Digital Nomad Visa In Mexico: What You Need To Know

What Is The Mexico Digital Nomad Visa?

Mexico now grants the Digital Nomad Visa, also called the Temporary Residence Visa or the Mexico Nomad Visa, which enables individuals to reside and work in the country.

In essence, if you are a business owner, independent contractor, or work from a remote location, you have the option to relocate to Mexico and continue your work.

By introducing the Digital Nomad Visa, the Mexican government hopes to attract long-term investors and expats to the country, with the ultimate goal of increasing its GDP.

The visa allows remote workers to stay in the country for 12 months. This can also be extended up to 4 years. To apply, you will have to fill out the application and submit the required documents for the Temporary Residence Visa.

Rest assured, all the details will be explained below.

What is a digital nomad visa?

A digital nomad visa permits legal work in a foreign country for a longer duration than a tourist visa, with less hassle than a work visa.

By obtaining a digital nomad visa, freelancers who travel and digital nomads have the option to reside in their preferred location for a duration of 6 months to 2 years, and the process of renewing the visa is not complicated.

Why get it?

Visa restrictions and immigration are two major obstacles faced by digital nomads, according to those who live this lifestyle.

Prior to the availability of digital nomad visas, traveling freelancers and digital nomads were limited to using a travel visa, which prohibited them from engaging in work within the country and imposed a maximum stay of 90 days. This led digital nomads to have to disguise their work as tourism in order to comply with visa regulations.

Upon the expiration of their travel visa, individuals must visit the immigration office, endure lengthy wait times, and pay fees to renew their visa. In instances where renewal is not permitted, digital nomads may resort to a loophole known as a “visa run,” whereby they temporarily travel to neighboring countries for a brief period before returning to obtain a new visa stamp (though certain countries may not sanction this approach).

Engaging in these activities over a prolonged period of time can exhaust digital nomads in various ways: physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Applying for a digital nomad visa, if you meet the requirements, is highly recommended. This type of visa removes restrictions on travel visas, eliminates the tedious long waits in immigration offices, and eliminates the need for visa runs. Furthermore, it’s an excellent way to work in a new environment that revitalizes your capability to be productive and creative.

How to get it?

Although processes and requirements may differ in each country, here’s a basic overview of the steps you can take to obtain a digital nomad visa.

Find out whether you are eligible by going to the country’s immigration website or embassy office in your or a nearby country.
Prepare all the necessary documents such as bank statements, passport, and proof of being a digital nomad or freelancer.
Submit all documents either by applying online or at the embassy office.
Wait for approval and processing while planning the long-anticipated travel.
Collect your digital nomad visa, book your flight tickets, and begin your long-term nomadic lifestyle!

To access the eligibility and prerequisites for every country that is participating, follow the links provided at the conclusion of this article.

Who is eligible for a digital nomad visa?

Eligibility requirements for a digital nomad visa vary by country, however, typically, the following are necessary for the application process:

You are location-independent.
You can work digitally and remotely.
You have a stable flow of income and earn more than the minimum requirement.
You are from one of the eligible countries (e.g, Europe allows people from certain countries to apply).
You have proof of employment or ownership of a company.
You have travel or health insurance.

How long does the process take?

The duration of the digital nomad visa application varies depending on the country and may take approximately 3-4 months.

Mexico Digital Nomad Visa Application Process

This is a synopsis of the process for applying for a digital nomad visa.

Documents

It is necessary to provide the following documents.

Application Form

The application form can be obtained by downloading it from the nearest Mexican consulate or embassy.

Proof Of Financials

In order to be eligible for this visa, you must provide evidence demonstrating your compliance with the aforementioned financial criteria.

Background Check

To qualify for this visa, it is necessary to demonstrate a clear criminal history, which may be obtained from law enforcement authorities in your native country.

How Long Can You Stay In Mexico With The Digital Nomad Visa

You can stay in Mexico for a year with this visa, with the possibility of extending it for up to four years. Upon reaching the four-year limit, permanent residency is necessary if you want to continue staying in Mexico.

How To Apply For The Mexico Digital Nomad Visa

Obtaining this visa is a relatively simple procedure. You may obtain the application form from the website of the Mexican embassy or consulate closest to you. To process the application, you will most likely need to visit the embassy or consulate in person, but this may vary depending on your country of origin.

If you are applying from a country that is not your home country, you may have to provide additional documents beyond those mentioned earlier.

Make sure to schedule an appointment with the consulate and inquire beforehand rather than spontaneously showing up. Doing so will allow you to be well-prepared and avoid having to make an additional visit specifically for paperwork.

After submitting your application, you can expect to receive notification of its success or failure either on the same day or within a few weeks. Processing times for the Digital Nomad Visa differ between embassies, so it may take up to a month to complete the entire visa process.

You can obtain thorough and concise instructions on obtaining your Digital Nomad Visa. Allow for a minimum of 5 weeks for the visa to be processed, and remember to keep this timeline in mind when planning the remainder of your trip.

Packing for Mexico can be done comfortably without stress, even if it takes a month.

