This article shares my first-hand experience applying for a Mexico digital nomad visa: what worked, what didn’t, and how you can do it too.
📮 Hola Trisha! Congratulations! I saw on your Instagram that you were granted a one-year Mexico digital nomad visa. I wanted to ask for your advice on how you did it. I am an American citizen in my 40s and is also a remote worker like you. I mainly want to know if I need the help of an attorney or doing it by myself will do. My Spanish is not very good and I know you are fluent so I need advice on how to move forward with the processing. I appreciate all the tips! Thank you for all that you do!
– Seth Bray, United States
Hi Seth,
Glad you decided to move to Mexico! I applied for a Mexico digital nomad visa in 2020, and I was quite surprised by the smooth process and easy list of requirements.
Back in 2021, I started my 4‑year temporary residency in Mexico. Now I’m a permanent resident, and every step of the process was worth it!
The main factor for the Mexico digital nomad visa is meeting the financial and documentation requirements—not your citizenship. In other words, applicants from most countries can apply as long as they can prove sufficient income, savings, or property value abroad.
Good luck, and please get in touch if you need more tips and advice!
Xx, Trisha
💬 Questions about Mexico? Ask me anything for free on Telegram→
🇲🇽 Thinking about making Mexico your next digital nomad home?
With my guidance and local network, you’ll skip the overwhelm and step straight into the best parts of Mexico’s digital nomad lifestyle: finding the right city, securing housing, navigating the visa process, and connecting with a community that makes you feel at home.
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What is a Mexico Digital Nomad Visa?
When people talk about Mexico’s “digital nomad visa,” they’re usually referring to the Visa de Residencia Temporal No Lucrativa (non‑lucrative temporary resident visa). It’s not an official program with that exact name, but it works perfectly for remote workers like me.
Instead of bouncing around on short tourist stays, this remote work visa in Mexico lets you live in the country for more than six months and up to four years. The catch is you need to show proof of steady income or savings, since the government wants to see that you can support yourself while living here.
For me, it meant pulling together bank statements, proof of remote work, and a lot of patience at the consulate. Once approved, you get the freedom to actually settle in—rent an apartment, open a bank account, and stop worrying about visa runs.
👉🏼 Related: The digital nomad guide to Mexico City
Why I applied for a Mexico digital nomad visa
I was on a tourist visa in Mexico for a looonnggg time before I finally decided to apply for a remote work visa in Mexico. Honestly, one of the big reasons I decided to apply for this visa is because the economy here feels solid and steady.
Over the years, Mexico has built itself into one of the strongest economies in Latin America, with close ties to the U.S. and Europe through trade. While I’ve seen the U.S. and Europe go through some pretty wild swings like financial crises, inflation spikes, political drama, Mexico has often felt more grounded day to day.
For me, that stability shows up in simple ways: affordable living costs, reliable services, and the sense that life here isn’t constantly being shaken by global ups and downs.
It doesn’t mean Mexico is perfect, but compared to the rollercoaster elsewhere, it feels like a place where I can actually settle in, focus on my work, and enjoy life. That’s exactly why the Mexico digital nomad visa made sense for me.
CHECK OUT MY MEXICO RELOCATION BLUEPRINT →
Qualifications to apply for the Mexico digital nomad visa
Those who are qualified to apply for the Mexico digital nomad visa are as follows:
- You are traveling to Mexico for retirement, investments, professional activities, technical activities, artistic activities, scientific activities, and sports activities or as a minister of religion.
- You will be in Mexico for more than 180 days but less than 4 years.
- You don’t have a work authorization
- You are working and earning for a company outside Mexico
👉🏼 You might also like: Puerto Vallarta digital nomad guide
How to apply for a Mexico digital nomad visa (step-by-step guide)
Step 1: Gather the Mexico Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
When you apply for the Mexico digital nomad visa, you’ll need to bring original documents that prove your identity and eligibility. Here’s the list of requirements:
- Valid passport or travel document recognized under international law.
- Proof of legal stay if you’re applying outside your home country (for example, a tourist visa or residence permit for the country where the consulate is located).
