How to Obtain Residency in Mexico by Investing in Real Estate

Obtaining temporary or permanent residency or Mexican citizenship is a key step for those who wish to live, work, invest, or retire legally and safely in Mexico. Whether for quality of life, business opportunities, real estate investment, retirement, or family ties, more and more foreigners are seeking to regularize their stay in the country.

 

One of the most accessible and strategic ways to obtain Mexican residency is by investing in real estate. Through Plalla Real Estate, you can acquire properties that not only represent a solid asset but also allow you to safely begin your residency process in Mexico with support.

 

However, immigration regulations can be confusing:

 

• Where to start?
• What are the differences between being a temporary resident, a permanent resident, and a Mexican citizen?
• What are the real requirements, costs and benefits?

 

In this guide, we explain step-by-step how to obtain temporary residency, permanent residency, and Mexican citizenship, answering your questions in a clear, up-to-date, and practical way.

 

Do you want to know which is the best option for your case?

Request personalized advice and discover how investing with Plalla Real Estate can open the doors to Mexican residency.

 

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN VISITOR, TEMPORARY RESIDENCE, PERMANENT RESIDENCE AND CITIZENSHIP

Below, we explain the key differences between the types of residence and nationality in Mexico . Understanding these options is essential to choosing the option that best suits your life, investment, or business plans.

 

Visitor (FMM, 180 days maximum)

 

Who applies?

• People visiting Mexico for tourism, business, short-term studies, or medical treatment.
• They are not looking to reside permanently.

 

Limitations:

• Only allows stays of up to 180 days .
• You cannot work in Mexico with this permit.
• It cannot be renewed or extended beyond the authorized days.

 

Simple process:

• It is obtained upon entering Mexico by air or land using the Multiple Migratory Form (FMM) .
• It does not require complex procedures if your country does not require a prior visa.

 

 

Temporary Residence (up to 4 years)

 

Ways to obtain it:

• Job offer by a Mexican company.
• Verifiable financial solvency (ideal for retirees or digital nomads).
• Investing in Mexico (e.g., purchasing property with Plalla Real Estate).
• Family unit (spouse, children, parents of Mexicans).

 

Rights and obligations:

• Allows you to legally live in Mexico for up to 4 years .
• You may be authorized to work (upon request).
• Unlimited entry and exit from the country.
• It requires renewing your residence card every 1, 2 or 3 years.

 

Application process:

• It is processed in Mexican consulates abroad .
• Upon arrival in Mexico, you must go to the INM within 30 days to obtain a resident card.

 

 

Permanent Residence (no time limit)

 

How to get it:

• After 4 years of continuous temporary residence .
• Marriage with a Mexican citizen ( 2 years of prior temporary residence ).
• Having children who are Mexican by birth .
• By points system (professionals, specialized technicians).
• Retirees with verifiable income.
• Family unit in direct line.

 

Key Benefits:

• Unlimited stay in Mexico.
• Right to work without additional permission .
• You do not need to renew your card (except for minors).
• Possibility of applying for Mexican citizenship .

 

 

Mexican Citizenship (Naturalization)

 

General requirements:

• 5 years of permanent residence in Mexico.
• 2 years if you are married to a Mexican .
• Having Mexican children can speed up the process.
• Having carried out outstanding works in cultural, scientific, sporting or business fields .

 

Step-by-step process:

1. Registration and application with the SRE.
2. Submit required documentation.
3. Pass exams in Spanish and Mexican history .
4. Obtain the Mexican naturalization letter .

 

 

Comparative Table Summary

 

 

If you’re looking to obtain residency in Mexico through real estate investment , at Plalla Real Estate we can advise you on the purchase of properties eligible for this type of process, ensuring a safe and efficient process.

 

 

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS TO OBTAIN MEXICAN RESIDENCY AND CITIZENSHIP

Obtaining temporary or permanent residency or Mexican citizenship involves a clear but detailed process. Below, we’ll guide you step-by-step so you know exactly what to do at each stage .

 

Step 1 – Define your goal and access path

 

Before starting any procedure, you must be clear about what you want to achieve :

 

• Temporary Residence (up to 4 years):
  Ideal for working, investing, retiring, or living in Mexico for a long time without immediate intention of becoming a citizen.
• Permanent Residence (indefinite):
  For those looking to settle permanently in Mexico.
• Mexican Citizenship (Naturalization) :
  For foreigners who wish to acquire all the rights and obligations as Mexican citizens.

 

If real estate investment is your path, purchasing a property with Plalla Real Estate can be your gateway to obtaining residency.

 

Step 2 – Prepare your documentation

 

Basic requirements depending on the type of procedure:

 

• Valid passport.
• Proof of financial solvency, investment or family ties.
• Birth/marriage certificates apostilled and translated if necessary.
• Proof of address in Mexico.
• Passport-sized photographs.
• Payment of fees according to procedure.

 

Tips to avoid rejections:

• Always check that documents are legible, up-to-date and error-free .
• Make sure you meet the required solvency levels based on your residence type.
• Submit official translations and apostilles if the documents are foreign.
• Consult with Plalla Real Estate if you’d like to include your property investment as part of the process.

 

 

Step 3 – Process at the Consulate (if applicable)

 

In most cases, the process begins at the Mexican Consulate in your country :

 

1. Schedule an appointment through the MiConsulado system.
2. Come to the consular interview with all your documentation.
3. If approved, a resident visa will be placed in your passport .

 

The visa in your passport is not yet a residence permit . You must complete the process in Mexico.

