How to Get Permanent Residency in Mexico
A Step-by-Step Guide for US Citizens on Obtaining a PR Visa and ID Card in Mexico

Many US citizens are choosing to make Mexico their permanent home. With its warm climate, friendly people, and affordable cost of living, Mexico has become a popular destination for retirees and expats looking to escape the hustle and bustle of American life. But obtaining permanent residency in Mexico can be a daunting process, and many are unsure of where to begin. In this guide, we will outline the steps necessary to obtain a PR Visa and ID Card in Mexico, making the process easier and more accessible for those looking to make Mexico their new home.
Step 1: Getting the PR Visa
What you'll need to send in the mail (prior to appointment):
- Copy of valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months (only the page that contains your information and photo)
- Copy of document(s) to prove financial solvency through one of the following documents:
a) Bank statements or SSA letter which indicates a monthly income from Social Security benefits, Pension, or Retirement for at least of $4,200.00 USD for the past 6 months, or
b) Monthly Statements of assets (investments, savings or checking account) for at least of $168,000.00 USD for the past 12 months. (monthly or quarterly statements work).
- One color photo, size passport, front view, without glasses
- Money order, cashier check or cash for $48.00 USD. Please be advised that this fee is not refundable and does not guarantee that the visa will be granted
- Duly filled and signed visa application (attached please find the form).
What you'll need (at appointment).
-Your Passport
What to do:
1. Contact the Kansas City Mexican Consulate. They'll request that you mail in the above items (not your passport!). Once they receive them and review them, they'll schedule an appointment.
2. Go to Kansas City and attend the visa interview. At this point you are basically preapproved, they just want to verify your identity and motivations. Bring your passport with you and they'll give you your PR Visa.
3. Contact a company called Mexperience. They will help prepare your paperwork and serve as your point of contact in Mexico. They'll also answer any questions that you have. The cost of the service after you have the visa is $119.
Notes:
1. It's important to go to the Kansas City consulate because they are one of the few that don't have a retirement requirement.
2. Once you have the visa you have 180 days to go to Mexico and exchange the visa for a permanent residency card. Once you are in Mexico you have 30 days to contact INM and initiate the process. If you take too long, you will have to restart the entire process from scratch.
3. You don't have to be a Missouri resident to use the Mexico consulate there. That is a myth/discretionary requirement imposed by some consulates.
Step 2: Go to Mexico.
What to bring:
-Passport with visa (that's it).
What to do:
1. Get a mexican address. AirBNB works great.
2. Tell the immigration lawyer your address so she can prepare your paperwork.
3. Once you arrive at the airport show the customs agent your visa and explain that you are here to "Canje mi visa permente por la cedula". It's important that you make it very clear that you have a residency visa, because if the agent marks you as a tourist, then your residency visa will be void and you'll have to start the entire process over again.
3. Visit INM in person and Schedule an appointment.
4. Print out a digital copy of the IMM form (the form you fill out on the plane). You will find a QR code at INM. Scan that and register with SETRAM. Once that's set up, towards the bottom of the page you'll find a digital copy of your FMM. Download it and take it to a copy shop and have the print it out.
5. Go to any large bank in Mexico (Santander, BBVA, Santander, HSBC, etc.) and show them the bank form that the immigration lawyer provides. You'll have to pay 5776 Mexican pesos (about $289) to the bank for the ID card fee (cedula). The bank will give you a receipt. Keep this as you'll need it for your ID card appointment.
6. Fill out all of the forms that the immigration fixer gives you and date them for the day of your appointment (If you are stuck on anything ask the fixer and they'll tell you what to write).
7. Go to your appointment and finish the process. Everything should be done in one visit, and you should walk away with your permanent ID card. Sometimes stuff happens (there was an earthquake during my appointment so I had to come back the next day), but usually you can have it all done in one go.
8. Congratulations you are now a permanent resident and have unrestricted access to Mexico for life!
Notes:
1. As a resident from now on whenever you enter and leave Mexico you will have to show both your passport and residency card. Again, pay close attention to immigration and make sure that they understand that you are a resident, because if they mark you down as a tourist it can really mess things up.
2. Mexico is trying to streamline this process and there are a few locations where you can get the ID card on the day of your arrival instead of waiting nearly a month like I had to. This expedited process should be applied nationwide soon.
3. Once you enter Mexico you cannot leave until you have the ID card in hand. You can only leave without having the ID card if you have special permission or else, you'll void your visa and have to restart the entire process.