Residency in Mexico
Legally Reside in Mexico
Mexico has emerged as an attractive migratory destination due to its quality of life, beautiful scenery and affordability. More and more foreigners wish to settle in the country, either temporarily or permanently, especially those looking to retire in a pleasant environment. However, it is essential to have a residence permit that guarantees their legal stay in Mexico.
There are several options for temporary residency in Mexico, each designed to meet different needs:
Visitor without Permission to Perform Remunerated Activities: Allows a stay of up to 180 days, extendable only once.
Visitor for Adoption Purposes: Offers a period of 120 days for foreigners in the process of adoption in Mexico.
Visitor with Permission to Perform Remunerated Activities: Valid for up to 180 days and intended for cross-border workers, religious ministers, athletes, artists and other professionals.
Regional Visitor: Available for up to 180 days with multiple entries for residents of neighboring countries such as Guatemala and Belize.Service Providers: Grants a stay of up to one year for foreigners with labor contracts in Mexico.Students: The validity coincides with the duration of the study program.
Temporary Resident: Offers a stay of 1 to 4 years, renewable, for foreigners who qualify due to family ties, investors, professionals, positions of trust in companies, pensioners or retirees, refugees and by decision of the immigration authority.
Requirements to legally reside in Mexico
In general terms, the common requirements to obtain a residency permit in Mexico include:
- Valid passport
- Residency application
- Proof of means of subsistence
- Proof of domicile in Mexico
- Certificate of criminal record
- Payment of fees
- Photographs
- Additional documents depending on the type of residency
The application process is carried out at the offices of the National Immigration Institute in Mexico, and the specific requirements vary depending on the type of residency being applied for.
Benefits of legal residency.
Obtaining legal residency in Mexico carries with it a number of significant advantages, including the following:
- Remaining in Mexico for the authorized period without risk of deportation.
- Obtaining official documentation that allows for identification and opening bank accounts.
- Access to authorized educational institutions.
- Work and practice professions according to the type of residency.
- Access to social security and health services.
- Freedom to travel in and out of Mexico.
- Possibility to apply for mortgage loans, financing and tax benefits.
- The option to apply for naturalization after years of legal residency.
In summary, legal residency in Mexico provides immigration certainty and a dignified and productive stay for both the foreigner and his or her family members.
Permanent Residency
Permanent residency is the immigration status that allows foreigners to live indefinitely in Mexico. It is obtained after 4 years of temporary residence in the country, through family ties with a Mexican national or, in exceptional cases, by decision of the INM. It is also possible to acquire it through naturalization after complying with specific requirements in a period of 2 to 5 years.
Benefits of Permanent Residency
- Unlimited stay with the obligation to renew every 10 years.
- Right to work in Mexico without labor restrictions.
- Unrestricted access to any educational institution.
- Right to public health services and social security.
- Possibility to apply for mortgage loans and other financing.
- Freedom to enter and leave the national territory.
- Generation of credit history and financial seniority in Mexico.
- The option to apply for naturalization as a citizen after 2-5 years of permanent residence.
Requirements to Obtain
Permanent Residence
The requirements to obtain permanent residency vary depending on the applicant’s situation. Some of the most common avenues include:
- Previous temporary residence of 4 years in the country.
- Marital relationship with a Mexican national or Mexican children.
- Substantial investments in businesses that generate employment and development.
- Permanent job offer in priority areas for the country.
- Retirement or pension with verifiable income to subsist in Mexico.
- Refugee status and political asylum for 2 years.
- Ancestry or direct descent from a Mexican national.
Permanent Residence
Application Procedure
The application process involves several stages, from the collection of documents to the submission of the final documentation. The length of the process may vary, and it is recommended to seek legal advice to avoid problems.
Loss and Cancellation
of Permanent Residence
Permanent residency is only lost in cases of prolonged absence, express renunciation or cancellation for serious reasons. It is important to note that permanent residency cannot be renounced at will, as it provides indefinite immigration stability in Mexico.
Lawyers in los Cabos
Initial counseling: Lawyers explain the requirements, procedures and documents needed according to the foreigner’s particular situation to provide guidance on the best way to obtain permanent residency.
Background check: They analyze the foreigner’s history, stays and previous immigration status in Mexico to detect possible impediments or problems to be solved.
Application integration: They help to gather and legalize all the necessary documents according to the guidelines of the National Institute of Migration.
Accompaniment in the process: They assist the foreigner in the presentation of the application and in the interview before the immigration authorities.
Follow-up of the process: They follow up on the process and any additional requirements of the authorities until the final resolution on permanent residency is obtained.
Renewals and updates: They advise on the renewal process every 10 years to keep the permanent residency in force, as well as any changes to report regarding marital status, domicile, work, etc.
Defense against cancellations: If necessary, they legally represent the permanent resident against unfounded attempts to cancel this immigration status.
Immigration and Citizenship
Explore our article on immigration and citizenship for valuable information on the immigration, visa, residency and naturalization processes.
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