👋🏼 Hola, I’m Trisha! I applied for my temporary resident visa Mexico in 2021. Now I have permanent residency and am currently in the process of applying for Mexican citizenship. This visa is the first step on the pathway to citizenship in Mexico, so read the application tips in this article carefully.
📬 Hi Trisha! I saw your post about a non-lucrative visa in Mexico but I also saw on Instagram that you were granted a 4-year Mexico visa? I don’t know what this new rule about the temporary resident visa Mexico about. Can you please explain further? I cannot find anything on the Internet about it. I am from Texas but am currently in Mexico with a tourist visa. Thank you.
– Stephen Sanchez, USA
Hi Stephen,
Thanks for getting in touch and I am glad you are finally doing this! Yes, I originally wanted to apply for a 1-year visa but during my interview, I found out I can apply for a 4-year one!
Here are the steps on how to apply for a temporary resident visa Mexico. Let me know if you have any questions!
Xx,
Trisha
What’s in this article:
Why apply for a Mexico temporary resident visa
As a Philippine passport holder with limited travel benefits, I was struck by how many countries Mexicans can enter visa‑free — from the Schengen area to Japan, South Korea, and beyond.
After traveling to over 70 countries, often applying for tourist visas along the way, I realized I needed a plan for a second citizenship.
That’s what first drew me to the Mexico temporary resident visa: the thought that, as a Mexican, I’d gain access to far more visa‑free destinations than I could with a Philippine passport.
Of course, if you don’t hold a weaker passport, this may not be your main motivation. But here are several other compelling reasons to consider applying for a Mexico temporary resident visa:
- Mexico’s temporary resident visa program is way easier than Spain, Portugal, or any other country.
- Access to services: Lets you open bank accounts, sign contracts, buy property, and register a car.
- Family options: Easier to bring dependents under family unity provisions.
- Pathway to permanent residency: After 4-7 years, you can transition to permanent residency without reapplying from scratch.
- Cost‑effective: Application fees and requirements are far lower than European residency programs.
- Lower cost of living: Rent, food, and daily expenses are dramatically lower in Mexico. Even cheaper than the Philippines!
- Americans relocating: Mexico has become the #1 destination for U.S. expats. Nearly 70% of migrants in Mexico are Americans, with over 700,000 U.S. citizens living there. Many are leaving the U.S. for affordability, remote work flexibility, and lifestyle.
Bottom line: Mexico’s temporary resident visa isn’t just easier — it’s smarter. Lower living costs, fewer bureaucratic hurdles, and a booming American expat presence make it one of the most practical residency pathways today.
🇲🇽 Want to live in Mexico?
Stop wasting time scrolling Facebook groups and listening to half‑baked advice. Book a discovery call with me and get the straight truth about visas, residency, and what life here actually looks like.
BOOK A CHAT WITH TRISHA →
Qualifications for applying for a Mexico temporary resident visa
- You must be a foreign national who wants to stay in Mexico longer than 180 days.
- Proof of entry history: Consulates often check if you’ve already visited Mexico. Showing you’ve entered legally as a tourist demonstrates familiarity with the country and compliance with immigration rules.
- You need to prove financial solvency: Either steady monthly income (around $4,000 USD for the past 6 months), OR savings/investments (around $69,000 USD maintained for the past 12 months).
Temporary resident visa Mexico application: a step-by-step guide
Step 1: Gather all the requirements for applying for a Mexico temporary resident visa
- Application form: Fill out and sign the visa application. [DOWNLOAD HERE]
- Passport: Bring your valid passport plus a photocopy of the main page.
- Photo: One passport‑size photo, front view, no glasses, white background.
- Fee: Pay the visa fee (about $54 USD) by credit or debit card. It’s non‑refundable.
- Financial proof: Show that you meet one of these:
- Bank or investment account balance of at least 1,394,000 MXN (around $69,000 USD) maintained over the past 12 months.
- OR monthly income of at least 83,640 MXN (around $4,000 USD) for the past 6 months, proven with pay stubs and bank statements.
Bank statements must be original. If you use online banking, print them out and have them stamped or certified by your bank.
Go ahead and look up the residency requirements for Spain, Portugal, or other European countries. You’ll quickly see the difference and understand why I didn’t pursue places with heavier demands and stricter bureaucracy. Mexico’s requirements are far simpler!
Step 2: Schedule your interview/application appointment
Once your documents are ready, you don’t need to mail them or submit anything online. Just bring everything with you on the day of your interview.
To book your slot, schedule an appointment through CITAS SRE. The website is in Spanish, but you can switch it to English using the button in the upper-right corner.
All residency visa applications must be started outside Mexico at a Mexican consulate abroad. At the time, I had already been living in Mexico for two years on a tourist visa, and luckily they allowed me to use my Mexican bank account as proof of funds for my application.
The good news: I didn’t need to ask my bank in the Philippines to send statements all the way to Mexico, which would have been expensive and complicated.
The semi‑bad news: I still had to leave Mexico for the interview. That meant booking a flight, finding an Airbnb, and handling the extra logistics. I ended up scheduling my appointment at the Mexican consulate in Costa Rica.
Back then, finding the nearest available appointment wasn’t easy. The calendar was showing wait times of 2-3 months. To speed things up, I worked with a lawyer who was able to secure the earliest slot for me. If you’d like help with your own case, you can schedule a consult call with her.
Step 3: Go to your interview
I arrived an hour early for my visa interview in Costa Rica, but here’s the twist: I went to the Mexican Embassy, not the Mexican Consulate.
