MexicoResidence

Mexico retirement visa: permanent residence for pensioners

Permanent resident visa for retirees and pensioners (visa de residente permanente – jubilado o pensionado)

In short

Retirees and pensioners can apply at a Mexican consulate for a permanent resident visa, which the SRE lists for people entering as jubilados or pensionados and for some cases of family unity. The fee is USD 56 and the visa is valid for 180 days; after entry the INM issues a permanent resident card. The pension or savings amounts are set by the migration guidelines and published by each consulate.

Apply on gob.mx – SRE-01-038 permanent resident visa checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Permanent residence (indefinite)
Validity
Visa valid 180 calendar days to enter and exchange at the INM
Fee
US$56Consular fee for the permanent resident visa (SRE-01-038), 2026, paid in cash at the consulate.
Processing time
10 working days
Work
Permanent residents may work under the Migration Law
Family
Spouse and relatives can apply through family unity
Path to permanent residence
This visa leads directly to permanent residence
Where to apply
In person at a Mexican consulate abroad, normally the one responsible for your place of residence

Who can apply

The SRE describes the permanent resident visa as applicable to foreigners entering as retirees or pensioners, in some cases of family unity and, once the relevant provision is in force, under a points system. The points system requires criteria to be published in the Official Gazette (DOF), so retirees normally use the pensioner ground.

Proving your pension or savings

Applicants provide bank statements, original or electronic with a digital certificate, showing balances, salaries, investments or pensions with the monthly average required by the regulations. The SRE procedure page does not state the figure; consulates publish the current amount, normally expressed in days of UMA (MXN 117.31 a day in 2026) and converted into local currency.

Applying

Book through Mi Consulado and attend in person with the completed form for the interview and biometrics, bringing your passport, the bank or pension statements, proof of legal stay if applicable and the fee, which is paid in cash. Decisions are given within about 10 working days. The visa is valid for 180 days; after entry you exchange it at the INM for a permanent resident card.

  1. Ask the Mexican consulate where you will apply for the current pension or savings threshold.
  2. Collect pension statements or bank and investment statements covering the required period.
  3. Book via Mi Consulado and attend with all originals and the cash fee.
  4. Complete the interview and biometrics and collect the visa.
  5. Enter Mexico within 180 days and obtain the permanent resident card at the INM.

After arrival

The residence card is issued by the INM, not the consulate. Keep the visa and entry record, and complete the exchange procedure promptly after entering Mexico.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Valid passport and visa application form

Money

  • Pension, investment or bank statements showing the monthly average required by the regulations
  • USD 56 fee, paid in cash at the consulate

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Identity

  • Proof of legal stay if you apply outside your country of nationality

Family

  • Birth or marriage certificates where family members apply with you

Frequently asked questions

Is there a Mexican retirement visa?

Yes, in practice: retirees and pensioners apply for the permanent resident visa on the pensioner ground.

How much pension do I need?

The amount is set by the migration guidelines and published by consulates; the SRE procedure page itself does not state it.

What does it cost?

USD 56 at the consulate in 2026, plus the INM card procedure in Mexico.

Does the points system apply?

Only once its criteria are published in the Official Gazette; the SRE describes it as a future provision.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Mexico

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: Up to 180 days, as authorised by the INM at entry

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: For the length of studies, documented by a student card

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: Depends on the authorised category: up to 180 days as a paid visitor, or temporary residence of more than 180 days up to 4 years
  • Digital nomad visa Maximum stay: More than 180 days and up to 4 years of temporary residence

Family

Residence

Protection

Mexico visa guide