Mexico Temporary Residency
The flexible first step to living in Mexico — for retirees, remote workers, and more.
Residente Temporal
Allows living in Mexico for up to four years. Application is made at a Mexican consulate, including an interview and submission of financial documentation. The visa is valid for 180 days to enter Mexico, after which residency is formalized locally.
- Processing time
- ~1 days
- Timeline
- Up to 4 years (renewable)
- Difficulty
- Easy
Key requirements
- Application at Mexican consulate
- Proof of financial means
- Interview
- Valid US passport
- Must enter Mexico within 180 days of visa issuance
About this visa
Your first year(s) in Mexico
Temporary Residency is Mexico's versatile route, qualifying through income, savings, or family ties. It’s renewable and leads to permanent residency.
Scout Mexico before you commit
Puerto Vallarta: Feb 2027
From lush mountains spilling into blue bays to lively beachfront streets and friendly local cafés, this trip to Puerto Vallarta offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and everyday living—exploring real estate, experiencing the seaside culture, and joining a community that welcomes you as more than just a visitor. Shasta Townsend and her team provide support in finding great Airbnbs and accommodations as well as guidance on getting to and from airport, Mexico customs and culture, and more to make your arrival safe and easy. Guests seeking residency can coordinate the visa process with Shasta and finalize their paperwork in Puerto Vallarta before or after the scouting trip.
From $999
Puerto Vallarta: Apr 2027
From lush mountains spilling into blue bays to lively beachfront streets and friendly local cafés, this trip to Puerto Vallarta offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and everyday living—exploring real estate, experiencing the seaside culture, and joining a community that welcomes you as more than just a visitor. Shasta Townsend and her team provide support in finding great Airbnbs and accommodations as well as guidance on getting to and from airport, Mexico customs and culture, and more to make your arrival safe and easy. Guests seeking residency can coordinate the visa process with Shasta and finalize their paperwork in Puerto Vallarta before or after the scouting trip.
From $999
Mexico City: Nov 2026
Thinking about living in Mexico City? Experience it like an insider with Expatsi’s new Mexico City Scouting with Mexico expert, Luis Carlos Eduardo.This immersive Expatsi tour goes far beyond sightseeing to reveal what daily life—and smart relocation—really looks like in one of the best cities in the world! You’ll explore beautiful Centro Histórico and diverse Zona Rosa to understand the city’s cultural core and evolving urban energy, then discover the most in-demand expat neighborhoods of Roma, Condesa, and Polanco. Along the way, learn about new and emerging areas such as Narvarte, Escandón, and Santa María la Ribera, offering insight into future growth, value, and lifestyle potential. From local and international grocery shopping to hidden gems and real estate discussions in every neighborhood, the experience wraps up in the charming, village-style communities of Coyoacán and San Ángel.
From $2,149
Mexico partners who can help
Armando Robles
Querétaro, Mexico Local Guide
Querétaro, Mexico
Life in Merida
Mérida Relocation Specialist, Mérida Local Guide
Mérida, Mexico
Jen Barnett
Expat Planning Coach
Mérida, Mexico
Miss Rosa Spanish Lessons
Spanish Language Teacher
Mexico
Silvia Galambosi
Move Abroad Coach, Riviera Maya Local Guide
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Kendra Scheerer
San Miguel de Allende Local Guide
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
From people who made the move
“We went from dreaming to boarding passes in under a year. Worth every penny.”
Dana R.
Expatsi member
“Expatsi turned 'someday' into a real plan. The visa paperwork was the part I dreaded, and they walked us through every step.”
The Hendersons
Moved abroad with Expatsi
Questions, answered
Can Expatsi help with the paperwork?
Yes — we connect you with vetted local relocation partners and give you a step-by-step plan so nothing falls through the cracks.
How long does a move abroad take?
Most members plan on several months to a year from decision to arrival, depending on the country and visa.
How do I choose the right visa?
It depends on your income, goals, and timeline. Expatsi matches you to the paths you actually qualify for — and the partners who handle them.
Other ways to move to Mexico
Go deeper on Mexico inside Expatsi
Cost of living, neighborhoods, healthcare, and your step-by-step plan — members only.
Ready to move to Mexico?
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