Thinking about packing your bags and heading to Mexico, eh?
- Cid Isbell
- Jul 13
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 27
Higher-Home’s Ultimate Guide to Moving to Mexico:
From the US or Canada to Your Dream Life in the Yucatán!
Bienvenidos! Welcome to your all-in-one guide to making your dream move to Mexico a reality! Whether you’re drawn to vibrant cities or dreaming of peace and purpose in the lush rural landscapes of the Yucatán, HIGHER-HOME is here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s dive into the logistics, joys, and nitty-gritty details of moving to Mexico in 2025!
1. Residency vs. Visas: What’s the Difference?
Tourist Visa (FMM): You can visit Mexico for up to 180 days with a tourist visa, but this cannot be extended or converted to residency from within Mexico.Temporary Residency (Residente Temporal): Good for 1 to 4 years. Ideal if you want to test the waters or stay long-term without committing permanently.
Permanent Residency (Residente Permanente): Grants you indefinite stay and the right to work. No renewals needed.
HH Pro Tip: You must apply for temporary or permanent residency at a Mexican consulate outside of Mexico (usually in your home country).
2. Income Requirements (2025 Figures)
(Note: These amounts fluctuate with the Mexican minimum wage and exchange rates)
Temporary Residency (One Year) - Monthly income: ~$3,300 USD - OR savings/investments: ~$55,000 USD (average monthly balance over the past 12 months)
Permanent Residency - Monthly income: ~$5,300 USD - OR savings/investments: ~$220,000 USD (average monthly balance over the past 12 months)
HH ProTip: Consulates may vary slightly in requirements. Always check with the specific consulate where you’ll apply.
3. Importing Household Goods (Menaje de Casa)
You are allowed to bring your personal belongings duty-free once as a new resident.
Requires a Menaje de Casa inventory approved by the Mexican consulate.
Must enter Mexico within six months of receiving your residency.
Hiring a professional mover to help with this is recommended.
Costs: - DIY Shipping: ~$1,500–$3,000 (small container) - Full-Service International Movers: ~$5,000–$10,000+
Customs clearance can be tricky. Higher-Home partners with trusted local agents to simplify this step.
4. Importing a Car: Tricky but Possible
Temporary Residents: - Can import one foreign-plated car with a TIP (Temporary Import Permit) valid for the duration of your residency. - You cannot sell the car in Mexico.
Permanent Residents: - Cannot drive foreign-plated vehicles. - Must nationalize the car (limited models allowed).
Costs: - TIP permit: ~$50 USD + $200–$400 refundable deposit - Nationalization: ~$2,000–$4,000 depending on model, year, and import agent
5. Bringing Pets to Mexico
Great news: Mexico is pet-friendly!
What You Need: - Valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 15 days before arrival) - Proof of good health issued within 10 days of arrival
No quarantine required. - Up to 2 pets per person allowed without extra import permit. - Additional pets may incur a nominal fee.
Microchipping your Pets: While microchipping your pets is not mandatory for entry, it is required by many countries for pet entry, including the United States. The microchips are highly recommended and becoming increasingly important for responsible pet ownership and for traveling internationally. Microchipping helps reunite lost pets with their owners and
HH Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring heartworm meds and flea/tick prevention—it’s tropical out here!
6. City Life vs. Rural Dreaming
Yucateca Cities (Merida, Playa del Carmen, Cancun): - Modern conveniences, vibrant expat communities, robust healthcare. - Higher rental and purchase prices, more traffic, and busier energy.
Rural Areas (like Yaxcabá): - Deep connection to nature, culture, and slower living. - Lower cost of living, more land, greater freedom to build your dream home. - Fewer English speakers.
HIGHER-HOME specializes in helping you discover and build in safe, tranquil areas like Yaxcabá a place where peace and possibility abound.
7. Renting vs. Buying
Rent First: - Great for getting to know an area before committing. - Monthly costs: ~$300 (rural) to $1,200+ (urban, furnished). This is only possible in cities and small villages. Rural areas do not have many rentals other than AirBnB for short term stays.
Buying or Building: - Foreigners can buy in Mexico, even near the coast, via a fideicomiso (bank trust) or Mexican corporation. HIGHER-HOME helps you navigate the legalities of converting and purchasing securely.
Typical costs: - Rural land: $400.00–$30,000.00 USD per hectare (one hectare is equal to 2.47 acres) - Construction: $35–$80 USD per square foot, depending on finish
HIGHER-HOME provides turnkey solutions, trusted legal guidance, and holistic support throughout the process.
8. LGBTQ+ Rights in Mexico
Mexico is one of the most progressive Latin American countries when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex marriage is legal nationwide, and anti-discrimination laws are enshrined at both federal and state levels.
Highlights:
Same-sex couples can legally marry and adopt children.
Gender identity is protected under federal law.
Most urban areas (especially Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Merida) have vibrant LGBTQ+ communities and Pride celebrations.
Rural areas are generally very kind, friendly and tolerant
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