That detail makes all the difference. The Embassy handles diplomatic relations — politics, trade, and cultural affairs. The Consulate, on the other hand, is where everyday services happen: visas, passports, and residency interviews.
So there I was, standing at the wrong building. I ditched my rental car at the Embassy and grabbed a taxi to the Consulate. By the time I arrived, I was late.
Luckily, the staff didn’t mind. Mexico really is a country where being late isn’t the end of the world. They still let me sit for the interview.
First, I had to pay the visa fee in Mexican pesos ($54 USD). I didn’t bring Mexican pesos to Costa Rica, so I paid with a credit card.
The immigration officer flipped through my documents, checked my tourist stamps, and asked just two questions: how I learned Spanish and why I was so drawn to Mexico. I answered honestly, and within 15 minutes, my visa was approved.
The only hiccup came afterward: they told me to return in five days to collect my passport, but I was flying to Colombia in 3 days. I explained my situation, and the officer kindly told me to come back in 48 hours instead.
The immigration officer won’t immediately confirm whether your visa is approved. Instead, they’ll give you a date to return and collect your passport. So yes, there’s still a bit of waiting involved. But unlike Spain or Portugal, where the process can drag on for months, in Mexico it usually only takes a few days.
Step 4: Once approved, fly to Mexico
Once your visa is approved, you’ll need to fly to Mexico. The good news is that you won’t be asked for a rental contract, medical certificate, or travel insurance.
A simple hotel or Airbnb reservation is enough to complete the process. It is important to show your residency stamp in your passport to the immigration officer when entering Mexico.
That stamp proves you’ve already been granted a temporary resident visa. Without showing it, the officer might mistakenly admit you as a tourist, which would complicate your status and could even reset your residency process.
Presenting the stamp ensures you’re registered correctly as a resident, not a visitor, and allows you to move forward with the final step of getting your resident card at INM.
Step 5: Book Your INM appointment (within 30 days)
After arriving in Mexico, you must book an appointment with the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) within 30 days of entry. This is the final step where your visa is exchanged for a temporary resident card — the document that officially grants you residency.
If you miss this 30‑day window, your visa becomes invalid and you’ll have to restart the entire application process from the beginning at a Mexican consulate abroad.
Step 6: INM Appointment Day – Exchange Your Visa for a Resident Card
This was very easy and I didn’t have to do anything because my Mexican lawyer was with me. I sat down outside and my lawyer just told me when to come in.
If you are doing this on your own, here are the documents you need to bring on your INM appointment day:
- Passport with your residency visa stamp.
- FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) you received when entering Mexico.
- Proof of address in Mexico (hotel, Airbnb, or rental contract).
- Printed appointment confirmation.
- Passport‑size photos (some offices require them)
- Everything must be photocopied
At INM, you’ll be asked to pay the resident visa fee (around $4,000–5,000 MXN, depending on the length of residency granted).
At first, I planned to apply for just one year, but when I saw how small the cost difference was between one year and four years, I chose the four‑year option — I didn’t want the hassle of renewing my visa every year!
Next, they will do your biometric data:
- Signature: You’ll sign electronically or on paper so it can be printed on the card.
- Fingerprints: They’ll scan all your fingers digitally.
- Photograph: A headshot will be taken on the spot for your resident card.
Finally, wait for approval: If everything is in order, INM will process your card. Some offices issue it the same day, others ask you to return in a few days.
In my case, they asked me to come back after 10 business days. Et voila, I had a temporary resident card within 10 days!
Pathway to Mexican citizenship from a temporary resident visa
If you’re starting out, the first step is applying for a temporary resident visa at a Mexican consulate outside Mexico. Once approved, you’ll enter Mexico with your residency stamp and finalize your card at INM within 30 days.
Many people choose the 4‑year option right away. The cost difference compared to just 1 year is small, and it saves you the hassle of renewing annually.
After completing your temporary residency, you’ll become eligible for permanent residency. This is a major milestone because it means no more renewals and the freedom to truly settle in Mexico long‑term.
Once you’ve held permanent residency for the required period, you can apply for Mexican citizenship.
This is the final step in the pathway, and it’s where your journey shifts from being a resident to becoming a citizen — with all the rights, responsibilities, and sense of belonging that come with it.
Ways to fast‑track Mexican citizenship
You can fast‑track Mexican citizenship through family ties or special circumstances. Here are some of them:
- Marriage to a Mexican citizen: Foreigners who marry a Mexican can apply for citizenship after just two years of living together in Mexico with legal residency.
- Child born in Mexico: If your child is born in Mexico, you can apply for citizenship after two years of residency, instead of the usual five.
- Mexican parents or ancestry: If you have a Mexican parent, grandparent, or were born abroad to Mexican parents, you may qualify for citizenship by descent — often a faster and simpler process.
- Reduced residency requirement: Standard naturalization requires five years of residency, but this is shortened to two years if you’re married to a Mexican, have Mexican children, or are from a Latin American or Iberian country.
- Special cases: Refugees, or those who’ve provided exceptional service to Mexico, may also be granted citizenship more quickly under discretionary rules
No matter which fast‑track option applies, everyone begins with a temporary resident visa. That’s the entry point into Mexico’s residency and citizenship pathway.
FAQ: Mexico Temporary Resident Visa
What is a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa?
A Temporary Resident Visa allows foreigners to live in Mexico for more than 180 days and up to 4 years. It’s ideal for those who want to stay longer than a tourist visa permits, whether for work, study, retirement, or family reasons
Who needs a Temporary Resident Visa?
Anyone planning to stay in Mexico longer than 180 days must apply. Short‑term tourists (under 180 days) usually don’t need it, unless they plan to work or study.
