Permanent 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 at an Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) office inside Mexico.  

Permanent Residency via Family Unity 

Permanent residency is ideal for those with long-term family commitments in Mexico. Unlike temporary residency, permanent residency does not require renewal (unless you are under 18 years of age) and provides the holder with full access to rights similar to those of Mexican citizens, such as unrestricted work and public services. 

Eligibility Requirements

You may qualify for permanent residency through family unity if you are: 

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

Step-by-Step Process at a Mexican Consulate

Start the process at a Mexican consulate and finalize residency at an INM office in Mexico. This will require extra steps as opposed to initiating the application at an INM office within Mexico. Some important things to consider: 

• • 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. 

Part A – Start at Mexican consulate: You will initiate the process at a Mexican consulate outside of Mexico.

Step 1 – Gather required documents and copies: You will need to prepare your documents before applying. These include, but not limited to:

• • Completed application: Complete the application form as indicated on the consulate’s website.
  • Valid passport: You will need a valid passport 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 application fee is paid on-site at the consulate.

Make sure that all documents are up-to-date and that you have both originals and copies. Before your appointment, verify with the consulate all the required documentation. Though immigration procedures have increasingly become more standardized, nuances in the required documentation may still exist from consulate to consulate.

Step 2 – Schedule consulate appointment: Unless walk-ins are welcome (as in years past) at the consulate you intend on using, you will need to schedule an appointment for your consular interview. This can typically be done via the consulate’s e-mail address, consulate’s phone number, central consulate WhatsApp number for the U.S. and Canada, or through the central online consulate scheduling portal.

Step 3 – Attend consulate appointment: The next step is to visit the consulate to submit your application and supporting documentation. The consular agent will ask you about your reasons for seeking permanent residency, your plans in Mexico, and will check and verify your documents. 

Step 5 – Provide payment: Payment of the application fee can be done at the consulate during your appointment. You will need to verify in advance what forms of payment are accepted.

Step 6 – Processing time: If your application is successful, the consulate will issue you a one-time visa sticker in your passport, which is valid for 6 months. The processing time varies depending on the consulates. Lots of consulates will issue the visa on the same day but some may take days or even potentially weeks.

Step 7 – Collect passport: If the visa is not issued the day of your interview, you will need to return to the consulate as instructed by the consular agent to collect your passport with the visa sticker. 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.

Part B – Finalize residency at INM office: You will finalize your residency at an INM office inside of Mexico.

Once you arrive in Mexico, you have 30 days to initiate (not complete) the finalization of your permanent residency with INM, which will result in the issuance of your physical temporary resident card. This is referred to as the canje tramite (exchange process). 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.  

Step 8 – Obtain FMM: When you enter via air or land, you will need to get a FMM marked “CANJE”, which translates to exchange. This will be needed to finalize your residency at your local INM office. 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 permanent 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 permanent 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.
  • Please note, if you are unable to download your FMMd or were not issued a paper FMM for whatever reason, at a minimum, ensure that the INM agent has stamped your visa sticker and marked it with canje and 30 days. Additionally, it would be advisable to consult an immigration attorney or facilitator in your area to verify whether the latter would be sufficient for your local INM office, in absence of an FMM. 

Step 9 – Gather required documents and copies: You will need to prepare your documents before applying to finalize your permanent residency. These include, but not limited to:  

• • 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.  
  • Completed basic format form: Complete the formato basico form and this can be completed online at INM’s website. This is a general form requesting personal details about yourself.
  • Valid passport: You will need your passport with the visa sticker (issued at the consulate) as part of the application process.  
  • FMM: You will need the FMM marked canje that you received either at the airport or border crossing.
  • Letter: This is a letter in Spanish requesting a canje in order to complete and finalize your residency. Though this is not a listed requirement, it is advisable to go ahead and generate this since lots of INM offices will require this like with other trámites that require a letter.  
  • Proof of address: Though this is not a listed requirement, it is advisable to go ahead and bring this with you since some INM offices may request it. The majority of people will use a utility bill such as a CFE bill. The bill does not need to be in your name.
  • Appointment confirmation: You will need the appointment confirmation with the QR code you receive when you schedule your appointment online (see below). 
  • Biometrics: Photos and fingerprints for residency cards are taken on-site at INM offices.
  • Payment: Applicable payment fees are paid on-site at INM offices.  

Make sure that all documents are up-to-date and that you have both originals and copies. Before your appointment, verify with your local INM office all the required documentation. Though immigration procedures have increasingly become more standardized across the entire country, nuances in the required documentation may still exist from office to office.

Step 10 – Schedule INM appointment (if applicable): Please note that some INM offices are still walk-in only and not in the online appointment system. Otherwise, you will need to schedule an appointment first before proceeding to the INM office with your application and supporting documentation. 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 para solicitar trámite migratorio de estancia application from above.

Step 11 – Attend INM appointment: The next step is to visit the INM office to submit your application and supporting documentation for finalizing your permanent residency. Again, be sure to book your appointment in advance. You must:  

• • Present your application: You will need to submit your completed application form along with all the supporting documents listed above.  
  • Provide biometrics: During your appointment, you will be asked to have your fingerprints and photograph taken, which will be used for your residency card.

