Everything You Can’t Find Online About Moving to Mexico

The first time I laid my eyes on Puerto Vallarta it was, without a doubt, utter devotion at first sight. It was December 2013 and I was fresh on the Mexico beat at my very first adult writing job. I flew down to cover the opening of an all-inclusive resort, and instantly I was enamored with the spiny, jungle-covered peaks rolling down towards the brilliant blues of the Bay of Banderas. I became intoxicated by the maze of 19th-century cobblestone streets and the terracotta tile roofs draped with bursting bougainvillea. Do not even get me started on the rotating spits of achiote-smothered pork, shaved down into perfect, pillowy tortillas for tacos al pastor. I remember waking up with the sun on my last morning and slipping into the bay, still cushioned thick with mist. I swam out as far as I could and looked back at the (then) small beach town — the white-washed buildings climbing up the mountainsides getting lost in a sea of green jungle.

“I’m going to live here one day,” I told myself. And that became my mantra for more than a decade. I didn’t think it would take 11 years (almost to the day), but I’ve heard that good things come to those who wait, and on November 1 I touched down in Puerto Vallarta ready to call it home.

Over the past decade, I’ve tested the waters living here. I’ve rented apartments for two, three, and sometimes even four months at a time. But it wasn’t until earlier in 2024, fresh off of four years of living solely out of a suitcase doing the “digital nomad” thing that the choice to move to Mexico became more of a necessity than ever. The need for consistency, an address…hell, a closet!

But moving to Mexico (or any country different from your own) is much more than just putting an idea in motion. There’s a lot of bureaucratic tape to cut through and, as I’ve found through my own experiences, it’s a lesson in patience. Everything I thought I knew about becoming a legal resident and setting up a life down here quickly came crashing down — mostly because, as it turns out, the laws have drastically changed since whoever wrote whatever exists on the internet about moving to Mexico.

So for anyone who has ever had the thought to move to Mexico (and I’m saying this now more than ever for obvious reasons), here’s everything you can’t find online about moving to Mexico.

How to Get Temporary Residency in Mexico

The good news is that U.S. citizens don’t necessarily need to jump through hoops to stay in Mexico long-term (though, I have a feeling that is going to change after January 20, for some reason…). For now, most tourists can stay in Mexico for six months on a tourist visa. But if you want to do anything substantial down here, like putting a utility bill in your name, opening a bank account, or buying a car, your first step has to be applying for temporary residency.

Here’s a basic breakdown of how to apply for the Temporary Resident Visa:

Eligibility: This visa is ideal if you plan to stay in Mexico for more than six months but less than four years. This is also the first step you need to complete before permanent residency.

Financial Requirements: The easiest way for U.S. citizens to qualify is through financial solvency. This means you’ll need to show proof in either bank statements or savings/investments. The exact amount varies, but typically it is $4,400 USD per month after taxes or $75,000 in savings/investments. You’ll need to show proof of six months of monthly income or a year of savings. This amount/length of time also varies depending on which U.S. consulate you go through.

This brings me to my next point: the process for applying for temporary residency begins in your home country at the Mexican consulate. In the U.S., it can’t be just any Mexican consulate, so your first lesson in patience is determining which one you can use. The one in Boston, for example, only accepts applications from New England residents. New York will ask you to prove $4,400 for the past 12 months, not six.

So I went to Philadelphia, which ended up being the best choice. They pre-approved my paperwork before I got there so there was no question when I arrived whether or not I was getting the visa. Other consulates make you come in, sit, and wait while they form their decision.

What if you’re self-employed?

Great question. I am self-employed and I do not get normal paychecks, as my clients pay me directly. Unfortunately, the consulates won’t accept this. I was able to prove it through savings/investments, but if you don’t meet that requirement you need to set up a separate bank account and pay yourself through official pay stubs. All of this, of course, just takes more time.

Once you’re approved, you’ll receive a paper visa in your passport. You typically have six months to get down to Mexico to complete the process from this point. Upon first entry into Mexico, tell the immigration officer that they need to stamp the visa. This is very important. Skipping this step voids the entire process.

