Moving To Mexico?
Here are some facts, tips and things to consider when thinking about moving to Mexico.
Mexico is a beautiful country with its high mountains and deep canyons in the center of the country, sweeping deserts in the north, and rain forests in the south and east. Sharing a common border throughout its northern extent with the United States, Mexico is bounded to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean, to the east by the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, and to the southeast by Guatemala and Belize.
Mexico is the third largest country in Latin America after Brazil and Argentina with the world’s largest population of Spanish speakers. Mexican society has its extremes of wealth and poverty, with a much smaller middle class. The census of 2021 reported a population of 130 million with the fifteenth largest economy in the world and the second largest economy in Latin America.
Languages Spoken in Mexico
More than 7 million Mexicans speak an indigenous language such as: Nahuatl, Maya, Otomí, Mixteco, Zapoteco, Totonaco, Chol and Mazateco. Sixty percent of the indigenous languages in Mexico are gradually disappearing.
Mexicans strive to speak English, especially in the popular expat cities in Mexico where tourism is the primary economic activity. In smaller cities and rural areas, it is more difficult to find Mexicans who speak English.
Religions in Mexico
Mexico does not have an official religion. However, Roman Catholicism continues to be the dominant faith and deeply culturally pervasive. It is estimated over 77% of the population identifies as Catholic. Catholicism is part of many Mexican´s identity, passed on through the family and nation like cultural heritage.
Religions (based on 2020 INEGI Mexican census data):
Catholic 77.7%
Christian: 11.2%
Agnostic: 3.5%
No religion: 2.5%
Others (Jewish, Islam, Ethnic, Afro, etc): 2.4%
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving To Mexico
How do I get my tourist card for Mexico? – Tourists and Business Travelers
Airlines that fly to Mexico will offer passengers a Tourist Card either at the gate or while they are onboard the aircraft. Other passengers and flight crew can help those individuals who need assistance with filling out the form. Mexican immigration officials will collect the top completed Tourist Card / immigration form at the port of entry. Passengers will be given the bottom portion of the Tourist Card / immigration form to maintain for their records. This copy should be kept in a safe place during your stay in Mexico, because it will be collected by immigration officials upon departure from Mexico at a Mexican airport. If you leave Mexico by car or land, it is important that you stop at the Mexican Immigration offices at the border to surrender your tourist card and get your passport stamped with an exit seal.
The Tourist Card, or Mexican immigration form, allows travelers to enter Mexico up to 180 consecutive days. There is a section on the form where individuals state the purpose of their visit: Travel or Business. If you are traveling to Mexico for business, you can use the same Tourist Card / immigration form for official entry into Mexico.
How do I obtain residency in Mexico? – Temporary Resident Visa
A Temporary Resident Visa is for individuals who wish to live in Mexico. Temporary status is for residency from 6 months and up to 4 years.
The benefits of a Temporary Visa in Mexico include the ability to:
Obtain a Mexican state driver's license.
Register a car purchased in Mexico.
Quicker access to opening a bank account.
Senior discount card issued through INAPAM (discounts on services in Mexico)
The Temporary Residency process starts at the Mexican Consular offices located in major cities around the world. Once you arrive in Mexico, you will need to visit the Mexican Immigration offices to finalize your Mexican Visa.
How do I obtain residency in Mexico? – Permanent Resident Visa
The Permanent Resident Visa is for those who wish to permanently reside in Mexico. One of the biggest advantages to holding a Permanent Residency Visa in Mexico is that it is permanent, which means that you will not have to return to the Mexican Immigration Offices unless you have a change of status (physical address, marriage, or work). It is not a requirement to first have Temporary Residency in order to become a Permanent Resident, however temporary residents can become permanent residents after 4 years.
Permanent Resident applicants must fulfill at least one of the following requirements:
have close family ties in Mexico;
apply for retirement status and provide evidence of sufficient monthly income or assets to support yourself;
have Temporary Resident status for four consecutive years;
have Temporary Resident status for two consecutive years if the Temporary Visa was issued via marriage to a Mexican national or to a foreign permanent resident;
meet a minimum score under the Points System;
be granted residency via political asylum or based on humanitarian causes.
Working in Mexico – Do I Need a Visa to Work in Mexico?
To legally work in Mexico, you must either have a temporary residency visa with a work permit, or permanent residency, which includes the right to work. If you are going to Mexico for business and your length of stay is less than 180 days; you can enter with a Tourist Visa. A Temporary Residency Visa in Mexico is not required for business travelers.
Mexico requires foreigners to acquire a legal work permit if they get a job in Mexico. If you live in Mexico and have a Temporary Resident Visa, you will need to visit the Mexican Immigration office in your city and notify them of your change in status from non-working to working as well as request a work permit. If you are employed in Mexico by a Mexican individual, organization, or corporation; they will need to submit the application on your behalf.
If you are a Permanent Resident of Mexico, you will also need to visit the Mexican Immigration office to report your change of work status.
If you are on a Tourist Visa, you will need to begin the process of becoming either a temporary or permanent resident to obtain a work permit.
Cost of Living - How Much Do Things Cost in Mexico in 2025?
Mexico has long been an attractive destination for expats due to its affordable cost of living compared to the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Rent is one of the biggest savings, with one-bedroom apartments in major cities like Mexico City or Guadalajara averaging between $500 and $1,500 USD per month, while smaller towns offer rentals as low as $400 USD. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, typically range from $75 to $200 USD per month, depending on location and usage. Public transportation is extremely budget-friendly, with base taxi fares in 2025 starting at $4 to $5 USD.
The average monthly food allowance for two people in Mexico varies based on lifestyle choices, dining preferences, and location. On average, a couple might spend approximately $400 USD per month on groceries. Dining out in Mexico is generally affordable. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant typically costs around $40 USD, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can cost about $30 USD. These figures can vary depending on the city and the type of establishment. It's important to note that these are average estimates, and actual expenses can vary based on individual habits and regional differences. For instance, larger cities or tourist areas might have higher prices compared to smaller towns. Additionally, shopping at local markets and preparing meals at home can lead to further savings.
Income taxes in Mexico are assessed on individuals working in Mexico. Mexican income tax ranges from 1.92% to 35%, depending on income level. Healthcare is another major draw, as private healthcare is significantly cheaper than in the U.S., with high-quality services and English-speaking doctors readily available. Many expats opt for private health insurance, which can cost between $1,800 and $3,000 USD annually, depending on age and specoverage.
Temporary visa costs
In 2025, the cost of a temporary residency visa in Mexico is: $5,570 pesos for one year, $8,347 pesos for two years, $10,571 pesos for three years, $12,529 pesos for four years.
Permanent visa costs
The cost to obtain a permanent residence visa in Mexico in 2025 is $6,495 pesos.
To change from temporary resident to permanent resident, the cost is $1,702.00 MXN for application processing. Additional costs apply if the application is approved.
Use this currency converter to calculate costs in USD, CAD, etc: https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=MXN&To=USD