7 Steps to Obtaining Residency in Mexico: My Personal Journey
The following content is based on our transcribed YouTube video and has been adapted for this article.
Residency in Mexico
Hola, and welcome back to the channel! Today, I’m excited to share the journey of how I obtained residency in Mexico. If you’re considering making Mexico your new home, I hope my experience provides some useful insights.
Exploring Mazatlán
In April and May of 2022, I embarked on an exploratory trip to Mazatlán, Mexico. The primary goal was to determine if Mazatlán could be my new home. I wanted to experience the culture, the language, and the city itself to get a real feel for life in Mexico.
I booked my flight from Dallas and spent time immersing myself in the local culture.
Getting Connected
After falling in love with Mazatlán, I decided to move forward with the residency process after my trip was over.
Simultaneously, I knew I also had to get connected to the local communities, not only in Mazatlan but in other popular cities in Mexico.
One of the ways I was able to connect was by joining Facebook groups. There are many Facebook groups to join, and I found it to be encouraging and helpful as I wanted to learn as much as possible about the country.
Understanding the Residency Process
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Research Requirements | Visit the Mexican consulate website in your region to understand the requirements for temporary or permanent residency. Requirements can vary by consulate. |
| Step 2: Schedule an Appointment | Make an appointment with the Mexican consulate. This can usually be done online. Choose a consulate that suits your location and availability. |
| Step 3: Prepare Documents | Gather necessary documents such as passport, financial statements, proof of income, and any other required forms. Ensure documents are notarized and translated if needed. |
| Step 4: Attend Consulate Appointment | Attend your appointment with all prepared documents. You may be interviewed and asked additional questions about your intentions in Mexico. |
| Step 5: Receive Residency Visa | If approved, you will receive a residency visa in your passport. This visa allows you to enter Mexico and complete the residency process. |
| Step 6: Enter Mexico | Travel to Mexico with your residency visa within the validity period (usually 180 days). Complete the entry process at the port of entry. |
| Step 7: Complete In-Country Process | Once in Mexico, you have 30 days to visit the National Institute of Immigration (INM) to finalize your residency. You may need to provide additional documents and complete an interview. |
| Step 8: Receive Residency Card | After completing the process with INM, you will receive your residency card. This card is your official proof of residency in Mexico. |
The requirements for obtaining temporary or permanent residency in Mexico can vary significantly. For example, the Consulate in Dallas might have different requirements compared to the ones in Austin, Texas, or Del Rio, Texas.
It’s essential to check the specific consulate’s website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
I opted to visit the Consulate in Del Rio, Texas. The Dallas and Austin offices were quite busy, and I wanted a more streamlined experience. I found the immigration office located in Del Rio, Texas to be suitable for my needs at the time.
Preparing for the Appointment
I scheduled an appointment online with the Del Rio Consulate and meticulously prepared all the required documents. This included obtaining notarized copies and organizing everything in advance. I then booked a flight to Del Rio and arranged a stay at a nearby hotel using my hotel points. The proximity of the hotels to the consulate made the process convenient—just a short walk from the hotel to the consulate.
The Appointment Experience
On the day of my appointment, I was ready with all my documents. The consulate staff reviewed everything and conducted an interview. As someone who runs a YouTube channel and has another business, I mentioned my LLC and provided information about my other ventures. This might have helped, but the primary factor was that my documentation was in order and I qualified based on their website.
I was overjoyed when my residency visa was approved. I even celebrated by raising my hands and shouting, “¡Viva México!” in the lobby. The staff and fellow applicants cheered along, making it a memorable moment.
Completing the Process in Mexico
Upon returning to Mexico, I had to complete the process within 180 days. I flew into Guadalajara and then took up a two-month house and pet-sitting assignment in Ajijic. This provided a stable base while I worked on the final steps of my residency.
I contacted a local attorney, for assistance. I reached out before arriving, and they were prepared to assist me upon my arrival. The attorney’s office was bilingual, which was extremely helpful. They guided me through the necessary steps and ensured everything was handled correctly. They were super easy to work with!
Receiving My Residency Card
I received my Residency card about 30 days later and was so excited.
Obtaining residency in Mexico can be a detailed process, but with proper preparation and the right support, it’s manageable. My journey from exploring Mazatlán to completing the residency process in Ajijic was filled with valuable experiences.
I invite you to subscribe to my channel and visit my website at traveldocumented.com. There, I share blogs, personal stories, travel tips, and videos about my travels throughout Mexico. I love exploring new cities, meeting people, and immersing myself in Mexican culture, and of course, the pets.
Feel free to drop a comment or question below. ¡Viva México!
