Mexico’s 2026 Residency Fees Doubled: What Expats Now Pay
Mexico · Expat Life
Key Facts
- It already happened. Mexico’s immigration fees rose on January 1, 2026, some by as much as 100%.
- One-year temporary. The government fee jumped from about 5,570 (≈US$325) to roughly 11,140 pesos (≈US$650).
- Permanent residency. The card now runs about 13,579 pesos (≈US$790), up from roughly 6,494 (≈US$380).
- A discount exists. Family Unit, Job Offer and Institutional Invitation cases can qualify for 50% off.
- Income bars rose too. The income and savings thresholds, tied to Mexico’s UMA index, also went up for 2026.
Mexico residency fees quietly doubled at the start of 2026, and the change is only now filtering through to applicants. The government charges for temporary and permanent residency rose sharply on January 1, so anyone planning to move to Mexico — or renew — this year should budget more than last year’s guides suggest.
What changed
The National Migration Institute updated its Federal Fees Law charges effective January 1, 2026, with some services rising by up to 100%. These are the government fees paid to the INM, separate from any lawyer or facilitator costs.
The increase applies across the residency ladder, from a single year of temporary residency up to the permanent card, so it affects both newcomers and people renewing an existing permit.
What are the new 2026 residency fees?
Here is how the main government fees changed, in Mexican pesos. Exchange rates move, but at recent levels a one-year temporary permit is roughly US$650.
| Permit | 2025 fee | 2026 fee |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary residency — 1 year | ~5,570 (≈US$325) | ~11,140 (≈US$650) |
| Temporary residency — 2 years | ~8,347 (≈US$485) | ~16,693 (≈US$970) |
| Temporary residency — 3 years | ~10,571 (≈US$615) | ~21,143 (≈US$1,230) |
| Temporary residency — 4 years | ~12,529 (≈US$730) | ~25,058 (≈US$1,460) |
| Permanent residency | ~6,494 (≈US$380) | ~13,579 (≈US$790) |
Dollar figures are approximate, converted at about 17.2 pesos to the US dollar (June 2026); the exact amount depends on the exchange rate when you pay.
Spread over a typical journey — several years of temporary residency before switching to permanent — the total government cost for one applicant roughly doubles, from around US$1,350 to closer to US$2,700.
The income requirements also rose
Mexico’s financial thresholds for residency are pegged to its UMA index, which is rebased each year, so the income and savings you must show also climbed for 2026. Broadly, temporary residency asks for several thousand dollars in monthly income or tens of thousands in savings.
The exact figures vary by consulate and change yearly, so confirm the current numbers with the specific Mexican consulate handling your application before you book an appointment.
The 50% discount
Not everyone pays the full rate. Applicants whose case falls under Family Unit, a Job Offer, or an Institutional Invitation may qualify for a 50% reduction on the government fee.
If you are joining a Mexican or resident family member, or moving on a local employer’s offer, ask whether your route qualifies — it can roughly halve the INM charge.
What it means for expats
None of this changes who is eligible, but it does change the budgeting. If you were working from a 2025 cost guide, add a meaningful margin for the government fees and the higher income proof.
It also narrows the gap with alternatives worth comparing, such as Mexico’s digital nomad visa route, depending on your situation. As always, the fee is only one part of the cost, so factor in translations, appointments and any professional help.
Because the increase applies at every rung of the residency ladder, it is not only new arrivals who are affected; anyone renewing a temporary permit across several years will feel it too, and the gap with 2025 budgets only widens the longer the path to permanent residency runs. The higher fee does not change who qualifies, but it does change how much cash applicants need on hand at each appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Mexico’s residency fees rise?
By up to 100% on January 1, 2026. A one-year temporary permit went from about 5,570 (≈US$325) to roughly 11,140 pesos (≈US$650), and permanent residency to about 13,579 (≈US$790).
Are these the only costs?
No — these are the government fees paid to the INM. Translations, consulate appointments and any lawyer or facilitator are extra.
Is there any way to pay less?
Yes. Family Unit, Job Offer and Institutional Invitation cases may qualify for a 50% discount on the government fee.
Did the income requirements change too?
Yes. The thresholds are tied to Mexico’s UMA index and rose for 2026. The exact figures vary by consulate, so confirm with yours.
When did this take effect?
January 1, 2026. The higher fees apply to new applications and renewals processed this year.
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