What the Mexican permanent visa allows
It lets a foreign national live in Mexico indefinitely, for work, family or retirement. Residents can work and own property, but cannot vote. You apply at a Mexican consulate; the Embassy of Mexico in Canada lists the permanent resident visa among its services.
Documents for the consulate
Bring a passport valid six months beyond your stay, the form, proof of funds, a police certificate, health insurance if it applies, and photos. Find a consulate on the Foreign Ministry website.
Photo size explained
The photo is 31×39 mm (3.1×3.9 cm). The head takes about 29 mm, with about 1.8 mm above the hair, on plain light grey, in colour. Print at 600 DPI, or keep the digital file for an online upload.
After the visa: the resident card
Once your Mexican visa is approved and you arrive, apply for the permanent resident card at the National Institute of Migration (INM) within 30 days. Mexico permanent residency needs no renewal, but leaving Mexico for more than two years may cost you the status. See also the Mexico visa page.
