Immigration Service
Temporary Residency in Mexico
Get your temporary residency in Mexico handled in Cabo San Lucas — requirements, INM process, and timeline. 200+ cases. Free quote. 5.0★ on Google.
Temporary residency lets you live legally in Mexico for one year, renewable annually for up to four consecutive years. It is the entry point for most foreigners who choose Baja California Sur as their home.
Unlike permanent residency, temporary residency requires annual renewals — but it offers a clear, accessible path for those with foreign income, a job offer in Mexico, or family ties to Mexican citizens.
How it works
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01
We review your case in a free consultation — we assess your current immigration status, income sources, and available routes to determine the best approach.
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We manage the temporary resident visa application at the Mexican consulate in your home country, or handle the in-Mexico status change directly at the INM if you're already here on a valid entry.
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Once in Mexico with your temporary resident visa, you have 30 days to visit the INM and exchange it for your residency card (tarjeta de residente temporal) — we guide you through every step.
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We manage your annual renewals before your card expires, ensuring your file is complete and current to avoid delays.
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After 4 years as a temporary resident (or earlier if you qualify), we help you apply for permanent residency.
What you'll need
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity
- Proof of economic solvency: bank statements, pension/retirement letter, or a job offer letter in Mexico (required amounts vary annually and by consulate)
- For family ties: marriage certificate, birth certificate, or other document proving relationship to a Mexican citizen or permanent resident
- Recent passport photos in the INM-required format
- Completed application forms (we guide you through each one)
- Foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish by a certified translator if not already in Spanish
Why Fast Mex for this service
At Fast Mex Residency we have handled over 200 residency cases in Baja California Sur. We know every INM office in Los Cabos and La Paz, real processing timelines, and how to prepare a complete file that avoids delays.
We walk you through everything from initial consultation to card in hand. No surprises, no unnecessary INM trips. With 5.0★ on Google and clients from 7+ nationalities, our results speak for themselves.
Common questions
Can I work in Mexico on a temporary resident visa? +
Generally no, if your card was issued via economic solvency — it carries a notation "sin permiso para actividades remuneradas" (no permission for paid activities). To work for a Mexican employer you need a separate INM work-permit endorsement on your card. Income from foreign employers or remote work for non-Mexican companies is a legal gray area — consult us for your specific situation.
How long does temporary residency last? +
Your first card is valid for 1 year. You can renew it for 1, 2, or 3 additional years at a time, up to 4 consecutive years total. Renewals are at INM's discretion. After 4 years you may apply for permanent residency.
Do I apply for temporary residency at a consulate or in Mexico? +
Most applicants must start at a Mexican consulate abroad (in their home country or country of legal residence), then finalize the resident card at the INM in Mexico within 30 days of entry. Some in-country status-change routes exist for those already in Mexico on a valid immigration status — we evaluate your options in a free consultation.
How much income do I need for temporary residency in Mexico in 2026? +
Approximate thresholds are around US$4,400/month in bank income (last 6 months) or roughly US$74,000 in savings (last 12 months). Exact figures vary by consulate — some use UMA multiples, others minimum-wage multiples — and change with exchange rates. Confirm your eligibility in a free consultation.
Can my family be included in my temporary residency? +
Yes. Dependents (spouse, children, and in some cases parents) can apply as accompanying family members. You'll need apostilled marriage and birth certificates and may need to show additional economic solvency for each dependent. Family-unit routes may also have reduced individual thresholds — we prepare the complete family file.
What documents do I need for temporary residency? +
Typically: a valid passport, visa application forms, a passport-format photo, official bank statements (6 or 12 months depending on the consulate), and proof of lawful status where you apply. New for 2026: proof of a Mexican residential address (2 documents) is required at the INM card stage. The exact list varies by case — we give you a precise checklist.
How long does the temporary residency process take? +
Consulate appointment wait times range from 1 day to about 4 weeks depending on location and season. The INM card step in Mexico typically takes 1–3 weeks after entry. Total start-to-card time is usually 2–3 months. We set realistic timelines for your specific consulate and situation.
