Moving to Mexico

Most nationalities can enter Mexico visa-free for up to 180 days as a tourist. For longer stays, apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (1–4 years) or Permanent Resident Visa. The Temporary Resident visa requires proof of income (approximately $2,500–$3,000 USD/month) or savings. Retirees often qualify under the Rentista category. Apply at the Mexican consulate in your home country before traveling.

• Sea freight from the USA takes 5–10 days; from Canada 10–14 days; from Europe 18–25 days.
• Cross-border trucking from the US is common and often faster for smaller shipments.
• Mexico allows duty-free import of personal household goods for individuals with Temporary or Permanent Resident status.
• Major ports include Veracruz, Manzanillo, and Lázaro Cárdenas.
• A detailed inventory list (menaje de casa) in Spanish is required for customs clearance.
• Customs brokers (agentes aduanales) are legally required for clearing goods through Mexican customs.

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity.
• Mexican Temporary or Permanent Resident visa (for duty-free import).
• Menaje de Casa form — detailed household goods inventory in Spanish.
• Proof of prior residence outside Mexico.
• RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes) — Mexican tax ID (needed for many transactions).
• CURP (Clave Única de Registro de Población) — population registry ID.
• Apostilled documents if required (marriage certificate, birth certificates).

Mexico's SAT (Servicio de Administración Tributaria) and Aduana de México handle customs. First-time residents can import household goods duty-free within 6 months of receiving residency. A licensed customs broker is mandatory. The menaje de casa must be detailed — missing items or vague descriptions can cause delays. Electronics, appliances, and vehicles have separate regulations and may incur duties.

• Shipping before obtaining your Temporary or Permanent Resident visa — tourist status does not qualify for duty-free import.
• Not hiring a licensed customs broker — it's legally required and trying to self-clear is not permitted.
• Bringing a foreign-plated vehicle without proper temporary import permit (TIP) — vehicles can be seized.
• Underestimating the bureaucracy — many processes take longer than expected and require multiple visits.
• Not learning basic Spanish — outside major expat areas, English is limited in government offices.