Where do I apply for a Temporary Resident Visa?
You must apply at a Mexican consulate outside Mexico. Once approved, you’ll enter Mexico with the visa and finalize your resident card at INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración) within 30 days
Can I work with a Temporary Resident Visa?
Yes, but you must request work authorization. Without it, the visa only allows residence, not employment
How much does it cost?
Fees range from $250–$300 USD, depending on whether you apply for 1, 2, 3, or 4 years. Many applicants choose the 4‑year option to avoid annual renewals.
What happens after 4 years on temporary resident visa?
After completing 4 years of temporary residency, you can apply for permanent residency. This eliminates renewals and is the next step toward Mexican citizenship.
Do I need to start with a Temporary Visa?
Yes. Regardless of your pathway (standard or fast‑track), everyone begins with a Temporary Resident Visa before moving on to permanent residency and citizenship
Hi Trisha! I’m from Baja California and I’m also considering to get a temporary or permanent resident visa here. Can you connect me with your immigration lawyer?
Hey Henna! I already connected you via e-mail. Did you get the message? If not, let me know so I can e-mail her again!
Hi kabayan pls connect me also to your lawyer ty
Hi Jennifer! I just sent you an e-mail. Let me know if you received it!
I loved the article, thank you!
Can you please tell me how to contact your lawyer?
Thanks, Elena
Can you give me your lawyers name and contact. I am in Cambodia but am ready get to a Latin country.
@Trisha Velarmino, can you please send me the contacts of the lawyers in the states where you don’t have to have entered the country before 2020 and preferably don’t need your financial proof either?
Hi Trisha, thank you so much for the detailed information. I would love to have the information for the three lawyers. I would be willing to go to Queretaro with the attorney that you mentioned. Ps…I couldnt find an email for you and so hence the comment. Thank you, Jasmine
Hi Jasmine! I think the lawyer already contacted you. If not, let me know so I can e-mail her again.
Hi Trisha, great and very informative post! I am currently living in PV and would like to apply for my 4 year temporary residency visa when my tourist visa expires next month. Can you please provide me with the lawyer’s information and contact that you used here in PV? Also, what was her total fee for assisting you through the process? Thank you so much! Brock
Hi Brock, thanks for reaching out! I used to live in PV before moving to Cabo. I am sure you are going to love it! I just e-mailed you the info. Let me know if you need anything else!
Hi Trisha. Great post! My tourist visa expired about nine months ago and I’m interested in obtaining temporary residency. Could you put me in touch with your lawyer? Thank you very much.
Hey Shea! I just sent you an e-mail. Let me know if you received it.
I did. Thanks!
Great! Good luck, Shea!
@Shea Schellenberg, FYI for anyone else in this situation on the governments website it says you need an expired document however you cannot apply if it is expired past 60 days. Very important side note.
Hi Trisha,
Can I get more information and maybe can connect me with your lawyer. I wouldn’t mind to go the Queretaro if need be. I don’t have an email for you. Would you kindly get back to me.
Hey Paula! I just e-mailed you. Let me know if you received it!
Hi Trisha!
Great article! I’d be interested in receiving the contact info of your lawyers, specifically the Queretaro-based ones 🙂
Many thanks!
Hey Merle! I think the lawyer already e-mailed you? She told me today! Let me know so I can connect you!
hi Trisha, do you mind to put me in touch with your layer. Thank in advance.
I just e-mailed you. Good luck and I hope you get the visa!
Wow, an amazing deal! And great article! First, i thought it cost 9,000 american dollars :)) i couldn’t understand why you were so happy about it :))) wow, really awesome, so happy for you! I have a question, I’m in Europe right now, I’m an american and want to move to PV. The visa rules I’ve known – 1 year temp residency application, need to show around 30,000 US dollars on the account. Are there new rules – to apply for 4 years? and how much – financial proof – they ask during the interview? if you know some details about or can give me your lawyer’s contact info – I highly appreciate! have a great summer!
Hey Kate, if you’re talking about the non-lucrativo which is the digital nomad visa, I did that too. I just needed to prove I was earning $1,200 USD per month with 6-months to 1 year proof on the bank. If you don’t have that proof, you can simply throw in $27,000 USD and that will do. I just e-mailed you and connected you to the lawyer. Good luck!
Hey Trish! Would love to get a lawyer recommendation for Querétaro for the regularización temp visa, thanks!
Hi Dan! I think I already connected you. Did you also send me a message on Facebook? Let me know if you did not receive the e-mail.
Me too!!
Hi love!
I emailed you through your instagram a while ago!
I”m in Punta de Mita 🙂
Please connect!
Big thanks,
Jenn
Hi Jenn! I did not receive your e-mail. Can you resend it to trisha[at]psimonmyway[dot]com?
Hey Trisha, very useful information for those of us in a similar situation! If you have the contact of the lawyer in Queretaro it would be greatly appreciated 🙂
E-mailed you, Francis! If you did not receive it, email me back at trisha[at]psimonmyway[dot]com.
Hi Trisha!
Great article and thanks for sharing! I am also seriously considering applying for Temporary Residence in Mexico. My FMM card is still valid because I entered at the end of April this year. Does the new TP program in PV apply to me while I still have a valid FMM card? Does your lawyer speak English? IF so, would you please connect me with her? Thanks so much!
Hi Caroline! I don’t think you qualify in Puerto Vallarta because they only accept entry from 2019. You can do it in Mexico City though. If you send me an e-mail, I can connect you with the lawyer. My e-mail is trisha[at]psimonmyway[dot]com.
