Moving to Mexico from the UK: Complete guide

Thinking about moving to Mexico? With its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes and affordable cost of living, Mexico is a very attractive destination for expats. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about moving to Mexico from the UK, including the cost of living, visa options, popular expat destinations and much more.

We’ll also show you a cost-effective way to manage your money across borders. With the Wise account from the money services provider Wise, you can send, spend and convert money in 40+ currencies at great mid-market exchange rates and low, transparent fees*. It’s not a bank account but offers some similar features, and your money is safeguarded.

Looking to take your savings with you? Wise can also help you with large transfers.

Learn more about the Wise account

Table of contents

Can you move to Mexico from the UK? What are the requirements to move to Mexico? How long can a British citizen live in Mexico? How to move to Mexico from the UK Moving to Mexico with pets Visas and residence permits in Mexico How to apply for residency How to renew your residency Options for retiring to Mexico from the UK Living in Mexico - The key facts Popular cities and locations for expats Cost of living in Mexico Opening a Mexico bank account Renting and buying property in Mexico Healthcare in Mexico Finding a job and working in Mexico Studying in Mexico Save on your relocation costs to Mexico with Wise Conclusion

Can you move to Mexico from the UK?

Yes, you can move to Mexico from the UK, as long as you meet the requirements and obtain the appropriate visa.

We'll take you through this process and explain how to move to Mexico from the UK.

What are the requirements to move to Mexico?

All foreigners who plan on staying in Mexico for more than 180 days must apply for a Temporary Resident visa. Depending on the purpose of your stay, you’ll apply for either a Work visa, a Student visa or a Family visa.¹

The document requirements may vary based on the specific visa you’re applying for, but here are some of the main ones:

• Printed and signed visa application form
• A valid passport with blank pages for your visa
• A recent passport-size photo
• Proof of visa fee payment¹

How long can a British citizen live in Mexico?

The Temporary Resident visa can be converted into a Temporary Residence card at the National Immigration Institute. The Residence card is valid for one year, and after renewing it for four years, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency.¹

How to move to Mexico from the UK

Here are the key steps to follow when moving to Mexico from the UK:

1. Do job market research

Research in-demand careers and average salaries in Mexico and explore available job opportunities.

2. Secure a job and gather the necessary documents

Once you’ve secured a job and signed a contract, your employer will apply for your work permit on your behalf. Make sure to provide any required documents.¹

3. Find a place to live

While waiting for your work permit, start looking for accommodation. You can look through online listings or consult a real estate agency.

4. Look into health insurance and Mexico banks

Do some research on Mexico’s private healthcare options. This could also be a good time to research Mexican banks and international bank accounts.

💡 Read more: Cash or card in Mexico: Which is the best way to pay?

5. Read customs and imports rules before packing

Before packing, review Mexico’s customs and import rules to ensure you don’t bring prohibited items or exceed duty-free limits.

6. Consider hiring a moving company and pack only the most valuable items

Pack your essential documents and valuables yourself and consider hiring a moving company to handle the rest.

Moving to Mexico with pets

If you’re also moving your pet to Mexico, make sure they’re microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. There are also specific vaccines for dogs and cats, such as distemper and hepatitis for dogs and Calicivirus and panleukopenia for cats.

Your pet will also need a health certificate for travel from a veterinarian 10 days before travelling.²

To ensure your pet meets all health and documentation requirements for travel, it's best to contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Visas and residence permits in Mexico

If you intend to reside in Mexico, you should apply for a Temporary Resident visa. These are the available categories:

• Work visa
• Student visa
• Family visa¹

However, you can also apply for the Permanent Resident visa, if you meet the requirements. To do this, you must either:

• Have close family connections in Mexico
• Have four consecutive years of Temporary Resident status
• Have two consecutive years of Temporary Resident status, if that status was achieved through marriage to a Mexican national or a foreign permanent resident
• Apply for retirement status and prove you have sufficient funds³

How to apply for residency

After receiving the Temporary Resident visa from the Mexican Embassy, you should exchange it for a Temporary Residence card at the National Immigration Institute (INM).¹

To do this, you’ll need to provide the following documents:

• Residence card request form
• A valid passport with your visa included
• The Multiple Immigration Form you received at the airport
• Proof of Residence card fee payment
• A cover letter requesting the Residence card from the INM¹

You need to apply for a Residence card within 30 days of receiving your visa.