- Supporting evidence that shows you qualify under one of the following categories:
- Ownership of property in Mexico
- Proof of financial solvency (income or savings)
- An official invitation from a recognized public or private institution
- Employment as a driver or operator of cargo transport entering Mexico for loading/unloading only
- Humanitarian reasons
- Authorization for scientific research or sample collection in Mexican territory or waters
- Enrollment in studies
- Participation in an event organized or sponsored by the Mexican government or constitutional bodies (up to 180 days)
Step 2: Schedule your appointment at a Mexican Embassy outside of Mexico
Once you’ve gathered all the required documents, the next step is to book your interview appointment online. This is done through the official MiConsulado portal.
You can choose the language you want in the upper-right corner. They have everything, including Mandarin! Just a note, the translation doesn’t work all the time, so if you need help with translations, get in touch with my team, and they will assist you!
When scheduling, you’ll need to:
- Select the type of procedure you’re applying for (in this case, the temporary resident visa).
- Choose the Mexican Embassy or Consulate that’s closest or most convenient for you.
After confirming your slot, you’ll receive details about your appointment. Make sure to bring all your original documents and copies on the day.
For citizens of USA and Canada, here are some easier ways to get your visa interview appointment scheduled:
- via WhatsApp: Just send a message to +1 (424) 309 0009 and an operator will attend to you
- via Call Center: call +1 (424) 309 0009 and a call center agent will assist you
Step 3: Fill out the visa application form
The visa application form looks intimidating at first glance, but it’s really just a straightforward set of questions about your identity and travel plans. When I filled mine out, I made sure to copy everything exactly as it appears on my passport—names, dates, and numbers need to match perfectly.
The first section is all about personal details. Nothing tricky here—just be consistent with your official documents.
Next, you’ll check the box for the type of visa you’re applying for. In this case, it’s the Temporary Resident Visa (often called the digital nomad visa).
My tip? Fill it out neatly, double‑check dates and spellings, and bring both the original form and a couple of photocopies. It’s a small detail, but it makes the consulate appointment go much smoother.
DOWNLOAD VISA APPLICATION FORM HERE →
Step 4: Go to your interview appointment
Appointments should not take long but please remember to go at least an hour early. The interview is quick as long as you have all the documents needed. You can choose the language of your interview (English or Spanish).
Even though I speak fluent Spanish, I chose English just to better understand the technical terms. They will ask about the purpose of your visa application and everything relevant to your remote work.
Once your visa is approved, the immigration officer will ask you to leave your passport. You need to come back after two days for your passport with the visa stamp.
Step 5: Processing your Mexico digital nomad visa (canje)
Once you arrive in Mexico with your pre‑approved visa, you have 30 days to start the canje process at any INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración) office. I did mine in Puerto Vallarta since that’s where I’m based, but you can go to the INM office closest to you.
Here’s what the process usually looks like:
- At the airport/entry point: When you land, show your visa sticker and tell the immigration officer you’re here for canje. They’ll stamp your passport and mark it accordingly. This step is crucial—don’t skip it.
- Book an appointment at INM: Some offices let you walk in, others require an online appointment. It depends on the city.
- Prepare your documents:
- Your passport (with the visa sticker and entry stamp)
- The FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) marked canje
- Completed INM application form (Formato Básico)
- Proof of payment of government fees (you’ll usually pay at a bank and bring the receipt)
- Passport‑sized photos (specific size and background color—check your local INM office’s requirements)
- Go to your appointment: They’ll take your biometrics (fingerprints, photo, signature) and review your documents.
- Wait for approval: Processing times vary—sometimes a couple of weeks, sometimes longer. You’ll get a notification when your card is ready.
- Pick up your residency card: This is your official ID in Mexico and replaces the visa sticker in your passport.
LET ME HELP YOU WITH YOUR MEXICAN VISA →
Where I processed my Mexico digital nomad visa
Getting the actual appointment for the visa interview really depends on the consulate you go through. I did mine in Costa Rica, and honestly, it was pretty straightforward—booking the slot online, showing up with my documents, and walking out feeling relieved.
