Playa Del Carmen and Tulum Mexico Real Estate | How to get residency in Mexico

Immigration and residency in Mexico: a guide for Riviera Maya expats

Thinking about staying longer in paradise?

For many visitors, a vacation to Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Akumal quickly becomes something more — a vision of long-term living in the Riviera Maya. Whether you’re looking to retire, work remotely, invest, or simply enjoy the Caribbean lifestyle year-round, it’s important to understand the legal pathways to living in Mexico beyond a tourist stay.

Here’s a practical guide to Mexico’s immigration options, residency requirements, and what to expect as you make the transition from visitor to resident.

1. Tourist visas: a temporary solution

Citizens from the U.S., Canada, the UK, and many EU countries can enter Mexico as tourists without a visa and stay for up to 180 days. This is perfect for short-term vacations or initial scouting trips.

However, tourist visas:

• Cannot be extended or renewed from within Mexico

• Do not allow you to work or open bank accounts

• Are intended for temporary stays only

If you're planning a longer-term relocation, you’ll need to explore formal residency options.

2. Temporary resident visa (residente temporal)

This is the most common option for expats who wish to live in Mexico for more than six months but less than four years.

Key features:

• Valid for 1 year, and renewable up to 4 years total

• Allows you to open a bank account, buy a car, and apply for utilities

• Does not grant the right to work unless you apply for a work permit

• Can be processed from a Mexican consulate in your home country

How to qualify:

The most common route is through financial solvency, which typically requires proof of:

• Minimum monthly income (approx. $3,000–$3,500 USD for an individual, depending on the consulate), or

• Savings/investment account balances showing 12+ months of consistent funds

Requirements vary by consulate and may change annually, so always confirm before applying.

3. Permanent resident visa (residente permanente)

This visa is ideal for retirees or those seeking to make Mexico a long-term home.

Key features:

• No expiration — valid indefinitely

• Allows you to work, open businesses, or retire without additional permits

• Offers most of the same benefits as citizenship (except voting rights)

• Does not require annual renewals

How to qualify:

Most applicants are approved through financial solvency, requiring:

• A higher monthly income or

• Larger investment/savings balances than for the temporary visa

It is also available after completing 4 consecutive years on a temporary visa, or 2 years if you are married to a Mexican citizen or have Mexican children.

4. Can I buy property without residency?

Yes. You do not need to be a resident to purchase property in Mexico. Many foreign buyers acquire homes, condos, or investment properties as tourists, especially if they’re working with licensed agents and attorneys familiar with non-resident purchases.

That said, if you plan to spend more than a few months at a time in your new home, residency offers valuable benefits like:

• Ease of travel and re-entry

• Access to healthcare

• Ability to register vehicles and sign contracts

• Long-term tax planning

5. A few practical tips

• Apply at a Mexican consulate in your home country; you cannot begin residency procedures as a tourist within Mexico

• Some consulates are more flexible than others; choose your location carefully

• Expect processing times of 2–6 weeks, depending on the consulate

• After receiving your visa, you'll finalize your residency at a local INM office in Mexico

• You’ll be issued a resident card that you must carry with you and renew as required

Establishing legal residency in Mexico opens the door to a more comfortable and stable life in the Riviera Maya — whether you’re buying property, building a business, or enjoying retirement. The process is accessible, but requires clear planning and up-to-date information.

At BuyPlaya Real Estate Advisors, we’ve helped hundreds of expats navigate not only the property market, but the broader transition to life in Mexico. We can connect you with trusted immigration lawyers, assist with paperwork, and help you settle into your new home with confidence.