Mexico offers stunning diversity : from the cosmopolitan energy of Mexico City to the beaches of Tulum and the colonial charm of Oaxaca. Affordable living, warm weather and straightforward residency make it a top expat destination in Latin America.
Updated: 20 May 2026 : Editorial Team, eVisa-Card.com
Important 2026 update : Mexico: paper FMM phased out, 180 days no longer guaranteed
The paper FMM is being phased out at major airports (CUN, MEX). Officers now stamp the passport with a manually-written number of days : the 180-day maximum is no longer automatic. A digital FMM (FMMd) is downloadable after arrival. The paper FMM is still required at land borders. The 2026 fee is MXN 983 (~USD 54).
Effective: Generalised 2024-2025 (paper FMM phase-out)
Mexico at a Glance
| Capital | Mexico City |
| Currency | Mexican Peso (MXN) |
| Language | Spanish |
| Monthly cost | ~$1,000-2,000/month |
Work, study and residence
A tourist exemption or visitor visa does not automatically authorise employment, long-term study or residence. Check the appropriate permission before starting these activities.
Check your own nationality, passport type, residence, route and travel dates with the official authority. The French-passport summary is not an eligibility decision for another nationality.
Use the official checklist for passport validity, permitted entry points, accommodation, funds, onward travel and insurance where required. Requirements for minors, emergency passports and dual nationals can differ.
Choose the category matching the actual purpose of travel. Apply through the government portal or its appointed provider, check the fee before paying, and allow for requests for additional documents. Approval and entry are decided by the competent authorities.
Apply to the competent authority before your current permission expires. An extension, change of status or re-entry is subject to its own conditions; submitting a request does not by itself establish a right to remain.
Mexico — Visa and entry requirements 2026Healthcare in Mexico
Public Healthcare
The IMSS (Mexican Social Security) is available to Temporary and Permanent Residents who are employed in Mexico or pay voluntary contributions (~$400-600/year). Quality varies significantly by region : strong in Mexico City, weaker in rural areas.
Private Healthcare
Private healthcare in Mexico is significantly cheaper than in the US, with high quality in major cities. Hospitals like ABC Medical Center (CDMX), Hospital San Javier (Guadalajara) and CMQ (Puerto Vallarta) serve the expat community well.
Typical Healthcare Costs
| Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| IMSS voluntary membership (annual) | ~$430/year (for permanent residents) |
| Private GP consultation | 400-1,200 MXN (~$24-71) |
| Private specialist | 800-3,000 MXN (~$47-177) |
| Emergency room (private) | 3,000-12,000 MXN (~$177-710) |
| Hospitalisation (private, per night) | 5,000-20,000 MXN (~$295-1,180) |
| Dental cleaning | 300-700 MXN (~$18-41) |
Supplementary Health Insurance
Private health insurance is not legally required in Mexico but is strongly recommended. Emergency medical costs and hospitalisation at private facilities can be very high without coverage. US expats especially should never rely on tourist status without insurance.
Top Providers for Expats
Mexico's largest insurer. Extensive private hospital network across Mexico. Plans from ~$800/year.
Good international coverage. Popular with US and Canadian expats. From ~$1,000/year.
International plans with worldwide coverage including the US : essential if you travel north frequently. From ~$1,500/year.
Flexible plans, good for frequent travellers. From ~$1,200/year.
Good value plans for Southeast Asia-Mexico corridor expats. From ~$800/year.
Opening a Bank Account in Mexico
A Mexican bank account is required for paying rent, utilities and receiving local salary. It also helps avoid currency conversion fees. The process has become stricter due to anti-money-laundering regulations.
Recommended Banks
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Proof of address in Mexico (utility bill or rental contract)
- CURP (population registry number)
- RFC (tax ID : required by some banks)
- Temporary or Permanent Resident card
- Initial deposit (varies by bank)
Step-by-Step Process
- Obtain your CURP first (free, online or at INM)
- Obtain RFC at the SAT office or via the SAT website
- Schedule appointment at bank (walk-in possible but often refused for foreigners)
- Present all documents
- Account opened within 1-3 business days
Buying Property in Mexico
Foreigners can own property in Mexico, but with important restrictions in coastal and border zones (within 50km of the coast and 100km of a border). These 'restricted zones' require a bank trust (Fideicomiso) or a Mexican corporation to hold the property.
Ownership Options for Foreigners
Full foreign ownership possible in non-coastal/border areas like Mexico City, Guadalajara, San Miguel de Allende.
Required in restricted zones (coastal/border). A Mexican bank holds the title for you as beneficiary. Cost: ~$600-800/year in bank fees. 50-year trust, renewable.
Alternative to Fideicomiso. Cheaper for large portfolios. Requires proper legal structuring. Not recommended for single properties.
Purchase Process
- Obtain a RFC (tax ID)
- Hire a Notario Público (notary : has a specific legal role in Mexico)
- Hire an independent real estate lawyer (separate from the notary)
- Make an offer and sign a preliminary sale agreement
- If coastal: apply for Fideicomiso at a Mexican bank (4-6 weeks)
- Notary conducts title search and tax clearance
- Sign the Deed (Escritura) before the Notary
- Register at the Public Registry of Property (RPP)
Typical Purchase Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Acquisition tax (ISAI) | 2-4% depending on state |
| Notary fees | 1-3% of purchase price |
| Fideicomiso set-up | ~$1,500-2,500 one-time |
| Annual Fideicomiso fee | ~$600-800/year |
| Lawyer fees | 1-2% |
| Annual property tax (Predial) | Very low : typically 0.1-0.3% of assessed value |
About This Guide
This guide is researched and maintained by the editorial team at eVisa-Card.com. Last updated: 20 May 2026. We strive to keep all information current but visa rules, healthcare costs and property regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with official government sources and consult a licensed professional before making major decisions.