Are you a digital nomad who is planning to spend some time in Mexico? Then this is the perfect article for you. Whether you want to base your stay in Tulum or Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, or Ciudad de México, you’ll have no trouble making friends and meeting like-minded digital nomads. Read on to get all the information you will need to obtain the Mexico Digital Nomad Visa.
Do I need a digital nomad visa in Mexico?
Depending on how long you wish to stay, you may not even need a digital nomad visa in Mexico! Mexico has a rather lax policy for tourist stays. Many visitors can stay in Mexico visa-free for up to six months.
If you’re a national or resident of the following countries, you do not need a digital nomad visa for stays of up to six months:
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niue, Norway, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay.
Digital Nomad Visa in Mexico
The ‘Temporary Resident Visa’ permits digital nomads and remote workers to stay in Mexico for over six months and up to four years. Working remotely from Mexico is a dream for many, as it offers beautiful beaches, lively culture and traditions, and mouth-wateringly delicious cuisine.
Qualifications & Requirements to Obtain a Digital Nomad Visa in Mexico
If you wish to extend your stay beyond the six months that is permitted with a tourist visa, you have to furnish proof of income. To qualify for the temporary resident visa, you must have an average monthly salary of $2,167 USD or an average monthly balance of $36,103 in the bank over the course of the previous year.
Considering the fact that Mexico has a super-low cost of living, if you are earning this much money monthly, you will be able to live a lavish lifestyle. If that’s not really your style, you’ll be able to save quite a bit for your savings account!
How to Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Mexico
The first step is to apply for a temporary residence visa. This is done in your home country.
1.) Print a visa application form, complete and sign. The form should be double-sided and printed on one page.
2.) Make an appointment at your local Mexican consulate or embassy.
3.) Gather the required documents. This includes your passport or valid travel documents, confirmation of appointment, visa application form, a (color) 3.9 x 3.1 cm clear photo without glasses, and proof of economic solvency (usually in the form of bank statements). You should bring both originals and photocopies of all required documents to ensure a smooth process.
The second step is to travel to Mexico and apply for a temporary residence card.
1.) Complete and sign your forma migratoria mútilple. You have to be sure to check the number of days on the form – you will have to complete the next step within that number of days. For example, if it says 21 days, you will have 21 days to complete step two.
2.) Prepare and copy the required documents that you need to personally submit at the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) facility. These include the documents that you need for the temporary residence visa application, as well as two additional photos (for a total of three).
3.) Wait for the final appointment to obtain your temporary residence card. This is needed if an immigration officer decides to ask you for documents in order to avoid deportation.
Additional inquiries can be sent to visas@consulmexsd.org.
How Much Does a Digital Nomad Visa in Mexico Cost?
There is a one-time interview fee of $40 USD at the Mexican consulate or embassy. This is paid during your appointment, and it is suggested to bring cash to cover the cost of the interview fee.
After your initial interview, you’ll have to pay another fee in order to obtain your temporary residence permit. This is payable in MXN in the amount of 4,431. This equates to approximately $230 USD. This fee you will have to pay at a local bank prior to going to the INM facility to pick up your card. Bring proof of payment with you.
Is it Worth it to Get a Digital Nomad Visa in Mexico?
If you plan on staying for a period of longer than six months, it is absolutely worth it to get a digital nomad visa or temporary residence permit in Mexico. This means fewer border runs and more rights in Mexico.
What kind of rights? Well, first of all, you can open a local bank account. This is particularly helpful if you want to have a local debit card and an account in local currency. You can rent or purchase a vehicle and register it in your own name. You can also freely enter and leave the country without worrying about your visa re-setting.