Here are the most significant types of work visas for Mexico which allow a foreign national to enter the country and also work in some cases.
Non-Working Tourist Visa
This visa is also called the “Visitor Visa”. It doesn’t give authorization and permission to perform activities that are allowed for remuneration in Mexico. Therefore, it is ideal for people interested in staying in Mexico for a short time; they do not require permission to engage in activities to receive remuneration in Mexico.
The foreign national can stay in the country for up to 180 days, and this visa cannot be extended or converted into a working visa.
Working Visitor Visa
This is also known as a “visitor visa”, but it gives the authorization to work in Mexico for remuneration. It is a common type of visa issued by foreign nationals to work in Mexico on a temporary basis. The foreigner can stay in the country for 180 days with authorization to get remunerated for working in Mexico.This visa cannot be extended or converted into a working visa.
This visa is issued and can only be obtained from Mexican Consulate or embassy post getting approval from the National Immigration Institute.
Temporary Resident Visa
Also called the “Resident Temporal” visa, the temporary resident visa applies to employees who plan to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days but less than four years and also intend to work. The visa is applicable for employees who have a long-term arrangement with a Mexican employer.
This visa is issued for the purpose to get a Resident Temporal permit. Within 30 days of arrival in the country, the visa holder must apply for the Temporary Resident Permit. With this visa, the employees also have approval for multiple entries to and from the country.
The temporary resident permit is only issued to people who have investments in Mexico or are invited by a Mexican company to engage in work activities or those who have acquired real estate or have a family in the country.
This visa can be extended for up to 4 years. The temporary resident visa cannot be extended after four years, but it can be changed into a Permanent Resident visa on request.
Permanent Resident Visa
This is also called the Visa de Resident Permanente, which allows foreign visitors to stay in Mexico for an indefinite period. This visa is ideal for people willing to take a permanent residency status in Mexico or eventual Mexican Citizenship.
To get this visa granted, the person must have family connections in Mexico and sufficient income to sustain themselves. Or they must have four years of regular status as a Temporary Resident.
The majority of employees will require a permanent resident visa to stay in Mexico for work. However, not all employees can be eligible for a permanent resident visa. The requirement includes having family connections in the country, having a sufficient monthly income, and holding four years of regular status as a temporary residential visa holder.
In this case, it is ideal for employers to apply for a temporary resident permit on behalf of their employees to work in Mexico.
While some requirements may differ, some standard documents will be required to apply for a Mexico work visa. These are: