Temporary Resident Visa (Family Unity)
Mexico
Last updated: December 26, 2025
1 year (renewable)
$300-$600
4-6 weeks
Medium
About this Visa
This visa allows you to live in Mexico if you have close family members who are Mexican citizens or permanent residents. It is designed to keep families together. You can apply if your spouse, child, or parent is Mexican or has legal residency. Once approved, you get a residency card that lets you live in Mexico for up to four years. You can enter and leave the country as often as you like. You can also open a bank account and get a Mexican driver's license. Unlike other visas, you do not need to prove a high monthly income if your sponsor is a Mexican citizen. However, this visa does not automatically let you work. You must apply for a separate work permit after you get your residency card.
Key Benefits
- Live in Mexico legally with your family
- Enter and exit Mexico freely
- Apply for a work permit to get a job
- Access Mexican healthcare (IMSS) for a fee
- Open a Mexican bank account
- Get a Mexican driver's license
- Apply for permanent residency after 2-4 years
- Apply for Mexican citizenship after 2 years (if married to a Mexican citizen)
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be spouse, child, or parent of Mexican citizen/resident
- Must have clean criminal record
- Relationship documents must be official and apostilled
- Sponsor must attend immigration appointments
- Children must be under 18 for dependency
Financial Requirement
~$15,000 USD savings or ~$900 USD income (waived if sponsor is Mexican/PR)
Documents
- Valid PassportMust be valid for at least 6 months
- Marriage CertificateIf applying as a spouse (must be apostilled and translated)
- Birth CertificateIf applying as a parent or child (must be apostilled and translated)
- Sponsor's IDYour family member's Mexican ID or Resident Card
- Proof of AddressRecent utility bill (water, electricity) from the last 3 months
- Application FormPrinted and signed from the government website
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.