How long can a US citizen stay in Mexico?

As an American, you can stay in Mexico for six months (or 180 days) at a time with a "visitor's visa" — everyone over age 16 who travels to Mexico with a US passport automatically enjoys this option. You will be given this document before you arrive in the country (either via plane or at a border crossing).


How can I stay in Mexico longer than 6 months?

Everyone who wishes to stay in Mexico for longer than six months, regardless of their nationality, has to get a Mexican Temporary Residence Permit, which is valid for one year and renewable for up to four years. Additionally, if they want to work, they have to get a work permit.

Can you leave Mexico after 180 days and come back?

Visitor permit time allowance changes: summary

Mexico's visitor permit (FMM) allows visitors to remain in Mexico for a maximum of 180 days but the number of days granted has always been at the discretion of the immigration official at the port of entry.


What happens if you stay in Mexico past 6 months?

If you continually overstay your visa, then you could have issues when trying to return to Mexico. They may deport you (especially considering which country you are from), and you may not be allowed back in the country for years.

What happens if you stay in Mexico longer than 30 days?

You cannot stay in Mexico for longer than 180 days on a typical tourist card. The immigration official will generally list 30 or 60 days for the amount of time you're allowed to stay. If you want to stay longer than the number of days written on your tourist card, you'll need to apply for an extension.


How long can I stay outside of Mexico and still keep my residency or citizenship?



Can I live in Mexico as a US citizen?

As with most destinations, you cannot work while you are in the country as a tourist. If you are confident of your plans, you can pursue temporary residency or permanent residency, often in combination with a retirement visa. The visa application begins at the nearest Mexican embassy or consulate in your home country.

Can a US citizen buy property in Mexico?

Foreigners can own property in Mexico. It's perfectly legal. Outside the restricted zones—50 kilometers (about 31 miles) from shorelines and 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) from international borders—foreigners can hold direct deed to property with the same rights and responsibilities as Mexican nationals.

How to get a 180 day visa in Mexico?

6 Tips To Help You Get 180 Day Tourist Visa in Mexico
  1. Have a return flight! Immigration in any country wants to keep track of two things: who's coming in and who's leaving. ...
  2. Dress to impress. ...
  3. Have proof of lodging. ...
  4. Be Polite! ...
  5. Pay Attention. ...
  6. Don't Bother With An Electronic FMM. ...
  7. Become A Resident.


How long can you stay in Mexico if you own property?

The “Temporary Resident Visa” is recommended for those who choose to own property in México. After four years it can be converted into a “Permanent Resident Visa”. This visa allows you to stay in Mexico for as long as you like without a restriction on foreign travel.

How much money do you need to get residency in Mexico?

Permanent Residency: Monthly income of c.US$5,460 over the last 6 months (some consulates request 12 months); OR savings balance of c.US$218,000 over the last 12 months. Income or savings can be demonstrated from multiple sources and accounts, and/or multiple income or savings types.

What happens if a US citizen overstay in Mexico?

The visitor permit cannot be extended or renewed; and you must leave Mexico by the date it expires. If you over-stay your visitor visa you will need to pay a fine when you leave the country.


How to get 6 months in Mexico?

Visitor permits may be valid for up to 180 days, but that isn't automatic and the length of stay that is granted can be arbitrary. A visitor permit cannot be renewed or extended. If you want a full six months in the country, it's best to apply for a visitor permit at any Mexican consulate in the U.S. or Canada.

Can I come back to the US with a Mexican passport?

Yes, as noted above, the list of approved identification to fly domestically includes foreign government-issued passports and/or a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766).

How much is the fine for overstaying in Mexico?

If you have an expired FMM, you must report to the INM booth at the airport to pay a fine; 600 to 8000 pesos depending on your overstayed time.


How much does it cost to live in Mexico for 6 months?

Average Cost of Living Across Mexico: $600 – $2,000

My baseline (and total) costs to live in Mexico came in under $745 every month. I've also lived in Oaxaca too, and it's even more affordable (I spent well under $600 per month).

What is the safest place in Mexico to live?

Seven of the safest cities in Mexico
  1. Merida. Widely acknowledged as the safest city in Mexico (and even Latin America), your biggest safety concern in Mérida will probably be the busy traffic. ...
  2. Playa del Carmen. ...
  3. Mexico City. ...
  4. Puerto Vallarta. ...
  5. San Miguel de Allende. ...
  6. Sayulita. ...
  7. Huatulco.


Can I live in Mexico without residency?

Everyone who intends to move to Mexico for a period longer than six months must have a Resident Visa and a Resident Card, depending on the duration and purpose of their stay. Foreigners who want to settle in Mexico permanently must have a Mexican Permanent Resident Card.


Can I get residency in Mexico if I buy a house?

You may obtain a temporary resident visa in Mexico, if you own a real estate property in Mexico with a value exceeding MXN 2,804,000. Under this visa category, you may not be allowed to conduct lucrative activities, such as employment, in the country.

Can I collect Social Security and live in Mexico?

If you are a U.S. citizen, you may receive your Social Security payments outside the U.S. as long as you are eligible for them.

How can a US citizen get temporary residency in Mexico?

The application process for getting a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa is:
  1. Contact a Mexico embassy to set up an appointment. ...
  2. Complete the Mexico Visa Application Form. ...
  3. Collect the required documents. ...
  4. Submit the application and pay the visa fee. ...
  5. Wait for the visa to be processed.
  6. Pick up your passport.


How much bank balance is required for Mexican visa?

Investment or bank accounts with a monthly ending balance of at least 300 days of the current general minimum wage in Mexico City (approx. $2,500.00 USD).

What happens if I overstay my stay in Mexico?

If you overstay your Mexico Tourist Card, you must go to an immigration office in Mexico or the immigration center at the airport and pay a fine, which is calculated based on the number of days you have overstayed. Then, you must make arrangements to get an exit visa before you leave.

Where do most Americans live in Mexico?

Lake Chapala: Mexico's Largest Expat Hotspot

Lake Chapala is Mexico's largest lake, and the surrounding area is also home to the largest concentration of U.S. expats in the world.


How much is a downpayment on a house in Mexico?

For many Mexicans, buying a house in Mexico while living in the United States is a family aspiration. Grupo Crecento offers its own financing system, with a down payment of 30 % for 10 to 12 months without interest. Depending on the initial down payment amount, additional discounts are available.