2023 Mexican Immigration Visa Fees Still a Bargain
One of the best things I ever did was to move permanently to Mexico in 2001. It has been such a great experience learning a new culture, embracing a more laid-back lifestyle, and meeting new people. I was in the best place to ride out the bizarre pandemic and global recessions – I felt safe and could still enjoy life not far from the beach.
All foreigners that wish to make Mexico their home need to have the proper paperwork, i.e. visa. While everyone that visits Mexico is familiar with the tourist visa (from the airport) longer stays require an application with the National Institute of Migration/ INM government agency. There are only two INM branches within reasonable driving distance from beautiful Jaltemba Bay.
Yep, it was pretty aggravating. Another new perk is allowing a discount if you have a Mexican Senior card.
Before we look at the various categories of Mexican visas, it is important that you are aware of how the changing minimum daily wage (MDW) is significantly tied to the visas for immigrants. It should also impact what you pay your domestic workers for part-time service. Effect since January, Mexico continues to follow a pattern of inflation-busting daily minimum wage raise with an increase of 20% for 2023—to $207.44 pesos per work day. (For example, the 2017 MDW level was $80.04 pesos a day so it has risen significantly.)
*Note: Although it doesn’t relate to us in Jaltemba Bay, since 2019 Mexico has an additional higher minimum wage for the ‘Northern Border Zone’ that is a defined set of municipalities in Mexican states bordering the USA.
The effect of minimum wage is directly involved in residency application requirements.
The financial criteria required to obtain legal residency in Mexico are calculated using Daily Minimum Wage figures. Therefore, those foreigners applying for permanent residency visa have a higher income requirement for 2023. In order to apply for legal residency in Mexico, Mexican immigration law states that applicants for residency need to fulfill certain criteria.
Most categories of residency are granted on the basis of ‘economic solvency’ and these criteria intend to ensure that people applying for residency by this route have the means (income, or savings/investments) to sustain themselves in Mexico. The List of visa costs for applying and the corresponding income requirements are shared as jpeg in order for the reader to click and easily save the photo to your smart phone.
Don’t be surprised if you read different costs in various publications- it’s common for ‘economic solvency’ requirements to vary between immigration offices. Mexican consulates abroad and immigration offices in Mexico may apply distinct exchange rates that might not reflect these illustrations, and/or the latest market rates.
It’s been reported that a significant number of (but not all) Mexican INM offices are requiring applicants ‘to be retired’ to grant applications for Permanent Residency—even when applicants meet the economic solvency requirements. If the applicant has the economic means for permanent residency but is not considered ‘retired,’ the consulates will usually offer to grant Temporary Residency instead.
**Also note that just because you apply does not mean you will be awarded a Mexican visa even if you qualify. Not only that, but those that let their immigration documents lapse can be deported and deigned future legal entrance into Mexico.
When you decide that Mexico is where you are happiest, take the next step and move to the right side of the wall!