Can a Canadian move to Mexico?

hermes697
12 minutes ago
2 min read

Yes — a Canadian can move to Mexico, but there are things to know and steps to follow. It depends on how long you want to stay, whether you want to live, work, or retire there, etc. Here’s a breakdown:

What you can do without a visa

Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter Mexico for tourism, business, or transit, for stays up to 180 days
Permanent residents of Canada also have some exemption privileges (depending on documentation).

If you want to stay long‑term / live in Mexico

If you plan to stay more than 180 days, or do more than just visit (e.g. live, invest, work), Mexico has visa/residency paths:

Temporary Resident Visa: For “foreigners who intend to enter and remain in Mexico as temporary residents for a period greater than 180 days and less than 4 years.” There are financial solvency requirements.
Permanent Residency: After holding temporary residency for a certain time (often four years), or meeting certain income or investment criteria, you can apply for permanent residency.

General Steps for Moving to Mexico

Choose the Right Visa: Decide between a temporary or permanent resident visa based on your long-term plans.

Gather Documents: Collect required documents, including your valid passport, proof of financial solvency (income or savings), and any other necessary paperwork such as birth certificates if applying based on family ties.
Apply at a Consulate: Submit your application at a Mexican consulate or embassy in Canada.
Find Housing: Secure suitable housing for your new life in Mexico.