Moving to Mexico from China
Moving to Mexico from China requires a thorough understanding of the visa application process, the cost of living, the healthcare landscape, and more. Securing international health insurance as expats is also an overlooked factor that makes life-changing differences while abroad.
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Mexico has long been a popular destination for expats, with a recently significant increase in the number of Chinese residents seeking residency. In 2023, there was a total of 5,018 visas granted to Chinese citizens, with an over 100% year-over-year increase that highlights Mexico’s global appeal.
Are you planning to move to Mexico from China as an expat? Do you find navigating the visa and healthcare systems difficult? Are you aware of how international health insurance can give you peace of mind and ensure a safe and enriching journey?
This Pacific Prime article serves as a comprehensive guide for all Chinese expats planning to move to Mexico, with all the essential information such as visa requirements, the cost of living for individuals and families, and health insurance for healthcare access, to make informed decisions.
Understanding Visa Options and Requirements
For stays under six months (under 180 days), expats can enter Mexico on a visitor visa that lasts for up to 180 days. The exact period depends on the immigration official’s discretion and your itinerary (i.e. your trip duration proven by the purchase of departure and return flight tickets).
Expats from China are required to have a visitor visa unless they hold a valid visa or permanent resident card from:
- Japan
- Canada
- The United States of America
- The United Kingdom
- Any country in the Schengen Area
For stays over six months (over 180 days), expats have two visa options– Temporary and Permanent Resident Visa. You can apply for any of the two considering your preference and situation, as long as you fulfill the requirements.
Temporary Resident Visa
The temporary resident visa allows you to stay in Mexico for up to 4 years, renewable, allowing you sufficient time to explore and decide whether you want to call Mexico home.
To qualify for the temporary resident visa, you must:
- Demonstrate monthly income starting at MXN $61,000 (approx. RMB ¥23800) and up to MXN $85,000 (approx. RMB ¥33200) monthly for the past 6 months. You must provide at least the last 6 months of bank statements.
or
- Demonstrate a minimum balance in investments or savings starting at MXN $1,000,000 (approx. RMB ¥390,300) and up to MXN $1,375,000 (approx. RMB ¥536,800) for the last 12 months. You must provide at least the last 12 months’ bank statements.
or
- Proof of home ownership in Mexico valued at 40,000 x Daily Minimum Wage, which is MXN $9,957,200 (approx. RMB ¥3,887,000) in 2024
Permanent Resident Visa
The permanent resident visa allows unlimited stay inside Mexico, and additional work permits are not required to work.
To qualify for the permanent resident visa, you must:
- Demonstrate a minimum monthly income starting at MXN $100,000 and up to MXN $140,000 for the last 6 months
or
- Demonstrate a minimum balance in investments or savings starting at MXN $4,000,000 and up to MXN $5,450,000 for the last 12 months, with bank statements showing this minimum balance each month.
Document Requirements
The documents you need for the visa application to be successful are:
| Required Documents for Visa Application | |
| A valid passport | Your passport must be valid for at least the next six months. |
| A clear passport-size picture | You must submit a recent 3.9 cm X 3.1cm picture with a clear background. |
| Income Proof | You must prove that your income has reached the minimum requirement above. |
| Proof of medical insurance | Either employer-funded or private health insurance, as long as your health expenses can be covered. |
| Criminal background check | The proof of a clean criminal record you should be able to get at the police department in your country of residence. |
Setting Up Your Finances in Mexico
Most banks in Mexico allow expats to open a bank account online or in person, and international banks such as HSBC or BBVA will be able to exchange any foreign currency for Mexican Pesos.
Some banks accommodate English speakers, but the paperwork is likely to be in Spanish, so it would be a wise choice to bring a translator with you to ensure that you are signing what you applied for. To open up a basic account, you will have to provide:
- A valid visa as residency proof
- Letter with proof of address dated within the last three months
- Foreign ID card
- An opening deposit of approximately MXN $800-1,000 (approx. RMB ¥310-390)
Note: Documents may vary across banks, it is always recommended to check the exact documents you need for your bank of choice.
