The main categories of resident visas in Mexico are residente temporal (temporary resident) and residente permanente (permanent resident). Both require either proof of a minimum monthly income or a fixed amount of money in your bank account. For most people who can satisfy this financial requirement, they are not hard to obtain. 

The process must start outside of Mexico in a Mexican Consulate. You first set your appointment online, and then show up in person to submit your application. The approval process is usually less than 30 days, and in some Mexican Consulates, it can happen the same day. Once you receive approval, you have a few months to bring your approval letter to the immigration office in San Miguel de Allende. There, you will be issued your photo ID visa. 

Some of our clients have completed the process after arriving in San Miguel by making their appointment in the Mexican Consulate in Laredo, Texas. They take the overnight bus from San Miguel to Laredo, go to their appointment, receive their approval letter the same day and then return to San Miguel.

Although the resident visa process is fairly simple, each Mexican Consulate handles cases a little differently, and the rules over the past few years have changed frequently. Realty San Miguel recommends that you meet with one of our agents, who will connect you with a visa specialist. These specialists will be up to date on any rule changes, make the appointments for you, and help you gather the required paperwork. Their fees are generally very reasonable, typically only a few hundred USD, and well worth the time and trouble you'll save if an important rule has changed.