Temporary residency in Mexico through family unity is a pathway for foreigners with close familial ties to Mexican citizens or legal residents. This process can be initiated at either a Mexican consulate outside of Mexico or directly at an Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) office within Mexico.  

What is Temporary Residency via Family Unity? 

Temporary residency via family unity allows qualified applicants to reside legally in Mexico for up to 4 years, followed by the option to convert to permanent residency. It is an ideal choice for those with immediate family connections in Mexico who plan to live, work, or study in the country. 

Step 1 – Review eligibility criteria: You may qualify for temporary residency through family unity if you are: 

• • Parents of temporary residents. 
  • A spouse or common law spouse/partner of a Mexican citizen, temporary resident, or permanent resident. 
  • Unmarried children of temporary residents under the age of 18 years old, unless they are under guardianship, conservatorship or custody. 
  • Unmarried children of the spouse or common law spouse/partner of temporary residents under the age of 18 years old, unless they are under guardianship, conservatorship or custody.  
  • Other (e.g., guardian of temporary residents).

Step 2 – Where to apply: 

1) Mexican consulate abroad:

• • Start the process at a Mexican consulate and finalize residency at an INM office in Mexico. 
  • Some consulates require proof of financial solvency, even if you’re applying via family unity. These thresholds are generally lower compared to regular financial requirements for individuals. 
  • If financial solvency is required, please note that financial requirements are not uniform among the various consulates. As such, contacting the consulate you intend on using for specific requirements and details is crucial. 

2) INM office in Mexico:

• • If you are already in Mexico, you can apply directly at an INM office. 
  • Unlike consulate applications, financial solvency is typically not required for applications completed within Mexico under family unity. 
  • You must have entered Mexico legally, with a tourist FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) or other valid migratory document, e.g., temporary student resident card.

Step 3 – How to apply: 

1) Applying at a Mexican consulate: 

• • Gather required documents and copies: You will need to prepare your documents before applying. These include, but not limited to:  
    • Complete application: Complete the application form as indicated on the consulate’s website.
    • Valid passport: You will need a valid pasport as part of the application process.  
    • Proof of family relationship: Certified marriage, birth, or adoption certificates and common law documentation proving your familial connection. If necessary, documents must be apostilled and translated, if not issued in the country you’re applying.
    • Proof of citizenship or residency for sponsoring individual: The Mexican citizen’s INE card (or passport, driver’s license, etc.) or the resident’s valid residency card. 
    • Financial statements (if applicable): Proof of financial solvency (such as bank/investment statements, social security statements, pension records, proof of employment income, etc.). In some cases, the consulate may require that these be certified and stamped by the respective financial institution.
    • Photos: One photo in color, no glasses, frontal view, face uncovered and white background. Verify photo dimensions with the consulate since dimensions may vary by country.
    • Payment: Applicable payment fees are paid on-site at the consulates.  
  • Schedule an appointment: Unless walk-ins are welcome (as in years past) at the consulate you intend on using, you will need to schedule an appointment with consulate for your consular interview. This can typically be done online through the central online consulate scheduling portal, consulate e-mail address, central consulate WhatsApp number for the U.S. and Canada, or by calling the consulate directly. 
  • Attend interview: At your consular appointment, bring all required documents, including your proof of financial solvency (if applicable). The consular agent will ask you about your reasons for seeking temporary residency via family unity, your plans in Mexico, and will check and verify your documents. If your application is successful, the consulate will issue you a one-time visa sticker in your passport, which is valid for 6 months. This visa allows you to enter Mexico for the sole purpose of finalizing your residency. If you let the visa expire, you will need to start the process all over again. As such, plan your application and move to Mexico accordingly.
  • Enter Mexico: Once you arrive in Mexico, you have 30 days to initiate (not complete) the finalization of your temporary residency with INM, which will result in the issuance of your physical temporary resident card. This is referred to as the CANJE tramite (process/procedure). It is highly recommended that you start this process as soon as feasibly possible once you enter the country. Do not wait until the last minute. 
  • Obtain FMM: When you enter via air or land, you will need to get a FMM marked “CANJE”, which translates to exchange. Be sure to show the INM agent at immigration the visa sticker in your passport and mention CANJE. They will know exactly what to do.
    • By air: The INM agent will stamp the visa sticker in your passport and mark it with CANJE and 30 days. Additionally, you might be issued a receipt with a QR code (depending on the airport), that you’ll need to scan and physically print off your FMMd (digital FMM), which will be needed at the INM office to complete the process. If you do not receive any type of scannable receipt, you can also access the online FMM portal and enter information from your passport to generate your FMMd, which you can print. If you enter an airport with automatic passport scanners, do NOT proceed forward through the scanners since these are meant for tourists and will potentially invalidate your temporary residency. If there is a separate national’s line, it is recommended that you use that instead of queuing up in the tourist line. Otherwise, try and find an airline or airport employee who can direct you towards an actual INM agent who can process your CANJE correctly. Please note that some airports (e.g., BJX, QRO, etc.) may still issue you a paper FMM for your CANJE. 
    • By land: The INM agent should issue you a paper FMM marked CANJE, which is valid for 30 days, and will stamp the visa sticker in your passport. They may also mark the visa sticker with CANJE and 30 days as well. Like already mentioned, the FMM will be needed at the INM office to finish the process and finalize your temporary residency. Paper FMMs are still being used at the majority of land border crossings. There is a slightly different process if you are entering by foot at the CBX bridge in Tijuana. If you are entering with a vehicle, you will also need to get a temporary import permit (TIP) for your vehicle, which will be issued for 30 days to match your FMM. Once you have initiated/completed the temporary residency process at the INM office, you will need to visit an aduanas (customs) office to extend your TIP to match the validity of your temporary residency.
    • Please note, if you are unable to download your FMMd or were not issued a paper FMM for whatever reason, at a minimum, insure that the INM agent has stamped your visa sticker and marked it with CANJE and 30 days. Additionally, it would be advisable to consult a immigration attorney or facilitator in your area to verify whether the latter would be sufficient for your local INM office, in absence of a FMM.
  • Complete the process in Mexico: Finalize your residency at your local (or nearest) INM office by completing the steps below.

