Mexico is very popular with digital nomads, as it offers a visa that lets them live and work there for up to a year. There are also other visas available for foreigners who want to live in Mexico.
The requirements to get the Digital Nomad Visa in Mexico include financial solvency, having a monthly income and owning property in Mexico, to name a few. Mexico is an affordable country and there are many cities that can be recommended for living a digital nomad lifestyle.
Apart from Mexico, other countries such as Australia, Costa Rica, Greece and Portugal offer visas for digital nomads. You should plan carefully for health care insurance, accommodation and financial management. These are important elements when planning to travel as a digital nomad.
What is the Mexican digital nomad visa?
What is a digital nomad?
A digital nomad is someone who works remotely and uses technology to keep in touch with employers and clients. Being a digital nomad lets you work from anywhere in the world if you have an internet connection.
In the post @Digital nomad: how to be one and make a living? we go into more detail about what it takes to be a digital nomad. Take a look to get up to speed.
What is the Digital Nomad Visa?
The Mexican Digital Nomad Visa is a visa that lets digital nomads live and work legally in Mexico for a period of one year.
The visa was created for remote workers to give them an option to work from Mexico.
What can you do with the Mexican Digital Nomad Visa?
The Mexican Digital Nomad Visa lets digital nomads live in Mexico and work remotely with a foreign client or employer. Visa holders can work from anywhere in Mexico, but cannot work for a Mexican employer or client.
The company absolutely must be from another country for you to be able to work remotely.
What are the requirements to get the Digital Nomad Visa?
Economic and financial requirements:
Applicants must be able to show financial solvency and have sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents while they are in Mexico.
Monthly income requirements:
Applicants must show that they have had a monthly income equivalent to at least US$1.620 for the last six months.
Property requirements in Mexico:
Applicants must prove that they own property in Mexico with a minimum value of US$130.000.
Other requirements:
Applicants must show proof of health insurance that is valid in Mexico, a copy of their current passport and a medical certificate.
In general, applicants must be of good conduct and have no criminal record in their home country or in Mexico. The application process and requirements vary depending on the applicant’s nationality. You should note that requirements may change at any time and you should consult Mexican immigration authorities before you start the application process.
Mexican Digital Nomad Visa application process
How to apply for the Mexican Digital Nomad Visa
To apply for the Mexican Digital Nomad Visa you must submit your application to the Unidad de Política Migratoria de la Secretaría de Gobernación (Immigration Policy Unit of the Secretariat for Home Affairs) or to the Mexican consular offices overseas. Applicants must provide a series of documents to prove that they are digital nomads and that they are financially solvent.
Documents to be submitted
The documents required to apply for the Mexican Digital Nomad Visa include:
- Valid passport
- Proof of Monthly income
- Proof of property ownership or, alternatively, a tenancy agreement in Mexico
- Letter of undertaking to maintain the income level that allows you to be a digital nomad
- Proof of payment of immigration fees
Application process
Once the application is submitted, it will analyzed by the immigration authority. This is to verify that the applicant meets the requirements needed to get the Mexican Digital Nomad Visa.
How long does it take to get the Digital Nomad Visa?
The time it takes to get the Mexican Digital Nomad Visa may vary, but it is estimated to take about 20 business days from the date of submission.
What is the online process like?
It is not currently possible to apply for the Mexican Digital Nomad Visa online. However, it may become possible in the future.
Can I apply for the Digital Nomad Visa from anywhere in the world?
Yes, applicants can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa from anywhere in the world at the Mexican consular offices in each country. However, we recommend checking the specific requirements and processing times in advance at the appropriate consular office to avoid delays or hitches during the application process.
Other visa and temporary residency options in Mexico (h2)
Apart from the Digital Nomad Visa, Mexico offers other visas for foreigners who want to stay in the country. These options are designed for people who plan to study, work or live in Mexico temporarily or permanently. They include:
Temporary Residence Visa
This type of visa allows foreigners to stay in Mexico for a period of up to four years. The Temporary Residency Visa is granted to people who plan to work in Mexico temporarily, study or do business. To be eligible, you have to submit proof of financial solvency and meet other requirements, such as providing detailed documents to prove what your activities in the country will be, and passing a medical test.
Temporary Resident Visa
This visa is granted to people who plan to stay in Mexico for a period of more than six months, up to four years. It is ideal for people who own a property in the country or have a job offer for a temporary stay. To obtain a Temporary Resident Visa, you must have a minimum monthly income, provide a letter of employment or own property in Mexico, and pass a medical test.
Permanent Residence Visa
This visa is for people who wish to settle in Mexico permanently. The Permanent Residence Visa is granted to foreigners who have lived in Mexico for at least four years on a Temporary Resident Visa, spouses or children of Mexican citizens, and people who have been married to a Mexican citizen for at least two years. To be eligible, you have to meet certain requirements, such as providing documents and passing a medical test.
What are the requirements to get other types of Visas in Mexico?
