Mexico Digital Nomad Visa: Your 2025 Guide to Living and Working Remotely in Mexico

Mexico has so much to offer digital nomads. For one thing, this huge country has a variety of different climatic zones, from the high mountains of the Sierra Madre to the beautiful Caribbean beaches of the Yucatán Peninsula to the rolling Pacific waves of Puerto Vallarta. It also has – let's be honest – some of the best food in the world. 

Mexico has a fascinating history and a rich culture, plus a cost of living that makes it a tempting option for anyone trying to be a nomad on a budget. And while Mexico doesn't have a visa specifically aimed at digital nomads, it does have a couple of options that may allow you to live and work in the country for an extended period

Let's take a look at the options and see if Mexico could be the right destination for your next adventure.

What Is the Mexico Digital Nomad Visa?

Mexico doesn’t have a formal “digital nomad visa” like some countries, but it offers two main visa options that are ideal for remote workers:

• Temporary Resident Visa (Visa de Residencia Temporal)

• Tourist Visa with Extensions

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The Temporary Resident Visa is the closest thing to a dedicated Mexico digital nomad visa. It allows you to stay in Mexico with a temporary residency for more than 180 days and up to four years, and crucially, you can work remotely for a foreign company while living in Mexico.

The Tourist Visa (FMM) allows stays of up to 180 days but is not technically designed for remote work. However, many digital nomads use this visa for short- to mid-term stays — though it’s a legal gray area.

Who Can Apply for the Mexico Digital Nomad Visa?

The Temporary Resident Visa is available to citizens of most countries, including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., the EU, Australia, and many more. Here’s what you need to qualify:

Eligibility Criteria:

• Proof of steady monthly income: You need to make more than 300 days of the minimum wage for Mexico City each month. Right now, that's 249 pesos a day, so your monthly income should be higher than 74,700 pesos, which is around $4000 USD/month (or equivalent in other currency) over the last 6 months — OR —

• Savings of at least $66,000 USD in the past 12 months.

• Proof of remote employment or business income from outside Mexico (not working for a Mexican company).

• Valid passport.

• Clean criminal record.

• Health insurance (recommended but not always required).

• Over 18 years old.

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If you’re bringing a spouse or dependent, you may need to show additional income or savings.

Benefits of Mexico's Digital Nomad Visa

Why is Mexico such a digital nomad hotspot? Besides the tacos and tequila, here are some practical reasons to consider it:

Long-Term Stay:

Stay up to 1 year initially, renewable for up to 4 years total.

Remote Work-Friendly:

As long as you work for a foreign employer or run your own online business, you’re good.

Multiple Entries:

Travel freely in and out of Mexico during your visa term.

No Local Tax for Short-Termers:

If you stay under 183 days/year, you’re generally not considered a tax resident.

Incredible Lifestyle:

From surfing in Sayulita to coworking in Mexico City, Mexico offers a diverse and vibrant lifestyle for every type of nomad.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Mexico Digital Nomad Visa

Step 1: Choose Where to Apply

You must apply at a Mexican embassy or consulate outside of Mexico — often in your home country. Not all consulates have the same requirements, so check with your nearest one.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Valid passport (6+ months left)

• Proof of income (bank statements showing $2,595/month for the last 6 months)

• Or proof of savings ($43,000 over 12 months)

• Proof of remote work (employment letter, business registration, invoices, etc.)

• Passport-sized photos

• Completed visa application form

• Visa fee (approx. $50–$60 USD)

• Optional: Health insurance documentation, flight reservation, accommodation booking

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Step 3: Schedule an Appointment

Book a visa appointment online or by phone at your chosen Mexican consulate. Wait times vary, so plan ahead.

Step 4: Interview + Temporary Visa

At your appointment, you’ll submit your documents and answer a few questions about your remote work, so bring the necessary documents to prove you meet the minimum income requirement. If approved, you’ll receive a visa sticker in your passport, valid for entry into Mexico.

Step 5: Finalize Your Residency in Mexico

Once you arrive in Mexico (you usually have 180 days to enter), you’ll need to:

1. Go to your local Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) office within 30 days of arrival.

2. Exchange your entry visa for a temporary resident card (residencia temporal).

3. Pay the government fee (approx. $190–$390 USD depending on length of stay).

Congrats! You’re now have temporary residence and can legally live and work remotely in Mexico with your temporary residence permit.

Cost of Living in Mexico for Digital Nomads

Life in Mexico as a digital nomad is incredibly affordable by North American or European standards. Digital nomads in Mexico often find they can live off a fraction of what they were spending back home.

Do Digital Nomads Pay Taxes in Mexico?

Here’s where it gets important:

• If you stay less than 183 days/year, you’re not considered a tax resident and won’t owe Mexican tax on foreign income.

• If you stay longer, you may be considered a tax resident and subject to income tax.

Mexico has tax treaties with many countries, including the U.S., Canada, and most EU nations — so you may avoid double taxation.

Can You Work Legally on a Tourist Visa?

Not really.

While the 180-day tourist visa is widely used by nomads, it’s not technically legal to work on it — even remotely. That said, many travelers use it for shorter nomad stints.

Just be aware: Mexico is cracking down on repeat entries or visa runs. Border agents may deny entry if they suspect you’re living full-time on a tourist visa. The safest way to stay is to get the proper Mexico temporary resident visa so you can stay in the country and not break the rules.

Best Places to Live in Mexico as a Digital Nomad

Mexico City

The capital is fast-paced, cosmopolitan, and packed with coworking spaces, cafes, events, and top-notch food, making it a top destination for digital nomads.

Playa del Carmen

A true digital nomad hub, especially for first-timers. Great beaches, solid Wi-Fi, and tons of expats.

Oaxaca

More traditional and cultural, with colorful markets, delicious cuisine, and a slower pace.

Sayulita / Puerto Escondido

Surf towns with big digital nomad scenes. Laid-back, sunny, and scenic — perfect for creatives.

Common Challenges

Even paradise has a few drawbacks:

• Bureaucracy: Mexican immigration can be confusing and inconsistent.

• Language barrier: Spanish is helpful. English is common in major cities and tourist zones.

• Internet: Generally solid in cities, but spotty in remote areas.

• Safety: Most tourist/nomad areas are safe, but research neighborhoods and stay aware.

  
  

Mexico Digital Nomad Visa FAQs

How long can I stay in Mexico on a digital nomad visa?

Up to 1 year initially, renewable for up to 4 years total under the Temporary Resident Visa in Mexico.

What is the minimum income required?

You must earn at least $4000 USD/month over the last 6 months — or have $66,000 in savings to be eligible for a temporary residence visa in Mexico.

Can I work remotely in Mexico for a foreign employer?

Yes. The visa allows you to work online for non-Mexican clients or companies.

Can I bring my family?

Yes, but you’ll need to prove additional income or savings to support dependents.

What if I overstay my visa?

Overstaying can result in fines or being banned from reentry. Always renew or extend your visa properly.

Can I apply for the visa inside Mexico?

No — you must apply from outside the country. But renewals can be done within Mexico.

Is Mexico Right for You?

If you’re looking for affordable living, a rich culture, and a visa that doesn’t require six figures in income, Mexico might be your perfect digital nomad base.

The country’s flexible Temporary Resident Visa makes long-term stays possible, and for shorter stints, the tourist visa remains a popular (though legally shaky) option.

Whether you want to work from a café in Mexico City or catch waves between Zoom calls in Puerto Escondido, Mexico offers digital nomads a welcoming home base in 2025 and beyond.