Destinations
Mexico
Mexico offers an accessible path from temporary to permanent residence — by investment of about 300,000 USD, or by proving income or savings — with proximity to the US and a five-year route to citizenship. The honest headline that agents skip: unlike its territorial neighbours, Mexico taxes its tax residents on worldwide income, up to 35%, so this is a lifestyle and business move, not a tax play.
Key facts
- From
- $298 000≈ $397 830 — estimated total, family of four, fees included
- Processing time
- 2–6 months
- Physical presence
- Temporary residents should not be absent from Mexico for more than two consecutive years to keep the status; permanent residence is more flexible. Naturalisation is possible after five years of residence (two years if married to a Mexican or from certain Latin American or Iberian countries), and expects real presence and some Spanish.
Tax at a glance
- Mexico taxes its tax residents on worldwide income — not a territorial system
- Top personal income tax rate is 35%; corporate is 30%
- Tax residence turns on your home or centre of interests, not a day count
- No net wealth tax; inheritances are broadly exempt at the federal level
- VAT is 16%
Frequently asked questions
Is Mexico a good tax base?
Only if you understand it. Mexico taxes its tax residents on worldwide income, up to 35% — it is not territorial like Panama or Paraguay. You can hold immigration residency without becoming tax-resident if your home and centre of interests stay abroad, but that needs careful planning.
How much do I need for Mexican residency?
Either an investment of about 300,000 USD in a Mexican company or shares, or economic solvency: roughly 4,400 USD monthly income or 74,000 USD savings for temporary residence, rising to about 7,400 USD monthly or 298,000 USD savings for direct permanent residence. Figures track the UMA index and rise each January.
How long until Mexican citizenship?
Five years of residence in the general case, or two years if you are married to a Mexican or come from certain Latin American or Iberian countries. It expects genuine presence and some Spanish.