INM office to pick up your Temporal Residencia card.

Congrats—you are now a temporary resident of Mexico!

Should You Hire an Immigration Consultant?

Short answer: YES.
INM offices are notoriously inconsistent, and mistakes can delay the process for weeks.

A good consultant will:

Schedule your appointments
Prepare your paperwork
Ensure you don’t make costly mistakes
Accompany you to INM (huge stress reducer)
Track your application

Recommended Immigration Consultants in the Riviera Maya

Below are two very reputable, bilingual professionals who consistently receive excellent feedback from expats in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cancún.

⭐ Andriana Vela – Immigration Specialist (Playa del Carmen / Tulum / Cancún)

Andrea is known for:

Clear communication
Helping with tricky cases
Fast appointment scheduling
Full hand-holding through the INM office

She works with many U.S. and Canadian expats and is especially good with temporary residency, renewals, and family visas.

Website: https://immigrationtomexico.mx/about-us/
Email: info@immigrationtomexico.mx

⭐ Milly Arceo – Immigration & Relocation Consultant (Quintana Roo)

Milly has a great reputation for:

Residency applications
Renewals and switching from temporary to permanent
Working with families and retirees
Providing relocation help beyond immigration (bank accounts, utilities, CURP, etc.)

Clients appreciate her friendliness, organization, and reliable results.

Website: http://www.legallyinmexico.com/
Phone: +52 984 157 5589

How Much Does the Process Cost?

Consulate Appointment:

$40–$50 USD

Mexican Residency Card Fees:

1 year: ~$5,300–$6,000 MXN
2 years: ~$8,000–$9,000 MXN
3 years: ~$10,500–$11,000 MXN
4 years: ~$12,000–$13,000 MXN

Consultant Fees:

Usually $180–$350 USD depending on city and complexity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Arriving in Mexico without your visa sticker
❌ Waiting more than 30 days to finalize your residency
❌ Using screenshots instead of bank statements
❌ Not checking your consulate’s specific income requirements
❌ Trying to do renewals alone during busy season (January–April)

Final Thoughts

Temporary residency in Mexico is a straightforward but paperwork-heavy process. The hardest part is the initial consulate appointment—but once you’re in Mexico, the process is manageable, especially with an experienced consultant by your side.

If you want the smoothest experience possible, Andrea Vela and Milly Arco are two of the best in the Riviera Maya.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Matt from Nasplaya, your go-to guide for living, investing, and thriving in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. In 2008 my husband and I quit our jobs in Boston, Massachusetts, sold everything we owned and drove to Playa del Carmen, Mexico to start North American Standards (Nasplaya), our property management, vacation rental and real estate company. Now 17+ years later, I am sharing our experience helping expats and property owners navigate the local market. I share honest insights, practical tips, and insider knowledge to make your move—or your investment—a success.

From finding the best schools and maximizing rental income to understanding local regulations and uncovering hidden gems, my goal is to give you clear, actionable advice you can trust. When I’m not exploring the beaches or scouting the newest rental opportunities, I’m sharing stories, guides, and strategies that help you make the most of life in paradise.

Follow along for expert tips, local updates, and everything you need to live, invest, and enjoy the Riviera Maya to the fullest.

North American Standards (NAS Playa)
Property Management • Rentals • Real Estate
📍 Playa del Carmen, Mexico
🌐 www.nasplaya.com 🔑 Rentals: rentals@nasplaya.com
📊 Sales: buy@nasplaya.com 🏘 Property Management: bookings@nasplaya.com