 

Step 4 – Exchange at INM upon arrival in Mexico

 

Once in Mexico:

• You have 30 calendar days to go to the National Migration Institute (INM) .
• There you will exchange your visa for a Temporary or Permanent Resident Card .
• This procedure is essential to formalize your legal stay .

 

Step 5 – Renewals and change of status

 

• Temporary Residence cards are initially issued for 1 year .
• You can later renew them for 1, 2 or 3 more years .
• After 4 years of continuous temporary residence , you can apply for Permanent Residence .
• If you obtained residency through marriage, you can apply for permanent residency after 2 years .

 

If you obtained your residency through the purchase of property through Plalla Real Estate , your change of status will be easier if you maintain the correct documentation.

 

Step 6 – Mexican Naturalization

 

Once the requirements are met:

 

• You apply for the naturalization letter from the SRE.
• You are taking Spanish language and Mexican history exams .
• If you pass and your documentation is correct, you will receive a naturalization letter certifying you as a Mexican citizen.

 

This gives you:

 

• Full rights and obligations as a Mexican .
• Right to vote, apply for a Mexican passport, and obtain dual nationality (if applicable).

 

Perfect, here’s the FAQ block, optimized for rich snippets and maintaining a professional and persuasive tone:

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

 

Below we answer the most common questions about temporary and permanent residency and Mexican citizenship .

 

How much does it cost to apply for temporary and permanent residency in Mexico?

 

The cost varies depending on the type of residency and the requested validity:

 

• Temporary Residence :
  • 1 year: approximately $5,000 MXN
  • 2 years: $7,500 MXN
  • 3 years: $9,500 MXN
  • 4 years: $11,500 MXN

 

• Permanent Residence :
  • Single payment: around $6,500 MXN

 

Note : These amounts are for reference only and may change each year according to the Federal Rights Law.

 

TIP : If you plan to obtain residency through real estate investment, at Plalla Real Estate we can help you ensure your purchase meets immigration requirements and optimizes your investment.

 

How long does it take to obtain permanent residency in Mexico?

 

The estimated time depends on the access route and the workload at the INM:

 

• Processing at the Consulate : 2 to 4 weeks.
• Exchange at INM in Mexico : 20 to 45 business days.

 

In total, you can expect a process of 1 to 3 months .

 

For those who already have temporary residency, the change to permanent residency is usually faster and more straightforward .

 

Is it mandatory to have temporary residency before applying for permanent residency?

 

Not always.

 

You can apply for permanent residence directly if:

 

• You have Mexican children by birth .
• You meet the requirements for retirement or financial solvency .
• You invest in Mexico (for example, by purchasing a property with Plalla Real Estate ).
• You obtain residency for humanitarian reasons or asylum .

 

In other cases, it is necessary to have first 4 years of temporary residence .

 

What happens if I exceed the permitted time in Mexico?

 

• If you are a visitor (FMM) and exceed 180 days , you must leave the country and re-enter with a new permit.
• In cases where your temporary or permanent residency status has expired , you may face fines and regularizations , but it is important to act before being considered in an irregular situation.

 

It is advisable to renew or regularize your stay on time .

At Plalla Real Estate, we connect you with immigration lawyers to avoid complications if you plan to establish yourself through real estate investment.

 

Can I work with temporary residency?

 

Yes, but it requires additional authorization from the INM .

• If your temporary residence is due to a job offer , it will already include the permit.
• If it is due to financial solvency or family unity , you can request authorization to work.

 

Permanent residence, on the other hand, allows you to work without additional procedures .

 

What are the requirements for obtaining Mexican citizenship through marriage?

 

• Temporary residence for 2 years with a marriage bond with a Mexican citizen.
• Check cohabitation and real relationship .
• Prove good conduct (certificate of no criminal record).
• Pass Spanish language and Mexican history exams .

 

After meeting these requirements, you can begin the naturalization process with the SRE .

 

Does Mexico allow dual nationality?

 

Yes, Mexico allows dual nationality .
It does not require renouncing one’s nationality of origin upon obtaining Mexican nationality.

 

This is very common in citizens of:

• USA
• Canada
• Spain
• Latin American and European countries

 

By investing in properties with Plalla Real Estate , you can manage your residency without affecting your nationality of origin, opening the door to dual nationality if you wish.

 

 

PERSONALIZED ADVICE TO OBTAIN YOUR RESIDENCY IN MEXICO

 

Investing in Mexico is more than a financial decision; it’s a gateway to living legally, securing your assets, and improving your quality of life .

 

At Plalla Real Estate we offer you more than just real estate:

 

• We assist you in the immigration process if you wish to obtain temporary or permanent residency through the purchase of property .
• We advise you so that your investment meets official requirements and you obtain your residency safely and without complications .
• Additionally, we connect you with expert immigration attorneys to ensure your process is smooth, clear, and successful.

 

Do you want to know if your investment can give you Mexican residency?

Request a free consultation with Plalla Real Estate and discover how to make it happen.

 

CONTACT US

Plalla Real Estate

Calls & WhatsApp:

+52 984 2021 250 (SPANISH)

+52 984 100 5806 (ENGLISH)

plalla.com

 

 

CONCLUSION

 

Obtaining temporary or permanent residency or Mexican citizenship is a process that may seem complex, but with the right advice and strategy, it’s a completely achievable goal.

 

Whether you’re looking to live in Mexico, invest in real estate, retire with peace of mind, or secure your family’s future, it’s essential to understand the legal options available and choose the path that best suits your situation.

 

One of the most effective ways to obtain Mexican residency is through property investment. At Plalla Real Estate, we not only offer you the best real estate opportunities, but we also support you every step of the way to facilitate your immigration process.

 

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