2) Applying at an INM office: 

• • Completed application form: Complete the Formato Para Solicitar Trámite Migratorio de Estancia form and this can be completed online at INM’s website.This general application form is used for the majority of immigration processes/procedures with INM.  
  • Schedule appointment: You will need to schedule an appointment first before proceeding to the INM office. This can be done on INM’s online appointment portal. You will need to create a free user account and you will also need your “pieza” number, which will be included on your completed formato from above.
  • Submit documents: Attend your appointment, submit your application and present all required supporting documentation.
  • Receive residency card: Submit biometrics (photos and fingerprints) and receive your temporary residency card. 

Step 4 – Costs and processing time: 

• • Payment of fees: This can be made with a debit or credit card at the office during your appointment. Currently, there are 2 fees associated with this procedure and these are subject to change: 
    • • Application fee: $1,702 MXN
      • 1 year temporary resident card fee: $5,328 MXN
      • 2 year temporary resident card fee: $7,984 MXN
      • 3 year temporary resident card fee: $10,112 MXN
      • 4 year temporary resident card fee: $11,985 MXN
  • Processing time: This will depend entirely on where your start the process, how long you take to enter Mexico (if applicable), and appointment wait times at the various consulates and INM offices. In theory, the process could take as little as a few days all the way up 6+ months. 

Advantages of Temporary Residency via Family Unity 

• • Legal residency for up to 4 years. 
  • Access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. 
  • No financial solvency required for INM-based applications. 
  • Pathway to permanent residency or citizenship in the future. 

Tips for a Smooth Application Process 

• • Research local requirements: Financial solvency rules and required documentation may vary by consulate or INM office.
  • Plan your entry: If applying through an INM office, ensure your entry to Mexico is legal and documented. 
  • Be prepared for delays: Keep extra copies of documents and allow for processing delays when scheduling appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: Can I apply for temporary residency via family unity if I’m already in Mexico? 

A: Yes, you can apply for temporary residency via family unity at an INM office in Mexico. However, you must have entered Mexico legally with a valid FMM or migratory document. 

Q: Do I need to prove financial solvency for this process? 

A: If applying at a Mexican consulate abroad, some consulates may require proof of financial solvency, though the thresholds are generally lower compared to the normal financial requirements for an individual. If applying at an INM office in Mexico, proving financial solvency is not a requirement. 

Q: How long is temporary residency valid? 

A: Temporary residency is valid for 1 to 4 years, depending on your application (e.g., legal status of sponsoring individual). You have the option to convert to permanent residency after completing your temporary residency. 

Q: Can I work in Mexico with a temporary residency card? 

A: Yes, temporary residency allows you to work in Mexico. However, you will need to apply separately with INM for work authorization. 

Q: What happens if I don’t complete the process after entering Mexico with a consulate-issued visa? 

A: If you fail to initiate the finalization of your residency application within 30 days of entering Mexico, the process will be invalidated, and will need to start the process over again at a consulate. 

Helpful Online Resources  

Stay up-to-date on all relevant information in regards to INM as it relates to immigration matters, as outlined in this article, by checking the following websites:  

• • Gob.mx: Mexico’s official federal government portal with details on all government matters, including providing detailed information on immigration and more.  
  • INM: Mexico’s official federal government agency responsible for all matters related to immigration.  
  • INM micro website: Official website of INM where you can complete all immigration procedures/processes (trámites), schedule an appointment and more.  
  • SAT: Mexico’s official federal government agency responsible for the collection of taxes from individuals and businesses. 

Conclusion 

Temporary residency via family unity is an accessible and straightforward pathway to legally live in Mexico for up to 4 years, offering flexibility for families with immediate connections in the country. With benefits including access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, this option is ideal for those who plan to settle temporarily while exploring long-term opportunities like permanent residency or citizenship. By carefully preparing your application and staying informed about consulate or INM requirements, you can ensure a smooth process and focus on building your life in Mexico. 

Please feel free to leave us a comment below about your personal experience of obtaining temporary residency via family unity. We would love to hear from you!