Residency in Mexico for Americans: Temporary vs Permanent and How to Apply
Karla & Erick | Cabo Realty | Century 21 Paradise Properties
How can an American get residency in Mexico? Most Americans apply at a Mexican consulate in the U.S. for either temporary residency (1 to 4 years) or permanent residency. You qualify with income, savings or, for temporary residency, a home in Mexico. In 2026 that means about US$4,400 a month in income or US$74,000 in savings for temporary residency, or about US$7,400 a month or US$298,000 for permanent residency. After the consulate approves you, you enter Mexico and finish the process at immigration (INM) within 30 days. This guide is for families and retirees moving from California, Texas and Arizona to Los Cabos.
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| ~$4,400 Monthly income for temporary residency |
~$7,400 Monthly income for permanent residency |
| 4 years Of temporary residency before you can switch to permanent |
30 days To finish the process at INM after you arrive |
2026 figures in USD, based on Mexico’s UMA and an exchange rate of 18 pesos per dollar. They are updated every January, and each consulate can vary by about 5–10%.
| Status | How Long | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (tourist) | Up to 180 days per entry, but officers can give fewer days | Vacations and short seasonal stays |
| Temporary resident | 1 year, renewable up to 4 years in total | Snowbirds, part-time residents and families trying Los Cabos |
| Permanent resident | No renewals | Retirees and anyone moving for good |
You qualify through one route only; you can’t mix income, savings and property.
| Route | Temporary Residency | Permanent Residency |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly income | About US$4,400, for the last 6 months (some consulates ask for 12) | About US$7,400, for the last 6 months (some consulates ask for 12) |
| Savings or investments | About US$74,000, kept for the last 12 months | About US$298,000, kept for the last 12 months |
| Property in Mexico | A home worth at least about US$598,000 (MXN 10,758,500), in your name and free of liens | Not available as a route |
Consulates often ask applicants for direct permanent residency to be retired; otherwise they usually offer temporary residency first.
💡 Our tip: if you buy a home in Los Cabos worth about US$598,000 or more, that home alone can qualify you for temporary residency, with no income or savings test. Most homes in communities like Palmilla, Querencia and Cabo del Sol are above that value. And remember: you don’t need residency to own a home here. See What Is the Fideicomiso?
Most applications must start at a consulate outside Mexico. Exceptions, like family-unity cases, can start inside Mexico.
Once you have residency, plan the rest of your move with our guides: Expat-Friendly Neighborhoods in Los Cabos, The Cost of Living in Los Cabos vs Major U.S. Cities, Top Healthcare Options for Expats and Regulations for Foreign-Plated Vehicles. Retiring? See Top Retirement Communities in Los Cabos.
No. Americans can buy through a fideicomiso (bank trust) as visitors. Residency is only needed to live in Mexico longer than a tourist stay allows.
In 2026, about US$4,400 a month for temporary residency and about US$7,400 a month for permanent residency, over the last 6 months. Amounts are updated every January and vary slightly by consulate.
Yes, for temporary residency, if the property is worth at least about US$598,000, is in your name and is free of liens.
Generally no. Most applications start at a Mexican consulate abroad; family-unity cases are the main exception.
Up to 180 days per entry, but immigration officers decide the number of days, and they can give you fewer.
🏡 Planning Your Move to Los Cabos?
We help families and retirees from California, Texas and Arizona find the right home, and we can connect you with trusted immigration advisors for your residency.
Sources: Mexperience, “Financial Criteria for Legal Residency in Mexico 2026” (Oct 2026), based on UMA 2026 (MXN 117.31); Mexperience, “Qualifying for Legal Residency in Mexico”; Relocate.World, “Mexico Temporary Resident Visa: Requirements & Costs” (2026). Information verified October 2026.
Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements, amounts and fees change every year and vary by consulate; confirm with the Mexican consulate and an immigration professional. Karla & Erick are MLS members with Century 21 Paradise Properties.
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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