Mexico Digital Nomad Visa: How to Apply [5-Step Guide]

Mexico has been a long-time favorite destination for digital nomads and vacationers. Those who fall in love and never want to leave can apply for the Mexico digital nomad visa. 

Now, while this isn’t technically a digital nomad visa, many remote workers are eligible for it. This scheme is Mexico’s Temporary Resident Visa. It is valid for one year and can be renewed to stay for a total of four years. 

With this visa, you can live in Mexico, but cannot work for a local company. Your income must be earned from outside of Mexico, therefore, it’s perfect for digital nomads. 

Throughout the rest of the article, we will be referring to the Temporary Resident Visa as Mexico’s digital nomad visa to avoid confusion. 

Holders of the visa may bring their spouses and dependents. They will also be considered tax residents of Mexico if they stay in the country for more than 183 days out of the year too. 

Mexico joins other unique destinations in the area in offering a visa that digital nomads can take advantage of. Others include Curaçao, Barbados, and Brazil. 

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

While we have already determined that Mexico’s Temporary Resident Visa isn’t considered to be a specific digital nomad visa, it is geared towards remote workers and those who make a passive income. 

So, what is a digital nomad visa? This type of visa allows remote workers to come and temporarily live in a foreign country for at least a year. 

The visa does not give the holder the right to find local employment. However, depending on some schemes, the holder may be required to pay local taxes. 

Digital nomad visas are excellent for those who want to settle down for a little while and truly get to know a destination. 

Mexico Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

To be eligible to apply for the Mexico digital nomad visa, you must meet certain requirements. 

• Valid Passport – Your passport must be valid for at least the next 6 months when applying
• Meet Income Requirements – Meet one of the following:
  • Maintained bank balance of $54,600 USD net for the last 12 months
  • Earned $3,275 USD net per month for the last 6 months
    • If bringing a spouse or dependent, this amount increases by $861 for each family member
  • Own a Mexican property valued at least $457,500 USD

As you can see, the requirements are fairly simple. If you meet both of these, then you are eligible to apply for the Mexico digital nomad visa.

How to Apply for the Mexico Digital Nomad Visa

Applying for the Mexico digital nomad visa can take a few weeks to a couple of months. You must be outside of Mexico to apply for it and visit an embassy or consulate. 

Step 1: Schedule Visa Appointment

You will have to go to an embassy in either your country of origin or where you have residence. They will ask for proof that you are legally allowed to live in the country where you are applying from. 

Find the closest Mexican embassy or consulate and request a visa appointment. Please note that you must visit a Mexican embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Depending on the location and time of year, it could take a few weeks to get the appointment. For this reason, we recommend you do this first. 

You can make an appointment through their online booking system found on the local embassy’s website. 

Step 2: Gather Documents

Once you have your appointment date set, it’s time to gather all of the documents you’ll need to bring with you. 

These documents should be in either English or Spanish. They include:

• Original Passport
• Copy of Passport Bio Page
• Passport-Size Photo (3.9 cm x 3.1 cm)
• Original and Copy of Legal Permit to Stay (if not a citizen of the country from where you’re applying for the visa)
• Proof of Funds or Income
• Marriage Certificate (if applying with a spouse)

It’s always a good idea to bring original versions and copies of each document when possible. 

Step 3: Complete Application

Now that you’ve gathered all of the necessary documents, it’s time to complete the application. 

You can find the application document on the website of your local Mexican embassy or consulate. Here is an example of the application for those applying from the United States. 

Make sure the complete the application in either English or Spanish. 

It’s important to follow all directions, especially when it comes to the application. Make sure to print it double-sided so that it is on one page. You must also physically sign the application before submitting it. 

File the application with the rest of your documents and wait for your visa appointment. 

Step 4: Attend Visa Appointment

The time has come for your visa appointment. Make sure you have all of your documents and completed application ready to bring with you. There will also be a fee of $51, payable in cash or money order. 

During this appointment, you will go through a brief interview about your eligibility and history. 

There have been cases where you will walk out of your appointment with the visa already in hand. Other times you may need to wait a couple of weeks. 

Step 5: Receive Temporary Resident Permit

Once the visa is issued, you have six months to enter Mexico and register your temporary residency. 

Within 30 days of entering Mexico, you must go to an Instituto Nacional de Migración INM to get your temporary resident card. 

To start, you must fill out the online form with your details. Then find the closest INM and bring with you the following documents:

• Valid Passport
• Temporary Resident Visa
• Original Receipt (and two copies) of Visa Fee
• Two Passport-Sized Photos Facing Front (3 cm x 2.5 cm)
• One Passport-Sized Photo from Right Side (3 cm x 2.5 cm)

You don’t have to make an appointment for this. Simply walk in and wait to be serviced. 

Mexico for Digital Nomads

Mexico is one of the best destinations for digital nomads to live and work remotely. With such a variety of climates and landscapes, an affordable cost of living, and decent wifi, you’ll quickly find yourself a new home in this beautiful country. 

Some of the top cities for digital nomads include Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Puerto Vallarta. From sea and sand to mountains and hills, you’ll find a little bit of everything in Mexico. 

Check Out Long-Stay Airbnbs in Cancun for Remote Workers

Cafes and coworking spaces are plenty throughout the country, especially in the digital nomad hotspots we just mentioned. You’ll surely find gorgeous accommodations with luxury amenities such as pools and jacuzzis for a nice affordable price compared to other places in the world.

The culture is also so much fun to learn and experience. From Día de los Muertos to learning about the Mayan and Aztec cultures from hundreds of years ago, you’ll surely fall in love with the colorful history. 

Getting around the country is easy thanks to the major bus routes. You’ll find bus stations and terminals in most large cities with routes taking you all over the country. There are also plenty of airports for easy and quick traveling too. 

Get Help Applying for Digital Nomad Visas Worldwide

We understand just how intimidating and overwhelming applying for a digital nomad visa can be. Between the specific documents and dealing with bureaucracy, many people give up halfway through the process. 

With Nomads Embassy, you can get your digital nomad visa easily, fast, and stress-free when you work with our hand-selected professional visa and immigration lawyers. 

They will assist you in a streamlined and professional process to get your digital nomad visa quickly and efficiently. 

See which digital nomad visas you qualify for by requesting our free eligibility check today!

For the most up-to-date news about digital nomad visas and lifestyle tips, make sure to join our newsletter! 

Frequently Asked Questions

While articles like this are informative and helpful, you may still have some questions about the Mexico digital nomad visa or temporary residence permit. 

Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.