Moving to Mexico from the UK
Moving to Mexico from the UK is possible through proper planning and obtaining a temporary resident visa. This visa allows foreigners to stay for as long as four years. Moving to Mexico is an exciting adventure that requires several steps to ensure an efficient transition.
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Planning on moving from the UK to the lush lands of Mexico? Are you unsure where to start in your transition? This comprehensive guide from Pacific Prime will share everything you need to know.
We will share tips on planning your move to Mexico, and then describe the necessary steps to making the official move. We will also share additional pointers on moving from the UK to keep your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. Keep reading to learn more!
Why Move to Mexico from the UK?
A lower cost of living, a rich cultural landscape, and a gorgeous lush climate are just some of the reasons why many choose to relocate to Mexico. The lower cost of living is one large attraction of the country, with Mexico estimated around 44% cheaper than the UK.
Mexico’s culture and climate are more perks of relocating. Beautiful historical landmarks can be found throughout the country, such as ancient ruins and castles. Those moving to Mexico can also expect a varied geographical landscape, with mountainous areas, jungles, and deserts.
If you’re interested in these benefits of moving to Mexico, you’re ready to begin planning your move!
Planning Your Move to Mexico from the UK
When planning your move to Mexico from the UK you should research your cost of living, the culture, climate, as well as visa requirements. You will want to ensure that each of these factors will work with your budget, needs, and lifestyle.
The good news about Mexico is the cost of living is relatively low, so it will be able to fit most budgets. However, some areas will be more expensive than others, so you want to ensure you do your due diligence to make sure it fits within your financial constraints.
Moving to any new location requires a lot of planning, and even more so for international relocation. Take the time to ensure Mexico is the right choice for you so you don’t come across any problems down the road that could have been avoided with more planning.
The Steps to Moving to Mexico from the UK
The steps you will need to take to move from the UK to Mexico include taking care of the legal requirements, moving your finances, getting health insurance, choosing a place to live, finding employment and schooling if necessary, and more. We will detail more of these steps below!
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 must apply for a temporary residency visa, permitting you to stay in the country for up to one year.
The temporary residency visa can be renewed annually after one year, permitting you to stay for up to four years. You will need a permanent resident visa if you’d like to stay longer.
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 your local 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 UK
You can find the Mexican Embassy in the UK at its London location. We will list more of its contact information below:
- Address: 16 Saint George Street, London W1S 1FD, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 (0) 20-7499-8586
- Email: [email protected]
- Business Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
How Foreigners Can Qualify for the Temporary Residency Visa
Foreigners moving to Mexico from the UK can qualify for a temporary residency visa either through proof of a certain monthly income or an adequate savings balance. There are other ways too, which we will list below.
Foreigners can also qualify if they are:
- Reuniting with close family in Mexico
- Studying at a university in Mexico
- Own property in Mexico
- 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 GBP 11. 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 the UK to Mexico
After receiving a visa, the next step will be to move all your finances and banking to Mexico. Most international banks will be able to help you exchange your currency for Mexican pesos.
Most banks will require you to apply for an account in person, but some will allow online applications.
Some banks that are popular with expats in Mexico are BBVA Bancomer, Banorte, and Citibanamex.
When opening your bank account in Mexico, you will need to provide proper identification through a passport or other means, and other necessary documents. The documents and information required will depend on the bank you choose. These documents may include:
- Valid Government-Issued Photo ID
- Proof of Residency
- Residency Visa
- Money for the Minimum Deposit Required
The minimum deposit required will vary across banks, but you can expect to pay around MXN 800 or GBP 35.
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
Expats moving from the UK can purchase health insurance plans from local providers in Mexico, or they can purchase health insurance from an international provider. The perks of buying an international health insurance plan include having coverage back home in the UK as well as in Mexico.
International health insurance can also cover you anywhere you travel, which can be especially useful to digital nomads and globetrotters. 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
When choosing a place to live in Mexico, expats from the UK should consider different factors like their ideal climate and what they can afford. Mexico has many rental properties available for expats at competitive prices, though costs will vary across regions.
