Mexico Investor Visa
Mexico offers residency to foreigners who invest in a Mexican business, real estate, or company shares. Applications go through the Temporary Resident Visa for Investors route (Residente Temporal por Inversión), issued by a Mexican consulate abroad and exchanged for a resident card at INM after arrival.
Does Mexico have an investor visa?
Yes. Mexico's immigration law provides a dedicated Temporary Resident Visa for Investors. It is valid for 1 year initially and renewable for up to 4 years, after which the holder can transition to Permanent Residency. Unlike the solvency-based Temporary Resident Visa, this route qualifies you through the value of a Mexican business, real estate, or corporate shareholding — not personal savings or salary.
Qualifying investment routes
Mexican company shares
Ownership of shares in a Mexican corporation (S.A. de C.V. or S. de R.L.) above the UMA-linked threshold.
Real estate
Ownership of Mexican real estate — including via a fideicomiso in restricted zones — valued above the qualifying amount.
Business activity
Investment in equipment, infrastructure, or a productive business activity that generates jobs for Mexican workers.
Investment thresholds
Thresholds are pegged to the UMA (Unidad de Medida y Actualización) and adjusted annually. Approximate 2026 figures in USD:
- Shares in a Mexican company: approximately $215,000 USD or more in paid-in capital attributable to your holding.
- Real estate: Mexican property valued above approximately $430,000 USD, evidenced by a notarized deed (escritura pública).
- Business assets or job creation: investment in fixed assets or productive activity above approximately $215,000 USD, or an operation employing at least 3–5 Mexican workers registered with IMSS.
Consulates verify the investment through notarized documents, corporate records, or IMSS payroll evidence. Confirm the current UMA-based thresholds and accepted proof with the specific consulate where you apply.
Required documents
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-style photo
- Notarized escritura pública or fideicomiso deed (real estate route)
- Acta constitutiva and shareholder registry (company shares route)
- IMSS payroll records or business financials (job-creation route)
- Proof of consulate appointment and visa fee payment
Step-by-step application process
- 1
Structure the investment
Set up the Mexican company, close on the real estate, or formalize the business plan before applying. A Mexican notary and immigration lawyer typically prepare the qualifying documentation.
- 2
Choose your consulate
Apply at the Mexican consulate with jurisdiction over your foreign residence. Investor cases benefit from consulates experienced with corporate documentation.
- 3
Book an appointment and submit documents
Present the notarized investment proof, application form, passport, and photos. The officer verifies the investment meets the UMA-based threshold.
- 4
Receive your visa sticker
If approved, the consulate places the Investor visa sticker in your passport, valid for 180 days to enter Mexico.
- 5
Enter Mexico and start the canje
Within 30 days of arrival, visit the local INM office to begin the exchange of the sticker for a Temporary Resident card as Investor.
- 6
Receive your Resident Card
Processing takes 4–8 weeks. Renewals require proof the investment is still in place; after 4 years, transition to Permanent Residency.
Benefits and work rights
Work authorization
Investor residents can apply for the Permiso para Trabajar to draw a salary or dividends from the Mexican company they invested in.
Family unit
Spouse and dependent children can apply for family-unit residency tied to the investor's status.
Path to permanence
After 4 years as a Temporary Resident Investor, you can convert to Permanent Residency without leaving Mexico.
Tax considerations
Spending 183+ days in Mexico or centering your economic activity locally triggers Mexican tax residency. Coordinate with a cross-border accountant early.