All foreign nationals who intend to stay in Mexico for more than six months must obtain a Resident Visa and a Resident Card. This allows them to stay in the country for between one and three years and must be renewed before expiry. Also, temporary residence permits come with many restrictions, depending on the kind of visa. As a result, many immigrants struggle to secure permanent residency in Mexico. This is because PR status comes with fewer restrictions and is usually one step away from citizenship.
The journey to permanent residency in Mexico is easy and straightforward. However, you must stick with the regulations to avoid getting rejected. As always, we are delighted to provide you with the roadmap and everything else you need to reach your destination. Let’s get on to it…
Permanent Residency in Mexico
Foreign nationals who wish to settle in Mexico permanently must obtain a Mexican Permanent Resident Card. This document is given to immigrants who have stayed in the country for at least four years under certain conditions. Also, you must have a current resident card/visa when applying. If you have not immigrated to the country yet, check out how to secure an eligible Mexican visa with the varying requirements and conditions.Â
While the four-year stay is mandatory, it sometimes does not apply. For instance, the Mexican Permanent Resident Card is issued to retirees after they obtain the Mexico Retirement Visa and move to the country. In addition, permanent residents enjoy many social benefits in Mexico. Although they are similar to citizens in many ways, they do not have the right to vote. Let’s explore other privileges you get to enjoy as a Mexican permanent resident.
Benefits of Securing the Mexican Permanent Resident Card
Aside from the freedom to stay and work indefinitely in Mexico, the Permanent Resident Card gives immigrants similar rights to an actual Mexican citizen, excluding the right to vote. Other benefits include:
1. Permanent residents can work in any industry/field without a work permit.
2. They are allowed to apply for free health insurance and take advantage of Mexico’s healthcare system.
3. Unlike in some countries, a permanent resident card in Mexico does not require renewal. Once you get it, you can stay for as long as you want.
4. You can enter and leave Mexico as many times as you want. However, if you wish to apply for citizenship, you may have to stay in the country for most of every year to qualify.
5. You can study any course at any level of education you want.
How to Get Permanent Residency in Mexico
Generally, you must be a resident before applying for permanent residency in Mexico. Furthermore, foreign nationals from countries with no peculiar border or trade agreements with Mexico must fulfill at least one of many conditions to receive temporary residence in Mexico. That is, if you find employment, want to join a family member who is a temporary resident or start studying in Mexico.Â
The Temporary Resident Card for Mexico is usually valid for one year initially and can be renewed for a maximum of four years. After moving to the country and amassing at least four years of temporary residence, immigrants can apply for permanent residence. However, in rare cases, visa applicants may be eligible for permanent residence without having to wait four years.
You can apply directly for permanent residency in the following scenarios:
1. Mexico Retirement Visa – This is for retirees who intend to live in Mexico permanently without employment or income from Mexico.
2. Family Reunification – For direct relatives of Mexican citizens and permanent residents. These are children, parents, wards, guardians, and siblings.
3. Spousal – You qualify for this program if you have lived in Mexico for at least two years with a Temporary Resident Card issued on the grounds of marriage to a Mexican citizen or permanent resident.
How to Apply for the Mexican Permanent Resident Card
If you are already living in Mexico on a Temporary Resident Card, when your current Card expires, you have to apply at the INM to switch it to a Permanent Resident Card (provided you have lived in Mexico as a temporary resident for four years). You must apply at least 30 days before your current residence card expires.
Moreover, if you are applying directly for a Permanent Resident Visa, you must do that at a Mexican embassy in your country. Also, you must apply to convert your Permanent Resident Visa into a Mexican Permanent Resident Card within 30 days of arriving in Mexico. The card, not the visa itself, allows you to live in Mexico for a long time.
Nevertheless, all applications must go through the National Immigration Institute (Instituto Nacional de Migracion – INM).
How Long Does it Take to Get Feedback?
After applying for a Mexican Permanent Resident card, you must wait between 10 and 15 working days for feedback. You will receive feedback via appropriate channels and instructions for obtaining your documents from the INM.
Mexican Permanent Resident Visa/Card Cost
The Mexican visa fee is about US$36, but it can change slightly depending on the country you are applying from. Different embassies require different payment methods. Some may ask you to pay in cash, while others request a bank transfer. Additionally, when you apply to get a Permanent Resident Card at the National Immigration Institute, you have to pay a fee for the Card as well (around 5,000 Mexican Pesos or US$250)
Does The Mexico Permanent Resident Card Require Renewal?
The Permanent Resident Card for Mexico does not have an expiry date. It is issued for an indefinite amount of time, so it does not have to be renewed every few years, like in some countries.
Requirements for Permanent Residency in Mexico
When submitting your PR application at the INM, you will be required to submit some documents to support your application. These documents are proof of eligibility and identity. All the official documents you submit (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.) must be legalized before via an Apostille or the Mexican embassy. All the documents you submit have to be in English or Spanish. If they are not, you must have them translated and submit both the original and the translation. There are as follows:
1. Completed and signed Mexico Visa Application Form available on the official Mexican Immigration website.
2. A travel passport along with photocopies of the relevant pages. These are the first and last page, plus any visas and stamps you have received.
3. A recent Passport-size picture with a white background taken within the last six months.
4. Visa application fee payment receipt.
5. Flight ticket. You are not required to actually pay for the ticket until your visa application is approved.
6. Birth or Marriage Certificate (if applicable).
7. Bank statements or investment receipts (original and photocopy)
The Mexico embassy may request any additional documents it deems necessary, depending on the conditions of your application.
How to Handle Loss/Damage of Mexican Resident Card
If you lose or damage your Mexican Resident Card in Mexico, you must visit the local immigration office and apply for a replacement. You must have the following documents with you:
1. Your passport (original and a photocopy)
2. Residence card replacement fee
3. Three pictures, two showing you face-front and one from your left side profile
Meanwhile, if you lose or damage your Mexican Resident Card while abroad, you must approach a Mexican embassy to request a replacement.
Conclusion
Permanent residency in Mexico comes with fewer restrictions and is one step away from citizenship. It grants immigrants similar benefits to citizens but not the right to vote. These benefits include the freedom to live and work in Mexico without a work permit, access to health insurance, and education benefits. To secure permanent residency in Mexico, you must get a Mexican Permanent Resident Card after living there for at least four years under certain conditions. However, certain scenarios allow foreign nationals to apply for a permanent resident visa directly.