But I’ve learned that not every consulate runs things the same way. That’s why I always tell people: don’t assume your experience will look exactly like mine. The core requirements are the same everywhere, but the way each consulate handles the process can vary a lot.
There isn’t one universal “easiest” Mexican consulate because each consulate has its own way of interpreting and enforcing the same federal rules. Some are known for being more flexible or efficient, while others are stricter and ask for extra paperwork.
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Financial solvency requirements for Mexico Digital Nomad Visa
To qualify, you’ll need to show that you have the financial means to support yourself while living in Mexico. You can do this in one of two main ways:
Option 1: Savings or Investments
- Maintain an average monthly balance equal to 680 UMA units (about $4,200 USD) in a single bank or investment account.
- Provide bank statements for the last three months, signed or stamped by your financial institution.
Option 2: Monthly Income
- Show a steady monthly income of at least 220 UMA units (about $1,400 USD after taxes) for the past three months.
- If you’re retired, you’ll need:
- A recent letter from your pension provider confirming the monthly amount, plus
- Bank statements from the last three months showing those deposits.
- If you’re employed, you’ll need:
- Official pay stubs for the last three months, plus
- A letter from your employer verifying your job and salary.
Other notes to keep in mind:
- If you’re applying with your spouse and using joint funds, bring your original marriage license (not just a certificate).
- Any official documents issued outside Mexico or the U.S. must be apostilled or legalized.
- Documents in languages other than English or Spanish must be translated by a certified translator and notarized.
- Even if you qualify under another visa category, you’ll still need to book an interview through the MiConsulado portal.
Consulate fees for the Mexico digital nomad visa
The cost for applying is $54 USD, which covers the administrative review, processing, and if your application is approved, the actual authorization and printing of the visa.
You don’t pay this online in advance. Instead, the fee is usually collected at the Mexican Embassy or Consulate on the day of your appointment.
Some consulates accept only cash in the local currency, while others may allow card payments. To be safe, bring cash. Mexico is still a cash country and I did not expect them to have a terminal (although they did in Costa Rica).
Lawyer fees for Mexico digital nomad visa
Even though I’m super confident in my Spanish (I learned it on the streets, and I can hold my own in any conversation), I realized that applying for a visa is a whole different world.
The language of immigration is full of technical terms, legal jargon, and tiny details that can make or break your application.
So, even as a fluent speaker, I didn’t want to risk misunderstanding something important. That’s why I decided to hire a lawyer to guide me through the process. It wasn’t about not knowing Spanish.
It was about making sure I understood the legal Spanish that comes with government paperwork. Honestly, it gave me peace of mind knowing that everything was being handled correctly, and it saved me from a lot of second‑guessing.
I ended up paying about $430 USD for my lawyer, and honestly, she was fantastic! This fee covers:
- Legal advice (initial call): Basically, the lawyer will explain the process of how to apply for the visa like what I am doing now.
- The lawyer booked my visa interview. She also filled out the form for me.
- All fees to process my visa in the INM (once I returned to Mexico with the visa approval)
Everything happened the way the lawyer said it would happen, and I am very happy about her service.
She also helped me process my temporary resident visa (4 years), my permanent residency visa, and now we are working on my Mexican citizenship!
BOOK A 1-1 CALL WITH THE LAWYER →
FAQ: Mexico Digital Nomad Visa
Does Mexico have a digital nomad visa?
Mexico does not have a visa officially called a digital nomad visa. Instead, remote workers apply for the Temporary Resident Visa, which allows them to live in Mexico for one year and renew for up to four years.
Who can apply for the Mexico digital nomad visa?
Anyone who earns income from outside Mexico and meets the financial requirements can apply. You must apply at a Mexican consulate in your country of citizenship or legal residence.
What are the financial requirements?
You need to show either a monthly income of around $1,400–$4,500 USD for the past six months or savings of about $25,000–$75,000 USD depending on the consulate. Requirements vary slightly by location.
How much does the visa cost?
The consular application fee is about $54 USD. Once in Mexico, the residency card fee ranges from $300 to $600 USD depending on the number of years granted.
How long is the visa valid?
