Moving to Mexico from the US
Moving to Mexico from the US can be done by obtaining a temporary resident visa. This visa will allow foreigners to stay as long as four years. Once foreigners have acquired their visas, they can begin planning their move by finding work and housing.
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Are you interested in moving to Mexico from the US for work or other opportunities? Are you unsure of where to start in your moving journey? This guide from Pacific Prime will share all you need to know about starting a new adventure in Mexico.
We will discuss the steps you need to take to begin and end your move to Mexico, and share helpful tips along the way. Keep reading to learn more!
A Six-Step Guide to Moving to Mexico from the United States
Moving to Mexico involves around six steps, from completing the legal requirements to embracing Mexico’s culture and new life in the country. We will walk you through all six steps to provide you with a thorough understanding of what moving to Mexico will involve.
Step 1: Take Care of the Legal Requirements of Moving to Mexico
The first step to moving to Mexico should always be getting your legal affairs in order with your visa and residency paperwork and applications. To move to Mexico, you will need to apply for a temporary residency visa, which will permit you to stay in the country for up to 4 years.
Temporary Residency Visa in Mexico
Mexico’s temporary residency visa is available for those who want to live in Mexico for more than 180 days and less than 4 years. To apply, you must complete the application on the Mexican embassy’s website and then make an in-person appointment at the embassy or consulate.
After you have given the Mexican embassy or consulate all the necessary documentation and your visa has been processed, you can receive your temporary residency visa.
The necessary documents for a Mexico temporary residency visa include:
- Original and copy of valid passport
- Visa application
- A photograph no more than 6 months old (measurements must be at least 32.0 mm x 26.0 mm and at most 39.0 mm x 31.0 mm)
- Documentation proving your financial solvency
- Document proving your residency in the US
Additionally, you will be required to pay a USD $53.00 visa processing fee. Click here for a list of all the locations of Mexico consulates in the US.
How Foreigners Can Qualify for the Temporary Residency Visa
Foreigners moving to Mexico can qualify for a temporary residency visa either through proof of a certain monthly income or an adequate savings balance. You can also qualify for a temporary residency visa by owning property in Mexico and making a capital investment in a Mexican company.
The monthly income required for a temporary visa is at least 300 days of Mexico’s minimum wage, which is approximately USD $14. For those applying on a savings balance, it must be at least 5,000 times Mexico City’s minimum wage. Your income must be documented with 6-12 months of bank statements.
Step 2: Move Finances and Banking from US to Mexico
After receiving their visa, US citizens will need to move all their finances and banking to Mexico. You can either open up a bank account online or in person once you have your temporary residency visa, and most international banks will be able to help you exchange your currency for Mexican pesos.
When opening your bank account in Mexico, you will need to provide proper identification and other necessary documents. The documents and information required will depend on the bank you choose. These documents may include:
- A valid passport
- Proof of address
- Valid visa
Once you have a bank account set up in Mexico, you can begin making necessary purchases for your new life in the country by buying things like a place to live and health insurance.
Step 3: Get Health Insurance for Mexico
US citizens can purchase a health insurance plan from local providers in Mexico, or they can purchase international health insurance from an international provider. The perks of buying an international health insurance plan include having coverage back home in the United States as well.
International health insurance can also cover you anywhere across the globe, which can be especially useful to those who plan to travel frequently. If you plan on visiting Mexico’s neighboring countries frequently, an international health insurance plan can cover you on all your trips.
With health insurance, you’ll be protected financially from paying high medical bills out-of-pocket. International health insurance can be purchased directly through an insurance provider’s website or an insurance broker.
Understanding the Healthcare System in Mexico
Mexico’s healthcare system is comprised of public and private healthcare facilities. The Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social (IMSS) is Mexico’s employer-funded healthcare program, and expats employed by Mexican employers are eligible for this coverage.
Private healthcare facilities in Mexico offer shorter wait times and higher standards of care than public healthcare facilities. They also have more multilingual staff, which can be extremely beneficial to expats who aren’t fluent in Spanish yet.
Step 4: Choose a Place to Live in Mexico
Choosing a place to live in Mexico is a crucial part of moving, and Mexico has many rental apartments available to foreigners. When finding your dream place, make sure to consider factors like your ideal climate, cost of living, and whether you’d like to live inside the city or out.