Hi, I just wanted to share that you just require an expired visa. No requirement in entering in 2019 anymore. I just completed mine. As long as the program is still open and they feel your reason is valid they will approve it. It may end though the end of this year.
Hey Christina, yes I heard that too! But it’s still different for every INM so I am just sharing my experience during the initial application. I should update the post soon with that info!
Hi my girlfriend is in Davao City, I want her to come to Mexico in Cancun, I’m a Mexican citizen, and Canadian citizen, now retire, living in Canada for the summers and Cancun for the winters, I’d apply for my girlfriend for a Canadian tourist visa, but it was denied, we’re now thinking to appy for a Mexican tourist visa and eventually get a 4 year visa, in Mexico, she resides in Davao City, I’m now in Canada untill The end of October, then be back in Mexico for the winter, what wold be the best way for her to meet me in Cancun where I’ll reside for 6 months.
Thank you.
Carlos Perales.
Hey Carlos, I don’t understand the question?
Hola Trisha,
Me puede enviar los datos de su abogado en Queretaro por fav? Si lo que trata en su articulo todavia es valido. Gracias
Si claro! Si puedes enviarme un mail a hola[@]psimonmyway[punto]com, seria genial!
Hey Trisha,
Thank you for sharing such information
I was able to book an appointment with Mexican Embassy finally at next week in order to obtain Temporary Resident Visa without NUT based on my Economic Solvency
I am afraid about this NUT because while scheduling an appointment, it asked whether I would like to go with NUT or without
Could you pls throw some light about this NUT as I really don’t understand , also is it mandatory requirement to obtain TRV
Thank you in advance
Hi Rishi! There are 2 posts about temporary resident visa Mexico in my blog. This is one of them (regularization program 20201) and the other is the non-lucrative visa for Mexico. The non-lucrative visa is for digital nomad, remote workers, or anyone who can prove they are working for a company outside of Mexico (or freelancing).
The NUT is only for people who are going to work for a Mexican company or if you want to do renumerated activities in Mexico. The non-lucrative visa does not allow you to work for anyone else within Mexico even if it’s a US company. As long as the foreign business is registered in the Mexico, you can’t work for them without the NUT.
Not sure what your circumstance is and why are you applying for a NUT. Aren’t you a digital nomad?
Hey Trisha!
What a useful blog post! 🙂 I entered Mexico in Oct 2019 and my 2nd 180 days visa expired and I didn’t leave the country due to border closures. Eventually I was able to renew my visa after a few months of delay with no problems, eventually leaving to Guatemala before the end of the next 180 . I’d love to apply for a 4 year card. Do you think I’m still eligible as i’ve left and did eventually renew my visa? Thanks a lot!
Hey Michael, each INM offices have different rules of entry dates/years so that’s all you need to check. Note that not all INM offices offer this program. Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta INM only accepts expired visas but entered in 2019. In my case, I was qualified for this program since I entered December 2019 and my visa expired in June 2020.
Mexico City and Queretaro INM’s accept those who entered anytime between January – May 2020. It’s still very unclear but I know for sure that you won’t be qualified here if you entered in 2021.
If you’re not qualified for this visa type, you can do the traditional Mexico non-lucrative visa application for digital nomads, remote workers, or anyone who can prove they are earning from a company outside of Mexico.
I can connect you with the lawyer if you need – just let me know! Good luck!
I have been a “tourist resident” for four years and would like to apply for temporary residency.
I would like to have the information on the regularization or amnesty requirements.
Hi Trisha ,
Can I ask you something on how I can apply a 4 year residency visa for Mexico ,what would be the requirements needed to be ,thank you in advance.
Everything you need to know is already in this post. Please read it 🙂
Hi Trisha,
Can you refer me to the lawyer in PV that facilitated your 4-yr resident visa. I am in the process of doing this as well. Thanks.
Hi Trisha! I’d love the contact of the lawyers you would recommend in Queretaro. Thanks so much!
Email sent, Marcie! Good luck!
Hey Trish,
Like everyone else, I too am interested in getting regularized. Please put me in touch with your lawyer that might be able to help me.
Gracias,
Pedro
Hi Trisha,
Thank you so much for this blog post! I wish I knew about this earlier! My visa expired on March 20, 2021. I had already been given an extension in Sept 2020 when my previous one had expired because they cancelled my flight to Canada indefinitely. I have pets so I can only fly direct. I though I would be going back before this visa ended but then more craziness in Canada and still no direct flights till now. I was here in 2019 and went on vacation on March 11 to the U.K. Yes the same day the pandemic started! I came back here March 27, 2021 because I have pets, and planned to return to Canada, but that has not been possible. I am in P.V. also and I just yesterday saw mention of this opportunity in the PV Canadian Facebook group, to apply for a temporary residency card. I hope I can qualify! I am not sure if you posted how much are the lawyer fees. Can you give a rough idea as I am sure it will vary by lawyer? I did apply at INM here myself, with limited Spanish to have the tourist visa extended. At that time I did ask what if this continues and they said, no you will have to leaeve no more extensions. So, that is why I never went again. Looks like there were so many, especially Canadians here in the same position because of Canada’s restrictions etc. I would prefer to do it on my own though if the lawyer fees are reasonable I can go that route. Thanks again for sharing this as many I am sure do not have a clue about this!
Hi Trisha, Do you know if the INM regularization program is on in Cancun? Also are they concerned about the date entry?
They don’t offer it in Cancun the last time I heard because they lack manpower. The INM in Cancun is one of the busiest in Mexico so I guess they’re too lazy to process visas like this there. HAHAHA! I can call a friend but I am 100% sure they are not doing it there.