The Temporary Resident Visa is issued for one year initially and can be renewed annually for up to four years.
Can I work in Mexico with this visa?
You cannot work for a Mexican company. Your income must come from abroad, which makes it ideal for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote employees.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, you can include your spouse or children, but the financial requirements increase for each dependent.
Where do I apply?
You must apply at a Mexican consulate outside of Mexico. After approval, you complete the canje process at an INM office in Mexico to receive your residency card.
How long does processing take?
Consulate processing usually takes one to three weeks. The canje process in Mexico can take two to eight weeks depending on the INM office.
Hi!
I’m a fan of your adventures. I’m checking the feasibility of temporarily changing locations with my work from home setup.
I’m curious if you apply for health card in the country where you are at for medical emergencies? Or a travel insurance will do?
Thanks!
Travel insurance is enough but if you have a resident visa, I think you need an ex-pat insurance. I am using SafetyWing for a year now and I love their services!
Hi, great article!
I wonder if you can tell me the answer to this question?
I am thinking of applying for this visa and have my partner and our two children as dependants. Would they come under my application or would i need to show extra available funds because i will not be alone?
I am not so sure since I have no experience with applying with children. I can connect you to my lawyer if you like!
good day! we are travelling as a group, me my daughter my niece my friend and my friends daughter.all in all we are 5. in applying a visa going to mexico are they going to be under me in just 1 requirement as a group or we have to prepare individually our documents especially when it comes to financial documents.thank you
I think only minors can apply using your requirements (or their parent’s) but the rest have to have their own. The article for the tourist visa is here. This article is for the temporary resident visa Mexico so it does not apply to you if you are going as a tourist. Good luck!
Hi! I am planning to apply for temporary residency visa here in the Philippines and I work online as a freelancer and I made sure that my bank statement is enough to meet the required amount for me and my kid. Just wondering, what kind of questions do they ask with regards to applying for the TRV? Any specific you can share? Thanks a lot! That would help me feel more confident with the interview.
Hi Trisha! Awesome article. If I want to prove that I have 27,000 USD in savings, do I need to show bank statements for 1 year? I’m planning to liquidate one of my properties so that I can show that I have enough savings, so I want to make sure whether I need to keep the money in the bank for a while before printing out bank statements. Is 1 month enough in your opinion?
Hi Adam! The requirement is just 6 months but my lawyer advised that showing one year proof gives you better chances so I did one year bank statement. But as I am a digital nomad, I needed to prove more bank movements/activities. If you are liquidating, you probably just need to show you sold a property or something – that’s not a problem! I am also pretty sure you have a good bank activity for the last year. That’s all that matters! Good luck!
Thanks Trisha.
Can I have your lawyer’s contact details so that I can start the process?
Just sent you an e-mail!
Hi Trisha, thank you so much for the detailed information. Although there’s a ton of information about this visa out there, I couldn’t find any specific, firsthand experiences like yours!
You mentioned in another article, that once you become a Temporary Resident, you have to report to INM that you are going abroad. And I wonder if you happen to know whether you have to live in Mexico full-time for 4 years in order to apply for the Permanent Residency? As my partner and I still would like to travel around the world during the 4-year period and live part-time(about 6 months every year) in Mexico, I am not sure if this will effect our eligibility for PR. Have you seen anybody who’s gotten PR after they didn’t stay in Mexico full-time?
Thanks a lot! 🙂
Hey Sienna, you don’t need to be here full-time if you only want the PR. The rules will only change if you want to have a Mexican nationality. They require you to live here full-time if you are to apply for a Mexican passport. With PR, you’re just fine traveling around but you also need to fill out a form at the INM in the airport if you already have a Mexican residency visa. I hope this answers your question.
Wow! Thank you so much for your reply, Trisha! This is the answer I was looking for, and it will really help our journey ahead 🙂
Your articles and videos have been inspiring me so much. Hope we can meet you up somewhere in Mexico sometime in the future! Xx
Hello Trisha thank you for all the details about everything, you made a very good writing job, I really appreciate a lot.
Just one question when you had to prove that amount money in you account it has to be in a bank in the country where you come from ? or can i have an european bank with 27K $ ?
and i will be more than greatful if you can provide me a lawyer contact.
