How Long Can An American Stay In Mexico?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A visitor visa allows you to stay in Mexico for a period of

up to 180 days

, provided that you are not carrying out any paid activities.

How long US citizen can stay in Mexico?

As an American, you can stay in Mexico for

six months (or 180 days) at a time with a “visitor’s visa”

— everyone over age 16 who travels to Mexico with a US passport automatically enjoys this option. You will be given this document before you arrive in the country (either via plane or at a border crossing).

How can I live in Mexico legally?

  1. You have close family relations in Mexico.
  2. You have found a job in Mexico.
  3. You intend to retire in Mexico.
  4. You start studying in a Mexican educational institution.
  5. You have amassed at least four years of temporary residence and now qualify for permanent residence.

Can a US resident live in Mexico?

Introduction: Rules for Commuter Lawful Permanent Residents


A lawful permanent resident (LPR) may be permitted to live in Canada or Mexico

and commute to the United States for work while maintaining LPR status.

How can I stay in Mexico longer?

Can I extend my stay in Mexico? You need to

go to any INM office to request an extension of your visa

. You need to have with you your valid passport and the tourist card you filled out. You will also need to prove that you can finance your stay and you will have to pay a fee to extend the visa.

How long can you stay in Mexico without residency?

By law, the maximum any visitor can stay is

180 days

. However, the immigration officer has full discretion and may only allow you a shorter stay. In the past, most people were granted 180 days regardless of their actual plans.

Can you live off 1000 a month in Mexico?

In Mexico,

you can live a comfortable life on $1,000 a month

. The average cost of living for expats, digital nomads and retirees varies between $600 to $2,000 depending on one’s lifestyle choices and their location.

Can a US citizen move to Mexico?

Unsurprisingly,

you’ll need a visa to live in Mexico

. By law, you can stay in the country as a tourist for up to six months. You’re also able to make a visa run to another country, then re-enter Mexico for another six months.

Is it safe for an American to live in Mexico?

The short answer is

yes. Although there is a high rate of crime it is limited to certain areas of the city

. Expatriates and foreigners living in Mexico City are able to enjoy a high quality of life and live safely within the city boundaries. If you move there, you should take precautions as you would in any major city.

How much money do you need to get permanent residency in Mexico?

Permanent Residency:

Monthly income of c.US$4,300-$4500 over the last 6 months (some consulates request 12 months); or savings balance of c.US$180,000 over the last 12 months

. Income or savings can be demonstrated from multiple sources and accounts, and/or multiple income or savings types.

Can US citizens retire in Mexico?

Visas for Retiring in Mexico


The shortest option is applying for a tourist visa

. These cover your stay for almost six months. As a retiree, you can choose to apply for a temporary resident visa which lasts for up to four years. To get the process started, visit your nearest Mexican consulate.

How can an American buy a house in Mexico?

  1. Step 1: Find the right property and agree a price with the seller. …
  2. Step 2: Document the deal with a sales contract. …
  3. Step 3: Pay your deposit. …
  4. Step 4: Create your fideicomiso if required. …
  5. Step 5: Get permission to complete the purchase.

What are the benefits of being a permanent resident in Mexico?

Advantages of a Permanent Resident Visa


Apply for a Mexican driver’s license

. Buy and register a car in Mexico. Register a foreign car in Mexico. Get discounts at certain local businesses.

Can I live in Mexico for a year?

One day, Mexico may crackdown on those who are living in the country on tourist visas. You don’t want to get denied entry.

If you plan to stay for more than a year or two, it’s a good idea to get a temporary residency visa

. This document allows you to live in Mexico for up to 4 years.

How do you get temporary residency in Mexico?

  1. Contact a Mexico embassy to set up an appointment. …
  2. Complete the Mexico Visa Application Form. …
  3. Collect the required documents. …
  4. Submit the application and pay the visa fee. …
  5. Wait for the visa to be processed.
  6. Pick up your passport.

How long can an American stay in Mexico without a visa?

Visa Not Required for Mexico

Visa-exempt travelers who come to Mexico for tourism or business can stay for a maximum of

180 days

without a visa, while travelers who want to transit through the country can stay for a maximum of 30 days visa-free.

How much does a house cost in Mexico?

Characteristic Price in thousand Mexican pesos
Mexico City


3,038.39

Can I afford to live in Mexico on Social Security?


Yes, you can absolutely live in Mexico for $1500/month

. Many people already do it. The trick is having and sticking to a budget. You’ll have to set a realistic budget for a rental, health insurance, groceries, eating out, transportation, and entertainment.

Is Retiring in Mexico a good idea?


One of the best places in the world to retire is Mexico

Mexico boasts a great quality of life, natural beauty, modern infrastructure, and safety. You should also consider retirement in Mexico because it offers you proximity to the United States, which in turn gives you more flexibility in making your retirement move.

What is the safest place to live in Mexico?

  1. Merida. Widely acknowledged as the safest city in Mexico (and even Latin America), your biggest safety concern in Mérida will probably be the busy traffic. …
  2. Playa del Carmen. …
  3. Puerto Vallarta. …
  4. San Miguel de Allende. …
  5. Sayulita. …
  6. Mexico City. …
  7. Huatulco.

Where do most American expats live in Mexico?


Lake Chapala

is Mexico’s largest lake, and the surrounding area is also home to the largest concentration of U.S. expats in the world.

Does Mexico have free healthcare?


Mexico has achieved universal health coverage

and its public healthcare is acceptable for most Mexican residents.

Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.