For those already living in Mexico, keeping your residency status up-to-date is essential for maintaining your legal status in the country. Whether you hold a temporary or permanent residency card, there are specific procedures and timelines to follow for renewals. This article will walk you through the process of renewing a residency card in Mexico. 

Why It’s Important to Renew Your Residency on Time

Maintaining an up-to-date residency card ensures that you remain compliant with Mexican immigration law and retain access to essential services, including healthcare, financial services and employment. The Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) is the Mexican federal agency responsible for all matters related to immigration. Missing renewal deadlines can lead to fines, extra paperwork, or, in worst cases, losing your residency status all together, requiring you to start the residency application process over again. 

Understanding the Main Residency Types

Before diving into the renewal process, it’s important to understand the differences between temporary and permanent residency: 

• • Temporary residency: This card is usually valid for 1 year when first issued and can be renewed for up to 3 additional years, after which you may apply to convert to permanent residency. However, some individuals may initially be issued temporary residency for 2 years, if applying for residency via family unity.  
  • Permanent residency: The permanent residency card does not have an expiration date, but under certain circumstances, you may need to update it, e.g. if your card is lost, damaged or your personal information changes. Additionally, if you are a minor under 18 years of age, you will need to renew your card every 4 years until you turn 18. 

Temporary Residency Card Renewal Process

The following is a step-by-step explanation of the process and requirements of renewing your temporary residency and what you can likely expect along the way. 

Step 1 – Verifiy eligibility: You are not allowed to initiate the renewal process no sooner than 30 days prior to the expiration date of your temporary resident card. There are typically no exceptions to this rule. 

Step 2 – Gather required documents and copies: You will need to prepare your documents before applying to renew your temporary 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.  
  • Current temporary residency card: This is crucial as it proves your current temporary residency status. 
  • Valid passport: You will need your passport as part of the application process. 
  • Letter: This is a letter requesting a renewal of your temporary residency. This letter can be completed and generated on INM’s website. 
  • Photos: Photos for temporary residency cards are taken on-site at INM offices. 
  • Payment: Applicable payment fees are paid on-site at INM offices.
  • Financial statements (if applicable): While it is not common or typical, it’s important to be aware that INM reserves the right to request additional documentation, including financial statements, beyond what is listed on their website. This is at their discretion, and there is no uniform answer regarding what exactly may be required. While the majority of conversions do not involve proving financial solvency again, just be aware that the possibility exists to provide financial statements in some capacity. This guidance is based on the collective experience of numerous immigration attorneys and facilitators across Mexico who have assisted clients with residency conversions. Their insights reflect real-world scenarios, emphasizing that while such requests are rare, they remain a possibility. So, it’s always wise and prudent to be prepared.

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 3 – 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.

Step 4 – Visit INM office: The next step is to visit the INM office to submit your application and supporting documentation for renewing your temporary 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 photograph taken, which will be used for your new temporary residency card. They may or may not take your fingerprints again. 

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 is only 1 fee associated with this procedure and this is subject to change: 

• • 1 year card renewal fee: $5,328 MXN 
  • 2 years card renewal fee: $7,984 MXN 
  • 3 years card renewal fee: $10,112 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: The processing time for a renewal 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 travelling internationally. You will be provided documentation as proof of your application to renew your temporary residency card. Keep these documents safe, in case there is a delay in receiving your physical card. 

Step 7 – 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.

Permanent Residency Card Renewal Process

While permanent residency cards do not expire, there is at least 1 specific situation in which you will need to renew your permanent residency card. If you are a minor under the age of 18, you will need to renew your residency card every 4 years until you turn 18. Once you turn 18, you can get a replacement (not renewal) card from your local INM office. You will follow the same steps above and the renewal fee is currently $6,495 MXN. 

Other Considerations 

There are several instances where you may be required to update or replace your existing temporary or permanent residency card: 

• • If your card is lost or stolen: You’ll need to file a police report and provide this documentation to INM. 
  • If your card is damaged: Any card that becomes unreadable or broken must be replaced. 
  • If you change any personal information: For instance, if you change your name or marital status, you’ll need to request a new card to reflect these changes. 
  • if you were a minor when you were issued a permanent resident card, you will need to replace it once you turn 18 and before your card expires. This should be treated as a replacement and not a renewal.

Tips to Ensure a Smooth Renewal Process

Here are some helpful tips: 

• • Start early: Begin the renewal process 30 days (or as soon as possible thereafter) before your residency expires to avoid penalties and stress. 
  • Check document requirements: Make sure you have all the necessary paperwork, as missing documents can delay the process and necessitate multiple trips to the INM office. 
  • Keep your INM receipts: Hold onto all INM documentation, receipts and notifications as proof of your renewal. 
  • Know your local INM office: Some INM offices may operate more efficiently than others. It’s a good idea to visit or contact your local office early to get a feel for the process and understand the timeline. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: Can I go to any INM office?

A: You are typically required to go to the INM office that serves your geographical area based on your residential address or the office that is closest to you. 

Q: Can I renew my residency card if I’m outside of Mexico? 

A: No, you must be physically present in Mexico to renew your residency. The process cannot be completed from abroad. 

Q: What happens if I don’t renew my temporary or permanent residency on time? 

A: If your temporary or permanent (for minors under 18) residency expires, there is typically a grace period in which time you can go to your local INM office to regularize your residency status, which may include fines and penalties. Having said that, ensure that your residency card remains valid and does not lapse. Otherwise, worse case, you may need to start the process all over again. 

Q: Can I change from temporary to permanent residency during the renewal process? 

A: Yes, for most after 4 years of temporary residency, you are eligible to apply for permanent residency instead of renewing your temporary residency status. You may be eligible to convert to permanent residency sooner if you were issued temporary residency via family unity (e.g., spouse). 

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. 

Conclusion

Renewing your residency card is a relatively straightforward process as long as you are organized and proactive. Whether you hold temporary or permanent residency, staying on top of deadlines and ensuring you have the correct documentation will help you avoid fines, delays, and other complications. For most temporary residents, remember that after 4 years with a few exceptions, you can transition to permanent residency, reducing the need for future renewals. 

Please feel free to leave us a comment below about your personal experience of renewing your residency. We would love to hear from you!