How to renew your residency

Your residence card should be renewed at the same immigration office where it was issued. You’ll need the following documents:

• A signed application form
• A filled-out Formato Basico form
• A cover letter in Spanish requesting the renewal of your Residence card
• A valid passport and a copy of its first page
• Proof of fee payment
• Proof of address⁴

If your application is in order, it might be processed the same day.⁴

Options for retiring to Mexico from the UK

UK citizens can retire in Mexico by obtaining the Permanent Resident visa by economic solvency. This visa is made for those who intend to live off their own financial means in Mexico and your pension can be proof of sufficient funds.⁵

In order to qualify for this visa, you’ll need to prove that your pension is bigger than the equivalent of 500 days of the general minimum wage in Mexico City.⁵

If you manage to retire in Mexico, you can also claim your UK state pension there. It can be paid into a UK bank account or a Mexico one, in which case you’ll be paid in the local currency. You can choose how often you’ll get paid - anywhere from 4 to 13 weeks. Contact the International Pension Centre to get the most recent information.⁶

Living in Mexico - The key facts

Here are some basic facts you should know about Mexico if you’re considering moving there:

💰 Currency:	Mexican peso (MXN)
🗣️ Main language:	Spanish
👥 Population:	131,569,913⁷
🇬🇧 Number of British expats:	around 2,600⁸

💡 Read more: Best ways to spend money while travelling abroad

Popular cities and locations for expats

Mexico truly has it all, from peaceful tropical towns to bustling cities, offering something for people of all lifestyles. However, some places are better for expats than others, such as Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende and Guadalajara.

The capital is the centre of culture and everything happening in Mexico. Big cities also offer more job opportunities, so this might be a good place to start job-hunting.⁹

On the other hand, San Miguel de Allende is often called the “best small city in the world”. It has everything you might need for a comfortable life abroad, mixed with authentic Mexican charm.⁹

Finally, Guadalajara is well-connected both internationally and within Mexico. This large city has good public transport and beautiful cultural landmarks.⁹

However, if scenic beaches are one of your top priorities, you might consider places like Puerto Vallarta or Playa del Carmen instead.⁹

Cost of living in Mexico

Mexico is significantly cheaper than the UK in almost every spending category, including rent, groceries, utilities and dining out.¹⁰

Rent prices in Mexico are at least 50% lower, while buying an apartment costs around 70% less. The overall cost of living, excluding rent, is approximately 40% lower than in the UK. You can expect to save around 30% on groceries and more than 40% on dining out.¹⁰

Utilities are, on average, 80% cheaper in Mexico, except for phone bills, which cost about 30% more. Public transport is over 70% cheaper, making it an excellent way to save money in the long run.¹⁰

Opening a Mexico bank account

If you're planning to move to Mexico from the UK, it's important to consider the best way to manage your finances. In some cases, you may be able to open a bank account before obtaining residency, but this depends on the bank. For example, Scotiabank allows even those on a tourist visa to apply.¹¹

Most banks have similar basic requirements for opening an account. These typically include:

• A valid passport
• A migratory document (tourist visa or residence permit)
• Proof of address in Mexico
• A minimum deposit¹¹

You may also need to provide a Mexican phone number, proof of income, a Clave Única de Registro de Población (CURP) or other supporting documents.¹¹

Whether you’ll be able to keep your UK bank account after moving depends on your bank. For example, Barclays closes your account once you move abroad.¹²

Renting and buying property in Mexico

You can rent and buy property as a UK citizen if you follow Mexican property ownership laws. While foreigners are allowed to own property, it cannot be located in border zones or restricted coastal areas. However, you may still be able to acquire land in these zones through a property trust known as a fideicomiso.¹³

If you choose a fideicomiso, you can buy a beach house or property near the US border. This trust allows you to renovate, rent or sell your property and do everything an owner would, except put your name on it.¹³

Alternatively, you might prefer to rent or simply need a place to stay before buying. In this case, consulting a real estate agency could be your best option, especially as the landlord usually covers the agency fees.¹⁴

Rental contracts are typically one year long in Mexico, with a one-month deposit required upon moving in. Landlords generally ask for proof of identity, proof of residency, financial solvency and, in some cases, a guarantor.¹⁴

Healthcare in Mexico

Mexico has universal health coverage. Both public and private hospitals offer good care, and staff are highly trained. The private sector is constantly growing, driven in part by medical tourism.¹⁵

Although the public sector is good, most expats opt for private healthcare. There are many advantages to this, from access to specialised procedures to shorter waiting times.¹⁵

Health insurance

Public healthcare in Mexico operates through the Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social (IMSS) and the Seguro Popular. You can get public health insurance by signing up for IMSS and paying an annual contribution fee. However, everyone who’s employed is automatically enrolled in the IMSS system and their contributions are deducted from their salary.¹⁵

Seguro Popular is reserved for those who can’t afford IMSS. Seguro Popular fees are charged on a sliding scale and they depend on your income.¹⁵

