Residency options

• Temporary Resident Visa — proof of US$4,300+/mo net income for the past 6 months, or US$72,000+ in savings/investments held for the last 12 months. Valid 1 year, renewable up to 4. After 4 years converts to Permanent Resident. Add ~15% for each dependent.
• Permanent Resident Visa — proof of US$5,400+/mo net income for the past 6 months, or US$285,000+ in investments. Also available directly for retirees over 60 meeting income thresholds and for anyone with 4 consecutive years on Temporary status.
• Real Estate Route — own Mexican property worth roughly US$570,000+ (varies by consulate) may qualify for Permanent Resident directly.
• Family unity — spouses and minor children of Mexican citizens or residents get simplified access.

Important: both visas must be initiated at a Mexican consulate outside Mexico. After the consulate stamp, you have 180 days to enter Mexico and 30 days after arrival to complete the residency card (CURP + INM) with the National Immigration Institute.

Cost of living

Mexico is the value champion of the region. Cost varies 4× between rural Oaxaca and Polanco:

• Rent (2-bed): US$500–900 in Mérida or Oaxaca; US$800–1,600 in Guadalajara or Puerto Vallarta; US$1,200–2,800 in Mexico City (Roma, Condesa, Polanco) or San Miguel de Allende.
• Groceries (couple): US$300–600/month. Local markets are extremely cheap; Costco and Chedraui Selecto for imported goods.
• Utilities + internet: US$60–150/month (higher with AC in the Yucatán or coast).
• Health insurance: IMSS public around US$400–700/year, private plans US$100–350/month per adult.
• Domestic help: US$25–40/day common in expat towns.

Comfortable budget for a couple: US$1,800–3,000/month in most cities, US$3,000–4,500 in premium Mexico City colonias or San Miguel de Allende.

Healthcare

Private healthcare in Mexico's major cities is excellent and affordable. Star Médica, Hospital Ángeles, Christus Muguerza, and ABC Medical Center offer US-trained doctors, JCI accreditation, and cash prices at 20–40% of US equivalents. Elective surgery, dental, and specialist care draw significant medical tourism.

Residents can enroll in IMSS (universal public system) for around US$400–700/year — coverage varies by facility. Most expats layer a private plan (Axa, GNP, MetLife) for US$100–350/month per adult and pay out-of-pocket for routine visits (typically US$25–60).

Where to live

• Mexico City (Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Coyoacán) — dense, cosmopolitan, best hospitals, huge remote-work scene, mild highland climate.
• San Miguel de Allende — colonial mountain town, largest US retiree community in the country, walkable, high cost.
• Ajijic & Lake Chapala — Guadalajara-adjacent, mild year-round, established retiree corridor.
• Mérida — Yucatán colonial, safest large city in Mexico, hot but dry-season pleasant, low cost.
• Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta — beach expat hubs, higher cost, tourist-driven economy.
• Oaxaca & Guadalajara — culture, food, growing digital-nomad scenes at mid-cost.

Shipping, imports & pets

• Household goods: Temporary and Permanent Residents can bring one duty-free menaje de casa (household goods shipment) within 6 months of getting the residency card. Requires a notarized itemized list and a customs broker.
• Cars: Temporary Residents can bring a foreign-plated car under a TIP permit for the duration of the visa. Permanent Residents cannot — you must sell before switching status or drive it out.
• Pets: Dogs and cats need a rabies vaccination and a veterinarian's health certificate issued within 15 days of travel. No quarantine. SENASICA inspects on arrival.

Your first-year timeline

1. Months −4 to −2: Gather 6+ months of bank/pension statements. Book your Mexican consulate appointment (some have 3–6 month waits).
2. Month −1: Consulate interview → visa sticker in passport. You now have 180 days to enter Mexico.
3. Month 0: Fly in, declare residency at INM airport counter. Book a 60-day furnished rental.
4. Months 1–2: Complete residency card (canje) at INM — fingerprints, photos, CURP. Card issued in 4–8 weeks.
5. Months 3–6: Sign long-term rental, open a Mexican bank account (needs residency card + CURP), enroll in IMSS if desired.
6. Months 6–12: Ship menaje de casa duty-free, exchange driver's licence, settle into community.