Thank you very much
Yes, all the documents must be from your home country. I only showed proof of earning $1,500 USD per month and they accepted it. But you need to show that $1,500 for 6 months to one year. Good luck, Malik!
oh thank you so much for your response.
can i get you’re lawyer contact pleaase.
best regards .
Hi Trisha,
I found your blog last May …. Ever since I love your blog and your Youtube channel…
Thank you so much for all the details about Digital-Nomad life in Mexico and especially Non-Lucrative Visa details in Mexico..
I can show 27K in a bank in my home country !OR $1,500 for 1 year !
Past year I operate my Etsy shop using “Other Method” payment option on Etsy… But Etsy disable that option… and also my country doesn’t support Etsy Payments and PayPal….
But Mexico support Etsy Payments and PayPal…. So I also want to run my little Etsy shop as a side hustle….
Countries Eligible for Etsy Payments – ( https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/115015710408-Countries-Eligible-for-Etsy-Payments )
1) I want to know if I get Non-Lucrative Visa in Mexico…. could I get Mexican PayPal account ? Did you try that ? If Yes ! Please write a blog article about that and record a video about that …. everyone will love..
2) I want to know …did you try to open Etsy account using simple email address ….. and try to get Etsy Payments with your temporary resident visa ? Please also write about how to open Etsy account and use Etsy Payments as temporary resident visa holder in Mexico…..
3) Also could you please send me your lawyer ‘s contact details….
4) I’m a web developer, graphic designer and video editor…. If you want my help to develop this WordPress website further I can help you….. as a friend….
Best Regards,
Excellent article, I’m finding so much info on your site! Do you know how taxes factor in with this temporary visa? Meaning does getting this visa compared to a tourist visa automatically mean you’ll need to file Mexican taxes since it means Mexico is now your “center of interest”? (Hopefully that made sense) Thanks!
Hey Andy, I also find it weird but that’s what I’m told. I can connect you to my lawyer and you can ask her how. Xx
Hey Trisha, thank you for the reply. Sorry sorry I’m not following, maybe I missed something. But what were you told regarding taxes?
That I don’t have to pay taxes with the non-lucrative visa.
Ah ok, gotcha. Well that’s quite interesting, I’ll have to look into that more. Thank you!
Good luck, Andy! I’ll be happy to connect you with my lawyer for clarifications on your case. Just let me know!
Hi Trisha, Thank you so much for this article about the Non-Lucrative Visa details in Mexico !
Finally I found my destination ! Love your vlogs too…
I want to connect with your lawyer so could you please send me her contact details to my email address….
That’s done, Themeo! I already e-mailed you. Good luck! X
Hi Trisha,
Thank you for your attention & prompt reply about this matter !
Best Regards,
Hi Trisha, thank you so much for sharing all this information, extremely helpful for people looking to relocate!
Could you please send me the contact details of your lawyer to get advice for the temporary residence permit. Thank you so much once again!
Just sent you an e-mail, Daniel! Let me know if you received it. Good luck with your visa application!
Hi Trisha,
Your post is really helpful I hope you can help me with my dilemma.
I am invited by a Canadian based company with a Mexican citizen owner to attend an Expo in November 2021 in Mexico. The stay there is for a week. Based on my inquiry, my application should be a business visa since this is sponsored by my company.
a. Upon registering in Mexitel for an online appointment, I was asked for a NUT. As per checking, a NUT is for lucrative purpose but my purpose is just to attend the Expo and have a meet and greet with the owners of the company I am employed for.
b. Also when checking for Visa via Mexitel, it mentioned “Con permiso del INM” (Validacion via servicio web con el INM”. I have asked the conuslar office about it but haven’t get back to me. I am stuck on this page 🙁
Thank you
Thank you Trisha for your article! Very helpful <3
Hi Trisha, I really loved this article. And… I am very surprised about this possibility, seems something perfect for a DN.
I have a question, what kind of nationalities are involved?
(I am italian and my gf is colombian)
Hi Sebastiano! This is for all nationalities, as long as you complete the requirements, you can definitely apply. Good luck!
