Introduction
Mexico is a popular destination for digital nomads and expats alike, offering a cheap cost of living, beautiful beaches, and some of the best food in the world! With lenient temporary resident visa requirements, you can start working and living abroad in no time.
What is a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa (TR)?
Thinking of making Mexico your home for a while? A Mexico Temporary Resident Visa (Residente Temporal) lets you stay beyond the standard 180-day tourist visa—for up to four years! And the best part? If you fall in love with Mexico (which, let’s be real, is easy to do), you can upgrade to permanent residency when the time comes.
This visa is a game-changer for digital nomads, expats, or anyone tired of playing the “will they give me 180 days or not?” game at passport control. With temporary residency, you unlock big perks—like the ability to sign rental agreements, open a bank account, build credit, and even score local rates on healthcare. Yep, no more overpaying for hospital visits just because you’re a foreigner.
Visa Overview
Mexico doesn’t offer a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa, but remote workers can stay legally through the Temporary Resident Visa (Residente Temporal). This visa provides an initial 1-year residency, renewable annually for up to 4 years, with a pathway to permanent residency. Often you can buy the length of the visa between 1-4 years. Below are the basic requirements to qualify for the program.
| Visa Name | Temporary Residency (Residente Temporal) |
| Eligibility | Proof of remote work or foreign income; meet financial requirements |
| Duration | 1 year, renewable up to 4 years |
| Application Fee | $5,320 MX Pesos ($270 USD about) for 1 year |
| Processing Time | Requires initial consultation in Home country, then finalizing the visa in Mexico. Processing time varies on individual circumstance and location |
Financial Requirements
To qualify for Mexico’s Temporary Resident Visa in 2025, digital nomads must meet specific financial criteria to demonstrate their ability to support themselves during their stay. The requirements are:
• Savings/Investments: Maintain an average monthly bank balance equivalent to 5,000 times the daily minimum wage over the past 12 months. As of January 1, 2025, the daily minimum wage is $278.80 MXN. Therefore, the required amount is $1,394,000 MXN, which is approximately $77,500 USD (based on an exchange rate of 18 MXN/USD).
• Monthly Income: Have a monthly income of at least 300 times the daily minimum wage. With the 2025 daily minimum wage at $278.80 MXN, this equates to $83,640 MXN per month, approximately $4,650 USD.
These figures are subject to change, as the Mexican government adjusts the minimum wage annually. It’s advisable to consult the nearest Mexican consulate or official sources for the most current information. Additionally, if you’re applying as a couple or family, be prepared to provide additional financial documentation to meet the requirements.
Meeting these financial thresholds is crucial for visa approval. Applicants should prepare supporting documents such as bank statements, proof of income, and investment records to facilitate the application process. These documents are presented during your initial interview at the Mexican Consulate in your home country. From my experience at the Denver, Colorado Consulate, they primarily verify that the numbers meet the requirements but do not conduct in-depth employer checks.
Taxes for Digital Nomads in Mexico
One of the key financial advantages of living in Mexico as a digital nomad is the potential for significant tax savings. While Mexico does tax worldwide income for residents, digital nomads can often reduce their tax burden to as low as 2% with the right tax strategy.
If you become a Mexican tax resident, you may qualify for Mexico’s Preferential Tax Regime, which allows foreign-earned income to be taxed at just 2% instead of the standard rates. Additionally, U.S. citizens and green card holders can take advantage of the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), which lets them exclude up to $120,000 USD (2024 limit, adjusted annually) in foreign-earned income from U.S. federal taxes—meaning they only pay Mexico’s lower tax rates and avoid double taxation.
To qualify as a Mexican tax resident, at least one of the following must apply:
• Your primary home is in Mexico.
• More than 50% of your total income comes from Mexican sources.
• Your main professional activities are centered in Mexico.
If you’re a non-resident, you are only taxed on Mexican-sourced income, which means remote income from abroad remains tax-free in Mexico. Mexico also has Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) with the U.S. and other countries, ensuring you don’t pay taxes in both places.
By carefully structuring your tax residency and filing properly, digital nomads can legally minimize their tax liability, keep more of their earnings, and take advantage of Mexico’s low effective tax rates. It’s always best to consult with a tax professional familiar with expat taxation to optimize your situation.
Conclusion
Having personally gone through the Mexico Temporary Resident Visa process, I can help guide you through eligibility, financial requirements, and tax strategies to make your move seamless. Whether you need advice on applying, minimizing taxes, or transitioning to residency, feel free to reach out! 📩 Contact us through our blog for expert insights and personalized support.
Additional Resources:
- Mexico Government Visa Site
- Review Requirements
- Book consulate appointments
