How to Move to Mexico in 2025 – FREE Step-by-Step Guide

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Interested in moving to Mexico? Here’s what you need to know:

🇲🇽 Mexico at a Glance

Border length: 1,954 miles (3,142 km) with the U.S., 10th longest worldwide.
Population: Approx. 130 million, largest Spanish-speaking country.
History: Olmecs (1500 BCE-400 BCE) were first; Aztecs settled in the 14th century; flag shows eagle on cactus eating snake.

Currency: Mexican Peso; US dollars accepted in many tourist spots.
Languages: Mainly Spanish; 6% speak indigenous languages (68 total); English common in tourist/business areas but varies.
Religion: 87.2% Roman Catholic, 8% Christian, 4.7% no religion, others unspecified.
Ethnicity: Mostly Mestizos (Spanish-Indian mix), plus 56 indigenous groups, small African and Caucasian populations.
Major cities: Mexico City, Tijuana, Leon, Puebla.

Climate: Warmer than Northern countries.
Cost of living: Generally cheaper than first-world countries; popular for retirees.
Residency: Foreign investments welcomed; residency relatively easy to obtain.
Culture: Warm, hospitable; expats often find easy integration.
Travel: Cheap, quick flights to USA/Canada.
Healthcare: Good quality, many US-trained doctors; affordable visits and dental; quality varies by region.
Community: Large expat communities for support.
Lifestyle: Laid-back and relaxed.

Note: these are common expat complaints, and may not apply to you.

Service: Often slow in banks and government offices; frustrating if you want efficiency.
Climate: Some areas very hot and humid.
Garbage: Incomplete garbage collection in some places.
Noise: No noise laws; loud music late at night common in busy areas.
Begging: Common in populated areas; may be persistent.
Infrastructure: Narrow streets/sidewalks; stray dogs frequent.
Traffic & Pollution: Congestion and poor air quality in big cities.

Tourist Visa (FMT)
- Most nationalities receive a 180-day visitor visa upon entry, called an FMT.
- Fee usually paid via airline; sometimes required before arrival.
- Some countries must get a visa prior to entry.
- No employment allowed on FMT.
Student Visa
- Must be enrolled in an accredited institution with classes in Spanish.
- No paid work, but some internships or part-time jobs allowed under specific conditions.
Work Permit Visa
- Employer files petition with National Institute of Migration (INM).
- Once approved, applicant applies at Mexican Embassy/Consulate for a temporary residency card.
30-Day Business Trip
- Allowed up to 30 days for general business (meetings, conventions) without a work permit.

Temporary Resident Visa (FM3 or MTRV)
- Must prove regular monthly income ≥ $4,185 USD or sufficient savings/investments.
- Cost varies by card duration.
Permanent Residency
- Eligible after 4 years of temporary residency.
- Financial proof: ≥ $6,975 USD/month or $279,000 USD in savings.
- Does not require renouncing original citizenship.
- Grants most Mexican benefits except voting.
Citizenship
- Can apply after 2 years if married to Mexican, has Mexican child, or born in Latin America; otherwise, 5 years as permanent resident.
- Must pass a Mexican history test and Spanish proficiency exam.

Registration involves:
- Registering corporate name with Ministry of External Affairs.
- Obtaining permits and licenses for tax and legal compliance.
Corporate Tax Rate:
- Generally 30% for most businesses.
Employer Obligations:
- Must contribute to social security and healthcare; exact rates may vary.
Residency Card:
- Business owners need a residency card to work legally.
Compliance:
- Ensure adherence to zoning, environmental, and health regulations depending on the business type.

Visas and migratory documents: the latest visa information from the official Government of Mexico website.
Computrabajo – Mexico’s leading job portal with a broad range of local listings across industries.