Rules for Immigration in Mexico
The Mexican legal system has been constantly simplifying the rules on immigration for more than a decade. The provisions of the Mexican Migration Law (Ley de Migración) published on May 25, 2011, together with its regulations in force since the end of 2012, replaced those previously contained in the Mexican General Population Law (Ley General de Población), establishing a new legal framework for Mexico’s immigration rules.
Among other aspects, the current framework maintains a classification of eight different types of visas, based on the activity intended to be performed in Mexico by the foreigner applying for each such visa, or the time they are planning to stay in the country. Such visas will be the only valid document to be issued for foreigners to enter the country, and are classified as follows:
Description | Requirements | |
|---|---|---|
| VISITOR’S VISA NOT ALLOWING THE PERFORMANCE OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES | For foreigners who remain in Mexico for a maximum period of 180 days without carrying out paid activities. | At least one of the following: - That there are elements that motivate the foreigner’s return to his country; - That they have sufficient financial solvency to cover the amount of accommodation and living expenses during their stay (e.g., by demonstrating ownership of real estate, employment, or participation in businesses in the home country); or - An invitation from a public or private organization or institution to participate in any activity in the national territory. |
| VISITOR’S VISA ALLOWING THE PERFORMANCE OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES | For foreigners who remain in Mexico for a maximum period of 180 days carrying out paid activities. | - Prior authorization for an offer of employment submitted by the employer in Mexico; and - The employer will need to present the necessary documents to prove the employment relationship. |
| VISITOR’S VISA FOR ADOPTION PROCEDURES | For foreigners who will enter the country to carry out adoption procedures. | - Evidence of the existence of an ongoing international adoption procedure; and - Evidence of economic solvency. |
| TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA | For foreigners who stay in Mexico for a period of more than 180 days and up to 4 years. | At least one of the following: - That they have sufficient financial solvency to cover the amount of accommodation and living expenses during the stay; - A research project in Mexican waters; - Kinship with a Mexican national, a temporary or a permanent resident; - An invitation from a public or private organization or institution to participate in any unpaid activity in the national territory; - Owning real estate in the country with a value greater than approximately MxP$3,000,000 (updated value according to the 2025 minimum wage); or - Have investments in Mexican companies for at least MxP$1,500,000 approximately, or hire at least three Mexican citizens. |
| TEMPORARY RESIDENT STUDENT VISA | For foreign students staying in Mexico for the duration of their academic studies or investigation projects, lasting more than 180 days. | At least one of the following: - Letter of invitation or acceptance from an institution belonging to the National Education System; or - Demonstrate sufficient financial solvency to cover the amount of accommodation and living expenses during the stay. |
| TEMPORARY STUDENT VISA (NON-RESIDENCY) | For foreign students staying in Mexico for the duration of their academic studies or research projects, lasting less than 180 days. | Its requirements are similar to those of the temporary resident student visa, but with lower economic solvency requirements. |
| PERMANENT RESIDENT VISA | For foreigners who remain in Mexico for an indefinite period of time. | At least one of the following: - Kinship with a Mexican national, a temporary or permanent resident (in case of marriage, it is necessary to have a temporary resident visa of at least two years to be able to apply for permanent residence); - Be a pensioner or retiree, and must prove sufficient monthly income to cover their expenses during their stay; or - That the Mexican State grants them political asylum. |
| VISA FOR MISSIONARIES AND MINISTERS OF WORSHIP | For missionaries and ministers of worship who wish to carry out activities on behalf of a religious association duly registered with the Ministry of the Interior. | - Complete the corresponding application form; - Letter of invitation and response letter issued by a religious association legally registered in Mexico; and - Document issued by the Ministry of the Interior that certifies the current registration of the religious association before said authority. |
In some cases (e.g., citizens of countries with migration agreements with Mexico), the “visitor visa not allowing the performance of economic activities” may be processed directly upon arrival at the point of entry into the country, showing only the passport and filling out the entry form. The above will only be applicable to citizens of certain countries as indicated by the National Migration Institute.
Mexico has maintained its policy of facilitating the legal entry of foreigners into the country; the current visa system is clear, efficient, and accessible for those who wish to become temporary or permanent residents, thus facilitating access to foreigners seeking to do business in Mexico.
February 2026.
This article was originally written in 2012 by Miguel de León and Tracy Delgadillo, and was updated in February 2026. Please send any questions or comments to info@jata.mx. One of the original authors of this note was an Associate at JATA – J.A. Treviño Abogados, and the other is a Partner at JATA and may be reached at tdelgadillo@jata.mx. JATA is a Mexican firm with offices in Monterrey, Mexico, and Houston, Texas.
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