A digital nomad visa allows you to live and work in another country, usually for a defined period of time. As more and more companies begin offering remote work as a long-term option, these digital nomad schemes are becoming increasingly widespread.
Mexico is one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a hot spot. First of all, its low cost of living means you can save money on rent, food, and transportation. Additionally, Mexico boasts thousands of kilometers of coastline and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Whether you want to soak up the Caribbean sun in Playa del Carmen or enjoy the waves of the Pacific in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico has it all — including great employment benefits.
Not only that, Mexico’s has a rich culture, with a heritage that stretches back for a millennia, offering ancient Mayan temples and colonial architecture to explore — from the breathtaking ruins of Tulum to the bustling charm of Mexico City. And last but certainly not least are the wonderful people of Mexico, who are known for their friendliness and welcoming attitude. They’ll make you feel right at home — even if you’re primary language is English and you’re not fluent in Spanish.
Mexico Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
The digital nomad visa in Mexico is officially called a ‘temporary residency card,’ and you’ll need to meet certain requirements to obtain one. These may vary depending on your nationality, so make sure you check with the Mexican consulate or embassy in your home country for the most up-to-date information.
Here are the general requirements to qualify for a digital nomad visa in Mexico:
- Be a citizen of a country that has a reciprocal agreement with Mexico
- Have a valid passport
- Have a clean criminal record and provide a criminal background check
- Have proof of financial support. This can be in the form of a bank statement or a letter from your employer or sponsor
- Have medical insurance that is valid in Mexico
In addition to these general eligibility requirements, you may also need to meet the following specific requirements:
- You must be able to prove you’re a digital nomad by providing evidence of your work, such as a contract or letter from your employer or clients if you’re a freelancer.
- You must be able to prove you meet the income requirements and will have enough money to support yourself in Mexico. This is usually calculated as at least $2,600 in monthly income.
- You must be able to prove that you have health insurance that is valid in Mexico.
The application process for a digital nomad visa in Mexico can be complex and take several weeks, so make sure you start early to allow time to gather all the required documentation and submit it to the Mexican embassy or consulate.
Pros and Cons of a Mexican Digital Nomad Visa
If your digital nomad application is approved, you will be granted a one-year temporary residence permit. After that, you can renew your Mexico temporary resident visa for an additional year, up to a maximum of four years.
Here are some of the benefits of having a digital nomad visa in Mexico:
- You can work from anywhere in the country that has WiFi — from the cafés of Cancun to the coworking spaces of Oaxaca.
- You can immerse yourself in Mexican culture and meet new people.
- You can save money on rent and living expenses.
- You can create a flexible work schedule that allows you to make the most of life in Mexico.
Although it may seem like the dream, there are also some drawbacks to having a digital nomad visa in Mexico that you should be aware of:
- You may have to pay taxes in both your home country and Mexico (double taxation).
- You may have difficulty finding health insurance that is valid in multiple countries.
- You may not be able to get a loan or open a bank account in Mexico.
If you’re considering applying for a digital nomad visa in Mexico, it’s important to weigh up the benefits and drawbacks carefully and research the specific requirements for citizens of your country.
How to Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Mexico
Use the following steps to apply for your temporary residence visa in Mexico.
1. Contact a Mexican Embassy or Consulate
You can find a list of Mexican embassies and consulates on the website of the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Contact the embassy or consulate in your area to schedule an appointment and find out about the specific requirements for applying for a temporary residence visa.
2. Provide the Necessary Documents
The documents required to apply for a temporary residence visa vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your stay in Mexico. However, some general documents that most digital nomads will need to provide include:
- A valid passport.
- A completed visa application form.
- A recent photograph.
- Proof of income (bank statements, pay stubs, etc.).
- Proof of health insurance.
- A letter from your employer stating that you are a remote worker.
- A letter from your landlord stating that you have a place to stay in Mexico.
3. Submit Your Application
Once you have gathered all your documents, you can submit your application to the Mexican embassy or consulate and pay the visa fee.
4. Attend an Interview
After you have submitted your application, you will be scheduled for an visa appointment interview with a Mexican immigration officer. During the interview, they will ask you about your purpose for visiting Mexico, your financial situation, and your ties to your home country.
5. Receive Your Visa
If your application is approved, you will be issued a temporary residence visa. The visa will be valid for one year and can be renewed for up to four years.
Tips for Applying for Your Mexican Digital Nomad Visa
Here are some additional tips for applying for a temporary residence visa in Mexico:
- Be sure to check the requirements for your specific nationality and purpose of stay.
- Allow plenty of time to gather the required documents and schedule an appointment.
- Be prepared to answer questions about your financial situation and ties to your home country.
- Be patient, as the application process can take several weeks.
In summary, if you’re a digital nomad interested in living and working in Mexico, a temporary residence visa is a great option. Unlike a tourist visa that only allows stays of up to 180 days, a temporary residence visa provides the opportunity to legally stay in Mexico for up to four years so you can work remotely from anywhere in the country — well, as long as there’s good internet speed.
Make Your Digital Nomad Dream a Reality
A Mexican digital nomad visa is a great way for employees of remote companies to experience expat life in Mexico, achieve a better work-life balance, and be happier and more productive team members.
However, there are important legal considerations to take into account for both you and your employer, as you’ll need a different type of contract to avoid misclassification or paying taxes in the wrong country — both of which carry hefty penalties.
This is where an Employer of Record (EOR) like RemoFirst can help. We take the hassle of managing compliance, including payroll and taxes, off your employer’s hands so you can enjoy the benefits of the digital nomad lifestyle while adhering to local laws. To learn more, check out our Mexico country guide.
Information updated on May 1, 2024.
