The big picture
Mexico offers multiple paths to legal stay. The best route depends on your finances, ties to Mexico, and purpose (retire, work, study, join family). Most routes start at a Mexican consulate outside Mexico and finish at INM (canje) inside Mexico. Family and a few special cases may be initiated locally.
Temporary vs Permanent (and other routes)
Temporary Resident
- Valid 1–4 years; renewable; can switch to Permanent later.
- Typical bases: income/savings, student, employer sponsorship.
- Work permission may require employer steps; not automatic.
Permanent Resident
- No renewals; best for retirees/higher financials or certain family cases.
- Allows unlimited entries/exits; separate checklist for first card.
- Often higher financial proofs than Temporary.
Family, Student, Work
Spouse/child/parent of a Mexican or a resident; enrollment at a Mexican school; or employer sponsorship. Each path has unique document wording and timing; our checklists include short Spanish templates where helpful.
Steps & required documents (general)
- Gather facts: passport, entries to Mexico, income/savings, family ties, school/employer info.
- Consulate appointment: bring proofs; obtain a visa de residencia sticker (if your route requires it).
- Enter Mexico: ensure the entry stamp aligns with your visa; keep travel receipts.
- INM canje: online forms, fee payments, biometrics, card pickup.
- After card: CURP printout; consider RFC/tax ID; update banks/mobile/utilities.
- Keep reminders: renewals (Temporary), address changes, employer notices if applicable.
Prefer a personalized version?
We convert this into a city‑specific checklist (Cancun, Playa, Tulum, Cozumel) with the right order of steps and Spanish phrasing used by local desks.
Consulate vs INM (canje)
Consulate step
Outside Mexico. Financial or purpose proofs checked. You leave with a visa sticker to exchange in Mexico (most routes).
INM canje
Inside Mexico. Forms, government fees, biometrics, then card pickup. We include status‑check tips and what to bring for each appointment.
External reference: Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM).
Renewals, changes, and upgrades
- Temporary renewals: watch the renewal window and payment timing; don’t leave applications to the last week.
- Change of address/employer: notify INM within the required deadlines.
- Switching to Permanent: often available after sufficient years as Temporary or via qualifying categories.
Quick answers
Can I start in Mexico or must I visit a consulate?
Most routes begin at a consulate. Some family/special cases may qualify to start locally. Our route tool tells you which applies.
What documents are typical?
Passport, photos, income/savings proofs or school/employer letters, civil registry documents for family routes, and government fee receipts.
Turn this guide into your route & checklist
Get a customized 2–4 page PDF for your situation and city (Cancun, Playa, Tulum, Cozumel). Plain English with Spanish where needed.
No refunds on digital deliverables. Credits are non‑transferable. Complex cases are scoped and quoted before work begins.
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