Digital nomads who want to experience living in Mexico should consider applying for the Mexico digital nomad visa. It is open to all nationalities and will allow you to live in the country for up to a year.
Mexico has long been a favoured destination for digital nomads, and it's easy to see why. The country has stunning beaches, fascinating ancient ruins, rich culture, and delicious cuisines. In addition, Mexico has a much lower cost of living than many other countries worldwide, and it's right next to the United States. Digital nomads in Mexico will have plenty of options to base themselves in the country. They can live in the bustling coastal towns of Puerto Vallarta and Tulum or in big cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara.
Travelers from various countries can enter Mexico on a six-month tourist visa. Digital nomads who want to live longer in the country while working remotely can apply for the Mexico digital nomad visa. Officially called the temporary residence visa, the digital nomad visa of Mexico will allow remote workers to stay in the country for a year, with the option to renew for up to four years.
So, if you have been to Mexico as a digital nomad, and you've fallen in love with the country and want to stay longer, here's everything you need to know about acquiring a Mexico digital nomad visa.
About the Mexico Digital Nomad Visa
The digital nomad visa of Mexico is called the Temporary Resident Visa. While the visa is not officially a digital nomad visa, it is suitable to professionals who have the means to work remotely and those who earn a passive income.
Mexico's Temporary Resident Visa will allow digital nomads to live in the country for at least a year, with the option to renew for up to four years. It will also allow them to open a local bank account, rent or buy cars, and travel in and out of Mexico with no restrictions. After four years of living in Mexico using the temporary resident visa, you can apply for a permanent residence visa, which allows you to live in the country permanently.
It's worth noting that the temporary resident visa will not give the holder the right to take up local jobs in the country. However, depending on the schemes, the visa holder may be required to pay local taxes.
The Mexico digital nomad visa is the perfect option for those who want to settle down in Mexico for a little while to get to know the country even more and have the freedom to explore while taking up remote work.
How to Qualify for the Mexico Digital Nomad Visa
All digital nomads, regardless of the nationality, is qualified to apply for the Mexico digital nomad visa. You must meet one of the requirements bellow to qualify for the temporary residence visa:
- Having at least $43,000 in the bank for the past twelve months.
- Earning an income of $2,595 per month in the last six months. If you are bringing some dependents, you should have $861 more of earnings for each dependent. So, if you are bringing one dependent, your income should be at least $3,456.
- Own a Mexican property with a value of at least $346,000.
Documents to Submit When Applying for the Mexico Digital Nomad Visa
Before going to the Mexican embassy to apply for the Mexico digital nomad visa, ensure you have all the requirements ready. Here are the documents to submit for the Mexican digital nomad visa application:
- Valid passport – you need to send in your passport for the application for the digital nomad visa. It has to remain valid for at least six months from the date you applied for the visa.
- Application form – you need to download the visa application form from the website of the Mexican embassy in your country. The application form has to be printed double-sided. One side is English, while the other is Spanish. Make sure you completely fill out the form before submitting it to the embassy.
- Recent passport-sized photos – you need to submit recently taken passport-sized photos. The dimension should be 3.9 cm x 3.1 cm.
- Proof of medical insurance – when living in Mexico as a digital nomad, you must have health insurance to cover your stay. Therefore, you need to submit a certificate of insurance during your application.
- Proof of income – one of the most important requirements in the Mexico digital nomad visa application is proof showing you earn at least $2,600 per month.
- Criminal background check – you need to submit proof of a clean criminal record, which you can obtain from your country's police department.
- Proof of payment – you need to submit a receipt as proof you have paid the visa processing fee.
- Additional documents for dependents – if you are bringing dependents, you need to submit documents to prove your relationships, such as a birth certificate for your kids or a marriage certificate for your spouse.
Applying for the Mexico Digital Nomad Visa
Once you have all the requirements, it's time to apply for the visa. Here are the steps:
- Schedule an appointment – you need to schedule an appointment with the Mexican embassy or consulate in your area. Depending on the location and the time of the year, it could take a few weeks before you can get an appointment for your visa application. You can search for the nearest Mexican embassy in your area online. They usually have a website where you can book an online appointment.
- Gather the requirements – make sure you have all the requirements mentioned above. These documents should be in English or Spanish. Bring the original copies of these documents on your appointment date.
