Mexico Digital Nomad Visa & Remote Work

 

➡ WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS?

The minimum requirements are a bank balance of $43,000, a monthly income of $2,595, or a property value of $346,000.

➡ HOW LONG CAN YOU STAY?

You can reside in the country for an initial duration of 1 year, with the option to renew for a cumulative total of up to 4 years.

➡ WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

➡ HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The visa application fee is roughly $40 USD and the resident card fee around $200 USD.

➡ HOW MUCH WILL YOU PAY IN TAXES?

If you’re working remotely for a foreign employer or client, you might not be required to pay taxes on that income to the Mexican government.

Nomad Visa Mexico 2024

Mexico is a dream destination for digital nomads, offering stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and a relatively low cost of living. From ancient Maya ruins to Caribbean beaches and bustling cities like Mexico City, there’s something for everyone.

Mexico may not have a specific visa tailored for digital nomads, but it offers an alternative solution through its Temporary Resident Visa, which is well-suited for remote professionals. This visa grants individuals the ability to live in Mexico for an initial period of one year, extendable for up to a total of four years. While it prohibits local employment, holders are allowed to earn income from sources outside Mexico.

Benefits of Mexico’s Temporary Resident Visa for Digital Nomads:

1. Unlimited Travel: Unlike the 180-day limit on tourist visas, temporary residents can freely enter and exit Mexico at their convenience.
2. Vehicle Importation: Temporary residents can bring their foreign vehicles into Mexico without the need to change license plates, facilitating mobility within the country.
3. Tax-Free Imports: Individuals with this visa can import personal and household items without facing tax charges, simplifying the relocation process.
4. Healthcare Access: Through Mexico’s IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social), temporary residents can access healthcare services.
5. Driver’s License Eligibility: Holders of this visa are eligible to obtain a Mexican driver’s license, enhancing their mobility and integration into local life.
6. Path to Permanent Residency: After four years of holding temporary residency, individuals can transition to permanent residency status, providing long-term stability and security.

Eligibility Criteria for Mexico’s Temporary Resident Visa

To be eligible for a Temporary Resident Visa in Mexico, you must satisfy one of the following conditions:

1. Have immediate family members residing in Mexico.
2. Secure employment in Mexico.
3. Intend to retire in Mexico.
4. Enroll in a Mexican educational institution for studies.
5. Accumulate a minimum of four years of temporary residency, qualifying for permanent residency.

As a digital nomad considering a temporary relocation to Mexico, you can demonstrate your financial stability by meeting one of the following requirements:

1. Maintain a tax-free bank balance of $43,000 for the preceding 12 months.
2. Earn a tax-free income of $2,595 per month over the last 6 months (if accompanied by a spouse or dependent, this amount increases by $861 for each family member).
3. Own a Mexican property valued at a minimum of $346,000.

How to Apply for Mexico’s Temporary Resident Visa For Digital Nomads

1. Schedule a visa appointment at the nearest Mexican embassy or consulate in your country of origin or residence. Contact details can be found on the website of the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
2. Compile the required documentation listed below.
3. Pay the visa fee, typically around $40 USD, at the embassy or consulate either in cash or by credit card.
4. Attend your visa appointment and submit your documents. You may need to discuss your travel intentions and plans for your stay in Mexico.
5. Retrieve your visa and travel to Mexico. You will receive a sticker in your passport valid for 180 days. This serves as entry permission and initiates the process, not the actual temporary resident visa. Ensure you enter Mexico within 180 days of sticker issuance.
6. Within 30 days of arrival in Mexico, register with the National Immigration Institute (INM). This involves completing an online form, scheduling an appointment at the nearest INM office, and paying an additional fee of approximately $200 USD. You will then receive your temporary residence card, valid for one year and extendable for up to four years.

Documents Required for Applying as Digital Nomad

The documents needed for a Temporary Resident Visa application in Mexico can vary depending on your circumstances and the specific embassy or consulate where you apply. However, typically required documents include:

1. A passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry date into Mexico.
2. A completed and signed visa application form, downloadable from the Mexican embassy or consulate website or obtainable directly from them.
3. Two passport-sized photographs taken against a white background, without glasses or headgear.
4. Proof of financial stability, such as bank statements, tax returns, pension slips, or property deeds. Minimum requirements include a bank balance of $43,000, a monthly income of $2,595, or property valued at $346,000. Original documents and Spanish translations by a certified translator may be necessary.
5. Evidence of legal residency in the country where you’re applying, such as a visa, residence permit, or ID card.
6. Receipt of payment for the visa fee, usually around $40 USD.
7. Proof of health insurance, though recommended, is not mandatory.

Additional documents may be required based on the purpose of your travel and your specific situation. These may include:

1. Marriage or birth certificates if applying with a spouse or dependents.
2. Enrollment letter or academic records if applying as a student.
3. Business registration or investment certificate if applying as an investor or business owner.
4. A letter from your employer or client if applying as a remote worker.

For the exact list of required documents, refer to the Mexican embassy or consulate website, or inquire when scheduling your visa appointment. It’s essential to ensure all your documents are up-to-date and valid before submitting your application.

What are the Costs of Mexico’s Temporary Resident Visa?

Mexico’s Temporary Resident Visa encompasses two separate fees: one for the visa application and another for the resident card.

The visa application fee, approximately $40 USD, is payable at the embassy or consulate where you submit your application.

The resident card fee, around $200 USD, is payable at the National Immigration Institute (INM) office in Mexico when you register. These fees may vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations and location differences. Payment options include cash or credit card.

The total cost for the Temporary Resident Visa in Mexico averages around $240 USD per individual. If applying with a spouse or dependents, they will incur the same charges.

Timeline for Applying For Mexico’s Temporary Resident Visa

The timeline for obtaining a Temporary Resident Visa in Mexico can vary due to factors like appointment availability, processing speed at embassies or consulates, and workload at the National Immigration Institute (INM) office. A typical timeline might proceed as follows:

1. Appointment scheduling at a Mexican embassy or consulate in your home country or country of residence. This step can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on location and demand.
2. Visa appointment duration varies, ranging from a few minutes to several hours, influenced by applicant volume and staff efficiency.
3. Visa approval timing depends on embassy or consulate workload, lasting from a few days to several weeks. Notification of visa readiness is typically sent via email or phone.
4. Registration with the National Immigration Institute (INM) could take from a few days to several weeks, contingent upon appointment availability and INM office workload.
5. Residence card issuance duration ranges from a few days to several weeks, with notification of card readiness sent via email or phone by the INM office.

The full process of acquiring a Temporary Resident Visa in Mexico can span from a few weeks to a couple of months, influenced by individual circumstances and chance. To mitigate delays or issues, proactive planning and early application submission are recommended.