Permanent residency in Mexico via family unity allows foreigners with strong family ties to live in Mexico indefinitely. Like temporary residency, this process can be initiated at a Mexican consulate abroad or at an Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) office in Mexico, with distinct rules for financial solvency depending on the location of the application. 

What is 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. 

Step 1 – Review eligibility criteria: 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 2 – Where to apply: 

1. Mexican consulate abroad 

• • Start the process at a Mexican consulate.  
  • 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.  
  • Financial requirements are not uniform; they vary by consulate, so contacting the consulate you intend on using for specific 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 not required for applications completed within Mexico under family unity.  
  • You must have entered Mexico legally, with a tourist FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple), temporary resident card or other valid migratory document, e.g., temporary student resident card. 

Step 3 – Gather required documents and copies: When applying, you’ll need to present the following: 

1. Identification documents:

• • A valid passport.  
  • Current FMM or residency card 

2. Proof of family relationship:

• • Certified marriage, birth, or adoption certificates and common law documentation proving your familial connection.
  • Documents must be apostilled and, if necessary, translated into Spanish by an official translator.

3. 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.

4. Additional requirements:

• • Completed application forms (will be different based on whether completing at a consulate or INM office).
  • Passport-sized photos (if at an INM office, taken onsite).
  • For consulate applications, you may also need bank statements or proof of employment/income, if you need to prove financial solvency. 

Step 4 – How to apply: 

1. Applying at a Mexican consulate:

• • Complete application: Complete the application form as indicated on the consulate’s website.
  • Schedule an appointment: Contact the consulate to book an appointment for permanent residency through family unity.
  • Submit documents: Attend your appointment, submit your application and present all required supporting documentation.
  • Approval and visa sticker issuance: Upon approval, you’ll receive a family unity visa sticker in your passport valid for entry into Mexico. This is valid for 6 months and is for one-time use.
  • 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. Please refer to the How to Obtain Permanent Residency article for more details on having this documented correctly.
  • Complete the process in Mexico: Finalize your residency at your local (or nearest) INM office by submitting your application (Formato Para Solicitar Trámite Migratorio de Estancia), supporting documentation, providing biometrics (photos and fingerprints) and receiving your temporary residency card. 

2. Applying at an INM Office

• • Complete application: 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 an appointment: This can be completed online through INM’s appointment portal. 
  • 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 permanent residency card.

Step 5 – 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 
      • Permanent resident card fee: $6,495 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 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!