Temporary resident status — this is the basic level of residence in Mexico. This is when you have a reason to stay in Mexico for longer than 180 days, but there is no reason yet to be allowed to stay in the country indefinitely. Obtaining temporary resident status is quite easy, all you need is a basis. We talked about all the reasons for obtaining a residence permit in Mexico in thispublications.
Confirmation of a residence permit in Mexico is a resident card. No valid resident card — no residence permit in Mexico. Most often, a temporary resident card is issued for the first time for 1 year. If married to a Mexican citizen, the card is issued immediately for 2 years, according to the settlement program — for 4 years. If the card is issued for a year, it must be renewed for up to 4 years or — by marriage — purchase a permanent resident card. It is possible to extend the card only on the same basis on which the very first card was received. In other words, if you received a temporary resident card through an invitation to work, then you must still have an employer to renew it. However, cards obtained under economic viability and under the settlement program can be renewed without any confirmation.
Here we want to tell you what options are provided by temporary resident status in Mexico and how it differs from permanent residence and citizenship.
Hereinafter, the status of temporary resident and temporary residence have identical meanings.
What is allowed with temporary resident status in Mexico
Enter and leave Mexico without restrictions.Residents do not need to board a flight and enter Mexico:
- present a return ticket,
- submit your accommodation reservation,
- confirm financial solvency during your stay in Mexico,
- explain the purpose of coming to the country.
Something extreme would have to happen for a holder of a valid resident card to be prevented from boarding a plane to Mexico or then into the country.
Stay in Mexico for more than 180 days.Considering that not all guest countries are allowed to stay for even 180 days upon entry, the period of legal stay in the country will be even longer.
In addition, the resident has the right to be absent from Mexico within the validity period of the resident card. In other words, he is able to get a card and leave immediately, then come to renew the card and leave again. If the card is issued for several years at once, then absence from Mexico for these several years is allowed. The main thing is not to forget to come to renew your card.
Perhaps it is legal to stay in Mexico for a long time — This is the most important opportunity for a temporary residence permit. In fact, it is a springboard for settling down in the country.
Drag the whole family to Mexico.If one of the spouses has received residential status in Mexico, the second spouse, their minor children and the parents of both spouses have the right to acquire the same residential status. Moreover, acquiring a residence permit based on family ties is not difficult.
Arrange for permanent residence.This can be done after 4 years as a temporary resident, regardless of the reason for obtaining residence. If married to a Mexican citizen, permanent residence is granted after 2 years. The Mexican Permanent Resident Card does not have an expiration date, except for the Child Card and does not need to be renewed. There is no reason why you should not be given permanent residence after 4 years of temporary residence.
Obtain Mexican citizenship.You can begin the naturalization procedure 5 years after issuing a temporary resident card in Mexico, and if married to a Mexican — in 2 years. Key terms — over the last 2 years, be absent from the country for no more than 180 days and pass exams on knowledge of the Spanish language, history and culture of Mexico. The right to obtain citizenship arises regardless of the basis on which the temporary resident card was obtained.
Open a bank account.Most Mexican banks do not differentiate between temporary and permanent resident accounts. If the bank refuses to open temporary accounts, but agrees — permanent residents, just as it refuses citizens of your country — this is the policy of a particular bank or even branch. Then go to another bank.
Work or engage in commercial activities.Temporary resident status in Mexico does not always include a work permit. But if you find an employer, you will be able to obtain permission and get a job. In addition, there are mechanisms for registering as self-employed. Business rules and taxes are the same for residents and citizens of Mexico. In addition, a temporary resident has the right to open his own company and hire Mexicans, although options for opening companies in a number of strategic industries may be limited.
Access to education and social medicine.A temporary resident of Mexico has the right to send his child to public school, just like Mexicans do. A temporary resident can access free social health care or be treated under the IMSS social health insurance program. Residents over 60 years of age have the opportunity to count on the same discounts and bonuses as Mexicans. In general, access to social services is the same for residents and citizens of Mexico.
Apply for a Mexican driver's license.Rules for purchasing a driver's license may vary depending on the state, but options for obtaining a license increase as soon as you become a resident of Mexico.
Benefits when receiving a number of services.Residents living in a particular state are able to purchase benefits for a range of local services. For example, in the state of Quintana Roo there are significant discounts for residents when purchasing tickets to the Chichen Itza archaeological site, Xcaret theme parks, Ultramar ferries and many more. The same discounts are available to Mexican citizens residing in this state, but are not available to residents of other states.
Get a US visa in Mexico.Only residents and citizens of Mexico may apply for U.S. nonimmigrant visas at U.S. consulates in Mexico. For example, to obtain a B1/B2 travel visa.
Import a vehicle under temporary import regime without paying duties.Temporary residents of Mexico can import a car or watercraft into the country duty-free for the period of validity of their temporary resident card without customs clearance or paying import duties. The card is being extended — the permit for the temporary import of a car is also extended.
What temporary residence in Mexico does not provide
We will only tell you the basics, because, for example, a ban on political activity or restrictions on the opening of oil companies for residents are hardly relevant to the reader.
You cannot travel without visas.Abroad, a Mexican resident card means nothing. Until you have received Mexican citizenship, you will be traveling on your passport, with all its restrictions on international travel.
You cannot directly buy real estate on the coast.But you can legally buy property in the so-called restricted zone (50 km from the coastline) by creating a bank trust. This mechanism for the purchase of real estate by foreigners is prescribed in Mexican legislation. Elsewhere, options for purchasing land and real estate are the same for residents and citizens of Mexico.
You cannot import personal items without paying duties.We are talking about the import of clothing and household items when moving. Let's say, in containers. To have this chance, you must obtain permanent residence.