can I Work in Mexico Legally in 2025?
By Dez | My Deztination: Mexicos Trusted Residency + Relocation Expert
Back in June this year during my recent segment on TV Mar’s CPS News, I broke down one of the biggest (and riskiest) misconceptions about relocating to Mexico:
I know — it’s confusing. And honestly? Most relocation blogs don’t tell you the full story. But I do. Because the last thing I want is for you to start your dream life in Mexico with a legal mess.
Let’s get into what you actually need to know.
tourist Visas and Remote Work — What’s Actually Allowed
Mexico’s tourist visa (FMM) is designed for vacationers and short-term visitors.
If you’re working remotely for a foreign company or clients outside Mexico, you’re generally fine to do so while on a tourist visa — as long as your income is paid from abroad and not connected to Mexican sources.
However, if you plan to earn income from Mexican clients, employers, or businesses, that’s considered Mexican-sourced income — and you’ll need a Temporary Residency Visa with work permission or a legal business structure in Mexico.
Finding your dream home in Mexico doesn’t have to be confusing
We offer expert relocation support that includes neighbourhood tours and expert guidance so you can find your new home with ease.
Whether you're relocating to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City, or beyond,
We don’t just help you move — we help you move with total confidence. EXPLORE PACKAGESHere’s the distinction:
✅ Allowed on a Tourist Visa:
Remote employees working for foreign companies
Freelancers paid by clients outside Mexico
Online creators or entrepreneurs whose earnings come from non-Mexican sources
❌ Not Allowed on a Tourist Visa:
Offering services or selling to Mexican clients
Earning income from a Mexican business or employer
Running a local business or hiring staff without proper registration
In short:
If your income stays abroad, you’re okay to work online short-term.
If your income touches Mexico, you need the right visa.
So What’s the Legal Way to Work?
If you're serious about building a sustainable life here, these are your options:
✅ 1. Temporary Residency + Work Permission
This is ideal for digital nomads or remote workers.
Apply through a Mexican consulate abroad using your income or savings
Once approved, apply for work permission through INM in Mexico
Register with SAT (Mexican tax authority) and get an RFC
✅ 2. Start a Mexican Corporation
Best for entrepreneurs or those offering local services.
Set up a Mexican business (S.A. de C.V.)
Legally hire yourself
Pay yourself a salary
File monthly taxes and issue invoices (facturas)
This can be a powerful path — but needs the right legal structure.
“Moving to Mexico isn’t just about sunshine and savings - it’s about doing it right. Whether you’re freelancing, working remotely, or building a business, you need to know the legal ground you’re standing on. That’s why I focus on strategy first - so your dream life doesn’t come with surprise fines or visa headaches down the road.”
What About Taxes?
If you spend more than 183 days in Mexico in a calendar year, or your primary home, business, or centre of personal and economic life is in Mexico, you may be considered a Mexican tax resident.
This can trigger registration with SAT and an RFC.
As a tax resident, you may need to report worldwide income — not just Mexican‑sourced income.
If your income is passive (such as a foreign pension) and you don’t meet the presence or vital‑interest test, you might still avoid being classed as a tax resident — but you’ll need to confirm your status carefully.
🔍 My advice: Don’t rely on “tourist” thinking when you’re living in Mexico for the long term. Let’s check your presence, ties, income sources, and ensure your tax footprint is fully understood.
How My Deztination Helps You Find Your Dream Home
The VIP Experience includes a guided 3hr neighborhood tour which will be tailored to your needs to find your dream location and dream home in Mexico.
- Personalized consultation
- Personalized itinerary customized to your needs
- Insider tips and recommendations
Watch the Segment
Missed the TV segment? No problem — watch it here and learn what every future expat needs to know in 2025.
How My Deztination Helps
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Whether you’re a remote worker, LGBTQ+ entrepreneur, retiree, or someone reinventing their life — I help you build a legal, safe, and fully aligned move with:
✅ Residency strategy (income or savings route)
✅ Work permission applications
✅ SAT and RFC guidance with bilingual experts
✅ LGBTQ+ affirming support and housing tours
✅ Relocation packages built for real people — not one-size-fits-all templates
What Happens If I Ignore This?
Some people try to fly under the radar. But that’s getting riskier every year.
Violating immigration or tax law can result in:
❌ Denied residency
🚨 Fines from SAT
🔄 Forced return to your home country
⛔ Deportation or blacklisting
GET $50 OFF YOUR MOVE TO MEXICO
Book your relocation package now and get $50 USD OFF any package (Essentials or higher)! Hurry, this offer expires by the end of the month.
MOVETOMEXICO
Don't wait - this offer expires at the end of the month.
BOOK YOUR RELOCATION CONSULTATIONLGBTQ+ and Seeking Safety?
You deserve a place where you can thrive, earn legally, and feel fully yourself. My team supports identity-affirming moves — from paperwork to emotional transitions.
Start Exploring Your Options
If you're ready to stop guessing and start getting real support:
👉 Book your relocation consult here
Or grab my free checklist to stay on track:
👉 Download it here
meet dez
Dez | My Deztination
Dez is the founder of My Deztination
Mexico’s trusted relocation advisor. With over seven years living in Mexico, she knows the importance of trustworthy and professional guidance & support. She specializes in personalized consultations, private neighborhood tours, and full-service relocation packages to help clients move to Mexico the easy way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I legally work in Mexico as a foreigner?
Yes — but you’ll need the right visa. Foreigners cannot legally work in Mexico on a tourist visa, even if you’re working online. To work legally, you must have either Temporary Residency with work permission or establish a legal business (e.g., corporation) with SAT registration.
My Deztination offers personalized guidance to help you choose the right path, apply correctly, and avoid costly mistakes.
Can I work remotely from Mexico for a foreign company?
Generally, yes. If you're earning income from outside Mexico and not offering services to Mexican clients, you can work remotely on a tourist visa — for short periods. However, long-term remote workers should apply for Temporary Residency to stay compliant.
We help remote workers secure the right visa and avoid gray areas that could lead to issues with immigration or taxes.
How do I start a business or freelance legally in Mexico?
To legally offer services or sell in Mexico, you’ll need to either:
1) Get Temporary Residency with work permission, or
2) Set up a Mexican corporation and register with SAT (the Mexican tax authority).
My Deztination partners with bilingual accountants and legal experts to help you navigate this process from start to finish.
What is an RFC and do I need one?
The RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes) is a tax ID number in Mexico, required for anyone earning Mexican-sourced income or running a business. You’ll need an RFC to register with SAT, pay taxes, and legally invoice.
We walk clients through this entire process, including choosing the right tax structure and connecting with experts for setup.
I’m retired — do I need a work permit for pension income?
No — pensions, Social Security, and passive income (like dividends or rental income abroad) are considered foreign-sourced and do not require a work permit. Many retirees qualify for Permanent Residency based on their savings or income.
We help retirees apply for the right residency status and understand their financial options for living legally and comfortably in Mexico.
What happens if I work illegally in Mexico?
Working without the correct visa can result in fines, loss of visa status, or even deportation. This includes offering freelance services, selling locally, or earning income from Mexican clients without proper registration.
My Deztination ensures you have a legal, sustainable plan — so you can live and work in Mexico with peace of mind.
How long does it take to get legal work permission?
It depends on your visa route. Applying for Temporary Residency with work permission through a consulate usually takes 6–10 weeks. Setting up a Mexican corporation can take longer due to SAT registration timelines.
We help clients map out timelines, prepare documents, and streamline the process with bilingual professionals and real-world strategy.