Thinking about moving to Mexico might start with the idea of lower living costs or warmer weather, but the real work begins long before you pack a bag. It’s easy to focus on where you’ll live or what city feels right, but those are only part of the equation. You need to take care of practical matters before becoming an expat.
Some steps are expected, like sorting out your visa or checking the cost of rent. Others are easier to miss but just as important. Setting up a plan for health insurance in Mexico, for example, isn’t something you should leave until after arrival. If you handle these less obvious tasks ahead of time, your move will go more smoothly. In this article, we will go over several of the essential steps to take to move to Mexico.
1 – Research locations
Mexico offers a wide range of places to live, and choosing where to settle is one of the first decisions you’ll need to make. Your choice affects your daily rhythm, the kind of community you’ll find, and even how you’ll spend your money.
Some people prefer the energy of Mexico City, while others lean toward smaller cities like Mérida or beach towns like Puerto Vallarta. Weather, safety, noise, and internet access all vary by region. Even within one city, different neighborhoods can feel like entirely different towns. Visit before you commit, if possible.
Spend time in different areas and speak with people who already live there. Try to picture your routines like getting groceries, running errands, walks, and even downtime. Consider how easy it will be to get back to the U.S. or Canada if needed. Look beyond first impressions. A place that feels perfect for a vacation might not feel the same long-term. Pick somewhere that fits your actual life, not just your ideal one.
2 – Get the right visa
To live in Mexico long-term, you’ll need more than a tourist visa. Most visitors get 180 days on arrival, but that doesn’t give you the right to stay beyond that or to set up legal residency. If you plan to move, you’ll need to start the process from your home country. The Temporary Resident Visa is the usual first step. It allows you to stay in Mexico for up to four years, and it’s based mainly on income or savings. The requirements change slightly depending on the consulate, so you’ll need to check what your local Mexican consulate asks for.
Once approved, you’ll enter Mexico with the visa and complete the process within 30 days at an immigration office. This isn’t something you can skip or delay. After a year, you can renew it or move toward Permanent Residency if you qualify. Some people, like retirees with a stable pension, can apply for Permanent Residency right away. That gives you an open-ended stay with fewer restrictions. Whichever route you take, start early.
3 – Have a financial plan
Before moving to Mexico, you need to have your finances in order. This step often takes longer than expected. Start by looking at your current expenses and comparing them to what you’ll pay in Mexico. Rent is usually lower, but imported goods, electronics, and private schools can cost more than you think. Don’t assume everything will be cheap. Create a budget based on where you plan to live, not general estimates.
You’ll also need to decide how to move your money. Many banks charge high fees for foreign transactions. It helps to set up accounts with low or no foreign transaction costs. Some people open Mexican bank accounts, while others use apps and cards that let them access pesos at better rates. Have backup plans for when things go wrong. ATMs might not always work, and local banks may ask for documents you didn’t expect to need.
4 – Secure housing
Finding a place to live in Mexico is easier once you’re on the ground, but you should still do some research before you go. Landlords prefer to deal directly with people, and leases are often arranged through local connections or word of mouth. That means your best option may be short-term housing at first while you look for something permanent.
Rental terms vary widely. Some places include utilities. Others don’t. Some landlords ask for several months’ rent upfront, while others will accept one month and a deposit. You’ll need to review the lease carefully, especially if it’s in Spanish. Don’t rely on assumptions based on how things work at home. Repairs, rent increases, and deposits don’t always follow the same rules.
Buying property in Mexico is possible, even for foreigners, but it comes with more legal steps. In some areas near the coast or borders, you’ll need to use a bank trust. It’s not complicated, but it does require a lawyer and paperwork you may not be used to.
