Living In Mexico As An Expat

by Lee Carter:

If you want to enjoy a vacation in Mexico it is very easy to come to one of the resorts like Cancun or Cabo and spend as many weeks as you like indulging yourself in an all-inclusive vacation at one of the hotels. And while it is true you can speak nothing but English and enjoy your time in Mexico, there is a big difference between being a visitor to the country and living as a permanent expat.

First and foremost, you don't necessarily need to have a visa to live in Mexico. The government permits foreigners to stay for up to six months on their passport without having any sort of proof of income or exit strategy. In other words, you can buy a one-way plane ticket to Mexico and stay for six months in any part of the country that you like. Beyond that, you have to apply for a visa.

If you want to become more than just another tourist transfer into the expat lifestyle, you'll need a visa of some kind so that you don't have to worry about leaving the country every six months to get more time on your passport. As long as you have around $1000 per month of income coming in from pension or a freelance source, you can get a residency visa. You can also register a company in Mexico to get the same thing.

The cost of living is one of the primary reasons people choose to live in Mexico as expats, because you can have a nice middle-class lifestyle for around $10,000 per year, or you could have an upper-class lifestyle on around $20,000 per year. $50,000 a year will allow you to live like a rock star in Hollywood, with premium real estate on the beach and plenty of luxuries year round.

Unlike some countries which have very strict regulations and rules surrounding a way of life, Mexico is known for being one of the most laid-back destinations an expat can choose from. Drug use is completely decriminalized, tequila and ceviche are incredibly cheap, prostitution is completely legal and you have your choice of beaches, mountains or jungle to choose from.