Your Residente Temporal gives you more than just the legal right to live in Mexico. It also comes with important rights, responsibilities, and a few restrictions.
Rights and obligations of temporary residents include:
Live in Mexico full - or part-time for up to 4 years
Apply for an RFC (Mexican tax ID)
Travel freely in and out of Mexico
Open Mexican bank accounts
Apply for public healthcare (IMSS)
Register a Mexican-plated vehicle
Temporarily import a foreign-plated car with a TIP
Import personal household goods duty-free (one time)
Apply for permanent residency after 4 consecutive years – or after 2 if married to a Mexican national
You’ll also be issued a CURP (Clave Única de Registro de Población), Mexico’s population registration number, which you’ll need for many legal and financial processes.
Working is possible, but only with permission from INM, unless your visa was sponsored by an employer.
Temporary residents cannot vote and can’t directly own land within 50 km of the coast or 100 km from a border. If you’re buying property in those zones, you’ll need to do so through a fideicomiso (bank trust).
Temporary residents aren't required to spend a minimum or maximum amount of time in Mexico each year to maintain their residency. However, renewals and required notifications must be completed in Mexico.
You must notify INM within 90 days of any major change, such as a new address, new job, marriage, or divorce. Miss the deadline, and you'll likely have to pay a fine.
Temporary residents cannot vote and can't directly own land within 50 km of the coast or 100 km from a border. If you're buying property in those zones, you'll need to do so through a fideicomiso (bank trust).
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