Resident Visas for Mexico

How do I get a Mexican Resident Visa?

Instituto Nacional de Migración - México,
The Mexican Department of Immigration

There are many categories of visas for those who wish to reside in Mexico. Contact your local consulate or Mexican immigration to find out which one best suits your situation.

For those wishing to acquire temporary resident status, an FM3 for visitantes rentistas can be issued by a Mexican consulate. Below are the requirements:

• Applicant must bring in person a valid passport with at least one year of validity remaining.
• A photocopy of passport
• Copies of last six bank statements from a checking account to verify that there is a monthly average balance of at least US $12,000 and monthly deposits of at least US $1500. If applicant is bringing dependents, and extra US $500 must be deposited per dependent per month.
  OR
  A letter from the bank on official letterhead specifying the above.
  OR
  Copy of statements from investments to show that you will be able to live off the interest.
• Two front view passport size photos (no automatic machine photos).
• US $136.00 fee in cash (US $37 for visa fee and US $99 for FM3)
• Completed application form

Note: If applicant is not a US citizen an alien registration card will be required along with a valid passport.

Check with your local consulate regarding hours they accept applications and how long it will take to issue the visa. The San Diego consulate will issue a visa within 24 hours if the application is accepted.

Renewals must be processed through Mexican immigration, not through consulates.