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Residence & citizenship

Mexican Mexico Temporary Resident Visa

For stays in Mexico of more than six months. The holder must obtain a Temporary Resident Card from the INM within 30 days of entry.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

Economic-solvency income and savings thresholds and the consular/INM fees are set per consulate and updated annually and were not verified to a single figure; the 20-business-day consular resolution time appears in SRE guidance but was not verified against the official page (bot-blocked).

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Mexico government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Temporary Resident Visa
Route type
Temporary residence
Consular visa validity
Single entry, valid to travel to Mexico within 180 days
Resident card validity
Up to 4 years (issued and renewed by INM)
The Temporary Resident Card is issued for up to one year initially and can be renewed for up to four years total.
Number of entries
Multiple entries once the resident card is issued
Exchange deadline
Apply to INM within 30 calendar days of entry
Where to apply
Mexican consulate abroad, then INM inside Mexico
Economic solvency
Required — income or savings over a set period
The exact income (over ~6 months) and savings (over ~12 months) thresholds are set per consulate and updated annually; confirm the current figure.

Who can apply

  • People planning to stay in Mexico for more than six months
  • Applicants who will complete residence formalities at the INM

What you can do

  • Reside temporarily in Mexico for longer than six months
  • Obtain a Temporary Resident Card at the INM after entry

Requirements

  • You intend to live in Mexico for more than 180 days and up to four years
  • You can demonstrate economic solvency — through savings held over the previous months, or regular income/pension over the previous months, to the consulate's required level (other qualifying grounds, such as family links, may apply)
  • You apply first at a Mexican consulate abroad, not inside Mexico
  • You attend a consular interview, at which issuance is at the consular officer's discretion

How to apply

  • Book a consular appointment through citas.sre.gob.mx and complete the visa application form
  • Attend the consulate in person with your documents, proof of economic solvency and the fee, and attend the interview
  • If approved, the temporary resident visa is placed in your passport; travel to Mexico within its validity
  • Enter Mexico and, within 30 calendar days, apply to the Instituto Nacional de Migracion (INM) to exchange the visa for a Temporary Resident Card
  • Complete the INM canje de visa process (biometrics, forms and fee) to receive the card

Documents you may need

  • Valid passport (original) plus a photocopy of the photo/personal-data page
  • One recent colour photograph to the consulate's specification
  • Completed and signed visa application form
  • Proof of legal residence in the country where you apply, if you are not a citizen of it
  • Proof of economic solvency — bank statements or investment records, or payslips/pension statements
  • Payment of the consular fee (and, later, the INM card fees in Mexico)

Frequently asked questions

  • The consular visa only lets you travel to Mexico. You must go to the INM within 30 calendar days of entry to exchange it for a Temporary Resident Card, which is what actually authorises you to reside — for up to four years including multiple entries.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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