Back to Mexican Visas and Immigration
Permanent Resident Visas are issued to foreign nationals who have the intention of living in Mexico for long periods of time, AND who intend to seek permanent residency in Mexico, or to become a Mexican Citizen.
Examples of the type of person who might apply for this visa are: Retirees, Investors, certain qualified Technicians, Scientists, or other Professionals, Artists, and Athletes. Each case is considered individually, and entry is at the discretion of the Interior Minister.
There are several advantages to having a Residente Permanente. Among them are:
• It eliminates the time-consuming, complicated and expensive renewal process.
• You are free to come and go as you please; however, there is some talk of a change in the future that would only allow you to be out of Mexico for 6 months of each year. This change may or may not occur.
• Except for the right to vote or own a firearm, you have nearly all the benefits of Mexican citizenship.
However, once you have a Permanent Resident Visa, you are no longer allowed to drive a foreign-plated vehicle in Mexico. If you plan to apply for this type visa, you’ll need to either have your foreign-plated vehicle changed to Mexican plates (incurring expensive import fees), or simply buy a Mexican-plated vehicle.
Your nearest Mexican Embassy or Consulate can give you all the requirements for applying for either the Temporal or Permanante Visa. Click on the appropriate flag to find the embassy or consulate office nearest you.
Mexican Embassies in Canada
Mexican Embassies in the United States