Temporary Residency and Permanent Residency in Mexico

Main Types of Residency in Mexico

Mexico offers several residency options for foreigners, but the two most common are Temporary Residency and Permanent Residency. 

1. Temporary Residency (Residencia Temporal)

Who it’s for: Foreigners who want to stay in Mexico longer than the 180 days allowed on a tourist permit. This is common for those who own property, have family in Mexico, or want to live part-time in places like Los Cabos.

Duration: Issued for 1 year initially, renewable up to 4 years.

Requirements: Typically based on financial solvency, though property ownership or family ties may also qualify.

Temporary residency is the necessary step toward permanent residency. Most foreigners start with temporary residency, then transition to permanent residency after 4 years—unless they are retirees who can qualify directly. Naturalization is for those who want full citizenship.

2. Permanent Residency (Residencia Permanente)

Who it’s for: People who intend to live in Mexico long-term or permanently.

Pathways to qualify:

After 4 years of holding temporary residency.

• Directly (without temporary) if you are retired and meet the financial requirements.
• Financial Requirements (approximate, may vary by consulate):
• Income: At least US $6,975/month (net) over the last 6 months (some consulates require 12).
• Savings/Investments: At least US $69,750 average balance over the last 12 months.
• Property: Ownership of Mexican real estate valued at least US $558,000.
• Capital Investment: At least US $279,000 in a Mexican company.

*Note – these figures are subject to change at any time.

Documents Needed: Bank statements (6–12 months), proof of property/investments, and retirement income if applying under the retiree category.

Residency requirements in Mexico are the same for all foreigners, whether you are from the United States, Canada, or another country. The financial thresholds and criteria for temporary and permanent residency do not change depending on nationality.

One of the most common questions foreigners ask is whether you need residency status to purchase real estate in Mexico. The short answer is: No, you do not need temporary or permanent residency to buy property. Many foreigners purchase through a fideicomiso (bank trust) while still on a tourist visa.

Does Property Ownership Help With Residency? Yes. Owning a home in Mexico can support a residency application. In fact, property ownership is one of the pathways for qualifying for permanent residency—if the property meets the required minimum value (currently around US $558,000, though consulates may interpret slightly differently).

Buying property in Cabo—or anywhere in Mexico—does not require residency, so you can purchase before obtaining it. However, residency eventually becomes advantageous. As a property owner, you’ll be responsible for annual property taxes (predial) and may face capital gains tax when selling, and residency helps streamline these obligations. It also adds convenience by allowing you to bypass long immigration lines at the airport and use the shorter “residents” line. Additionally, residency can simplify practical matters like opening a Mexican bank account, setting up utilities, and managing financial transactions.

You don’t need residency to buy property in Mexico, but owning property can help you qualify for permanent residency, and sooner or later, most foreign homeowners find that having residency simplifies life in Mexico.

Holding temporary or permanent residency in Mexico comes with a wide range of benefits that make life easier and more affordable. One of the most valuable perks for seniors is the INAPAM card, which provides discounts on transportation, cultural activities, pharmacies, restaurants, and even some government services. Residency also grants access to Mexico’s public healthcare system (IMSS or INSABI), giving foreigners the ability to receive medical care, hospital attention, and laboratory tests at affordable rates. On the financial side, residents often enjoy lower tax obligations compared to non-residents, and having residency can simplify processes like paying property-related taxes or accessing certain deductions. Beyond these tangible savings, residency also offers everyday conveniences such as skipping long immigration lines at airports, opening bank accounts, obtaining a driver’s license, and setting up utilities. In short, residency not only allows you to stay in Mexico legally for the long term but also unlocks important healthcare, financial, and lifestyle advantages.

Many foreigners worry that applying for permanent residency in Mexico might cause them to lose their original nationality or citizenship, but this is a misunderstanding. Residency—whether temporary or permanent—does not affect your citizenship status back home. You remain a U.S. citizen, Canadian citizen, or citizen of whichever country you came from. The only time nationality changes is if you apply for naturalization, which is the process of becoming a Mexican citizen. Residency simply gives you the right to stay in Mexico long term and enjoy certain benefits, without affecting your passport or citizenship elsewhere.

Temporary residency does require yearly renewals, while permanent residency does not. Many part-time residents choose permanent residency simply to avoid the hassle of renewing year after year and to enjoy the additional benefits. Another recent change has made residency even more valuable: previously, foreigners could reliably receive 180 days (six months) on a tourist permit when entering Mexico. Now, immigration officers have discretion to grant much shorter stays—sometimes only 30 or 90 days—after a brief interview at the airport. This means that relying on a tourist visa is no longer as flexible as it once was. For property owners, retirees, or anyone planning to stay several months in Mexico, temporary or permanent residency has become the safer, more reliable option.

Having legal residency in Mexico allows foreigners to maintain a secure legal presence, making it much easier to travel in and out of the country. At the airport, residents benefit from shorter lines and faster entry through customs, avoiding the uncertainty of tourist visas. Residency also provides financial benefits, such as access to special rates, discounts on transportation, cultural sites, and other amenities. Perhaps most importantly, it gives you flexibility: with temporary residency, you can live in Mexico year-round without having to constantly exit and re-enter the country, making it easier to manage your time and responsibilities in Baja or elsewhere. Families also benefit from residency options. Spouses and children can apply together, and once one family member secures temporary residency, the rest of the family can follow the same process. Later, when it is time to transition to permanent residency, the whole family can make the change together, ensuring stability and long-term security.

Relocation to Baja California Sur continues to grow steadily. According to immigration data, Los Cabos alone has over 16,000 registered foreign residents, with the true number likely closer to double once unregistered residents are considered. Each year, roughly 2,000 new residents are added, reflecting strong interest from Americans and Canadians seeking long-term stays or full relocation. This trend highlights both the growing appeal of the region and the importance of planning properly for residency, real estate, and lifestyle integration.

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