Mexico permanent residence: the permanent resident visa

The permanent resident visa is for people who plan to live in Mexico for more than four years; stays of 180 days to four years need temporary residence. The grounds are being a retiree or pensioner, a family tie with a Mexican national or permanent resident, and a points system that applies only once its agreement is published in the Official Gazette, which has not happened yet.

Relatives who qualify are the parents, minor children, minor stepchildren and minor unmarried siblings of a Mexican or permanent resident. A spouse or partner cannot get this visa directly: they receive temporary residence, keep it for two years and then ask the INM for permanent residence. No one may sponsor more than one spouse or partner.

Bring your passport, the form and original bank or pension statements. Family cases add the birth certificate, any marriage or partnership proof, and the relative's Mexican passport, naturalisation letter or permanent resident card with a copy.

Under the visa guidelines in force since August 2025, a pensioner shows a tax-free monthly pension or income of more than 1,140 UMA days for each of the last six months, or an average balance in savings or investments of 45,850 UMA days over the last twelve months. With the 2026 UMA of MXN 117.31, that is about MXN 133,733 a month or MXN 5.38 million.

Book through Mi Consulado at the Mexican embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence. Attend for the interview and fingerprints, pay the fixed USD 56 fee and return for the result, normally within 10 working days. Approval depends on the interview. The visa is valid for 180 calendar days.

Within 30 calendar days of entry, exchange the visa for the permanent resident card at the INM, which charges its own fee; fingerprints are taken in person. The adult card does not expire, while minors renew it periodically. Permanent residents may work, and after five years of residence they can apply to the SRE for naturalisation, which includes a Spanish and history exam.

Temporary residents already in Mexico can ask the INM for permanent residence after four years in that status, or earlier on the pension ground; spouses and partners do so after two years.