To find a place to live, you can reach out to a Mexican realtor or visit online housing platforms. These online housing platforms include Vivanuncios, InMuebles24, and Homie. Visiting these platforms can help you find places to live and understand more about the prices of different neighborhoods.
Some of the most popular places to live among expats include:
- Puerto Vallarta
- San Miguel de Allende
- Lake Chapala
- Mexico City
- Huatulco
- Mérida
- Tulúm
- Los Cabos
Mexico is a large country with many different climates, cities, and suburbs. Take your time when home hunting so you find something you’re happy with. Where you choose to live has a significant effect on the cost of renting, as properties will be more expensive in the bigger cities.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can average around GBP 540 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center will average around GBP 380 per month. You should consult your budget thoroughly when deciding where to live in Mexico.
Step 5: Find a Job in Mexico
Expats from the UK can find work in Mexico through tourism work, food service, teaching, finance, and IT jobs. Unemployment rates in Mexico are rising, which can affect the job market. By following these tips below, you can improve your chances of finding work:
- Become proficient in both English and Spanish: Knowing a proficient level of Spanish can help you find work more easily in Spanish, as Mexican employers will be more likely to hire bilingual employees.
- Use Job Websites Like OCC Mundial, Indeed Mexico, and Computrabajo: Utilizing online resources to find work like the websites listed above can help you see when job postings first go live, which can help you find work more quickly.
- Consider Registering with a Recruitment Agency: Some recruitment agencies may have more experience with helping expats find work and can help you land a job more easily than if you had been searching on your own.
- Tailor Your CV to the Mexican Job Market: Take the time to customize your CV to what Mexican employers will be looking for, and highlight any international experience you may have. This is also an excellent time to share your proficiency in Spanish.
- Apply to International Firms: International firms may be more open to hiring foreigners than other Mexican companies, so applying to any international firm or company can be an excellent choice for a UK expat.
- Network Through Associates and Events: You may be able to find your next job by networking with other professionals by attending business conferences and local expat meetups. Speak with other expats in your position to learn how they found their jobs in Mexico.
You will need a work visa to work in Mexico. You won’t be able to apply for this visa on your own, and 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: Find Schooling For Your Children
If you are moving to Mexico with your children, you can enroll your children in either a public or private school. Mexico’s education system is divided into three main stages, primary school, lower secondary school, and upper secondary school. The ages for each stage are listed below:
- Primary School: Ages 6 to 12
- Lower Secondary School: Ages 12 to 15
- Upper Secondary School: Ages 15 to 18
The quality of Mexico’s schools varies and depends greatly on the region and type of school. Most private schools offer the highest quality curriculum and facilities, with international schools offering the best fit for expat children due to the likelihood of other UK expat children attending as well.
At an international school, your children could be surrounded by other expat children and find solidarity with their peers. But international school tuition is not always affordable, so take the time to ensure you can afford it before you apply.
Some of the most popular international schools for UK expat children in Mexico are:
Step 7: Embrace Your New Home and Culture in Mexico
The final step of moving to Mexico is to embrace the country’s beautiful culture and enjoy your new home by taking advantage of the many recreation opportunities and expat communities near you. With its vibrant history and welcoming culture, you can feel right at home in Mexico.
Get involved with your local community to begin making fast friends and immerse yourself in the culture. Get to know nearby expats and locals alike through community events and other meetups. Take the time to learn and understand your new home’s traditions.
You can embrace the country’s culture by taking part in important festivals, like Día de Muertos. This festival takes part on November 1st and 2nd of every year and is dedicated to remembering and celebrating the dead. Parades occur in all the major cities, with beautiful floats and grand displays.
Sightseeing and Recreation Opportunities in Mexico
UK expats moving to Mexico have many sightseeing and recreation opportunities while living in Mexico, and can visit famous archaeological sites Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza. If they’re craving warm weather and the ocean, they can visit the many beaches in Puerto Vallarta and Playa del Carmen.
