Common Mistakes When Applying for Mexican Residency

Common Mistakes When Applying for Mexican Residency

As you prepare to apply for Mexican residency, I wanted to share some important information about common mistakes that applicants often make. 

Understanding these can help ensure a smoother application process:

Understanding Residency Types: Even if you qualify for Permanent Residency, the consulate has the final say on the type of residency visa you will receive. It's important not to be upset if you are granted Temporary Residency. Temporary residents have the same benefits. Once you are eligible, you can apply for Permanent Residency without having to leave Mexico and without economic solvency.

Not Applying Early Enough: Many people mistakenly believe they need to wait until they're ready to move to Mexico to apply for residency. However, we recommend applying sooner, especially if your current income qualifies you. Waiting until retirement might make it harder to qualify, as social security or savings may not meet the financial requirements. Keep in mind that the economic solvency requirements tend to go up each year. Get the latest income requirements here.

Not Taking Advantage of The RNE Program: For those who do NOT qualify for residency through economic solvency, there is an alternate option. To know if you qualify for the RNE program go here

There is NO requirement to live in Mexico BUT...: If you don’t plan on living in Mexico right after obtaining your residency visa, DO NOT mention this to the consul or consulate employee interviewing you. There’s nothing wrong with applying before moving, but the consulates don’t like it and will sometimes make it hard for you to get approved.

                                    
Applying as a Married Couple: Some consulates require each spouse to qualify independently for residency. If only one of you qualifies, you can still proceed with the application. Once in Mexico, the qualifying spouse can petition for the other without needing to prove additional financial requirements.
Canje Process: Once approved for residency at a Mexican consulate, you will receive a stamp in your passport. You have up to 180 days to enter Mexico and exchange this stamp for a residency card, known as the Canje process. Remember, the process is not complete until you receive your residency card.
Timely Canje Completion: Upon entering Mexico for your Canje, you have 30 days to initiate the process at the immigration office. If your appointment is scheduled beyond this period, you cannot leave Mexico without permission, as this could cancel your residency process.

Border Entry Procedures: If you are driving to Mexico, you must stop at the INM office at the border, register your entry and request an FMM paper form. Without this, you cannot complete your residency process, and you may need to return to the border. Those flying in, are given a digital FMM automatically.
Being Entered As A Tourist For Using The Tourist Kiosks: At some international airports like Cancun and Mexico City, there are automated entry kiosks designed to expedite the process for tourists. However, Mexican residents should NOT use these kiosks. These will register you as a tourist and make your residency status invalid. If you are directed to one, politely decline and request to have your entry processed by a human immigration officer to ensure your residency is properly registered.

Not Paying Attention to Expiration Dates: Temporary residents should pay attention to their card's expiration date. It's important to know that dates in Mexico are formatted DD/MM/YYYY. You can start the renewal process in Mexico up to 30 days before your card expires. And if you expire outside of Mexico, you have a 55 day grace period, and must start the renewal process within 5 days from entering Mexico.

Renewing Temporary Residency: When renewing your temporary residency, you may be asked to provide financial documentation. However, you DO NOT need to meet the initial income requirements again. Not all INM offices require this, but it's wise to be prepared.

Consistency of Residency Status: The type of residency granted by the consulate is final. You cannot change from Temporary to Permanent Residency at the INM office in Mexico. 

Duration of Temporary Residency: Temporary residencies are usually valid for one year initially, after which you can renew for 1, 2, or 3 additional years. (expect for spouses of Mexican nationals- which are given 2 years upfront) You can only be a Temporary Resident for up to four years, after which you must either apply for Permanent Residency or start the process over. 

Completing the Visa Process: Once your visa is stamped on your passport, you MUST complete the process in Mexico upon your next entry. You cannot enter as a tourist, leave Mexico and finalize the process on a future visit.

Keeping Your Residency Card: Always carry your residency card when leaving Mexico. Failure to do so could result in complications upon re-entry, potentially causing you to be registered as a tourist.