If you received a Mexico Temporary Resident Card under the Settlement Program (stopped in May 2025), after 4 years you are eligible to receive a Permanent Resident Card. It is considered that you receive a permanent residence card on a «general basis», in other words, after 4 years of temporary residence in Mexico.
The procedure for obtaining a permanent resident card after a temporary resident card received under the settlement program is no different from obtaining permanent residence for cards received on other grounds, for which a period of 4 years is valid in the status of a temporary resident. We described the procedure in thispublications. But we will still tell you about some features.
So, the basis for obtaining a permanent resident card in our case is that you have been a temporary resident of Mexico for 4 years, and your last (or only) temporary resident card is expiring.
The package of papers for obtaining a permanent residence card will be very simple:
- temporary resident card + copy on both sides,
- passport + copy of photo spread,
- application not carrying out processes (trámite),
- cover letter (escrito).
Optional:
- printout of the destination (sieve), although it can be shown from the phone,
- receipts for payment of state fees — if you pay in cash through a bank; invoices will be issued to you after receiving the documentation,
- bank account statement for the last 3 months — required by some migration service offices.
Information in this block is available to registered users. Registration is simple and free.Entrance
Some migration service offices (Cancun, Playa del Carmen) ask for a statement for the last 3 months from any bank account in your name. Therefore, they want to check whether you have the means to live in Mexico and whether you have lived in the country. This is their private initiative. The account balance is not important. The statement should not be translated into Spanish.
You will also have to sign an agreement on the processing of personal data — It will be given to you on the spot.
Complete all documentation and sign only with a blue ballpoint pen. Have it with you when visiting the immigration office.
Most often, you will receive your permanent resident card on the day you submit your documents or the next day. If the migration service office has technical problems, the card may be issued later, even within a few weeks.
If you did not have a permit to work in Mexico, then — pleasant surprise — you will see an inscription on the card that you now have it.