Eligibility Quiz
Do you have a qualifying family relationship with a Mexican citizen or a legal foreign resident of Mexico?
Requirements
Eligibility is strictly determined by your relationship to a person currently holding Mexican citizenship or residency.
Relationship to a Mexican Citizen
You qualify if you are the:
- Spouse or Common-law Partner: For common-law (concubinato), you must typically prove you have lived together for at least two years or have a child together.
- Child: You must be unmarried and under the age of 18.
- Parent: You are the mother or father of a Mexican citizen.
- Sibling: You must be under 18 years of age, and the Mexican citizen must have legal representation over you.
Relationship to a Foreign Resident (Temporary or Permanent)
You qualify if you are the:
- Spouse or Common-law Partner.
- Child: You must be unmarried and under 18 (this applies to children of the resident or children of the resident's spouse/partner).
- Parent: You are the mother or father of the foreign resident.
Key Thresholds and Restrictions
- Financial Solvency: In most cases, the strict income requirements required for other visas are waived. However, some consulates may still ask the sponsor to demonstrate they can financially support the dependent.
- Nationality of Sponsor: Benefits apply whether the Mexican sponsor is a citizen by birth or by naturalization.
- Age Limits: The "under 18" rule for children and siblings is strictly enforced. Once a child turns 18, they generally cannot apply under this specific "Family Unity" dependency category unless they have a disability that prevents them from self-support.
Conditions & Warnings
You must enter Mexico within 180 days of visa issuance and start the INM 'Canje' process within 30 days of arrival or the visa becomes void.
The residency card does not automatically grant work rights; a separate 'Permiso para trabajar' application is required to work for Mexican entities.
Documents must be recently issued (often within 6 months), apostilled, and translated by a Mexican certified translator.
Qualifications
No language requirement for temporary residency via family unity.
Fees
Includes approx. $54 USD consular fee (~$930 MXN) plus the discounted $5,570 MXN residency card fee. Excludes translation/apostille costs.