Do you know if the process for application can begin once I’m already in Mexico? My husband and I and my two yr old are moving part time to San Miguel on a tourist visa (6 months). We are digital nomads, although at this time we don’t meet the financial requirements for application, although we will by the end of this year.
Hey Sara, for this visa, I don’t think so. You need to do it outside of Mexico since it’s a non-lucrative visa. You don’t have to leave entirely – just go to your scheduled interview while you’re still staying in Mexico. Good luck!
Hi Trisha,
Thank you so much for all the precious information that you share with us! I came across your blog recently, and have been an avid reader of it ever since. Could you please send me the contact details of your lawyer? Thank you so much once again for all the great content! Greetings xx
Hi Trisha,
It’s a very helpful article! My nephew loves to travel and loves reading about other people’s traveling journeys. I think becoming a digital nomad will be his ultimate goal, and I will be sharing this article with him, in case he wants to move to Mexico. So, thanks a lot for curating an article about the process. I am sure it will be helpful for many people. I check out your blog regularly to read about your experiences, it’s amazing to see the world through your words. Keep posting!
Hi Trisha –
I hope you are well. I submitted something last week but haven’t heard back so thought that I would reach out again this week.
I’m hoping to have a chat / get a quote regarding a few items related to an upcoming move to Mexico (my wife and I). I’m a Canadian citizen and she is a permanent resident. Ideally looking to consult re: ‘digital nomad’ visa process and possibly some help in finding resources for accommodations in the PV area. Our goal is to head south in early March 2022.
Hey Trisha!
First of all …. THANK YOU for your article. Super informative and helpful.
Was hoping you could share with me your Queretaro lawyer?
I am planning to come to Mexico for the first time and want to live in Queretaro long term.
I meet the financial requirements (£2000 per month) but only have bank statements from the last 4 months so it seems like I would not get approved the temporary residence in the UK consulate as it has to be 6 months of bank statements (I don’t want to stay in my current job for another 2 months :o)
Anyway, I know it is a long shot to try come into Mexico as a tourist and somehow convert it to 1 year temporary residence (is that even possible?).
Would really appreciate your Queretaro Lawyer and see if we can work some magic.
Thanks again for spreading value and helping others,
Hi Trisha, what a wonderful article. Thanks for all the pertinent information. I am looking for this type of visa, can you provide me with your lawyers contact information please.
Hi Trisha,
At the end of the 4 years, when the 4 year version of the “digital nomad visa” switches to a permanent residency visa, what happens as far as taxes if my company is based outside of Mexico? (P.S. I am based in Queretaro, so I would love it of you could email me your Lawyer contact. Thanks!)
hi Trisha, I love your blog and your Instagram posts talking about your trips and life in different countries.
I would like to ask you something if you can help me. My husband and I will move back to Mexico from Uk, he will obtain the temporary residency and he can work remotely with his foreign company, however he doesn’t believe me he doesn’t have to pay taxes in Mexico if he doesn;t work for a Mexican company.
as info online is confusing he wants to make sure this is correct to tell his company as he needs to find out if he can keep paying his taxes here in Uk even if we don’t live here. this is another story.
I’ve tried to find the information in the mexican websites that states this that he doesn;t have to pay taxes in Mexico. maybe just declare? would you know who can help me to find out?
thank you and I hope life keeps bringing you blessings in all of your experiences.
best
Hi Trisha, really useful article. Did your company (I know you own it) have to pay any social security while in Mexico or corporate taxes? Or were they all dealt with in the country that your company is registered in? I ask this as I am planning on applying for a temporary visa and understand I would not need to pay income tax as I would pay that in the country where I am a resident (UK). However, I wanted to understand if that is the case with corporation tax/social security.
Thanks,
Tom
Thank you for writing this up for folks. I’m curious if it’s true you need a letter from your employer saying you are allowed to work remotely for temp residency…I’ve read mixed things on the internet. I have been working on a VPN from MX and not mentioning it to my employer where I am..this is the only way I could continue working for this company as they will not give explicit permission for me to work abroad. Thanks for any help!