Country Overview
Economic Overview
Currency: MXN — 17.2563 per USD (-15.8% vs 1yr ago) Inflation: 3.8% current CPI (January 2026) · 5.3% 5yr avg
Property & Ownership
Freehold ownership: Yes Mechanism: Bank trust (fideicomiso) with Mexican bank as trustee, typical term 50 years, renewable Restricted zones: 100 km strip along international borders and 50 km along coastlines Recent changes: No major changes 2022‑2026; provisions unchanged
Visa & Residency Options
Tourist (Visitante sin permiso para realizar actividades remuneradas)
- PR path: Not applicable
- Stay up to 180 days without work authorization.
Temporary Resident (Residente Temporal)
- Min income: Approximately US$3,000–4,000 monthly income (based on UMA)
- Investment: Approximately US$70,000–$86,000 in savings/investments (varies by consulate; verify current UMA-based threshold)
- PR path: Eligible after 4 years of temporary residency
- Requirements based on UMA; thresholds may differ by consular post.
Social Security & Tax
SSA benefits portable: Qualified Totalization agreement: None — SSA agreements overview US expat taxes: Greenback Tax Services — Mexico guide
City Guides
At a Glance
Most affordable
San Miguel de Allende — ~$1,772/mo
Most queer-friendly
Mexico City (CDMX) — more protective legal framework