Best Places To Live In Mexico For Digital Nomads

Mexico proves to be a desirable destination for digital nomads due to its abundance of gorgeous locales that provide comfort for work and living. Listed below are the top Mexican hotspots that cater to digital nomads.

Mexico City

Digital nomads are drawn to Mexico City for its lively atmosphere and rich cultural experience. The city’s dynamic nightlife complements its impressive historic architecture.

For those who work remotely, Mexico City offers a great set-up with a wide array of excellent cafes and an increasing number of coworking spaces like CoCo Hub, PÚBLICO, and El 3er Espacio.

Many expats opt to live in the bohemian neighborhoods of La Condesa and Roma. These areas are full of hipster restaurants, art galleries, and other hang-out spots, providing plenty of opportunities to meet other expats.

The weather in this location is quite pleasant, usually hovering around the mid-70s with occasional rainfall and chilly nights. As long as you exercise caution, Mexico City is generally secure; however, it is important to note that certain regions have elevated crime levels.

Despite this, the city places great emphasis on safety and has seen a decline in crime rates in the past few years. At present, it boasts one of the largest ratios of police officers to residents globally.

Playa Del Carmen

With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, laid-back lifestyle, and copious coffee shops and coworking areas, Playa del Carmen holds the distinction of being Mexico’s foremost destination for digital nomads and a top living area.

After relocating to Mexico for a brief period, we elected to reside in Playa del Carmen. To learn more about the experience of residing in Playa del Carmen, feel free to peruse our guide.

Nest, Cowork-in, and Bunker are among the top coworking spots in this area.

Playa del Carmen offers a vibrant atmosphere for digital nomads, with numerous activities and a bustling diving community. Despite its vibrant nightlife, it doesn’t compare to the overwhelming crowds found in Cancun.

Playa del Carmen has a substantial expat population, making it one of the rare Mexican cities where minimal Spanish proficiency suffices.

If you’re careful, downtown Playa del Carmen is a safe area to explore. It can be considered one of the secure cities in Mexico.

Although the expense of residing in this place is greater than in numerous other cities, getting a beach condominium with breathtaking ocean sights could compensate for the added cost.

Tulum

Tulum was previously considered as one of the secure regions in Mexico, with remarkably low incidences of criminal activities. However, there have been some gun violence occurrences in Tulum between 2020-2021, causing many expatriates to opt for Playa Del Carmen.

Tulum has emerged as the newest digital nomad hub, offering the opportunity to indulge in activities such as jungle trekking, turtle snorkeling, and cenote diving to balance out prolonged screen usage.

Due to its natural surroundings and preference for outdoor activities, Tulum is considered one of the top retirement locations in Mexico. The town boasts stunning ancient Maya ruins, and is surrounded by breathtaking tropical jungles and Caribbean beaches.

Furthermore, Tulum enjoys a temperate climate throughout the year, and navigating the primary town on foot is effortless.

Several co-working locations including Bucko, CoCo Hub, and Tulum Art Club are also available.

San Miguel De Allende

San Miguel de Allende, a mesmerizing town with a rich past and allure, is a top pick for American expatriates and an optimal retirement destination in Mexico owing to its cordial inhabitants and agreeable climate, akin to springtime.

If an authentic cultural experience is what you seek, San Miguel de Allende in Mexico is among the top choices for living. Numerous cultural events such as parades and art festivals are held in the town.

Despite this, you will always feel supported as there are more than 8,000 expatriates residing in this area.

Despite the town being frequently filled with tourists, you can still discover a peaceful cafe on the outskirts of the town to catch up on your work, even during peak season.

Smartspace Hub and Alpha are two of the several coworking places located in various spots.

Puerto Vallarta

Thanks to its stunning beaches and consistent weather, Puerto Vallarta has become a popular destination for expats looking to settle down in a thriving town with plenty of fellow foreigners. If you’re unfamiliar with Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is the perfect place to start.

The reason for this is that it provides various conveniences and facilities for individuals who work remotely, such as reliable internet services and coworking locations like Vallarta and Natureza.

Puerto Vallarta is regarded as one of the finest places to live in Mexico for both retirees seeking a relaxed lifestyle and expatriates who desire to spend their leisure time on the beach.

Due to an abundance of budget-friendly lodgings and a low cost of living, it is also among the most inexpensive.

Cost Of Living In Mexico

Compared to other North American countries, the cost of living in Mexico is reasonable, but it is comparably higher than the nearby countries such as Guatemala and Belize.

A hostel in Mexico City can cost anywhere from USD 10 to USD 15 per night.

Mexico offers affordable food options such as street restaurants (such as tacos), where you can find a meal for just a few dollars.

It is important to note that the cost of living will be impacted by the location chosen. As an illustration, Puerto Vallarta would be a more budget-friendly option compared to Playa Del Carmen.

Cooking your own meals at home is the most effective method of saving money in Mexico, particularly if you reside in a major urban area like Playa Del Carmen. This is due to the fact that grocery prices are lower than dining out, allowing you to save a significant sum of money.