Immigration & Visa
Tourist stays vs residency: INM extension, rentista/pensionado and investor — factual and brief.
Updated: November 2026
Tourism vs residency
Short stays: tourist status (up to 90 days, extension to ~120 in CA-4 per INM). Longer: residency via the Secretaría (rentista, pensionado, investor) — typically through a legal representative.
Orientation (simplified)
| Path | Duration / threshold | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist | up to 90 days; extend to 120 (CA-4) | INM; before expiry |
| Rentista | residency; min. USD 2,500/month | permanent lawful income |
| Pensionado | residency; min. USD 1,500/month | foreign pension |
| Investor | residency | thresholds — please confirm with law/INM |
Tourist extension
INM: extend up to 120 days in the CA-4 region; apply before expiry; fee ca. USD 20 per month (TGR).
- After 120 days: leave CA-4 or pursue residency/special permit.
- Tourism ≠ work permit.
Rentista / pensionado
Per INM Residencias: rentista — permanent lawful income ≥ USD 2,500 monthly, received through a national financial institution. Pensionado — foreign pension ≥ USD 1,500 monthly, also via the national financial system. File authenticated documents, police records, medical certificate, etc. via a representative.
- After approval: registration in the National Registry of Foreigners (INM) and ID card.
- Fees — check current tariff schedules.
Investor (orientation)
INM lists an investor category. Secondary sources often cite a minimum investment around USD 50,000 — confirm in the current Migration Law / regulations.
Documents (orientation)
- Valid passport.
- INM migration movement record.
- For residency: legalized papers, police clearance, DPI certificate, medical certificate, power of attorney.
Sources
Disclaimer: This page is for general guidance only and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules and prices change — verify with official sources.