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Do you understand you need to show 5784 Canadian dollars a month in retirement income to get a temp residency in Mexico.  Or 96,400 Canadian dollars a in retirement investment account.  That is the most important thing.  You dont have that no reason to waste time doing the paper work.  It has went up alot over the last 4 years since we moved... Temp cost what Perm was 4 years ago....

Good luck David! The Mexican consulate in Houston is similarly run. They do not answer phone calls or emails. Anyone with a question must go in person, and wait to be called.

Even if an applicant shows up with all the required documents they are frequently ordered to return with additional, unlisted items. It's not a one-stop effort.

Almost everyone is issued temporary residency, which is extended annually.

It's a hassle to gain residency, but it is worth it! Once you get here you'll forget all the inconveniences, repeated trips to the consulate, and contradictory advice you received. Mexico is better than heaven!

Thanks for the reply. Lots of frustration to get past first though.

OK, American here. The Consulates do not take phone calls for this purpose. Everything I did was online, including making the mandatory in-person appointment, but you still have to bring your documents to your interview. They will do the background check before your appointment. My process was straightforward, easy, and only one visit and I received permanent residency. I did not talk with anyone on the phone, just followed the procedures they required online . Simply do as they ask and provide the required documents and show proof of income, and you'll be fine. Yes, there's red tape and hoops to jump through when moving to any new country. But don't stress, as long as you are qualified, and produce the necessary documents, you won't have any trouble. Also, you listed payment of visa fees? But you're applying for residency? And no reason to get temporary residency if you qualify for permanent. That causes more red tape, as in yearly renewal, new application, another appointment /interview, more fees, etc. Good luck!

Thanks for the reply. I have to contact them to make an appointment for the interview. I will bring all of the documents. I am not sure how long the wait for the interview will be. I am not sure how long the process is to get the permanent residency. There is a cost that is said on their website. Here is the link:

You just have to show a certain amount of savings that also qualifies. @MexicoAfterlife

@David Vankerkhoven

Hi. I didn't have to wait long for my appointment, and I was given permanent residency at that time. It was a smooth and pleasant experience. Main thing is no criminal record, and sufficient income or savings. You'll be fine. Welcome to Mexico ! Do you know where you plan to settle?

@David Vankerkhoven

I looked up the website, thanks. It is truly insane the amount of income or savings they are now requiring, and so unnecessary. It was half that a few years ago. And you're right, it does say VISA on the site.

@David Vankerkhoven

There will be lots of frustration after you get here, too. Everything that could go wrong did for me, from an emergency at my house in Houston (try dealing with that from 500 miles away!) to falling and suffering a closed head injury. But I am still just delighted to be here.

I called the Ottawa consulate and asked them why the consulate in Toronto is sending me information which contradicts what is says on their own Mexican government website and they could not explain it to me. I also asked them why the Toronto office does not answer the phone or return messages, to which she said the Canadian offices do the same. Then she refused to answer anymore of my questions. This system seems impossible. Looks like Mexico permanent residency is off the table. They have set up a system where it is not possible. I give up.

Really, it is not difficult . Different consulates have different rules, which is why you get contradictions. Moving to any country is a hassle and there is red tape, but there are over a million ex pats legally in Mexico , and many others who simply stayed, never left, on a tourist visa. But hey , if it's not for you, that's OK.

@David Vankerkhoven

Please don't give up! Unanswered phone calls and contradictory advice is all part of the bureaucracy of an international move, especially to Mexico.

I had all those experiences and more, but try to put yourself in the place of a non-English or French speaking foreigner trying to relocate to Canada without knowledge of the customs or expectations. It's equally frustrating.

Have you spoken with a facilitator? They can make all your efforts much easier with their direct insight and information.

Do whatever it takes, but don't give up

I spoke to the consulate in Toronto. They gave me higher financial requirements than I was previously told. They also said that I need to be 55 years or older to get permanent residency in Mexico. I am on 48 years old. Does this mean I am out of luck on this? I have not spoken to a facilitator. If that would help, can you connect me with one?