The Best Neighborhoods in Mexico for Expats
From Puebla to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico is home to a wide range of culturally diverse and unique neighborhoods for expats of different lifestyles. We have listed the 15 best places to live in Mexico here so that you can make informed decisions on the selection of your next location.
You can choose between dynamic and vibrant areas closer to Mexico City that offer an exhaustive list of dining, shopping, and entertainment options; or you can opt for a laid-back lifestyle where you can enjoy the picturesque view of Mexico while spending quality time with your partner or family.
If you are looking for a location popular among expats, you are likely to end up struggling with several districts in Mexico City. Fortunately, we have also compiled a list of the best neighborhoods in Mexico City, so you can start from there and decide which district is best for your needs and lifestyle.
Finding a Job in Mexico as Expats
To find a job in Mexico you will first need a work permit, and then you can job hunt at global recruitment platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. You can also ask other locals or expats for referrals.
If you have secured a job in Mexico before your departure, please inform your employer about your date of arrival; for those who have not, consider working as a freelancer, for a Mexico-based company, or non-local-based company by remote work.
If you have more or less some proficiency in Spanish, the process could be a lot less tedious for you as the ability to speak the local language boosts your employment prospects in Mexico.
Cost of Living in Mexico
According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Mexico City is ranked 206 worldwide, while the cost of living in major cities in China such as Shanghai is ranked 238 or lower – illustrating that the cost of living is most likely be around the same, depending on your location.
You can expect the following general expenses in Mexico:
-
- Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant: MXN $165 (approx. RMB ¥64)
- Water (0.33-liter bottle): MXN $16 ((approx. RMB ¥6)
- Milk (regular, 1 gallon): MXN $100 (approx. RMB ¥39)
- Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb): MXN $42 (approx. RMB ¥16)
- Chicken Filets (1 lb): MXN $62 (approx. RMB ¥25)
- Apples (1 kg): MXN $49 (approx. RMB ¥19)
- One-way Ticket (Local Transport): MXN $11 (approx. RMB ¥4)
- Taxi Start (Normal Tariff): MXN $50 MXN (approx. RMB ¥20)
- Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data: MXN $430 MXN (approx. RMB ¥168)
- Basic Utilities for a 915 sq ft Apartment: MXN $1,200 (approx. RMB ¥468)
The greatest expense is going to be rent if you don’t have a property purchased in Mexico. The average rent for each apartment type in Mexico is:
- Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre: MXN $6,000-20,000 (approx. RMB ¥2,340-7,800)
- Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre: MXN $4,000-15,000 (approx. RMB ¥1,561-5,850)
- Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre: MXN $12,000-40,000 (approx. RMB ¥4,680-15,600)
- Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre: MXN $8,000-29,000 (approx. RMB ¥3,120-11,320)
And the second-greatest expense would likely be healthcare costs. Here are the average costs of general medical services in Mexico:
-
- Doctor consultation: MXN $200-800 (approx. RMB ¥78-310)
- Diagnostic scans and tests: The costs for diagnostic scans and tests can vary. Here are some approximate price ranges for common diagnostic procedures in Mexico:
- X-ray: MXN $300-1,500 (approx. RMB ¥117-585)
- Ultrasound: MXN $500-2,500 (approx. RMB ¥195-975)
- CT scan: MXN $3,000-8,000 (approx. RMB ¥1170-3,120)
- MRI scan: MXN $6,000-15,000 (approx. RMB ¥2,340-5,850)
- Laboratory tests: The costs for laboratory tests in Mexico can vary depending on the type of test and where it is conducted. Here are some approximate price ranges for common laboratory tests:
-
- Blood test: MXN $150-800 (approx. RMB ¥58-310)
- Urine test: MXN $100-500 (approx. RMB ¥39-195)
- Complete blood count (CBC): MXN $200-800 (approx. RMB ¥78-310)
- Cholesterol test: MXN $200-1,000 (approx. RMB ¥78-390)
Covering Healthcare Costs with International Health Insurance
Expats can choose between local health insurance and international health insurance, the former is cheaper with only coverage within Mexico while the latter is more expensive but has the perk of coverage virtually anywhere in the world.