Hi Trisha, thank you so much for this post. I am currently in the UK wondering if I need to prepare and go to the local Mexican embassy to apply for the visa, or if I can just show up on a tourist visa and apply for the nomad or 4 year visa like you did from Mexico? Do you have a good lawyer you can recoommend?
Hi Trisha, thank you so much for this post! I already got my temporary resident visa and am planning to go to Mexico City for the resident card. Would you connect me to your laywer? Thank you!
Hi Trisha
So I am in Guadalajara and my 6 month FMM just expired. I came in January 2021. What option do I have to extend or apply for temporary residency? From your previous replies I do not think I qualify for the regularization?
Hey Geoff, I don’t think you qualify if you entered in 2021 but you can just try the normal residency visa application. You can read the article here but you need to do it outside of Mexico. That’s the part that sucks. Are you going to live here full-time?
Hi Trish, thanks yes I hope to stay, but want to be legal and not sure how to go about it. Is going outside of Mexico the only way, could I renew the FMM at all or can I only do that by leaving the country? And what happens if I arrive at the airport with expired FMM to fly out, is it just a fine, and will they let me back in with a new FMM?
Hi Trish,
I am planning to relocate to Mexico with my family either to PV or Merida. Which area is good and safe for families also accessibility to schools? Also, can your lawyer assist on temporary residence visa processing while outside Mexico? if so, I’d like to connect. We are in Manila. I appreciate your advise.
Thanks in advance.
Kind regards,
Rosch
Hi Trisha,
I’m planning to relocate to Mexico with the same visa like yours. It’s been a messy process on my end at the moment and I would like to connect with you and potentially get some recommendation from you on getting the right lawyer too.
I hope to hear from you soon!
Best,
Sam
Hi Sam! I already e-mailed you a few weeks ago. Let me know if you got it?
Hi! I sent you dm on Instagram if you could share the lawyers’ details? Thank you!
Hi K! I just e-mailed you. X
Hi Trish,
thanks so much for your informative post. My husband and I are in Guadalajara now and our visas expire Jan 4. We are familiar with Queretaro as we lived there for 3 months, 2 years ago, so we would like to contact a lawyer there. Can you please email us back? thanks so much
Deena, I already sent you an e-mail. Let me know if you need anything else!
Nice post, thanks a lot!
Would you be so kind and write me the contact of your lawyer?🙏🏼💕
Lisa
Hey Lisa! I just sent you an e-mail. Let me know if you received it. Good luck with your move to Mexico!
Hey, can you bring me in contact with your lawyer?
Just e-mailed you, Aaron!
Hello! I’m so glad I found your post/blog! I have been in the process of trying to buy my dream home near PV, but from Texas … during COVID. In order to get financing, I need a temporary residence visa and CURP. I qualify and can make an appointment at a local consulate, but I am wondering though, once I receive those do you know if there’s a requirement to actually enter Mexico in a certain timeframe? We aren’t planning to live/vacation in the home for at least 6months – 1 year. Would love to hear any advice from you!! Many thanks in advance
Hey Elizabeth! Once your visa is approved in the consulate in Texas, you need to go to Mexico within 30 days. 🙂 Good luck and let me know if you need anything else!
Great post, gracias! We are retired (seniors), have lived in CDMX and Guanajuato under a tourist visa. Because we love Mexico so much, we decided to get a permanant resident visa (me) and a temporary (her) so then jumped through all the hoops and appointment changes – but finally succeeded. We have about 5 months left to return to Mexico to finish up and get our cards. My question: I have read that this can be a months long process depending on which INM we use? Is there any way we can hurry up the process. We’d prefer to do this in CDMX or GTO but if we could do it as quickly as you…. can you drop us an email?
Hi Trish,
Great post with tons of info – Just sent you an email requesting your lawyer’s details! Looking forward to your reply. Thanks!
Replied! Hope you received it! X
Hey Trisha!
Thanks for sharing your stories and experiences. I am coming to Mexico as a digital nomad employed outside of the country – and on a tourist visa. I was hoping to come to Salyulita but the internet is so important for my work – I am in video conference meetings with many people daily – and the caveat of my ability to go – is in fact reliable internet connection. So Alas – Salyulita is off our list. However we love PV and may go there (or Baja).
Do you know if in PV once a tourist visa expires (lets say they came in 2021 well after the pandemic started) will they be able to apply for the regularization program if its still running? Any word on if the program intends to end? Look forward to hearing from you.
Hi CJ! Yes, I think as long as your visa is expired, they will accept it no matter what year you entered Mexico. That’s why I know a lot of people on tourist visas who are just waiting for their visas to expire. They started doing that in September. I will update you as they may change it again by the beginning of 2022.
@Trisha Velarmino, Hi Trisha, OMG thank u so much for all your information and sharings!! Im about to head to Mexico and so unsure which is best route as I do wanna stay longer… Is the regularisation programme still running and its good to come and let my Tourist Visa expire, or is it best to apply for the Temp Residency from where I am straight away?
Could u maybe also share the details of your lawyer with me too ^.^?? Thank u for any insights and wishing u a nice time 🙂
HI Trisha,
I tried to contact you before and was waiting for you email. Anyway, I’m very interested how to get the temporal resident card thru this 2021 regularization program!
Could you please advise me if the INM is offering it either in Merida or Progreso, Yucatan?
Thanks for your great work and best success for all your future activities!
Yours Frank
Hey Trisha.
I need the contact of your lawyer to apply in Queretaro INM. Not in a hurry, i will be in five months but I want to prepare everything before.
Best.