- Fill out the application form – print the application form and fill it out completely. You will find the application form on the website of the Mexican embassy or consulate. After you fill out the form, double-check to ensure the details you entered are correct.
- Go to the embassy on your appointment date – make sure you show up on your appointment date at the embassy. Depending on the embassy or consulate, you will either get your visa on the same day or for a few weeks.
- Enter Mexico with your visa – after receiving your Mexico digital nomad visa, it's time to travel to Mexico and enter using the visa. You will have six months to enter Mexico and obtain the temporary residence permit.
- Pay the fee – you need to pay around $150 to 350$, which you have to pay before you visit the National Migration Institute in Mexico to get your temporary residence permit.
- Visit the National Migration Institute – you have thirty days to visit the National Migration Institute to acquire your temporary residence permit. You don't need to make an appointment for this, but you will need to complete an application form online. Bring the documents you have submitted during the visa application, including two additional photos.
- Wait for another appointment to get your temporary residency card – in most cases, you will get the residency card immediately. However, there are times when you will have to wait for several days or weeks, especially if the immigration officer requests additional documents from you.
Paying Taxes When Living as a Digital Nomad in Mexico
You will have to pay tax when living as a digital nomad in Mexico, which is between 0% to 30%, depending on how much you earn. You will also pay taxes for every purchase you make in the country, which is usually pre-taxed.
Also, if more than 51% of your income comes from outside Mexico, you will not need to pay taxes in the country. That is to prevent double taxation. However, if 50% of your income is earned in Mexico, you will need to check with a tax accountant to determine the tax bracket you fall into and see if other options are available.
Living as a Digital Nomad in Mexico
Mexico is one of the world's best places to live as a digital nomad. It's a popular destination for beach holidays, but it's recently become a popular hotspot for digital nomads. In Mexico, digital nomads will have plenty of stunning beaches to visit. The country is blessed with warm weather all-year-round round and is rich in culture and history. We have selected a list of 12 destinations that are popular with Digital Nomads in Mexico.
Depending on your interests, you will find plenty of great places to live in Mexico as a digital nomad. You can live in the bustling capital city of Mexico, which has numerous co-working spaces to meet fellow digital nomads. But if you prefer a more laidback environment, where the beaches are within easy access, consider living in Playa del Carmen. It's a charming resort town home to many beautiful beaches. Oaxaca City, rich in culture and history, is another fantastic place for digital nomads to live.
Mexico City is where most digital nomads live. It has plenty of coworking spaces and cafes with good internet, allowing you to work uninterrupted. Some have outdoor seating, where you can get some work done while enjoying the great weather.
While living as a digital nomad in Mexico, you will have plenty to do between working. Aside from going to the beaches and enjoying some water sports, you can explore big cities and discover diverse landscapes. Mexico's Copper Canyon is truly spectacular and can rival the Grand Canyon. It's a spectacular place, where you can go hiking if you're into outdoor adventures.
The biggest advantage of living as a digital nomad in Mexico is the affordable cost of living. For instance, in Mexico City, the average cost of living per month is $1,718, and you can rent a studio apartment in the city centre for around $960 per month. Even if you live in Tulum, the most expensive place to live in the country, you will still be spending less compared to living in many Western countries.
FAQs on the Mexico Digital Nomad Visa
How Much Will It Cost to Apply for the Mexico Digital Nomad Visa?
When applying for the Mexico digital nomad visa from the Mexico embassy or consulate, you will pay $40 for the interview fee. When you arrive in Mexico to get the residency card, you will pay around $150 to $350. Pay for it before you go to the National Migration Institute to get the residency card.
How Long Can I Live in Mexico Using the Digital Nomad Visa?
Your temporary residence visa will allow you to live and work as a digital nomad in Mexico for up to four years.
Can I Request an Extension After the Mexico Digital Nomad Visa Expires?
When your Mexico digital nomad visa expires, you can apply for a permanent residence visa to extend your stay in the country.
More Digital Nomad Visas in Central America
Besides the Mexico Digital Nomad Visa there are plenty of other countries in Central America with digital nomad visas like: Panama, Costa Rica and Belize. There are also plenty of countries in the Caribbean offering these visas. For a full list check out the following article:
