Mexico · Retirement visa
Mexico retirement visa for US citizens
Short answer
The main route is the Permanent residence for retirees (residente permanente, jubilados o pensionados). Retirees with a pension from abroad, from a government, international body or private employer, big enough to live on.
- Money needed: About $7,183 a month of pension for the past 6 months, or about $288,900 average savings over 12 months
- How long it lasts: Permanent; adult cards don't need renewing
- Leads to: Already permanent; the years count toward citizenship
Key facts
- Money needed
- About $7,183 a month of pension for the past 6 months, or about $288,900 average savings over 12 months
- How long it lasts
- Permanent; adult cards don't need renewing
- Leads to
- Already permanent; the years count toward citizenship
- Apply from
- A Mexican consulate outside Mexico
- Processing time
- Consulate up to 10 business days, then INM 20; real waits Not yet verified
Checked against the law Rules read in the migration law and the 2025 visa guidelines.
Still being checked Some consulates still quote older amounts; the age-62 line is consulate practice only.
What you need
- Passport: valid, plus the application form and one photo
- Pension proof: an SSA or payer letter, plus 6 monthly bank statements showing the deposits
- Or savings proof: 12 monthly bank or investment statements
- Statements: originals or bank-stamped; some consulates refuse online printouts
- Under 62: proof that you are retired (some consulates)
- Papers from other countries: apostille plus official Spanish translation
- Fees: visa $54–56; card about $729. Other costs Not yet verified
- Card: enter within 180 days of the visa, then ask INM within 30 days
Good to know
- Work allowed: the law includes work permission, though one clause ties work permits to a job offer.
- Family can join: spouse or partner, parents, minor children and minor siblings in your care.
- No minimum stay Not established yet.
Every Mexico residency route, compared → The full Mexico guide →
Questions people ask
How much income do I need for Mexico's retirement visa?
About $7,183 a month of pension for the past 6 months, or about $288,900 average savings over 12 months
How long does it last?
Permanent; adult cards don't need renewing
Does it lead to permanent residence or citizenship?
Already permanent; the years count toward citizenship
Where do I apply?
A Mexican consulate outside Mexico
How long does processing take?
Consulate up to 10 business days, then INM 20; real waits (Not yet verified)