How to Move Household Goods to Mexico: Menaje de Casa Rules and What’s Not Allowed
By Karla & Erick | Cabo Realty | Century 21 Paradise Properties
How do you move your household goods and furniture to Mexico duty-free? You use menaje de casa, a one-time benefit that lets residents of Mexico import their used household goods without paying import duties. You need temporary or permanent residency. You apply at a Mexican consulate in the U.S. with a detailed inventory in Spanish. Your things must cross within 6 months of your entry as a resident, through a Mexican customs broker. Cars, alcohol, firearms and new items are not allowed. Here is the step-by-step process for families moving to Los Cabos from California, Texas and Arizona.
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Menaje de casa is only for residents. Without a temporary or permanent residency visa (or card), you can't apply. If you haven't started, read Residency in Mexico for Americans: Temporary vs Permanent and How to Apply.
There's one important difference between the two:
If you plan to stay long-term, ask the consulate how your residency type affects your menaje before you ship.
The inventory is the heart of the process. Mexican consulates ask for:
☐ A list in Spanish, signed on every page.
☐ Every item with its quantity and a clear description.
☐ Brand, model and serial number for every electronic or electrical item: TVs, computers, appliances, sound systems.
☐ The original plus copies (the consulate tells you how many; 4 sets is common).
☐ Your name must match exactly on the passport, visa and inventory.
☐ Only used goods count: items you've owned for at least 6 months.
💡 Tip from Karla & Erick: Make your inventory room by room while you pack, and take photos of each box and its serial numbers. Most international movers with Mexico experience can prepare the Spanish inventory for you, so ask for it in their quote.
| ✅ Allowed (used goods) | ❌ Not allowed in menaje |
|---|---|
| Furniture and household items | Cars, trucks and other motor vehicles |
| Clothing and bedding | Alcohol (yes, your wine collection) |
| Books and bookcases | Weapons and ammunition |
| Art (not a full gallery collection) | Goods used for a business |
| Electronics and appliances (with serial numbers) | Chemicals and gases |
| Tools and instruments for your profession (not a full workshop) | New items bought less than 6 months ago |
This list is a summary. Consulates note that other items can be excluded, so confirm anything unusual before you pack it.
Firearms and ammunition are excluded from menaje de casa. Bringing them into Mexico without a Mexican permit is a serious crime. Leave them in the U.S.
Alcohol is excluded. If you have a cellar in Napa, Scottsdale or Austin, plan to sell it, store it or enjoy it before you move. Los Cabos has excellent wine shops, and the Valle de Guadalupe wine region is right here on the Baja peninsula.
Vehicles are never part of menaje. In Baja California Sur you can drive your U.S. car without an import permit, as long as you have Mexican insurance. See Regulations for Foreign-Plated Vehicles in Baja California Sur.
Bring these documents to the consulate (requirements vary a little by consulate, so check yours first):
☐ Application form, signed.
☐ Valid passport (at least 6 months left) plus copies.
☐ Residency visa or residency card plus copies (issued within the last 6 months).
☐ Your signed inventory in Spanish.
☐ A signed statement that you have never imported menaje de casa before (some consulates ask for it).
☐ Payment of the consular fee. The Mexican Consulate in Portland lists $195. Confirm the current fee with your consulate.
The consulate stamps and returns your Certificate of Household Goods (Certificado de Menaje de Casa). Keep the original safe, because customs will ask for it.
☐ Your goods cross Mexican customs through a Mexican customs broker (agente aduanal), who presents your certificate and requests the duty exemption.
☐ Timing: Your goods can arrive with you, up to 3 months before your arrival, or up to 6 months after you enter as a resident. There are no extensions.
☐ From California or Arizona: Many families move by truck through Baja, about 1,000 miles from the border to Los Cabos.
☐ From Texas: A truck route through mainland Mexico plus a ferry, or a sea or air shipment, are the usual options. Your mover will tell you which costs less for your volume.
☐ Insure the shipment, especially art and fine furniture.
For most of our luxury buyers, the answer is no. Many homes in Palmilla, Querencia, Pedregal, Puerto Los Cabos, Cabo del Sol and Diamante sell fully or partly furnished. Heavy furniture made for Dallas or Pasadena also doesn't always suit the salt air and summer humidity.
What our clients usually bring:
What they usually buy here: outdoor furniture made for the coast, mattresses and basic kitchen items.
Before you ship a container, ask us which homes come furnished. It can save you thousands. See Best Neighborhoods to Live in Los Cabos for Wealthy Americans.
Moving your household goods is one step in a bigger plan. Get the full timeline, from 12 months out to your first 90 days, in Moving to Los Cabos from the U.S.: Step-by-Step Checklist. Moving with a dog or cat? See Pet Care in Los Cabos.
Get your temporary or permanent residency, make an inventory in Spanish, get it certified at a Mexican consulate, and ship your goods through a Mexican customs broker within 6 months of entering as a resident.
Under menaje de casa, cars and other motor vehicles, alcohol, firearms and ammunition, chemicals and gases, goods used for a business, and new items owned less than 6 months are not allowed duty-free.
Not duty-free. Menaje de casa is only for temporary and permanent residents. Without residency, your furniture would pay import duties and taxes.
Up to 6 months after you enter Mexico as a resident. Your goods can also arrive up to 3 months before you do. There are no extensions.
No. Motor vehicles are excluded. In Baja California Sur you can drive a U.S.-plated car without an import permit, with Mexican insurance.
Yes. A Mexican customs broker (agente aduanal) presents your certificate at customs and requests the duty exemption. Your international mover usually works with one.
No. It's a one-time benefit, so plan your shipment well.
Moving to Los Cabos and not sure what to bring?
We'll show you homes that come furnished and connect you with trusted local professionals for your move.
Sources: Consulate General of Mexico in Houston, Import of household goods (foreigners); Consulate of Mexico in Portland, Menaje de casa para extranjeros (2026); Embassy of Mexico in Brazil, Menaje de casa (contents, exclusions, deadlines and customs broker) (sre.gob.mx).
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal or customs advice. Requirements and fees vary by consulate and can change. Always confirm with your Mexican consulate and a licensed Mexican customs broker before shipping. Information verified October 2026.
Karla & Erick | Cabo Realty | Century 21 Paradise Properties
Your home in Los Cabos, with people who live here.
Karla Andreu and Erick Flores are MLS members with Century 21 Paradise Properties, focused on luxury golf and oceanfront communities: Querencia, Palmilla, Pedregal, Quivira, Diamante, Cabo del Sol, Cabo Real, Club Campestre and Puerto Los Cabos.
Most of our clients come from California, Texas and Arizona. We help them buy, sell and relocate with real market data, honest advice and one clear plan from the first video call to closing day.
No pressure. No surprises. Just the right home for the way you want to live.
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