English-speaking doctors and medical staff

Many doctors and medical staff in Mexico speak English, but public healthcare administration is mainly in Spanish. This is one reason to consider private healthcare.¹⁵

Medication and prescription requirements and restrictions

Most medications are available in Mexico, but not all pharmacies have English-speaking staff. That’s why it’s best to visit pharmacies attached to large hospitals until you’ve learned enough Spanish.¹⁵

Before leaving the UK, visit your doctor to ensure you’re up to date with all vaccinations. While there are no specific vaccine requirements for Mexico, it’s advisable to be protected against hepatitis A and B, as well as typhoid, among others.¹⁵

Finding a job and working in Mexico

You can work in Mexico as a British citizen if you manage to get a work contract and a work permit. Your employer will apply for a work permit on your behalf. These are the necessary documents:

• Work permit request form
• Original job offer or contract detailing your job (position, salary, duration of work and the company’s address)
• A copy of your passport
• Your original diplomas and other certifications
• Your CV
• Company-related documents (employee list, proof of tax payment etc.)
• Documents regarding your financial status (bank statements, payslips)¹

The average salary in Mexico is 350,000 MXN per year, which is higher than many Central American countries. When it comes to specific fields, engineers earn 420,000 MXN, tech workers make 480,000 MXN, while salespeople earn 300,000 MXN on average.¹⁶

Studying in Mexico

Mexico has both public and private universities. Annual tuition at public universities averages around 14,000 MXN, though this depends on the field of study. Private universities are significantly more expensive, with fees ranging from 14,000 to 240,000 MXN per year. Some institutions, such as the Instituto de Estudios Superiores DCM, offer monthly payment options.¹⁷

The most expensive degrees include medicine, mechanical engineering and electronic engineering. Studying medicine at a private university can cost nearly 900,000 MXN in total. Be sure to research tuition fees carefully before applying.¹⁷

Save on your relocation costs to Mexico with Wise

Before moving to Mexico, you’re likely to have lots of costs to cover. Some of these, such as real estate costs, visa application fees and rental deposits, will need to cross borders and can get expensive because of the transfer fees and exchange rate markups.

Open a Wise account and you can send money between the UK and Mexico for low, transparent fees* and the mid-market exchange rate. It's not a bank account but offers some similar features and your money is always safeguarded.

You can also get the Wise card for a one-time fee of £7 to spend in MXN from the moment you step off the plane. It works in 150+ countries and automatically converts your pounds to the local currency whenever you spend, only adding a tiny, upfront currency conversion fee*.

Here’s an overview of the main benefits of using Wise:

Fast and easy setup with no physical paperwork Low, upfront, transparent fees* and the mid-market exchange rates Dedicated support for large transfers Sophisticated security and anti-fraud measures, with your money safeguarded under regulatory protections Trackable and fast transfers to 140+ countries Low-cost spending in 150+ countries with the Wise card Earn a return on your GBP, USD and EUR balance with Wise Interest**

Sign up with Wise today 🚀

**Capital at risk. In the UK, Interest and Stocks are provided by Wise Assets — this is the trading name of Wise Assets UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Wise. Wise Assets UK Ltd is authorised as an investment firm and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our FCA number is 839689. We do not give investment advice, and you may be subject to pay tax. If you're not sure, seek qualified advice. You can find more information about the funds on our website.

Wise Interest isn’t currently available to use with a Mexico address.

Conclusion

• There are three main temporary residence visa categories for Mexico: Work visa, Student visa and Family visa
• If you want to retire in Mexico, you can apply for the Permanent Resident Visa by economic solvency
• Expats can’t own property in US border zones or in coastal areas, but they can acquire it through a property trust called fideicomiso
• Mexico has a well-developed healthcare system, including a thriving medical tourism sector
• The cost of living in Mexico is much lower than in the UK

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Sources used:

1. Pacific Prime - Mexico temporary residency requirements
2. Pet Relocation - relocating your pets to Mexico
3. Mexperience - Mexican visas
4. Mexperience - renewing your Mexican Residence card
5. Mexican Embassy - Permanent Resident visa by economic solvency
6. Gov.uk - State Pension if you retire abroad
7. Worldometers - Mexico population
8. DataMéxico - number of British nationals in Mexico
9. Mexico News Daily - best cities for expats in Mexico
10. Numbeo - cost of living comparison between the UK and Mexico
11. Western Union - opening a bank account in Mexico
12. Barclays - living outside the UK
13. Mexperience - buying a property in Mexico
14. Internations - renting in Mexico
15. Allianz - Mexico healthcare
16. Horizons - average salary in Mexico
17. Universidades de Mexico - study in Mexico

Sources last checked on date: 24-Feb-2025