The immigration officer will stamp your passport and then you have 30 days to make your appointment with INM (Instituto Nacional de Migracion). To make the INM appointment visit this site. When you go to your appointment you’ll need to bring an application (the one you want is Expedicion de documento migratorio por canje), your digital FMM, a copy of your passport, your actual passport, a copy of your visa, your actual visa, and a credit card to make the payment (roughly $5,000 MXN).

Assuming all of this goes well, you should be issued your temporary resident card that day. On the card is your CURP, which is an alphanumeric code that identifies citizens and residents. It’s similar to a Social Security number. This number is your holy grail. It is vital to get anything legally done in Mexico.

Are you still with me? Great. Let’s keep going because I wish I had this guide six months ago.

Getting Your RFC

Once you’re set up with the CURP, you may want to consider getting an RFC. The RFC, or Federal Taxpayer Registry, is essential in Mexico for almost any official process — especially if you want to buy a car or open a bank account.

How to Obtain Your RFC

• Visit the SAT Office: To get an RFC, you’ll need to visit the SAT (Servicio de Administración Tributaria) office in your area. Make an appointment in advance.

• Bring the Necessary Documentation: You’ll need your passport, proof of address, and your residency card.

• FYI: Proof of address can be a utility bill. If you rent, you must switch the utility bill to your name. For the electricity bill (CFE), this can be done directly at CFE. You'll need to bring your leasing contract with signatures from you, your landlord, and two witnesses. You'll also need photocopies of everyone's identification.

Once registered, your RFC number will be used whenever you’re dealing with anything financial or governmental. Even if you’re not earning income in Mexico, having an RFC will streamline a range of services.

Buying a Car in Mexico

Now, let’s talk about transportation. Moving to Mexico often means deciding between bringing your own car, buying new, or purchasing a used car locally. Here’s what you need to know about each option:

Financing a Car in Mexico as a Temporary Resident

Buying a new car as a foreigner is possible, but financing can be a little tricky. Financing terms are usually limited to the duration of your residency, meaning if you have a one-year residency permit, you may only get a one-year financing option. Most people find that the best approach is to purchase a car outright if possible.

Requirements for Buying a Car in Mexico

• RFC: Whether buying new or used, you’ll need an RFC number to register the car in your name.

• Residency Card: You’ll need to show your residency card, as well.

Registering the Car and Getting Plates in Mexico

Once you buy the car, you’ll need to register and get plates, which also requires an RFC. Registration is done through the local government office (similar to the DMV in the U.S.) and usually requires proof of address, residency, and an ID.

Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car is a common option for expats, as it often costs less upfront. However, buying a used car has its own set of requirements and paperwork, and the registration process is similar to that of a new car.

Steps for Buying a Used Car in Mexico

• Find a reputable seller: There are dealerships and online marketplace for used cars, but proceed with caution and get the car checked by a mechanic.

• Registration and Plates: Just like with a new car, registering a used car requires an RFC. Ensure the seller provides a bill of sale and that all previous fees and taxes are cleared.

Should You Move to Mexico?

Now that you know how to move to Mexico, the next question is, should you? It’s a difficult one to answer these days. The pandemic highlighted just how much over-tourism has disrupted destinations around the world. As a foreigner, it’s essential to consider the ethics of becoming an expat, particularly around gentrification and the displacement it can cause in local communities. With the influx of foreign residents in Mexico, many neighborhoods have experienced increased rent and living costs, which can (and has) priced out local families and reshaped the cultural and economic landscape.

To live responsibly, newcomers can make an effort to support local businesses rather than international chains, opt for renting from local owners over supporting Airbnbs that are owned by other expats, and engage respectfully with Mexican culture. Avoid practices that might drive up rental prices — such as opting for neighborhoods not traditionally geared toward expats or insisting on luxury accommodations that aren’t in line with the local cost of living.

More Moving to Mexico Tips

Above everything else, remember to have patience and give grace to the process. Things can (and will) go wrong. The process takes time. But trust that it will get done and what awaits on the other end is one of the most wonderful countries in the world. It has been my safe haven for more than a decade and now more than ever before, it’s once again Mexico to my rescue.