The requirements for obtaining other visas in Mexico vary depending on the type of visa. However, the requirements for getting a Temporary Residence Visa, a Temporary Resident Visa and a Permanent Residence Visa include:
- A valid passport
- A letter from an employer or proof of financial solvency
- Identification documents
- Proof of temporary or permanent stay in Mexico
- Medical certificate
- Proof of payment of application fees
Can I apply for the Digital Nomad Visa and other types of visas at the same time?
Yes, you can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa and other visas at the same time. However, each type of visa has its own requirements and application process. Make sure you meet the requirements and submit all the required documents for each type of visa. Remember that each application must be submitted separately.
What is the cost of living in Mexico for digital nomads?
Mexico is a very affordable country to live and work as a digital nomad. The cost of living in Mexico is significantly lower than in other popular digital nomad destinations such as the United States, Canada or Europe.
For example, the average price for a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Mexico City is around 8.000 pesos (about $400) a month. Food and transport prices are also very economical in Mexico. You should be aware that the cost of living can vary significantly depending on the city you decide to live in.
The most popular cities for digital nomads, such as Mexico City, tend to be more expensive compared to other less well-known cities.
What are the best cities to live in as a Digital Nomad in Mexico?
Mexico has many cities that are recommendable for digital nomads. These cities offer a comfortable lifestyle, nice weather, affordable accommodation options and a lively coworking scene.
Here are some of the best cities for digital nomads in Mexico:
Mexico City
Mexico City is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in Mexico, and it offers a wide range of options for digital nomads. The Federal District is a dynamic place, full of culture, art, history and sightseeing options. There are also lots of cafés, bars and restaurants to explore. Housing prices may be higher than in other cities, but there are lots of options available.
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is located on the east coast of Mexico and is a popular seaside location for digital nomads. It offers beautiful beaches and a vibrant nightlife. The cost of living is affordable, although the cost of accommodation can be a bit on the high side because of the large number of tourists and expats.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is another popular coastal city for digital nomads. It offers warm weather, beautiful beaches, active nightlife and affordable accommodation options. It is also a popular spot for water sports.
Oaxaca
Oaxaca is a picturesque city located in southern Mexico. It has a vibrant cultural life, with a rich history and tradition. Living costs are very affordable and there are accommodation options available for every budget.
Practical tips for Digital Nomads in Mexico
How do you get the Digital Nomad Visa once you are in Mexico?
When Digital Nomads get to Mexico, they must apply for the Digital Nomad Visa at the nearest Immigration Office. To do this you have to submit the documents needed to prove financial solvency and property in Mexico. Visa approval will take between 3 to 10 days.
How does the health system work for digital nomads in Mexico?
Mexico has a public and a private health system. Digital nomads can use the public system if they have the Digital Nomad Visa. However, many digital nomads prefer to take out private health insurance that offers better services and coverage. Several insurance companies offer health packages specially designed for digital nomads.
Do you need to have a valid health insurance policy in Mexico?
It is not mandatory to take out health insurance for Digital Nomads in Mexico, but you are strongly advised to do so, as you may benefit from better coverage and medical care.
What free services does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provide to digital nomads?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers a variety of free services for digital nomads, including advice on immigration issues, access to driver’s license information, vehicle registration, as well as others.
How can you open a bank account in Mexico as a Digital Nomad?
Opening a bank account in Mexico as a Digital Nomad is easy and straightforward. Many banks offer packages that are specially designed for digital nomads, and they include online bank accounts and access to international money transfer services.
How can you invest in real estate and education in Mexico when you are a Digital Nomad?
Digital nomads can invest in real estate safely in Mexico. There are online education programs for digital nomads to learn new skills and carry on with their education while they work and live in Mexico.
How do you go about applying for the Mexican Digital Nomad visa through consular offices in other countries?
Digital nomads can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa through the Mexican consular offices in other countries. The process is similar to applying for the Mexican Digital Nomad Visa in Mexico. Make sure that you submit all necessary documents and meet the requirements to avoid Visa delays and denials.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mexican Digital Nomad Visa
How does the Mexican Digital Nomad Visa work?
The Mexican Digital Nomad Visa allows the holder live and work in Mexico for a period of one year. Holders of this visa are allowed to work for any employer or be self-employed. Holders can also leave the country and come back during the validity period of their visa. The visa is a Temporary Resident Visa, which means that it does not confer permanent residence in Mexico.
Can I apply for the Mexican Digital Nomad Visa if I’m Mexican?
No, the Visa for Digital Nomads in Mexico is intended for foreigners who wish to live and work in the country. If you are a Mexican citizen and you want to live outside of Mexico, you should look into the visas of the countries you are interested in.
How long can I stay in Mexico with the digital nomad visa?
The Mexican Digital Nomad Visa allows the holder to stay in Mexico for a period of one year. Holders can leave the country and come back during the validity period of their visa.
Is it possible to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa after I arrive in Mexico?
No, the Mexican Digital Nomad Visa must be applied for online before you arrive in the country. The application process may take several days, and holders must submit supporting documents such as proof of financial solvency, monthly income and property in Mexico.
What is the validity period of the Digital Nomad Visa?
The Mexican Digital Nomad Visa is valid for one year, and cannot be renewed. Holders must apply for a new visa at the end of the validity period if they wish to carry on living and working in Mexico.
