2026 Mexican Residency Update: Fee Increases

two mexican passports on a plane - my deztination clients are supported through the right and unique residency process

2026 Mexican Residency Fee Increases & Important New Clarification

By Dez | My Deztination: Mexicos Trusted Residency + Relocation Expert


The Ley Federal de Derechos (LFD)—Mexico’s official list of federal fees—has just been updated, and yes, the cost of applying for residency is going up in 2026.

But before you panic, there’s some surprising and very welcome news: not everyone will have to pay full price.

Let me break it down.


clients in the INM meeting during the residency process supported by My Deztination

2026 Updated Residency Fees

If you’re applying through economic solvency or doing it solo, these are the new full fees you can expect to pay:

Temporary Residency

  • 1-year: $11,140 MXN

  • 2-year: $16,563 MXN

  • 3-year: $21,985 MXN

  • 4-year: $25,057 MXN

Permanent Residency

  • One-time fee: $13,578 MXN

Visitor Permit (FMM)

  • $983 MXN

These increases reflect nationwide changes and are already in effect at INM offices.


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50% Reduction Confirmed for Select Applicants

Here’s where it gets interesting.

The final paragraph of Article 8 of the 2026 LFD states that some residency applicants may only be required to pay 50% of the newly increased fees.

This applies to the following categories:

  1. Family Unity (Unidad Familiar)

  2. Employment Offers (Oferta de Empleo)

  3. Invitations from Organizations (Invitación de Organización)

⚠️ Note: Organizational invitations are extremely rare and usually tied to institutional exchanges or government programs. Family or employment are more common pathways.


My Deztination clients on a consultation with Dez

Why This Matters

  • If you have a legit job offer from a Mexican company, you may also qualify for reduced fees.

  • If you’re applying through economic solvency (e.g., income or savings), you’ll still need to pay the full amount.

  • Some INM offices apply this rule inconsistently—so it’s important to confirm locally.

💡 At My Deztination, we’ve confirmed this update directly with our network of immigration attorneys across Mexico. This isn’t just rumor—it’s backed by legal review and real cases on the ground.


Why Every Mexican Consulate Has Different Requirements

No two Mexican consulates handle residency the same way. Documents, interviews, and even the economic solvency amounts vary — sometimes by officer. That’s why “one-size-fits-all” advice fails. I track real-world differences across the U.S. & Canada and prep you so you know exactly what to bring, what to say, and how to succeed at your consulate appointment.

  • Customized checklist for your consulate (not generic blog advice)
  • Financials formatted the way officers expect (saves time, avoids denials)
  • Interview prep: what to say — and what not to
  • Scheduling strategy + direct outreach templates for hard-to-book consulates

Guided hundreds through Temporary & Permanent Residency — credit applies toward larger packages and never expires.

*Every consulate is different and approvals are never guaranteed — my job is to maximize your odds with precise documents, wording, and timing.*

People think moving to Mexico is all sunshine and tacos - but behind every smooth transition is a well-thought-out plan. Residency is a legal process, and our job is to make sure you’re not only accepted - but protected.
— Dez, Founder of My Deztination

a hand shake to confirm a my deztination clients residency process is complete

What We’re Watching Next

This update is part of a bigger picture. Here’s what we’ll be keeping an eye on:

  • 2026 UMA update in January, which could shift income thresholds

  • Minimum wage adjustments that impact solvency calculations

  • Whether consulates adjust their income & savings requirements for Temporary Residency

  • How different INM offices interpret Article 8 and apply the 50% rule in real-life scenarios

As always, we’ll share new insights and real client case studies as they unfold.


How My Deztination Can Help

Whether you’re applying for Family Unity, Employment, or Economic Solvency—navigating these changes alone can be confusing.

That’s exactly why I created My Deztination’s relocation packages—to give you peace of mind, save you time and money, and make sure your residency process is 100% legal and aligned.

We collaborate with trusted immigration attorneys, facilitators, and consulates to make your journey as smooth (and affordable) as possible.


multiple people high five - we work together with our network of professional experts across Mexico with each unique client

Quick Recap

  1. 2026 fees are officially higher—but the 50% discount is real

  2. It applies to Family Unity, Job Offer, and Organizational Invitation pathways

  3. Economic Solvency applicants pay the full updated rate

  4. Every INM office is a little different—confirm locally or book a consult to get clarity


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Ready to Apply the easy Way?

Book your relocation consultation and let us help you plan your residency path with real strategy, legal backing, and full peace of mind.

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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.

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Frequently Asked Residency Questions

How much does residency cost in Mexico in 2026?

In 2026, residency fees have increased. For example, a 1-year Temporary Residency now costs $11,140 MXN, while Permanent Residency is $13,578 MXN. Full fees apply to economic solvency applicants. However, if you're applying through Family Unity, a job offer, or an organizational invitation, you may only need to pay 50% of the fee. We confirm this case-by-case through our legal team.

Who qualifies for the 50% residency fee discount?

You may qualify for the discounted rate if you’re applying through one of the following:

  • Family Unity (Unidad Familiar)
  • Employment Offer (Oferta de Empleo)
  • Invitation from a Mexican Organization
These are clearly listed in Article 8 of the 2026 LFD (Federal Fee Law). If you're unsure about your category, we can help verify your eligibility and speak with your local INM office.

Will every INM office apply the 50% discount?

Not always. While the rule exists at the federal level, **each INM office may interpret it differently**. That’s why we work with **trusted immigration attorneys** and facilitators throughout Mexico to check the local protocol before you apply—saving you time, money, and stress.

How do I know which residency path is right for me?

That depends on your finances, family connections, job offers, and long-term goals. The main paths include:

  • Economic Solvency (based on income or savings)
  • Family Unity (spouse, child, or parent connection)
  • Job Offer (sponsored by a Mexican employer)
We walk you through each path during your consultation, so you can apply with confidence and avoid delays.

Immigration clarity • Updated for 2026 • Reviewed November 2025

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