Moving to Mexico from the USA

What Americans actually need to relocate to Mexico — the Temporary Resident Visa, RFC and CURP, banking, leases in CDMX, Guadalajara, and Mérida, and a first-month playbook.

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Visa & legal right to stay

Choose Temporary Resident (up to 4 years) or Permanent Resident
Must
Temporary thresholds in 2026 are roughly $4,300/mo income or ~$72,000 in savings — confirm with your consulate.
Book an appointment at a Mexican consulate in the US
Must
You must apply outside Mexico. The visa is stamped in your passport.
Enter Mexico within 180 days of the stamp
Must

Paperwork to gather before you fly

Last 6–12 months of US bank or brokerage statements
Must
Passport-style photos to consulate spec
Travel insurance for the first weeks (optional but smart)
Pet documentation: USDA-endorsed health certificate; SENASICA inspects on arrival
Apostilled marriage and birth certificates if applying as a family
Must

Money & banking

Apply for your CURP (population ID) once you have residency
Must
Apply for an RFC (tax ID) at SAT — needed for any local contracts
Must
Open a Mexican bank account (BBVA, Santander, or Banorte)
Most require CURP, RFC, and proof of address — bring your lease and a CFE bill.
Use Wise or a US brokerage for cheap USD→MXN transfers
Know the rules on foreign-bank reporting
US citizens still owe FBAR and FATCA filings on Mexican accounts.

Housing

Book a 1–2 month furnished apartment on Airbnb or Homelike as a landing pad
Search long-term leases on inmuebles24.com or Vivanuncios
Many landlords still list via WhatsApp — a local agent saves weeks.
Expect to need a fiador (Mexican guarantor) or to pay 6–12 months upfront
Polizas juridicas (insurance-style guarantees) are now a common workaround.
Read the lease for the inflation adjustment clause (often INPC-linked)

Healthcare

Keep a private US-based travel/expat plan for the move
Must
Sign up for IMSS or ISSSTE once you're eligible as a resident
IMSS voluntary enrollment runs ~$700/year but excludes pre-existing conditions.
Consider private Mexican insurance (GNP, AXA, MetLife)
Affordable and gives you fast access to hospitals like ABC or Médica Sur in CDMX.

First 30 days on the ground

Exchange your visa stamp for a temporary or permanent resident card at INM
Must
Must be done within 30 days of entering Mexico.
Get a comprobante de domicilio (utility bill with your name)
Must
Buy a local SIM (Telcel has the widest coverage; AT&T Mexico is fine in cities)
Get a Metro/Metrobús card in CDMX or a SiTren card in Guadalajara
If driving, get a Mexican license at your state's mobility office
US licenses are valid for visitors but residents need a local license.

FAQ

Can I work for a Mexican employer on Temporary Residency?

Only if your card has a 'permiso para trabajar' endorsement, which requires employer sponsorship or self-employment authorization.

Do I have to pay Mexican income tax?

Yes if you become a tax resident (over 183 days plus 'center of vital interests' in Mexico). The US-Mexico treaty prevents double taxation in most cases.

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NextLatitude is for organization and guidance only. Visa rules, tax thresholds, and procedures change — always confirm with the relevant consulate or a licensed professional before acting. Last reviewed 2026-06-01.