Work permit for expats in Mexico: an easy guide

November 6, 2023

Jean G. Fowler

Latest Modification Date: 1/2/24

If you’re considering moving to Mexico and plan to be more than just a tourist, you are probably thinking of your job options by now. Every country is different in the sense of the requirements needed to legally work and it’s important to get all the paperwork right to avoid dealing with trouble in the future.

In the past few years, Mexico has become one of the top places in the world for expatriates. Its multicultural cities, beautiful sites, amazing food, its relatively low cost of living, the growing investing companies, the friendly vibe and the fairly non complicated paperwork make it a great place for expats from all over the world.

Whether it’s for visitors, temporary residents or a full work permit, paperwork is only one part of the logistics but it is also one of the most important aspects to get taken care of. 

How to get a work visa in Mexico?

Work visas can be obtained by applying to the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM), and the duration of the work permit will be based on the employer’s request and the length of the contract.

The process starts by submitting an application for a temporary residency visa with permission to work. The application can be downloaded from the INM website and you will need the following documents: 

-Current passport with a minimum validity of six months.
-One passport size photograph with visible facial traits.
-Unique Processing Number NUT confirmation letter (provided by the National Migration Institute INM).

-Proof that you have the knowledge and skills for the work position you are applying to, such as CV, certifications, etc.

After filling out your application you will receive an appointment in the Mexican Embassy or in the nearest Mexican Consulate to you, where you will have to take your documents for processing, pay for the visa fee and where the interview about your plans in Mexico  will be held.

It is important to note that within 30 days of your arrival in Mexico, you will have to exchange the work visa for a work permit. Proof of employment will be required at this point.

It is recommended to take into consideration that you must plan ahead and start your visa application at least one or two months ahead of your moving date. Also, if the visa is denied, INM will not take any responsibility for plane tickets or any other expenses.

Mexico work permit costs

Costs are constantly updated and may vary depending on the country from which you are applying for: for example, temporary residents or temporary students must pay $3835 MXN pesos, which is approximately 200 US dollars. 

Advantages of getting a foreign work permit in Mexico

Foreigners working in a legal and formal way can access to many benefits, such as healthcare system as the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) or Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE). Even though the process can take up to a few months, it’s worth doing it. 

Leaving your own country and the life you know behind is hard enough, so if you are looking for an effortless transition to your new beginning Xpats is here to help! Check out the options we have to help you out regarding work and visa permits in Mexico.

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CALDERÓN DE LA BARCA 22

POLANCO, 11540, CDMX

FERRY BUILDING 1, SUIT 201

SAN FRANCISCO

875 WASHINGTON STREET

NEW YORK

C/ DE MALLORCA, 103
08029, BARCELONA

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© 2023 Xpats

XPATS is a cross border embedded finance platform designed to provide access to borderless financial and non financial products for Expatriates and Global Remote Workers.

Keep updated. Get Priority Access

CALDERÓN DE LA BARCA 22

POLANCO, 11540, CDMX

FERRY BUILDING 1, SUIT 201

SAN FRANCISCO

875 WASHINGTON STREET

NEW YORK

C/ DE MALLORCA, 103
08029, BARCELONA

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions


© 2023 Xpats

Work permit for expats in Mexico: an easy guide

November 6, 2023

Jean G. Fowler

Work permit for expats in Mexico: an easy guide

November 6, 2023

Jean G. Fowler

If you’re considering moving to Mexico and plan to be more than just a tourist, you are probably thinking of your job options by now. Every country is different in the sense of the requirements needed to legally work and it’s important to get all the paperwork right to avoid dealing with trouble in the future.

In the past few years, Mexico has become one of the top places in the world for expatriates. Its multicultural cities, beautiful sites, amazing food, its relatively low cost of living, the growing investing companies, the friendly vibe and the fairly non complicated paperwork make it a great place for expats from all over the world.

Whether it’s for visitors, temporary residents or a full work permit, paperwork is only one part of the logistics but it is also one of the most important aspects to get taken care of. 

How to get a work visa in Mexico?

Work visas can be obtained by applying to the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM), and the duration of the work permit will be based on the employer’s request and the length of the contract.

The process starts by submitting an application for a temporary residency visa with permission to work. The application can be downloaded from the INM website and you will need the following documents: 

-Current passport with a minimum validity of six months.
-One passport size photograph with visible facial traits.
-Unique Processing Number NUT confirmation letter (provided by the National Migration Institute INM).

-Proof that you have the knowledge and skills for the work position you are applying to, such as CV, certifications, etc.

After filling out your application you will receive an appointment in the Mexican Embassy or in the nearest Mexican Consulate to you, where you will have to take your documents for processing, pay for the visa fee and where the interview about your plans in Mexico  will be held.

It is important to note that within 30 days of your arrival in Mexico, you will have to exchange the work visa for a work permit. Proof of employment will be required at this point.

It is recommended to take into consideration that you must plan ahead and start your visa application at least one or two months ahead of your moving date. Also, if the visa is denied, INM will not take any responsibility for plane tickets or any other expenses.

Latest Modification Date: 1/2/24

Mexico work permit costs

Costs are constantly updated and may vary depending on the country from which you are applying for: for example, temporary residents or temporary students must pay $3835 MXN pesos, which is approximately 200 US dollars. 

Advantages of getting a foreign work permit in Mexico

Foreigners working in a legal and formal way can access to many benefits, such as healthcare system as the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) or Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE). Even though the process can take up to a few months, it’s worth doing it. 

Leaving your own country and the life you know behind is hard enough, so if you are looking for an effortless transition to your new beginning Xpats is here to help! Check out the options we have to help you out regarding work and visa permits in Mexico.

Get the knowledge from the locals and meet other Xpats in this community.

Keep updated. Join our newsletter.

XPATS is a cross border embedded finance platform designed to provide access to borderless financial and non financial products for Expatriates and Global Remote Workers.

Our Hubs

C. CALDERÓN DE LA BARCA 22

POLANCO, MIGUEL HIDALGO 11550, CDMX

875 WASHINGTON STREET

NEW YORK, NY

C/ DE MALLORCA, 103
08029 BARCELONA

© 2023 Xpats