Val
Hi Trisha
I am very interested in talking to a lawyer that you have experience with and recommend. I sent you an email and look forward to your reply. I don’t want to be a pain in the butt, but it’s urgent that I get this resolved as soon as possible, which I know you can relate with. It’s stressing me out.
Thanks for your great blog!
Michelle
Hi Trisha,
We’re currently in PV now and looking to find an English speaking lawyer. Kindly send me an email with your lawyers’ contact info. Thank you!
Hello Trisha,
I posted already once but I cannot see my post anymore so I retry.
Can I have the contact of your lawyer in Queretaro INM ?
Thanks
Val.
Hello, I read your blog and I found it super useful because my boss wanted me to find a way to stay in Mexico. But unfortunately he wanted to be in Mexico without any visas for 13K is that possible? Could it be possible to talk with your lawyers in Puerto Vallarta so I can consult with them? Because it’s stressing me out. Sorry, thank you in advance. God bless!
May I please have your lawyer’s contact information? Thank you! Janet
Hi Janet! I e-mailed you. Let me know if you received it!
Hi Trisha, thanks for the post! I wanted to check one point: can you officially work in Mexico with this residency visa or do you need to apply extra for a working visa? Thanks!
Hi Lana! No, you can’t work in Mexico with this visa. The non-lucrative visa for digital nomads should be the visa type for you but only if you are employed by a company outside of Mexico.
If you got a job in Mexico (registered in Mexico), you need to ask them to help you with the working visa. They usually assist and that’s a different process.
Hi Trisha
I plaaning to move mexico on digital nomad visa along with family (wife and 6 months kid), can I move along with family?
what are the minimum required funds ?
Thank you
Hi Bharath! I don’t have experience with getting a visa with family so I didn’t write that here. But I can connect you with my lawyer if you’re interested?
Hello Trisha,
Thank you so much for taking the time to put this information out there. I am interested in findinf a lawyer to help me in the process. I live in San Migiel de Allende ( Guanajuato state) thanks so much!
Hi Trisha,
I’m currently in Mexico City on a tourist which is due to expire soon! Want to look at my options for Temporary Residencency. Could you please connect me with your lawyer or someone who you could recommend in Mexico City.
Great blog by the way!
Thanks Ben
Hi Trish, I’ve scoured the internet looking for residency options for Mexico, and you give me hope. I’m a retiree in Northern Baja, CA. My FMM expires May 2022. Unfortunately I don’t meet the financial requirements via the normal temporary residency process. Would I be eligible for working with your lawyer to get the 4-year temporary visa when my FMM expires? I am willing to fly to Queretero, thanks.
I have loved Mexico since childhood from family trips, and it has always been my dream to live there, just ask my friends! I’m an artist and all I want to do is be inspired by the color and beauty of Mexico, make new friends, paint, and explore the beach and mountain towns. Now that I have finally been able to retire, I am hoping there is a way I can live in Baja fulltime, or close to fulltime. Thank you.
Trisha this article opened up a world of possibility.. will you please put me in touch with your abogado/a? Specifically someone near Queretaro? Gracias!
Hi Trisha –
I just discovered you and your lovely blog searching for help with my expired tourist visa in Mexico – I’m in the same situation as you were, and I do qualify for the new program – I’d love to be connected with your lawyer who helped you.
I’m based in Oaxaca City –
I so appreciate you sharing your experience and inviting the opportunity to contact you about this.
Hi Trisha,
I hope you are well!
Someone just forwarded me your blog post. As you know this process does sound too good to be true so I wanted to run my case by you and see if you had any specific tips or suggestions. I hope you don’t mind me writing to you!
I found a lawyer here in CDMX who will do this for me here. He’s been incredibly helpful so far but we haven’t started the process yet (and I haven’t paid anything yet).
Why I am worried?
I’ve spoken to 5 lawyers so far and he’s the only lawyer who’s told me he can do this for me here in CDMX + Date of entry is not important (and that I will get my residency on the same day of my interview!).
He explains it by the fact that he knows people inside… he was absolutely clear on that I can do this process independently myself, and the only difference is that I’m essentially paying him (apart from doing the whole paperwork for me) to guarantee it will actually work, because of his connections… Knowing Mexico this makes sense to me.
Apart from that, everything else he told me including the costs of the application fees etc, matches the rest of my research (governments website, blogs, and even it matched what some of the other lawyers have said about this process, except for the part of doing it in CDMX and the date of entry).
However, I didn’t reach him through a personal recommendation. I reached him through the Foreigners & Expats in CDMX group on Facebook. So right now I’m trying to find out in every way I can that he’s legit and not some con artist and that I won’t end up getting deported or something because of this!
The good thing is he said I would be paying him directly only his fees (50% at the start of the process and 50% once I received my card) and the government application fees will be paid directly to the government’s bank account- he said he will generate that INM code for making the payment for me and I will go with his attorney to the bank institution to pay the fees before my interview on that same day, so we can go to the interview with a proof of payment. Is that how you did it?
So I want to find out the information of the bank account that I will need to deposit the government applications fees to, so that I can compare that with the one he gives me, to be sure the payment is going to the right place. I don’t know if it would be the same account for PV or if you would know where I can find out this information?
I’ve also asked to meet him (and the other attorney who will apparently escort me to the interview) in person in their offices this week. I’m trying to organise going with someone, just in case… I’ve also written to people who have written them reviews on their law firm Facebook page but so far I haven’t received any response from a person that can legitimately say they actually worked with them. I can’t write anymore on the foreigners and expats group to ask people about their experience because he’s a member of the group and I don’t want to make him feel that i don’t trust him- is that silly?
