Specialists, freelancers, and entrepreneurs are offered a convenient option for long-term stay in a Latin American country. For this purpose, a temporary residence visa with the alternative name Digital Nomad is suitable. Its introduction was driven by the need to attract financially capable foreigners to invest in diversified industries with private capital and to develop the IT sector.
Expats with earnings of $4,400 or deposits of $54,500 are granted a four-year visa. It provides social benefits and the possibility to apply for permanent residency in the future. To enter, an electronic tourist visa is required. Upon arrival in the country, it is exchanged for a Residente Temporal card at the National Immigration Institute.
Specifics of Mexico’s Freelance Visa
Immigration to the constitutional republic of North America seemed unrealistic not long ago. But over the past three years, much has changed in the country and the world. Compatriots are striving to move to the land of tequila and sun and work remotely. The location has become a popular migration route for nomadic people. Annually, it welcomes 1.1 million expats, 700,000 of whom are Americans. As of early 2024, Mexico ranked 14th in the World Digital Nomad Index with a score of 3.15.
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Mexico is chosen for its loyal political and tax laws, affordable housing rent, consumer basket, and proximity to the U.S.
The authorities are interested in developing the digital technology sector, intellectual exchange, and create favorable working conditions. In Merida, Mexico City, Tulum, and other major cities, infrastructure with high-speed internet has been established. Numerous digital nomad communities help integrate into the business environment and establish working connections.
Temporary residence visas are sought by software developers, network engineers, QA testers, cybersecurity professionals, and artificial intelligence specialists. The DTV visa is also open to aspiring startups, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and individuals in free professions.
The requirements for third-country nationals to obtain the visa are regulated.
Specialists must:
- have high qualifications and experience;
- be employed by a foreign company;
- prove income from work or passive sources;
- have no legal issues.
Entrepreneurs, freelancers, and the self-employed can enter the country by invitation accompanied by spouses, family members, and parents.
What Taxes Do Freelancers Pay
Country residents, regardless of citizenship, pay income tax on worldwide income at a progressive rate of up to 30%.
Entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals earning 50% or more abroad are exempt from taxes and social contributions.
How Much Does the Visa Cost
Expats are required to pay a consular fee of $150-350 depending on the visa term, and an interview fee of $44. The cost of a residency card in Mexico is $15-30. The price of visa extension is $100.
Required Documents and Conditions
The process of obtaining a temporary residence visa begins with submitting an application on the embassy’s website and gathering documents for the interview.
The list of required documents includes:
- a valid passport with at least six months of validity;
- an application in English/Spanish, printed on both sides;
- color photos on a white background;
- an original entry visa;
- biometric data;
- electronic bank statements for the last 3 months;
- scans of payments.
For family relocation, translated and certified birth and marriage certificates are required, along with proof of sufficient funds to support dependents – $860 for each. The application review period is 15 days.
Within a month of arrival, foreigners exchange visas for Mexican cards based on pre-collected documents. These include residency applications, FMM migration cards from the airport, and accompanying letters from consulates. One month before the expiration of the Residente Temporal, it can be renewed for an additional fee.
Recent Changes in Mexico’s Visa Policy
In 2024, the number of requests related to digital nomad visas increased by 1.5 times, including for visas to Mexico.
Since mid-2022, the country has been phasing out the paper FMM form. The process is gradual. For those who did not receive it upon arrival, stamps are placed in passports when exiting the country. Temporary residents are required to register with the airport immigration service.
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