Mexican residency for US and Canadian property owners in Baja
Owning property in Mexico does not give you residency. If you plan to stay longer than a visitor permit allows, apply for temporary or permanent residency at a Mexican consulate in the US or Canada, then finish at immigration in Baja.
The steps, in order
- Choose: visitor (FMM), temporary or permanent residency
Visitor (FMM / visitante): US and Canadian citizens enter visa-free for up to 180 days. The INM officer decides the number of days. No work for Mexican employers. Temporary resident: 1 to 4… - How residency affects buying and owning
What residency changes for a property owner, and what it doesn't. - Check your consulate's 2026 economic-solvency figures
Proof that you can support yourself, either by monthly income (last 6 months) or average savings (last 12 months). - Gather documents and book the appointment
Booking at your consulate and preparing the file. - Consulate appointments in the US and Canada, and immigration offices (INM) in Baja California Sur
Residency usually starts at a Mexican consulate at home. Each consulate sets its own appointments and solvency proof, based on UMA multiples that change yearly. You finish at the INM office… - Enter Mexico and swap your visa for a residency card at immigration (canje, INM) within 30 days
The consular visa is a single-entry sticker valid for 180 days. At entry, the officer must record you as entering to exchange the visa (canje), not as a tourist. Then, within 30 calendar… - Your ID number and tax ID (CURP and RFC)
CURP: the national population ID. Residents get it with their card. RFC: the SAT tax ID. - Renewals, temporary → permanent after 4 years, and reporting changes
Renew the temporary card at INM before it expires (apply within 30 days before the expiry date). After 4 consecutive years as a temporary resident, you can switch to permanent inside Mexico…
Common questions
Do I need an RFC to buy?
Many notarios ask for one. Even if not required, it helps later when you rent or sell.
Can I live in Baja on a tourist permit?
A visitor permit (FMM) allows stays up to 180 days. To live here longer, apply for temporary or permanent residency.
How do I apply for residency?
Usually at a Mexican consulate at home, proving income or savings, then you exchange the visa for a card at INM within 30 days of entering.
How much income do I need for residency?
Each consulate publishes thresholds based on UMA multiples that change yearly. Check your consulate's current figures.
Does owning property give me residency?
Property value can count toward solvency for some consulates, but owning doesn't grant residency by itself.
When can I switch from temporary to permanent?
Generally after four years as a temporary resident, or sooner in some cases such as retirees who qualify.