This is the email that the Toronto consulate sent to me:

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For Temporary Residency:

You need to send the following scanned (no photos are accepted) documents, PDF only:

1. Visa application form (Properly completed)

2. Copy of your passport

3. Copy of the migratory document proving your legal status in Canada (it must have a year validity) only for applicants who are not Canadian citizens.

4. Letter from your bank/investment company signed and stamped stating the following "we confirm that your monthly income/deposits for the past 6 months is over $6,915 CAD after tax" or "we confirm that you have had a constant monthly balance of $115,238 with fully liquidity for the past 12 months".

Funds must be available to withdraw, full liquidity. Letter is a must, do not send bank statements. If letter doesn't meet the requirements do not submit your application as it will be disregarded.

(Amounts are per person and after tax). *One Canadian account*

Please send the PDFs 2 months prior your departure date.

It takes around 1-2 weeks to revise applications and email you back with an appointment date. Appointments usually happen within this time, please be ready and available during this period if you cancel the appointment you will have to re-submit, update financial info and wait for another appointment.  We receive several emails daily, please DO NOT send several emails and wait for our response back.

For Permanent Residency (for retirees 55+ moving definitely to Mexico):

You need to send the following scanned (no photos are accepted) documents, PDF only:

1.           Visa application form (Properly completed)

2.           Copy of your passport

3.           Copy of the migratory document proving your legal status in Canada (it must have a year validity) only for applicants who are not Canadian citizens.

4.           Letter from your bank/investment company signed and stamped stating the following "we confirm that your monthly income/pension for the past 6 months is over $11,525 CAD after tax" or "we confirm that you have had a constant monthly balance of $460,955 CAD with full liquidity for the past 12 months".

Funds must be available to withdraw, full liquidity. Letter is a must, do not send bank statements. If letter doesn't meet the requirements do not submit your application as it will be disregarded.  (Amounts are per person and after tax). *One Canadian account*

Please send the PDFs 2 months prior your departure date.

It takes around 1-2 weeks to revise applications and email you back with an appointment date. Appointments usually happen within this time, please be ready and available during this period if you cancel the appointment you will have to re-submit, update financial info and wait for another appointment.  We receive several emails daily, please DO NOT send several emails and wait for our response back.

I did not use a facilitator, l just bulldog'd through it. It too many trips to the consulate with a Spanish-English interpreter. When l was given advise I knew to be wrong l kept insisting to speak with someone else. I do know of facilitators who write on other blogs, but I think it's forbidden to recommend them here. Email me at jazzpaz@gmail.com, and I will tell you.

Be aware that a permanent resident is strictly prohibited from driving a foreign-plated (any license plate not Mexican) car in Mexico. I had asked for and expected a temporary residency to avoid that restriction, but I was issued permenant and had to hire a tourist friend to move us. No one asked us if she or I were permanent residents or not, but I hope to gain citizenship so I am being extra careful to follow every rule.

I know how exasperating the whole immigration process is, everyone who has experienced it can sympathize.

I'm 74 y.o. and my wife is 74, but she was given temporary status. IDK why they give preference to retirees; maybe they don't want competition in the workforce?

I hope you won't be deterred in your efforts. I suffered quite a lot, financially, mentally, lost weeks trying, and then, as soon as I arrived I got sick, then had a dental emergency, then fell in the street knocking myself unconscious and woke up in the hospital. (Another thing to know, if you don't have insurance you can't leave the hospital until your bill is paid in full.) I wish those things hadn't happened, but I am still happy to be here.

If I can help you further l will. Just email me.

And do not give up!

I looked up on the US site, and you must be retired to get permanent residency immediately. However, if you qualify, you can get temporary, and apply for permanent after 4 years. You are not allowed to work.

This is from the US regarding Mexican residency: "Permanent residency

Mexican Consulates are requiring applicants ‘to be retired’ to grant applications for Permanent Residency right away—even when applicants meet the economic solvency requirements."

Thanks for the information. I am going to apply for temporary with the hope of getting permanent down the road. I am getting my documentation in order.

Good luck. I know it's a hassle, but it will be worth it in the long run.

I got all of my documents together. I am trying to get an appointment and that is another issue. Any advice?

In the US, one must make the appointment online . Do you have this option ?

I do not think so. They told me to call this number and book an appointment that way. @famouskate100