Also, him and the rest have said there is no risk of deportation in this process. They all say that I will 100% get my residency card but when I insist to know what happens if, they’ve said I won’t get deported and I won’t be flagged in the system so I can still try other methods of getting a residency here if this one fails. Is this what you were told too?
Do you know if they will return me my expired tourist card in case my process fails and I don’t get my resident card (so that I can leave legally and pay the airport fee for overstaying my tourist visa)?
If you don’t know, do you know someone trustworthy who I can speak with to ask this?
I was suggested to call the INM and ask them but I am worried that contacting them can somehow turn against me, what do you think?
Do you have other suggestions on verifying the legitimacy of this lawyer?
Like you, I much prefer doing this process with a lawyer and paying his fees for peace of mind. I just want to be sure it’s not some kind of scam.
I would so appreciate any insight you can give me!
Thanks so much for sharing infos on this!
Hi, Trisha.
Thank you for your wonderful blog and work. Quite honestly, this is the first time I ever really felt connected to a travel blog before.
I am writing as I would be grateful to be connected with your Mexican immigration lawyer.
I have contributed to your coffee fund. Keep doing you.
I look forward to your reply.
Hi, i am kinda bingereading through all your posts^^and was wondering if you would be willing to share the contactdetails of your lawyer with me?
Im trying to decide on which route to take : Tourist Visa + regularisation (if still running?) OR Temp Residence…
Thank u SO MUCH for all your efforts and with much warmth!! :))
I saw your post about the temporary Resident Visa Mexico. Thank you. Do know if there is a trusted lawyer in the Cancun area (Playa de Carmen). Who can help me to get such visa?
Hi, I read your article and want to be connected with an honest immigration lawyer. Some have tried to charge us 10000 usd so far and it seems very expensive…
Hello Trisha,
I just came across your blog. My wife and I are currently in Puerto Vallarta and would like your assistance with possibly securing a temporary residency here in Mexico via their regularization program. Please contact me at your first opportunity. Thanks.
Hi Trisha, Thank you for writing the MOST informative blog I have found on Mexico. It is very refreshing and really well done. You certainly have a new fan! You mention several times, you are happy to connect people with your lawyer. I am thinking of applying for temporary residency. in your opinion better with a lawyer or unnecessary? Thank you for all you do
Hi Trisha
Awesome post
Please connect me with your lawyer
Lee
having spent almost 6 months in Mexico, I feel like it is a great place to settle down. I have been checking the steps for applying for temporary residency status – think financially i have no problem with it. However, it seems that the purpose of that visa is for those who intend to study, or have a valid job offer or family relationship only. Say, for example if i like to come here to help a pal to build a house on voluntary basis but need a year or so would that be good enough as a reason to apply for that kind of residency status?
Hello,
Thank you so much for this helpful post. Would you be able to send me your lawyer’s number?
Thanks so much!
Hi Rosie! You can fill out the form in this post. It goes straight to the lawyer’s inbox! Just click Control+F and search for “Contact Mexican lawyer for residency visa.” It should land you directly to the form. I know this post is long! Good luck!
Hi, I would like you lawyers name in PVR. Thanks
Hi Trisha can you please send me the lawyers you recommend thank you!
Hi Paige! If you fill out this simple form, it goes straight to the lawyer’s inbox! Good luck and I hope you get the visa!
Hi Trisha!
My husband and I are looking into the regularization process when our visas expire in April. We are in Querétaro and would love to know what lawyer you use here so that we can be in contact with them. Thank you so much for this informative post!
Hi Trisha, just read your blog about the regularization in Mexico. I am interested in what’s possible for me since I am in Mexico now. Can you please give connect me with your lawyer?
Many thanks !
Hi Trisha, thanks for this post. I am in QRO right now and would like to contact the lawyer there, could you send his/her contact details please? Thanks!
Hi Trisha!
Thank you so much for all the info you provided. I have a question that wasn’t asked! I’m currently in Veracruz and I still need to check if it is offered in my state, I haven’t seen it mentioned anywhere. Otherwise the closest office seems to be the one in Mexico City, hence my question! How can I travel safely in a bus for 5 hours with an expired visa?? And my understanding is that you need to take an appointment in person and then you need to go back for the official appointment? Thank you again so much!!
Hi Trisha,
do you still know some place where we can get the regularization without having an entry in Mexico before 2021.
Thank you for your help 🙂
David
Hi Trisha, I stumbled upon your blog while researching MX visas and residency permits. I appreciate your efforts to share useful information!
Could you please share your lawyer’s contact info? Thank you.
My tourist visa recently expired. I’m a digital nomad currently staying in Playa del Carmen. Wondering if there’s a way for me to transmute/request some type of residency.
Hola – would you connect me to your lawyer please? I am in Oaxaca.. Sebastian
Hey Trish! I was hoping you could connect me with your immigration lawyer. I am currently in Mazatlan. Thanks so much for this article, it was super helpful. 🙂
Hey Trish, Amazing article thank you for all the Information. I’m interested in getting connected with your immigration lawyer. I believe this program is still operating in Mazatlan where I am and need to get on it asap.
Thank you!
Hi Trisha! Amazing blog. I am already in Puerto Vallarta with my family and looking for permanent options to keep them here. I am having a hard time finding good lawyers. If you are still open to referring lawyers, please send them my way. Thank you.
Hi Trisha!
I’m in Punta Mita and would love to be connected to your lawyer here if possible. Thanks in advance!
What if you don’t have your expired fmm? We were in Mexico and have passport stamps but not an expired fmm
The guy they issued our fmm told us they are not souvenirs and to turn them in when we leave!
