What is the biggest mistake people make when moving to Mexico?

Treating the visa as something to sort out after arriving. Residency applications start at a Mexican consulate before you enter, and the canje window after landing is short. Confirm current rules with your consulate and a qualified professional.

How long does it take to get Mexican temporary residency?

Plan on roughly 2 to 4 months from your first consulate appointment to holding the card. The visa sticker is valid for 180 days and is single entry, and you must start the canje within 30 days of entering. Confirm timing with your consulate.

Can I move to Mexico on a tourist permit and skip residency?

You can enter on a tourist permit called the FMM, which can be granted for up to 180 days at the officer's discretion. Mexico has no official digital nomad visa, so longer stays usually mean temporary residency. Check current rules with official sources.

Should I ship my belongings or start over in Mexico?

It depends on volume. Residents can use a menaje de casa process for used household goods, which needs a consulate certified Spanish inventory, a customs broker, and filing within about 6 months of residency. Many people buy furniture locally instead. Confirm details with your consulate.

How much should I save before moving to Mexico?

A common rule is 3 to 6 months of expenses in reserve. City budgets run from about $850 a month in Guanajuato to $2,500 or more in San Miguel de Allende. Residency income and savings thresholds are separate and change, so verify them.

Paul's Top 15 Tips for Moving to Mexico: Updated for 2026

Paul Green

Oct 5, 2024

4 min read

Updated: Oct 10

First published October 2024, updated with 2026 data. These are the 15 things Paul wishes he'd known before moving to Guanajuato in 2018.

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