If you’re planning a trip to Mexico, it’s important to understand the different types of visas available. This ensures you have the proper documentation for your stay. From tourist visas to work visas, there are various options depending on the purpose and length of your visit. Learn about the different types of visas in Mexico and find the one that best fits your travel plans.
Tourist Visas in Mexico
A tourist visa is also known as a visitor visa. This is the most common type of visa for travelers visiting Mexico for leisure or non-business purposes. This visa allows visitors to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days. A stamp in your passport is obtained upon arrival at the airport or border crossing. However, it’s important to note that some nationalities may require a pre-approved visa before traveling to Mexico. Check with the Mexican embassy or consulate in your country for more information.
To obtain a tourist visa, visitors must have a valid passport. When clearing customs, the agent scans your passport. Then, they stamp and fill in the days you’re allowed to stay in the county. Make sure you can read the number of days. If it’s not legible, ask the agent BEFORE you leave the customs area. 180 days are not guaranteed any longer. At times, the passport scanner is not working. If this is the case, they will give you a receipt with a QR code. You’ll need to scan the QR code and fill in your information manually such as your passport number, the address of where you’re staying, and the name of the airline and flight number you arrived on.
It’s important to note that the tourist visa does not allow visitors to work or engage in any business activities while in Mexico. If visitors plan to work or conduct business in Mexico, they must obtain a different type of visa.
Temporary Resident Visas in Mexico
A Temporary Resident Visa is for individuals who plan to stay in Mexico for longer than 180 days but less than four years. This visa is ideal for those who want to live in Mexico for an extended period of time, such as retirees or students. To obtain a Temporary Resident Visa, applicants must provide proof of financial stability and a clean criminal record. This visa can be renewed annually for up to four years, after which the holder may apply for permanent residency.
The Temporary Resident Visa allows holders to work and conduct business in Mexico, as well as access healthcare and education services. It also allows for multiple entries and exits from the country during its validity period. However, holders of this visa are not eligible for Mexican citizenship and must apply for a different type of visa if they wish to do so. Overall, the Temporary Resident Visa is a great option for those looking to live in Mexico for an extended period of time without committing to permanent residency.
Financial requirements can be found here: https://www.mexperience.com/financial-criteria-for-residency-in-mexico/
Steps to apply for a temporary resident visa
- Contact a Mexican consulate to set up an appointment.
- Complete the Mexico Visa Application Form. You can find the application form on the website of the consulate.
- Collect the required documents. See the requirements for a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa below.
- Submit the application and pay the visa fee.
- On the date of your appointment, you must submit the documents and application form at the Mexico embassy. You also have to pay a Mexico visa fee.
- Wait for the visa to be processed
- Pick up your passport. If the application is approved, the visa will be affixed to your passport.
- Travel to Mexico and exchange your Temporary Resident Visa into a Temporary Residence Card
It’s important to note, each consulate has different financial requirements. Therefore, if you are turned down at one consulate, you may be approved somewhere else.
Permanent Resident Visas in Mexico
A Permanent Resident Visa is for individuals who plan to live in Mexico indefinitely. This visa is ideal for those who have already lived in Mexico for several years on a Temporary Resident Visa and wish to make Mexico their permanent home. To obtain a Permanent Resident Visa, applicants must meet certain requirements, such as having a certain level of income or owning property in Mexico. Once approved, the holder can live and work in Mexico without any restrictions.
The Permanent Resident Visa also allows the holder to leave and re-enter Mexico without the need for a new visa. It is important to note that this visa does not grant Mexican citizenship, but after four years of holding a Permanent Resident Visa, individuals may be eligible to apply for Mexican citizenship. This visa is a great option for those who plan to retire or start a business in Mexico, or for those who simply want to make Mexico their permanent home.
Student Visas in Mexico
A Student Visa is required for individuals who plan to study in Mexico for a temporary period of time. This visa is issued for up to 180 days and can be extended for an additional 180 days. To obtain a Student Visa, applicants must have proof of enrollment in a Mexican educational institution and meet certain requirements, such as having sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in Mexico. Holders of a Student Visa are not allowed to work in Mexico.
In addition to proof of enrollment and financial stability, applicants for a Student Visa must also provide a valid passport, a completed visa application form, and a recent photograph. It is important to note that the visa application process can take several weeks, so it is recommended to apply well in advance of the intended travel date. Once in Mexico, students must also register with the National Immigration Institute within 30 days of arrival. With a Student Visa, individuals can enjoy the opportunity to study in Mexico and immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture and history.
Final Thoughts on Types of Visas in Mexico: Which One Do You Need?
Depending upon what you need, there’s are different types of visas in Mexico available for you. If you are thinking about a move to Mérida, you’ll need to see if you qualify for residency first. Residency requirements are based on a multiplication equation of the minimum daily salary. Therefore, requirements increase annually based on the minimum salary announced every January. For example, the minimum requirement can increase about 20% as indicated by what we’ve had for the last few years. If you’re considering moving in the next few years, we recommend getting residency sooner rather than later to ensure financial qualifications.
