What changed in 2026
Mexico raised its immigration fees this year. Not by a little. A one-year temporary resident card now costs 11,140.74 pesos, about US$622. A four-year card runs 25,057.82 pesos, roughly US$1,400. The permanent resident card costs 13,578.96 pesos, around US$759.
On top of that comes the consular visa fee: US$56 at posts like Las Vegas and Tucson. You pay that before you even get on the plane.
The real cost: waiting
Money is only half of it. In Mexico City, residence cards now take 4 to 6 weeks because of INM backlogs. Plan for three stages: the consulate interview, the 30-day canje window after arrival, and the renewals later.
One tip expats repeat constantly: if you qualify for permanent residency from the start, take it. You skip the renewal cycle and save fees and appointments for four years.
Quick numbers
- Temporary card, 1 year: about US$622
- Temporary card, 4 years: about US$1,400
- Permanent card: about US$759
- Consular visa fee: US$56
- Card pickup in Mexico City: 4 to 6 weeks
Settling in, then what
Once the paperwork is done, the fun part starts: making the place feel like home. For most expats that means two things. Finding your local routine, and keeping your TV from home. Mexican internet is fine, but your Dutch, Belgian or US channels simply don’t come with it.
Still choosing where to move? Read our piece on European golden visas in 2026 or the digital nomad visa overview before you decide.
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