Quick Answer
Mexico offers several visa options: Tourist permit (FMM) allows 180-day stays with no work authorization. Temporary resident visa allows 1-4 year stays (renewable), requires proof of income (~$2,500/month) or assets (~$42,000 savings). Permanent resident visa offers indefinite stay with no renewal needed, requires higher financial thresholds or 4 years as temporary resident. Property ownership alone doesn't qualify you but supports applications.
Detailed Answer
Mexico offers a clear residency pathway with options suited to different lifestyles. The tourist permit (FMM) allows stays of up to 180 days and is sufficient for seasonal visitors — many Cabo property owners rotate between the US and Mexico on back-to-back tourist permits for years without issue. However, it does not permit employment in Mexico. For those planning to live full-time or more than six months per year, a residency visa is the proper route.
The temporary resident visa (Residente Temporal) is the most common choice, valid for 1-4 years and renewable. Financial requirements include proof of regular income of approximately $2,500 USD per month or savings of approximately $42,000 USD (thresholds are updated annually based on Mexico's minimum wage). The permanent resident visa (Residente Permanente) provides indefinite stay with no renewal required, but has higher financial thresholds or requires four years as a temporary resident first. Property ownership supports but does not guarantee a residency application.
The visa application process begins at a Mexican consulate in your home country — you cannot apply from inside Mexico on a tourist permit. Processing takes 2-4 weeks, and our team connects buyers with immigration attorneys who handle the paperwork efficiently. Contact us for immigration attorney referrals, or explore residency questions in our FAQ hub.