With Mexico’s diverse climate and geographical terrain, UK 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
UK expats in Mexico can find support in both in-person and online expat communities, which can be found 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
Other Tips for Moving to Mexico from the UK
Some other tips for UK expats moving to Mexico include utilizing public transport in big cities, understanding emergency services, and more. We will explain more about these tips below.
Use Public Transport to Save Time in Mexico
Mexico has many ways for residents to get around in cities and offers buses, taxis, and metro systems. The metro is a rail-bassed mass-transport system that operates in Mexico City and Monterrey and runs mostly underground.
The Metro costs five pesos per trip. You can also purchase a Metro Card at the metro station for 15 pesos, which you can refill when empty at the metro station. Pickpockets are common on the metro, so keep your purse or wallet close to your person.
The metro systems are efficient and affordable, and you won’t have to worry about traffic jams while riding. However, the metro can get very busy during peak hours 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. During these peak hours, women and children may be segregated into rail cars.
Understand Emergency Services in Mexico
UK expats in Mexico should remember the emergency line number 911, which is the same number used in the United States and Canada. The 911 operator can dispatch the appropriate help to come to your aid.
911 operators may only speak Spanish, so UK expats who aren’t proficient in Spanish yet may request an English speaker.
The number for roadside assistance is 078, which will connect you to the Green Angels. The Green Angels are a government-paid bilingual crew who patrol highways and offer basic first aid, mechanical assistance, and towing services to those who need it.
Be Aware of Food and Water Safety While Eating Out in Mexico
UK expats should exercise caution around tap water and the food they purchase from street vendors. Mexico’s water can be contaminated with different bacteria that may cause stomach upset or worse.
When eating out at a restaurant, only order bottled drinks to ensure your water is safe. Don’t drink fountain drinks, and don’t ask for ice either, as this can be contaminated as well.
Street vendors in Mexico do not always follow food safety standards, and their wares sitting in the hot sun all day can cause bacteria to grow. If you do choose to eat at a street vendor, choose one that has decently long lines. This proves that food is being made to order and isn’t sitting out.
Be Mindful of Safety Concerns in Mexico
Living in Mexico as a UK expat is generally safe, though some safety concerns to be aware of are pickpockets on the metro systems and crime in some areas of the country. Assault and theft are the most frequent crimes that occur in Mexico.
To keep yourself safe, it’s advised to not travel alone at night and to only walk in well-lit areas of the city. You should also keep track of your personal belongings while taking public transport and keep your wallet close to your person.
You can also take other safety precautions by choosing where you live wisely. Cities like Coatzacoalcos, Ciudad Obregón, Uruapan, and Culiacán are reportedly high in crime. Choose a neighborhood that is safe and has low crime rates.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I retire to Mexico from the UK?
UK citizens can retire in Mexico by applying for a permanent resident visa at their local Mexican consulate. This visa will allow expats to live permanently in Mexico, but they will be required to show they can support themselves financially throughout their time in the Country.
What are the visa requirements for a temporary residency in Mexico as a UK citizen?
The requirements for a temporary residency visa are a printed and signed Mexico visa application form, a valid passport, a recent passport-sided photo, visa fee payment, documentation proving your financial solvency, and proof of your residency in the UK.
What is the cost of living like in Mexico compared to the UK?
The cost of living in Mexico is generally around 44% cheaper than the UK. Housing, food, and transportation costs are all much cheaper than in the United Kingdom, though these costs may vary depending on region.
Conclusion
Moving to Mexico from the UK can be done by securing a temporary residency visa and by following the steps outlined above. Through careful planning and ensuring all your affairs are in order, you can move to Mexico and start your new global adventure!
Let us help with one of the most important steps of moving to Mexico by helping you find health insurance. The insurance experts at Pacific Prime are ready to help you compare quotes from multiple providers and offer you free and unbiased advice about international health insurance plans.
To get started today, contact us online or call us at 1-800-868-1451. If you’d like to begin comparing quotes on your own, use our free quote tool!
If you enjoyed this article, check out our others on similar topics like Moving to Mexico from Canada and Moving to Mexico from China!
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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