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🇲🇽 Mexico

Moving Guide

Moving to Mexico is logistically manageable for most nationalities. The key insight is that almost everything you need can be bought cheaply in Mexico — shipping large amounts of household goods is rarely worth it.

Day 1 arrival

FMM Tourist Card

Issued free at port of entry

Within 30 days

INM Appointment (Temp. Res.)

After entering on consular visa

1–5 days

CURP Processing Time

National ID number — via Segob online portal

1–2 weeks

RFC (Tax ID) Registration

Required for banking

1–3 weeks

Bank Account Opening

After RFC + Tarjeta de Residente

One-time on arrival

Menaje de Casa (duty-free)

Household goods exemption for new residents

Overview🏙️Mexico City🌮Oaxaca🌴Playa del Carmen
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Overview

Moving to Mexico is logistically manageable for most nationalities. The key insight is that almost everything you need can be bought cheaply in Mexico — shipping large amounts of household goods is rarely worth it. The administrative sequence post-arrival (INM → CURP → RFC → bank account) takes 4–8 weeks to complete fully.

Key Takeaways

  • Apply for your Temporary Resident Visa at the Mexican consulate in your home country — this takes 1–4 weeks
  • Within 30 days of entering: schedule and attend INM appointment to receive Tarjeta de Residente Temporal (bring all original documents)
  • Menaje de casa: a one-time duty-free import allowance for household goods for new Mexican residents — furniture, appliances, clothing, books, and personal items
  • Pets (dogs and cats): require rabies vaccination certificate (issued within 12 months), a health certificate issued by a licensed vet within 10 days of travel, and a SENASICA (Mexico's agriculture authority) import permit
1

Pre-Arrival Checklist

Good preparation before you fly makes the first weeks in Mexico far smoother. Key items to complete in your home country include the consulate visa application and documentation gathering.

  • Apply for your Temporary Resident Visa at the Mexican consulate in your home country — this takes 1–4 weeks
  • Gather financial documents: 3–6 months of bank statements, investment account statements, or proof of pension/salary
  • Get your vaccination records organized — useful for healthcare providers and proof of yellow fever vaccination if arriving from endemic countries
  • If bringing a car: arrange the TIP (Temporary Import Permit) paperwork in advance via Banjercito online
  • Research and book your first 4–8 weeks of accommodation via Airbnb long-term or a furnished rental before arriving
  • Open a Wise multi-currency account before leaving — essential for cheap money transfers in your first months
  • Purchase a Telcel or AT&T SIM at the airport on arrival for immediate connectivity
2

The First Weeks — Administrative Sequence

The post-arrival administrative sequence is the most important logistical challenge. Follow this order: INM registration → CURP → RFC → bank account. Each step enables the next.

  • Within 30 days of entering: schedule and attend INM appointment to receive Tarjeta de Residente Temporal (bring all original documents)
  • CURP (national ID number): apply online via gob.mx/curp or confirm it is auto-issued with your Tarjeta de Residente
  • RFC (tax ID): register at sat.gob.mx or in person at a SAT office — brings your CURP and passport
  • RFC enables: opening a Mexican bank account (BBVA México recommended for expats), signing formal lease contracts, and invoicing Mexican clients
  • Open BBVA México account: bring Tarjeta de Residente, CURP, RFC, passport, and proof of address (a utility bill or bank statement to your Mexican address)
  • Register for SAT e-firma: required for formal tax filings and formal freelance invoicing
  • Consider hiring a gestor (administrative agent) for MXN 1,500–4,000 to navigate INM and SAT paperwork — worth it for non-Spanish speakers
3

Shipping Belongings to Mexico

Most expats bring far less than they initially plan — Mexico's well-stocked stores and affordable prices make it easy to buy what you need locally. However, if you have irreplaceable or specialized items, the menaje de casa customs exemption is available for new residents.

  • Menaje de casa: a one-time duty-free import allowance for household goods for new Mexican residents — furniture, appliances, clothing, books, and personal items
  • Requires: SAT endorsement of your inventory list and Tarjeta de Residente
  • Items NOT exempt: vehicles, alcohol, tobacco, and items for resale
  • International movers serving Mexico: Allied Van Lines, Crown Relocations, Mayflower — expect $3,000–$8,000 for a small apartment shipment from the US
  • Sea freight (LCL, less-than-container): cheaper at $1,500–$3,000, but takes 4–8 weeks transit time
  • Laptop, professional equipment, and personal electronics: bring on the plane — no issues through customs for personal use quantities
  • Buy large items in Mexico: IKEA has stores in CDMX, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Toluca. Liverpool and Palacio de Hierro are major home goods retailers
4

Pets & Driving

Both pets and vehicles can enter Mexico with proper documentation. Requirements are straightforward but must be prepared before travel.

  • Pets (dogs and cats): require rabies vaccination certificate (issued within 12 months), a health certificate issued by a licensed vet within 10 days of travel, and a SENASICA (Mexico's agriculture authority) import permit
  • SENASICA import permit: obtain online at senasica.gob.mx before departure — free for household pets (dogs/cats up to 3)
  • Pet quarantine: not required for dogs and cats entering from most countries if paperwork is complete
  • Driving your foreign vehicle: requires a TIP (Temporary Import Permit) if the vehicle is foreign-plated — apply online via Banjercito
  • TIP fee: approximately $50–$100 plus a deposit (refundable when you exit) tied to your credit card
  • Foreign driving licence: valid in Mexico for residents — Mexican licence not legally required but useful for rental cars
  • Car insurance: Mexican liability insurance is mandatory — purchase from a reputable Mexican insurer (AXA, Qualitas, HDI) as foreign policies often do not satisfy Mexican law
FAQs

Common Questions — Moving Guide in Mexico

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🏙️ Mexico City🌮 Oaxaca🌴 Playa del CarmenBack to Mexico Overview