Hi thanks for writing the article. I still feel a bit lost. Can you put me intouch with your lawyer? I need help getting temp residency visa finished here in mexico ( the second part of process).
Thanks Sarah
Hi,
I’m.interested in how much lawyer fee would be for me to apply for regularization program? Also does it have to be 2 witnesses I only know 1 person in Mexico .
I am a Canadian wanting to retire in Oct/ Nov of 2022 in Mexico.
Could you pls reply to my questions by email? I would also like to have you as a contact should I have any either questions.
Thankyou look fwd to hearing from you
Ciao
Cheryl O’Day
Can you give me the email address for the immigration lawyer in Puerto Vallarta?
thanks,
peter
Hi Trisha! Amazing blog, can you please send me an email?
I have some questions I would like to ask. Thank you!
Hi Trisha, do you know if this program is still running now (July 2022)?
We visited Mexico in late 2018 and left in April 2019.
It has been suggested that we would still qualify for the regularization visa if we visit again, get a 30 day visa on arrival, and then apply on day 31.
Any help/information greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Trisha,
I would love the names of lawyers for Mexico city and Queretaro please!
Do you know if the regularization fees for temp residency, and late fees for expired FMM are cheaper in CDMX or Qro, compared to PV or elsewhere?
Thanks,
Adelina
Wow! Been living in or traveling back and forth between Mexico since 2016.
But since I had to move back to the USA in 2020, I’ve been missing the lifestyle there and wanting to move back. (although I was thinking to Mexico City where most of my friends are). This could be a game changer on moving back and being able to stay. Now I just need to get some dependable remote work to support myself there and I’ll be on my way.
ho dear! can you please share your lawyers contacts with me? I am considering going to Cancun/Vallarta to apply for regularizacion so not sure which one of your lawyers will be more informed about the requirements etc thanks in advance!
Hi Trisha!
Just wondering if this regularization is still available for a 4 year temporary mexican visa?
Thanks!
Hi Trisha, I am from China and very interested in living in Mexico and abtaining residency card in this country. Can I have the lawer’s email? I need her assistant! Thank you!
Hi Bob! You can fill out this form and the lawyer will get back to you. If she does not respond, let me know but she always replies fast!
hello i am currently in Chiapas but would like to go to Querétaro for the residency because my first entry is in 2022.
if you could please send me the contact of your trusted lawyer?
hello i am currently in Chiapas but would like to go to Querétaro for the residency because my first entry is 2022.
if you could please send me the contact of your trusted lawyer?
hi. i just heard about this – am not sure what card you are referring to but I got my flight details when I flew into mexico city february 2019 for a conference. i then flew from the city to acapulco – would my flight details be sufficient – im outside of mexic atm. thanks for anyhelp.
Hi Trisha – I was attending a conference in Acapulco February 2019 and was in Mexico for about 4 weeks – only just heard about this which is marvellous. I am not in Mexico but was heading to Nicaragua – have you got the details of a lawyer you trust or we could liaise with? Thanks for the updates and any furthe rknoweldge you pass on.
I’m trying to get my Temporary in Queretaro, Canadian, just discovered I don’t meet the income requirements but shocked as I for sure thought I would. Even buying a house in Queretaro and that doesn’t seem to help. I need a lawyer as I must get the residency status for health care reasons. Thanks if you can put me in touch with your lawyer(s)?
Hello Trish,
Please send the laywer’s contact information you used in PV, Thank you! I assume as this blog post was updated recently that the program is going into 2023?
Hi Trisha, great article! Would you be able to connect me with your immigration lawyer (for the regularization program) as well as the lawyer who helped you process your visa in San Jose, Costa Rica? Thanks a lot!
Well given you’ve used Mexico to displace actual residents with your overpriced AirBnb’s and pimp your fake adulting out, AND lie about your fake “Mexican Digital Nomad Visa” (it’s just temporary residency) I hope the INE take a hard look at your application for permanent status. I’m pretty sure they will.
Hi, did you have to prove that you were in Mexico before the pandemic? I’ve heard that one of the requirements is to have been here prior to 2020. I was here in 2017 but I don’t think it was computerised as I crossed the Belize border in and out, and it was in my old passport so I have no proof.
Yes, that is the new requirement now. You have to have entered Mexico before 2020. When I applied, that rule was not in place but now it is.
Hi Trisha – Can you please send me the lawyer details
Hi Nitin, of course! You can fill out this form and the lawyer will be in touch with you. Please be as clear as possible as there are many visa types in Mexico. Good luck!
Hola! I would like to talk with you as my husband and I are interested in doing exactly what you did regarding temporary residency. We are just north of Cabo in Los Barriles so we could meet in person if you are interested in helping us.
Hello, can you please share the contact information of the lawyer in Queretaro? I would really appreciate it.
Please connect me with your lawyer, I am overstayed, thank you. Great article and information
Hi Trisha!, Can you connect me with your lawyer.
I’d love a contact in the Tijuana area. I visit Rosarito regularly. Thanks!
Such great information – do Australians qualify for this visa? I couldn’t tell.
I am looking to get the regularization process done. Can you connect me with your immigration lawyer? My plan is to go to Tijuana from San Diego to try to get the 7 day FMM and then from there, go to whichever city in Mexico and meetup with the immigration lawyer/facilitator to get this done quickly. Any tips appreciated.
Looking for info for immigration facilitator/attorney to help with regularization that can be done within a few days of the FMM being expired. Doesn’t matter where in Mexico. I can travel to them. Thanks!