Mexican immigration law recognizes married couples and common-law partners, including same-sex partnerships.
Just because you’re applying as a couple for Permanent Residency doesn’t automatically mean both partners will receive the same residency status.
The deciding factor is whether both partners qualify independently or whether one partner’s application depends on the other.
For direct Permanent Residency based on economic solvency, applicants must be retired or pensioned, even if they meet the financial requirements.
There are three ways couples can apply:
1. Apply Together as principal Applicant and Dependent Partner
At a Mexican consulate abroad, one partner can apply as the principal applicant for Permanent Residency and the other as a dependent.
The principal applicant must meet the financial requirements for Permanent Residency plus an additional 220x UMA for the dependent partner. The couple must also provide a marriage certificate or proof of a common-law partnership.
If approved, the principal applicant receives a Permanent Residency visa, while the dependent partner receives a Temporary Residency visa, initially issued for 1 year (then renewable for 3 more). Both visas must then be exchanged for residency cards in Mexico.
The dependent partner renews Temporary Residency after the first year for a further three years and can apply for Permanent Residency after four consecutive years.
2. One Partner becomes Permanent. The Other Applies through Family Unity.
One partner can obtain Permanent Residency through a Mexican consulate first. The other can then enter Mexico as a visitor and apply in Mexico through Family Unity (Unidad Familiar).
If the first partner applies using a jointly held account, the account must show double the required income or savings/investments.
Under this route, the second partner is typically granted up to two years of Temporary Residency. After two years, they can request Permanent Residency if the relationship still exists.
Additional proof of economic solvency is usually not required for the Family Unity application.
Married couples need an apostilled or legalized marriage certificate and, when required, a Spanish translation by an officially recognized translator. Common-law partners should confirm with the local INM office what evidence is required.
3. Both Partners Apply Independently.
If each partner independently qualifies for Permanent Residency using individually named income or savings/investment accounts, each can apply separately. A marriage certificate is not required in this situation.
If they use jointly held accounts, those accounts must show double the required income or savings/investments, and a marriage certificate is required.
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