Some of the most popular places to live among expats include:
- Puerto Vallarta
- San Miguel de Allende
- Lake Chapala
- Huatulco
- Mérida
- Tulúm
- Los Cabos
Mexico is an expansive country with many different climates, cities, and suburbs that offer something for everyone. Where you choose to live has a significant effect on the cost of renting, with prices varying greatly across cities and areas.
A one-bedroom apartment in the center of one of Mexico’s cities can average around USD $690 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center will average around USD $480. You should consult your budget thoroughly when deciding where to live in Mexico.
Step 5: Find a Job in Mexico
Unemployment rates in Mexico are on the rise, which may make finding a job in Mexico challenging but not impossible. Some jobs that are popular with US expats include English teachers and tutors, working in tourism, and food service.
To work in Mexico for a Mexican employer, you will need a work visa. You will not be able to apply for this visa on your own, as your employer will do it on your behalf. Once you have been issued your work visa, you can apply for your temporary residence permit when you move to Mexico.
Step 6: Embrace Mexico’s Culture and Your New Life
Once you have moved into your new home in Mexico, you can embrace the country’s beautiful culture by taking advantage of the many recreation opportunities and expat communities near you. Mexico is a vibrant country with a rich cultural history that draws expats and foreigners alike.
To fully embrace the culture, try to get involved with your community as much as possible. Take advantage of every opportunity to get to know your neighbors, and take the time to learn and understand your new home’s traditions.
Celebrating cultural festivals like the Day of the Dead is a great way to embrace Mexico’s history and get involved with your community.
Sightseeing and Recreation Opportunities in Mexico
US citizens moving to Mexico should take advantage of the many sightseeing and recreation opportunities in Mexico, like the archaeological sites Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza. Or they can visit the many beaches in Puerto Vallarta and Playa del Carmen.
With Mexico’s diverse climate and geographical terrain, expats can enjoy many outside activities like hiking or horseback riding. Enjoy traversing through the jungles or hiking along the coast of coast of Jalisco.
Expat Communities in Mexico
US expats in Mexico can find support in local and online expat communities, which are easily accessible all across the country. For online expat communities, check out websites like Internations.org, and to find local expat communities, try Facebook groups or Meetup.com
Additional Considerations for Moving to Mexico from the US
Some other factors those moving from the US to Mexico will want to consider are the cost of living, moving their family members, and learning the language. We will discuss these important factors in further detail below.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Mexico is lower than in the US, but it will depend on where you live. Additionally, if you work in Mexico, your salary will likely be lower. Consider your budget for housing, food, utilities, and other items to ensure you can afford the move.
- Moving Family Members: Your family can move with you to Mexico, but they will need to apply for and be approved for temporary residency visas. Additionally, the monthly income or savings limit required for a temporary residency visa will rise with each family member you bring with you.
- Learning the Language: It isn’t required to learn Spanish to live in Mexico, but it is highly recommended so you can acclimate to the culture and make connections more easily. You will have a much easier time adjusting to your new home if you have at least a basic understanding of Spanish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need to speak Spanish to move to Mexico?
It is not required to speak Spanish to move to Mexico, but knowing at least the basics of the language can be of great benefit. Many of Mexico’s population may speak English, but not all of them, which means you may be at risk of major miscommunication issues if you do not know Spanish.
What are the visa requirements for a US citizen moving to Mexico?
A US citizen moving to Mexico will need to apply for a temporary residency visa, which will require the applicant can provide proof that they can financially provide for living there and may also include a background check.
What are the options for schooling for expat children in Mexico?
Expat children in Mexico can enroll in either the public school system or in an international school. Some of the best international schools in Mexico include The American School Foundation, The Edron Academy, and Greengates School.
Is it safe to live in Mexico as a US expat?
The safety of your surroundings in Mexico will depend on where you live. Some cities and areas are safer than others, so take the time to research the crime rates where you want to live. Avoid areas with high rates of violence or robbery and poorly lit areas at night.
Conclusion:
After securing your temporary residence visa, US citizens can begin their move to Mexico. You will also need to remember to move your finances to Mexico and acquire new health insurance that will cover you abroad.
If you’d like to learn more about international health insurance for your time in Mexico, contact the insurance experts at Pacific Prime. We have over 20 years of experience in helping our clients find health insurance options that work for them, no matter where their travels take them.
You can use our free quote tool to begin comparing quotes yourself, or you can speak with an insurance broker to have them provide the quotes for you. We are happy to help answer any questions you may have and welcome you to call us at 1-800-868-1451.
If you enjoyed this article, check out our others on topics like moving to Mexico from Canada, and managing pre-existing conditions in Mexico.
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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