Mexican consulates run the Temporary Resident visa on an evidentiary model: they want to see that you can financially support yourself in Mexico without taking domestic employment. The eligibility bar is modest; the paperwork is moderate; the process is essentially consular-only (you cannot start inside Mexico).
Eligibility
- Any nationality, subject to standard security screening.
- Proof of economic solvency via income or savings (see thresholds below).
- No criminal record that would flag on an Interpol or national check.
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity from intended entry.
Financial thresholds
Mexican consulates apply one of two tests:
Income path
| Criterion | Threshold (2026) |
|---|---|
| Monthly net income (last 6 months) | ~$4,300 USD |
| Evidence window | 6 most recent months of bank deposits |
| Format accepted | Official bank statements with clear income deposits |
Savings path
| Criterion | Threshold (2026) |
|---|---|
| Average balance over last 12 months | ~$72,000 USD (or equivalent in any freely-convertible currency) |
| Format accepted | Brokerage or bank statements showing consistent balance |
Some consulates strictly require one or the other; many accept either. Consulates known for being flexible (e.g. Guatemala City, Merida's nearest US posts) are popular among applicants who do not cleanly meet just one.
Consulate variation
Unlike Portugal or Spain where consular practice is largely standardized, Mexican consulates vary meaningfully. Examples recently reported by applicants:
- Houston, Dallas, LA: Strict on document format, predictable, 2–3 week processing.
- Guatemala City, Belize City: Popular with Americans who want fast consular appointments. Same rules, sometimes faster slots.
- Madrid, Barcelona: Strong savings-path acceptance; bank statements in Spanish preferred.
Applicants sometimes travel to a consulate outside their country of residence to find a faster appointment window. This is legal provided the consulate does not require residency in its territory — most do not.
Document checklist
- Passport with 6+ months validity and 2+ blank pages
- Completed solicitud de visa form (available at consulmex.sre.gob.mx)
- One passport photograph (infant size, front-facing, white background)
- 6–12 months of bank statements showing income or savings meeting one threshold above
- Letter explaining purpose of residency (1–2 paragraphs in Spanish is ideal; English accepted)
- Proof of employment or self-employment (contract, letter from employer, business registration, invoices)
- Consulate fee (typically ~$54 USD, adjusted annually)
Family application
Family members can be added to the same application or applied for separately under Unidad Familiar. The income threshold rises by roughly 50% for each dependent. Spouses, minor children, and dependent parents qualify. All family members receive the same 1-year initial term, renewable to the 4-year max.
Common rejection reasons
- Cash deposits without documented source. Consulates want to see recurring payroll or client deposits, not lump-sum cash drops.
- Recent account opening. An account funded just before application is suspicious; most consulates want 6–12 months of consistent history.
- Language mismatch. Bank statements in anything other than English or Spanish often need certified translation. Spanish is safest.
- Expired passport photo standard. Mexican consulates use a specific "infant size" passport photo format; US/UK-style photos sometimes rejected.