Move to Mexico

Colonial towns, Caribbean beaches and one of the world's great food cultures

Mexico has no dedicated digital nomad visa, but temporary residence by economic solvency is a well-trodden route for remote workers with foreign income: apply at a Mexican consulate abroad, then swap the visa for a residence card in Mexico. Thresholds are set per consulate and rise every year (2026: about $4,500 a month or about $76,000 in savings).

Routes we checked
3
Digital nomad visa
Not in our data
Budget from
$1,490 a month
Language
Spanish
Currency
MXN
Last checked
30 October 2026

Student visaRetirement visaResidence permit

Ways to live in Mexico

These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.

Programme details are shown in English.

Student visa Student visas →

Temporary Resident Student visa (Residente Temporal Estudiante)

For foreigners accepted at a Mexican school or university for a course longer than 180 days. After arrival the visa is exchanged for a student resident card valid for the length of the studies.

What you need
Acceptance letter showing the programme, dates and tuition cost, proof of funds to cover tuition and living costs (bank, salary, pension or scholarship statements; parents or guardians may sponsor students), passport and photo. Holders of a Mexican government scholarship do not need to prove funds.
How long
For the length of the studies, renewed with proof of continued enrolment
Renewable
Yes
Cost
Consular processing fee of about USD 44–56 depending on the consulate, plus the immigration fee for the resident card in Mexico
How to apply
In person at a Mexican consulate outside Mexico (appointments via citas.sre.gob.mx), then exchange the visa at the National Migration Institute (INM) within 30 days of arrival
Family
Family members can come with you

Official page

Retirement visa Retirement visas →

Permanent Resident visa for retirees (Residente Permanente – jubilado/pensionado)

Direct permanent residence for retirees with a high pension or large savings. No renewals are needed.

What you need
For official retirees or people over 62 (the age rule varies by consulate): a net monthly pension over the last 6 months or an average balance over 12 months, e.g. about $7,762 a month or $312,169 at the Las Vegas consulate in 2026. Work needs separate permission.
Income
from about $7,700 a month
Savings
about $310,000
How long
Indefinite
Renewable
No
Cost
Consular fee about $56, plus the permanent card fee in Mexico
Processing time
The consulate usually decides around the appointment; get the card within 30 days of entry
How to apply
In person at a Mexican consulate abroad, then at Mexico's immigration office
Family
Family members can come with you
Path to permanent residence
This is permanent residence. It can later lead to naturalisation.

Official page

Residence permit Residence permits →

Temporary Resident visa by economic solvency (Residente Temporal)

The usual route for remote workers and early retirees with foreign income: a residence card for up to 4 years. It does not on its own authorise work for Mexican employers.

What you need
Net income of about $4,500 a month over the last 6 months, or an average balance of about $76,000 over the last 12 months (2026; varies slightly by consulate and is higher with dependents). You need original bank statements and an in-person consular interview.
Income
from about $4,500 a month
Savings
about $76,000
How long
Visa valid 180 days for entry; then a residence card for 1 year, renewable for up to 4 years in total
Renewable
Yes
Cost
Consular fee about $56, plus a residence card fee in Mexico (depends on card length)
Processing time
Often decided at the consular appointment; then apply for the card within 30 days of arrival
How to apply
In person at a Mexican consulate abroad (book at citas.sre.gob.mx), then swap the visa for a card at Mexico's immigration office within 30 days of arrival
Family
Family members can come with you
Path to permanent residence
After 4 years of temporary residence you can switch to permanent residence.

Official page

Cost of living

Monthly amounts in US dollars.

Room in a shared flat$350
One-bedroom flat$510
Two-bedroom flat$900
Bills$50
Typical local salary$640
Budget for one person$1,490

Cities to consider

Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.

What life is like

Programme details are shown in English.

Why people move

Mexico City offers museums, markets and leafy neighbourhoods like Roma and Condesa. Others choose Oaxaca, Mérida, Guadalajara or the Caribbean coast. Tacos, mole and lively plazas make everyday life social and colourful.

Day to day

Comfortable long-distance buses and cheap domestic flights connect cities. Private hospitals in big cities are very good. Cards work in cities, cash in markets. Spanish is needed for most daily matters.

Trade-offs

Safety varies sharply by region, so local knowledge matters. Mexico City has earthquakes and water shortages. Popular areas face rising rents and some local resentment toward newcomers.

Before you move: visa-free entry

Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:

Visa rules for every passport

Questions

Does Mexico have a digital nomad visa?

Not among the routes we have checked. Remote workers usually come as visitors within the visa-free limit or use one of the other routes on this page.

How much money do I need to live in Mexico?

A single person can live on from about $1,490 a month. A one-bedroom flat costs about $510 a month.

How can I move to Mexico?

The routes we have checked are: Student visa, Retirement visa, Residence permit.

Can I retire in Mexico?

Yes, through: Permanent Resident visa for retirees (Residente Permanente – jubilado/pensionado).

When was this information checked?

The residence routes for Mexico were last checked against official sources on 30 October 2026.

Sources and last check

Residence routes for Mexico were last checked against official sources on 30 October 2026.

This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.

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