Remote work has become a new normal for countless employees. Since COVID hit globally in 2020, some employees have had the luxury of choosing where they want to work and for how long. American digital nomad workers are exploring their options, and Mexico is a top destination. From delicious food to natural wonders, Mexico is bursting with possibilities, and it’s closer in proximity to the United States than European countries like Portugal or Sweden. The number of U.S. citizens living in Mexico continues to grow, and you could be one of them!

The Benefits

Becoming a digital nomad in Mexico is actually a lot easier than you might think. U.S. travelers can work remotely in Mexico through a temporary residence visa. It allows U.S. citizens to stay and work remotely in Mexico for up to a year, and travelers can opt to renew their visas for up to four years. After four years, should the traveler want to apply for a permanent residency, they can do so. Falling in love with Mexico is almost too easy!

Digital nomads can acclimate and make themselves at home from the start. With a Mexico temporary resident visa, digital nomads can open a local bank account, rent or buy cars, travel in and out of Mexico, and explore the wonders of nearby countries. Whether you’re a nomad who’s looking for a change or someone with Mexican roots looking to get closer to your heritage, a temporary visa can open numerous doors.

Qualifications & Requirements

To qualify for a temporary residence visa, U.S. travelers must meet specific qualifications. First, their financial earnings need to reflect regulated guidelines. Applicants can qualify in one of three ways:

• They must have at least $43,000 in their bank account for the last twelve months.
• Their income should be at least $2,595 per month in the last six months. Should they be bringing along a dependent, this income amount increases by $861 per dependent.
• They must own a Mexican property that values at least $346,000.

It’s important to remember that as a U.S. citizen and digital nomad in Mexico, you must pay a tax rate of 0% to 30%, depending on your earnings. Keep this in mind when going through your finances.

If a traveler meets the qualifications, they will need to provide proof of these financial requirements when submitting an application. To submit a digital nomad visa application for Mexico, U.S. citizens must have the following documents:

• Valid passport
• Application form
• Recent passport photo
• Proof of medical insurance
• Proof of income
• Criminal background check
• Proof of payment
• Additional dependent documentation

Application Necessities

Once you’ve collected your documents and they’re ready for processing, it’s time to apply! This is an important step, with many steps in between, so be prepared for each part.

1. Schedule an appointment with the Mexican embassy or consulate in your area. Book your appointment online.
2. Gather the necessary documents. Be sure you have all the paperwork and proof mentioned above.
3. Print and fully fill out your application. You can find the application on the Mexican embassy website or consulate.
4. Go to your visa appointment at the embassy. You may not get your visa on the same day.
5. With your digital nomad visa, travel to Mexico! You’ll have six months to get a temporary residence visa.
6. Pay your fees. You will have to pay roughly $150-$350 before you visit the National Migration Institute.
7. Visit the National Migration Institute. To acquire your temporary visa card, you will need to make an appointment to visit the Institute. Before your visit, complete an application form online, along with the needed documents.
8. Wait to attend another appointment for your temporary residency card. It may take several days or weeks to get an appointment to pick up your residency card.

Let's Start The Next Step Together

Take advantage of the freedom to travel anywhere at any time in the world to work by considering Mexico in 2023! Becoming a temporary resident of Mexico could give you the experience of a lifetime. Chat with CIBTvisas today to get started. We’re here to help you navigate all of your visa and passport-related needs. We can’t wait to get you ready for beautiful Mexico!