Mexico grants temporary residency to applicants who can show economic solvency through income or savings. This page explains the route at a high level.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
Mexico offers temporary residency for periods of up to four years. A widely used path is economic solvency, where an applicant shows either qualifying monthly income or sufficient savings and investments.
Most applicants begin at a Mexican consulate abroad, which issues a visa that is then exchanged for the residency card with the National Migration Institute after arrival in Mexico.
Under economic solvency, consulates assess either regular income over recent months or a balance of savings and investments held over a longer period. In 2025 guidance directed consulates to base the calculation on the official reference unit known as the UMA rather than the minimum wage, which changes the figures.
Reported figures for 2026 placed required income at roughly 4,400 US dollars per month or savings near 74,000 US dollars, but each consulate sets its own reading. Confirm the exact thresholds with the consulate where you will apply, since these numbers come from secondary sources.
After the consulate issues the visa, the applicant must enter Mexico and complete the exchange for the residency card with the National Migration Institute within the period stated on the visa. Confirm current processing times with the authority and the consulate.
Costs include consular fees, the National Migration Institute card fee and any professional support. Because the solvency thresholds vary by consulate, treat any figure as indicative and confirm before applying.
Temporary residency grants the right to live in Mexico, with renewal up to a four year total in most cases. After holding temporary residency, many people become eligible to apply for permanent residency. Confirm the path and conditions with the National Migration Institute.
| Item | Reported figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly income test | About 4,400 US dollars | Reported 2026, varies by consulate |
| Savings test | About 74,000 US dollars | Reported 2026, varies by consulate |
| Validity | Up to four years | Renewable within the total period |
| Application start | Mexican consulate abroad | Then exchanged with the INM in Mexico |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Government of Mexico, National Migration Institute (INM) publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
Reported figures for 2026 placed required income near 4,400 US dollars per month or savings near 74,000 US dollars, but each consulate sets its own reading. Confirm the exact thresholds with the consulate where you will apply.
Most applicants start at a Mexican consulate abroad, which issues a visa. You then enter Mexico and exchange it for the residency card with the National Migration Institute.
Often yes. After holding temporary residency, many people become eligible to apply for permanent residency. Confirm the path and conditions with the authority.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
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