Expats as a group of people with high mobility, it is not surprising at all that you will be traveling in and out of the country frequently. Hence, it is recommended to secure international health insurance to protect yourself from unexpected illnesses anywhere at any time.
Not only your physical and mental health is safeguarded, but having health insurance to settle your bills also gives you financial protection, knowing that you won’t be required to pay huge sums upfront to access the medical treatments and services you need.
Additional Advantages of International Health Insurance in Mexico
International health insurance will grant access to private healthcare providers in Mexico who provide faster access to medical services and maintain superior levels of care. They also have more staff members proficient in multiple languages, which is advantageous for non-Spanish-speaking expats.
Additional advantages are:
- 24/7 support
- Personalized treatments and medical services
- Peace of mind
- Access to an extensive private medical network
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for moving to Mexico from China?
A visa, along with other documents such as passports and permits are required to move to Mexico from China. Expats are also recommended to research the healthcare landscape, places to live, and cost of living to equip themselves with the knowledge needed for a smooth transition.
How do I find accommodation in Mexico as a Chinese expat?
Finding suitable accommodation is a common concern for individuals moving from China to Mexico. They may seek guidance on the best cities or neighborhoods to live in, the rental market, and the process of securing housing as a foreigner.
Are there job opportunities and career prospects for Chinese expats in Mexico?
Many individuals considering a move to Mexico from China are interested in the job market and career prospects in their chosen field. They may inquire about the availability of job opportunities, the work culture, and the potential for professional growth in Mexico.
Is health insurance necessary when living in Mexico as a Chinese expat?
Many people moving to Mexico from China want to know if health insurance is necessary and recommended for their stay. They may ask about the coverage provided by public healthcare systems, the cost of private health insurance, and the benefits of having comprehensive health coverage while residing in Mexico.
Conclusion
Mexico is the perfect next location for prospective expats from China seeking a change of lifestyle and environment. With the right knowledge and understanding of the location, expats can ensure a seamless transition and make the most out of their stay inside Mexico.
With the cost of living in Mexico being similar to that of China, expats should have no problem adapting to the prices of Mexican goods and services. However, language and communication will be the biggest challenge for Chinese expats, hence accessing multilingual healthcare services is crucial.
International health insurance opens up the gateway to private healthcare facilities, where expats can find multilingual staff that can help facilitate patient-doctor communication. It also mitigates the need to queue for emergency/non-emergency services, allowing for prompt attention and treatment.
And this is where Pacific Prime is the perfect candidate. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, our team of expert advisors can help negotiate and secure the most cost-effective health insurance plan from big insurers worldwide for your needs and budget.
Contact us today to kickstart your expat journey in Mexico, or get an obligation-free quote for free and we can discuss from there!
Enjoyed reading this article? We also have a guide for those who want to move to Mexico from Europe or France!
Since joining Pacific Prime, Eric was exposed to a new world of insurance. Having learned about insurance products extensively, he has taken joy and satisfaction in helping individuals and businesses manage risks and protect themselves against financial loss through the power of words.
Although born and raised in Hong Kong, he spent a quarter of his life living and studying in the UK. He believes his multicultural experience is a great asset in understanding the needs and wants of expats and globe-trotters.
Eric’s strengths lie in his strong research, analytical, and communication skills, obtained through his BA in Linguistics from the University of York and MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Bristol.
Outside of work, he enjoys some me-time gaming and reading on his own, occasionally going absolutely mental on a night out with friends.
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