The Mexico Permanent Resident Visa allows foreign nationals to live indefinitely in Mexico without renewal. It’s available under specific categories:
Retirees or individuals with stable financial means (pensioners, rentiers, or high-net-worth individuals) who do not plan to work in Mexico and can support themselves financially
Family unity applicants—such as parents, children, or siblings of Mexican citizens or permanent residents—may also qualify.
Applicants typically receive a single-entry visa, valid for up to 180 days, to enter Mexico and exchange it for a Permanent Resident Card, which does not require renewal (except for minors under 18).
Retirees or individuals with income/savings who plan to live in Mexico permanently without getting paid locally.
Family unity applicants—parents, children, or siblings of Mexican citizens or permanent residents.
Note: Spouses or common-law partners cannot apply immediately for permanent residency—they must first hold temporary residency for two years.
General Requirements:
Visa application form, completed and signed.
Valid passport, with original and copy of the photo and personal data pages.
One passport-style photo, typically with a white background.
Proof of financial solvency, which varies by category:
Retirees / pensioners:
Savings/investments equivalent to ~20,000 times daily minimum wage (≈ US $276,000) over 12 months.
Or pension income of at least 500 times daily minimum wage (~US $7,300/month net) over 6 months.
General Solvency (some consulates):
Investment/balance equivalent to 100 days of minimum wage, or tax-free monthly income of the same—though thresholds vary globally.
Family unity: Proof of kinship via birth/marriage certificates and photos, plus applicant’s own solvency to support dependents.
After Arrival in Mexico:
Enter with your visa.
Within 180 days, visit an INM office to convert the visa into a Permanent Resident Card.
Indefinite legal residency, with no annual renewals needed.
Right to work, though retirees usually do not pursue local employment.
Access to public services, including affordable national healthcare (IMSS), and eligibility for local discounts and lower taxes for residents.
Pathway to citizenship, after five years of permanent residency, if desired.
Simplified cross-border travel compared to temporary residency.
A retiree from Canada, age 68, applies through a family-unity route (their adult child is a Mexican permanent resident). They submit their visa form, valid passport, photo, birth and family documents, and financial proof (savings over $300,000). After approval and visa entry, they visit INM, receive their Permanent Resident Card—and now live in Mexico indefinitely, enjoying healthcare access, local discounts, and no need for annual renewals.
Yes—in some cases like retired individuals with sufficient solvency or certain family-unity situations, immediate application is possible. However, spouses or partners must usually first stay under temporary residency for two years.
For 2025, typical thresholds include:
Yes. Some demand as little as proof of 100 days’ worth of minimum wage funds, while others require far higher balances or income. Always verify requirements with your specific consular office.
No—your Permanent Resident Card is valid indefinitely, and does not require renewal, except for minors under age 18.
Some residents have noted that they must obtain special exit stamps when leaving Mexico, which can delay airport departures. This applies to both temporary and permanent residency statuses.