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Immigration Support in Mexico

Residency, done in the right order. Because in Mexican immigration, the order is the whole game.

Residency, done in the right order

Mexican residency is a manageable, predictable process — for people who do the steps in sequence. It is expensive, slow and occasionally heartbreaking for people who arrive first and ask later. Our job is to put you permanently in the first group.

The sequencing mistake that costs six months

Most residency applications must begin at a Mexican consulate abroad — before you enter Mexico. Tourist status is not a waiting room for residency; in the general case, it's a dead end. And once you enter with your consular visa, you have 30 days to exchange it (the canje) for your actual residency card. Miss that window and you may fly home to start over, at 2026 prices.

Routes we handle

2026: higher thresholds, double the fees

The rules changed materially this year: government fees rose sharply, financial thresholds moved to UMA-based calculations, the reduced 50% fee is lost forever if you pay before requesting it, and the direct permanent-residency shortcut closed for non-retirees. We wrote the complete breakdown, with the official numbers: Mexico Residency in 2026 — what changed and what it costs.

How we work

We map your route before you spend anything: nationality, finances, family situation and timing all change the board. Then we prepare the file, coordinate the consular stage, and handle the INM stage in Mexico — including the canje deadline that no one should ever meet unaccompanied.

Frequently asked questions

Can I switch from tourist to resident inside Mexico?
In the general case, no — that is precisely the sequencing mistake. Exceptions exist (notably family unity with a Mexican spouse or child, and certain employer routes), and they are narrower than the internet believes. We confirm whether you fit one before you bet your timeline on it.
What income do I need for temporary residency?
For 2026, consulates are applying roughly US$4,400/month in income or about US$74,000 in savings for temporary residency — calculated in UMA and varying by consulate. Treat these as the shape of the requirement and confirm your consulate's exact practice; that confirmation is part of our work.
Do I need residency to buy property?
No — foreigners can buy without residency, including in the restricted zone through a fideicomiso. But residency affects banking, taxes on rental income, and your capital-gains exposure when you sell. Buying and immigration are separate decisions best planned together.

Plan the immigration before you plan the move

First consultation free — 20 minutes, in English, your time zone. Bring your situation; you'll leave knowing exactly where you stand.

Book your free 20-minute consultation

This page provides legal information, not legal advice; no attorney-client relationship is created by reading it or by sending a message. Flat fees are quoted in writing before any engagement. © 2026 Terra Firma Attorneys at Law · terrafirma.law