Interest in moving to Mexico may have spiked following the 2024 election, but our southern neighbor has been an expat hub and digital nomad hotspot for years. Around 1.6 million US citizens already live in Mexico, estimates the US Department of State. The number of remote workers in Mexico City alone is around 15,000, according to self-reported data from Nomads.com.
There are plenty of reasons to move to Mexico — pristine beaches, dynamic cities, unparalleled cuisine, and a warm, welcoming culture, to name a few. Major cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Mérida are particularly popular, drawing remote workers with sophisticated infrastructure, fast internet, cafes and coworking spaces, and thriving nomad communities.
Are you a remote worker considering moving to the mesmerizing country of mariachis, mountains, and metropolises? This article will walk you through the ins and outs of becoming a digital nomad in Mexico.
Overview of Mexico's temporary resident visa
Unlike fellow nomad hotspots Colombia, Portugal, and Uruguay, Mexico has no dedicated digital nomad visa. However, the country does offer a Residente Temporal (temporary resident visa) that functions much the same.
Mexico's temporary resident visa lets you stay in the country for one year, with the option to renew for up to three additional years. While valid, the temporary resident visa allows you to leave and enter Mexico as often as you want.
Mexico temporary resident visa requirements
You need a valid passport to qualify for Mexico's temporary resident visa. In addition, you must meet certain income requirements, and be able to demonstrate that you've earned a minimum monthly income of approximately $4,394 USD over the last six months, or that you've maintained a minimum of approximately $73,235.29 USD in savings or investments for the last 12 months. (Note that this number changes frequently, so check with your consulate for the most up-to-date figure.)
Application process for Mexico's temporary resident visa
Next, we'll walk you through Mexico's Residente Temporal visa application process step by step
1. Book an appointment at a Mexican consulate.
To apply for a temporary resident visa, you must visit a Mexican embassy or consulate outside of Mexico. You can book an appointment online.
We recommend scheduling an appointment as far ahead of your intended travel dates as possible, as the process can sometimes take several weeks. If you can't find an appointment date that meets your needs, try contacting your consulate directly — we've noticed local consulates often have additional availability not listed in the online system
2. Gather the required documents.
Before your appointment, gather the documents needed to apply for Mexico's temporary resident visa:
- A complete visa application, printed double-sided.
- A valid passport and copy of its first page
- One recent passport-sized photo
- Visa application fee ($53 USD at the time of writing)
- Proof of remote income or savings — employment contract with pay stubs or certified bank statements for the last 12 months
3. Attend your appointment.
On your appointment date, bring the required documents and the application fee in cash, credit, or money order to the embassy or consulate. You may be asked questions about your work, plans in Mexico, and financial situation.
You may be given your temporary resident permit at your appointment, or your approval may come in the mail. Your approval will come in the form of a sticker you add to your passport. The sticker grants you 180 days to enter Mexico and complete the temporary resident visa process.
4. Finalize the process in Mexico.
Upon arriving in Mexico, you'll be given an FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) with a notation for "Canje" (exchange) by your immigration officer. After entering the country, you have 30 days to visit a National Migration Institute (INM) office to finalize your visa. You can schedule an appointment at your nearest INM office online.
At the INM office, present your FMM and passport. You'll also need to pay an additional fee (approximately $200 USD at the time of writing). After being photographed and fingerprinted, you'll be issued a temporary residence card valid for one year.
5. Renew your visa after a year.
Should you want to stay in Mexico longer than a year, you can renew your temporary visa before it expires. To renew, apply in person at an INM office within 30 days before your visa expires. You'll have the option to renew for one, two, or three years.
Why Mexico?
Mexico has long captivated travelers with its palm-fringed beaches, flavorful cuisine, and romantic culture. Now, the colorful country is drawing a new kind of visitor: digital nomads. Here's why Mexico is ideal for remote work:
Remote work-friendly infrastructure. Wi-fi is everywhere in Mexico, with ultra-fast connections available in big cities. Nomad hubs like Mexico City are home to modern, internet-equipped cafes and coworking spaces.
A huge digital nomad community. Particularly in major cities, there’s a strong sense of community among remote workers. The digital nomad community in Mexico City is one of the largest in the world, often hosting meetups, events, and other networking opportunities.
Time zone alignment. Mexico's proximity to the US means time zones are well-aligned with American business hours. Most of the country — including Mexico City — uses Central Standard Time (CST).
Safety. While safety in Mexico varies by region, popular destinations like Mexico City and Merida rank highly in terms of appeal and safety record. Like most tourist hotspots around the world, petty theft tends to be the biggest problem travelers face; you can avoid it by leaving your valuables at home and keeping your wits about you.
Low cost of living. In Mexico, housing, food, and transportation are dramatically cheaper than in the US. You can live comfortably on $1,000 to $2,000 USD monthly, with furnished one-bedroom vacation rental apartments in high-demand areas starting at around $600 per month.
Culture and activities. Mexico is packed with cultural treasures (Mexico City alone boasts more than 150 museums, surpassing New York or Paris). Whether you're a fan of swimming in cenotes, exploring ancient ruins, or soaking up street art, you'll never be short of things to do when you need a break from your laptop.
Stunning scenery. Few nations on Earth support as many ecosystems as Mexico. You could spend the entire duration of your temporary residency visa exploring Mexico's sandy beaches, ethereal cloud forests, colorful coral reefs, and vast deserts, and barely skim the surface of the nation's natural beauty.
World-class cuisine. Mexico entices foodies with traditional eateries, world-class restaurants, trendy cocktail bars, and a growing pool of world-renowned homegrown chefs. Eating street food — tacos el pastor, crunchy tlacoyos, and spicy handmade sauces — is a digital nomad must-do.