Getting There — Visa

Temporary Resident Visa — requires $4,185/mo income or $69,750 in savings. Valid 1-4 years, no employer sponsorship needed. Permanent Resident Visa available after 4 years or with $278,500+ in investments/savings. 2026 update: fees doubled and qualification criteria tightened.

Cost of Living

50-70% less than US major cities. A comfortable life in CDMX or Mérida runs $1,200-2,000/mo including rent.

Key Fact

Mexico has no path from tourist status to residency inside the country — you must apply at a Mexican consulate in the US. Healthcare is excellent and affordable (private insurance ~$100/mo), but bureaucracy moves slowly.