Mexico has quickly become a top relocation destination for young adults and retirees from the U.S. Mexico’s beautiful, sunny climate, vibrant culture, fresh cuisine, and lower cost of living have attracted more and more U.S. citizens to move south of the border.
In fact, more immigrants are moving from the United States to Mexico than they are from Mexico to the U.S. The U.S. State Department reports that approximately 1.5 million Americans currently reside in Mexico. That number makes Americans the largest group of immigrants living in Mexico. The country is also regularly listed in the top ten of Global Retirement Index’s best places to retire.
Mexico is a distinct country, and its slower pace of life continues to attract expats. We’ve compiled information you need to make a decision, including the ins and outs of moving to Mexico, and how to make cross-border money transfers or payments if you need to.
Why should you move to Mexico?
There are so many wonderful reasons to move to Mexico that it’s hard to choose just one! One of the primary reasons is its beautiful climate. With an average of 10-14 hours of sunlight per day and warm temperatures year-round, there’s no shortage of vitamin D.
The warmer climate also means there’s plenty of freshly grown food, in addition to the delicious street food! In Mexico, there’s typically an abundance of fresh, healthy food available nearby. It’s also more affordable than the organic food sold at grocery stores in the United States.
The number one reason why U.S. citizens move to Mexico is the cost of living. The average cost of living in Mexico City for a single adult is $535 a month without rent. Mexico City is also 61% less expensive than living in New York City. You can’t beat those numbers!
Routine medical care, lower property taxes, and lower labor prices equate to a lower cost of living that’s extremely desirable for both young adults and retirees on a fixed income.
Mexico’s proximity to the U.S. also means expats can easily fly back and forth to America to visit friends and family. Since the country is in the same time zones as the U.S., remote workers have turned Mexico into the latest digital nomad destination. Mexico City, in particular, is home to numerous cafes, coworking spaces, and high-speed internet.
Lastly, the picturesque countryside will certainly draw any person to Mexico. Whether you desire a Caribbean view from Tulum or the colorful casas of Guanajuato, Mexico is undoubtedly a magnificent country.
How do you get a visa in Mexico?
Thankfully, it’s not too difficult to get a visa in Mexico, considering you meet all the requirements. Visas are given out quickly, and many applicants receive their visa in under a year.
The most common visa for visitors is the visitante or the visitor’s visa. Tourists receive this document upon arrival, allowing you to stay in Mexico for up to six months of the year. For those moving to Mexico full-time, you’ll need to apply for a temporary or permanent visa.
Visa Requirements
In order to obtain a temporary visa, you’ll need to show proof of a monthly income of $2,100 or a minimum total of $36,000 sitting in a bank account. A temporary residence visa allows you to stay in Mexico for up to four years at a time. At the end of those four years, you can apply for permanent residency, reapply for a temporary visa again, or exit the country.
A permanent visa requires proof of a monthly income of $2,700 a month or at least $149,000 sitting in the bank. There are a few extra requirements to obtain a permanent visa in the country. You either need to be married to a Mexican national, have close family relations in Mexico, apply for retirement status, or begin the process with a temporary resident visa.
You’ll start the application process at a consulate outside of Mexico, and then continue the process in Mexico or online. It shouldn’t take more than a year to receive a visa.
Learn more about how to open a bank account in Mexico and how to apply for a credit card on our blog.
How to make cross-border money transfers
If you need to send money ahead of moving, Western Union makes it easy to send transfers across the border. Through Western Union’s reliable money transfer process, you can conveniently pay bills ahead of time, send remittances, and track the status of your money transfers.
Through Western Union’s app or website, you can digitally transfer money from your bank account or debit or credit card. Western Union stores your account information, so you can easily send money again at the push of a button. The app also tracks the status of your transfer, sending a notification the moment your recipient receives your payment.
You can also send or receive cash by visiting one of Western Union’s in-store locations. Your friends or family can receive your transfer directly through their bank account or at a retail location.
How do you get housing in Mexico?
There are a few ways for transplants to find housing in Mexico. The most common method is to search online, but you might discover using realtors and going by word-of-mouth can uncover many hidden gems.
The following websites have great options for finding homes online: Vivanuncios, MetrosCubicos, and Homie. These sites will also give you an idea of rental prices in any given area.
Employing a realty agent can help you find your new casa, but most agents only work with movers purchasing property. However, rental agents do exist, and you won’t have to pay any fees to the agent.
Sometimes, the best way to find your perfect spot is by word-of-mouth. Locals could point you in the right direction since they know which areas are the best. A personal referral could also put you in direct contact with the landlord or property owner to get you that much closer to your
dream home. Use your personal network to help you find your forever casa in Mexico!
Day-to-day living in Mexico
Moving to Mexico can result in a beautiful, more fulfilling way of life. Many expats and transplants say there’s a greater sense of community in Mexico in comparison to the U.S. Neighbors look out for one another, and family has a big purpose in Mexican society.
Moving to Mexico also means the chance to perfect your Spanish language skills. It’s so much easier to learn another language when you’re immersed in the culture. If you want to learn Spanish ahead of moving, there are apps, like Duolingo and Babbel, which can help you improve your skills. Watching some shows on Netflix in Spanish like Valeria, Elite, and High Seas can also help you master the language.
Ultimately, your decision to move to Mexico should be a personal one. If you do decide to go, be sure to download the Western Union mobile app in case you need to send money home easily. Or if someone from the U.S. wants to send you money while you’re in Mexico, you can have them send it directly to your bank account or pick up the money at one of our 38,000 retail locations in Mexico. Find a location through our app or on our website.
