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. 
  • 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 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 – 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. 
  • If necessary, documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish by an official translator, if not issued in Mexico. 

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: 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.
  • 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 Temporary Residency in Mexico 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 temporary 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
      • 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!