Every key Mexican immigration, tax, real-estate and daily-life term explained in plain English, with links to full guides. Free reference for expats.
Instituto Nacional de Migración — the National Immigration Institute that issues and renews resident cards and processes the canje.
Read guideForma Migratoria Múltiple — the tourist migration form filled on entry, allowing a stay of up to 180 days.
Read guideExchanging the resident visa obtained at a consulate for a resident card at INM within 30 days of entry.
Read guideThe electronic entry authorization for citizens of Russia, Ukraine and Turkey without a US/EU visa; issued online.
Read guideTemporary residency for 1–4 years, renewable, optionally with work rights.
Read guidePermanent residency — indefinite, with full work rights and a path to citizenship.
Read guideClave Única de Registro de Población — the unique population ID needed for banks, taxes and services.
Read guideSecretaría de Relaciones Exteriores — the Foreign Ministry, which handles citizenship and apostilles.
Read guideAcquiring Mexican citizenship after 5 years of residency (2 with a spouse or child) with an exam.
Read guideA certified sworn translator whose translations are accepted by Mexican authorities.
Read guideRegistro Federal de Contribuyentes — the tax ID; without it you cannot invoice, open a business account or pay taxes.
Read guideA simplified tax regime for individuals earning up to 3.5M pesos: ISR of just 1–2.5% on revenue.
Read guideImpuesto Sobre la Renta — income tax; 30% for companies, progressive or RESICO for individuals.
Read guideComprobante Fiscal Digital — the mandatory electronic invoice validated through SAT.
Read guideSociedad Anónima de Capital Variable — a stock corporation; a common Mexican company type.
Read guideA bank trust giving a foreigner full ownership rights over property in the 50-km coastal zone.
Read guideThe restricted zone: 50 km from the coast and 100 km from the border, where foreigners own via fideicomiso.
Read guideA public notary, a mandatory party to any Mexican real-estate transaction.
Read guideCommunal government land that cannot be legally sold to foreigners — a common source of scams.
Read guideDirector Responsable de Obra — the licensed architect who approves the design for a building permit.
Read guideInstituto Mexicano del Seguro Social — the public healthcare system; residents can enroll for an annual fee.
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