Step 12 – Provide payment: Payment of fees can be made with a debit or credit card at the office during your appointment. Cash is not accepted. Currently, there is 1 fee associated with this procedure and this is subject to change:  

• • Permanent resident card fee: $6,789 MXN.

This fee reflects the increases that went into effect on January 1, 2025. Check back on INM’s website regularly as these fees are subject to change at any time and are typically updated once a year. Based on historical data, these fees have been steadily increasing over the years.

Step 13 – Processing time: The processing time varies depending on the office, but it typically can be completed the same day. In years past, the process could take weeks or even months, including multiple trips to the INM office. However, this process has become a lot more streamlined with the modernization and standardization of INM’s various immigration procedures. However, in some cases, there may be a delay in receiving your physical card due to technical issues with the card printing machine, which is not uncommon. Even then, the delay may only be a few hours or a few days and in rarer cases, perhaps, a week. As such, be sure to take this into consideration if you are planning on traveling internationally. You will be provided documentation as proof of your application to finalize your permanent residency. Keep these documents safe, in case there is a delay in receiving your physical card.  

Step 14 – Collect card: As stated above, cards are typically issued the same day at the conclusion of your appointment. If not, the INM agent will either advise you of when to return or you will receive a notification via e-mail and/or online as to when to return to the office. Either way, you will receive a document from INM as proof of your application, which will contain a pieza and NUT (número único de trámite) number, in addition to an e-mail. The e-mail will contain a pieza number, password and an online link where you can check the status of your application, including when your card is ready for pick-up.

Step-by-Step Process at an INM Office

If you are already in Mexico, you can apply directly at an INM office. Some important things to consider: 

• • 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 resident card.

Step 1 – Gather required documents and copies: You will need to prepare your documents before applying for permanent residency. These include, but not limited to:  

• • 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.  
  • Valid passport: You will need a valid passport as part of the application process. 
  • Letter: This is a letter requesting a change to your immigration status to a permanent resident via family unity. This letter can be completed and generated on INM’s website. 
  • FMM: You will need the the tourist FMM that you received either at the airport or border crossing. See above for how to access and print your FMMd from INM’s online FMM portal.  
  • 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 into Spanish, if not issued in Mexico.
  • 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. 
  • Appointment confirmation: You will need the appointment confirmation with the QR code you receive when you schedule your appointment online.
  • Photos: Photos for permanent residency cards are taken on-site at INM offices.  
  • Payment: Applicable payment fees are paid on-site at INM offices.  

Make sure that all documents are up-to-date and that you have both originals and copies. Before your appointment, verify with the consulate or INM office all the required documentation. Though immigration procedures have increasingly become more standardized, nuances in the required documentation may still exist from location to location.

Step 3 – Schedule INM appointment: Same process as outlined above.

Step 4 – Attend INM appointment: Same process as outlined above.

Step 5 – Provide payment: Payment of fees can be made with a debit or credit card at the office during your appointment. Cash is not accepted. Currently, there are 2 fees associated with this procedure and this is subject to change:  

• • Application fee: $1,780 MXN.
  • Permanent resident card fee: $6,789 MXN.

Check back on INM’s website regularly as these fees are subject to change at any time and are typically updated once a year. Based on historical data, these fees have been steadily increasing over the years.

Step 6: Processing time: Same process as outlined above.

Step 7: Collect card: Same process as outlined above.

Advantages of Permanent Residency via Family Unity

• • No renewals needed and residency is indefinite and does not require periodic updates. The one exception is you are under the age of 18 years old, which requires renewal every 4 years. 
  • Access to work, public healthcare, and legal protections similar to citizens. 
  • After meeting specific residency periods, applicants may pursue citizenship via naturalization. 

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 permanent residency via family unity if I’m already in Mexico? 

A: Yes, you can apply for permanent 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 permanent residency? 

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: Can I skip temporary residency and apply directly for permanent residency via family unity? 

A: Yes, in certain cases, such as being the parent of a Mexican citizen or permanent resident, you can apply directly for permanent residency without first obtaining temporary residency. 

Q: What are some of the benefits of permanent residency over temporary residency? 

A: Permanent residency is indefinite and does not require renewal, it provides unrestricted work rights in Mexico, and you are eligible for public healthcare and other social services. 

Q: Can permanent residency lead to Mexican citizenship? 

A: Yes, permanent residency is a pathway to citizenship. After meeting the residency requirements, you can apply for naturalization. 

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

Permanent residency via family unity provides a lasting solution for those with strong family ties in Mexico, granting indefinite residency and access to benefits similar to those of Mexican citizens. This status not only removes the need for renewal but also serves as a potential stepping stone toward naturalization. Whether you’re applying at a consulate or an INM office, thorough preparation and understanding of the steps involved are key to a successful application. By achieving permanent residency, you secure not just a place in Mexico but also the opportunity to fully integrate into its vibrant society and culture.

Please feel free to leave us a comment below about your personal experience of obtaining permanent residency via family unity. We would love to hear from you! Additionally, if you found this article helpful, consider sharing it with others who might benefit from it. A quick share goes a long way in helping others discover useful information!