Country Guide for Mexico
Country Facts for Mexico
Mexico sits at the southern end of North America, bordered by the United States to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, the Gulf of Mexico to the east, and Guatemala and Belize to the southeast. It is a country of striking contrasts, from the high desert plateaus around Mexico City to the tropical coastlines of the Yucatán Peninsula and the Pacific Riviera. Spanish is the official language, though more than 60 indigenous languages, including Nahuatl, Maya, and Zapotec, are still spoken across different regions, particularly in the south.
For expats, this regional diversity matters practically. Life in Mexico City is a world apart from life in a coastal town like Playa del Carmen or a colonial city like Guanajuato, both in terms of climate and in terms of cost, pace, and community. Most new arrivals benefit from spending time researching specific cities and neighborhoods rather than treating “Mexico” as a single, uniform destination.
More information
Population and Demographics
Mexico is home to more than 126 million people, making it the tenth most populous country in the world. The population is heavily urbanized, with Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey standing as the three largest metropolitan areas. Mexico City alone is home to over 9 million people within the city proper and over 21 million across its wider metropolitan area, making it one of the largest urban centers on the planet.
Capital City
Mexico City is the political, cultural, and economic heart of the country. It combines a historic center built on the ruins of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan with a modern, sprawling metropolis of world class museums, a well developed metro system, and a large, established expat community, particularly in neighborhoods like Roma Norte, Condesa, and Polanco.
Geography
Mexico covers approximately 1,964,375 square kilometers (758,449 square miles), making it the 13th largest country in the world by land area. Its geography ranges from arid northern deserts to volcanic highlands, tropical rainforest in the south, and over 9,000 kilometers of coastline along two oceans.
How to Get to Mexico
Air travel is by far the most common way for expats to arrive. Mexico City International Airport (MEX), Cancún International Airport (CUN), and Guadalajara’s Miguel Hidalgo International Airport (GDL) collectively handle flights from most major cities in North America, Europe, and increasingly Asia. For those relocating from the United States, driving across one of the northern land borders, such as at Tijuana, Nogales, or Laredo, is also a practical and commonly used option, particularly for expats bringing a vehicle or belongings by road.
More information
Mexico’s extensive coastline also makes it a significant maritime gateway. Cruise and private yacht traffic is heavy at ports such as Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas, all of which have modern terminal facilities. While most expats will not arrive by sea, it is worth knowing that these ports also serve as useful reference points for regional travel once you are settled, since domestic ferry and coastal transport links run from several of them.
Financial Services in Mexico
Setting up your finances early is one of the most practical steps in an expat move to Mexico. Most newcomers will need a local bank account to manage day to day spending, receive income, and pay bills, alongside an understanding of how the Mexican tax system applies to foreign residents.From setting up a bank account with major Mexican banks like BBVA Bancomer and Citibanamex to understanding tax obligations, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the various financial services available.
More information
Opening a Bank Account
Foreign residents can open accounts at most major Mexican banks, though requirements vary. Temporary or permanent residency documentation is typically needed, along with proof of address and a Mexican tax identification number (RFC) for some account types. Online-first banking options have also grown significantly in recent years and are worth considering for expats who want a faster setup process.
Understanding the Mexican Tax System
Mexico operates a progressive income tax system, alongside a value-added tax (VAT) applied to most goods and services. Tax residency in Mexico is generally triggered after 183 days of physical presence in a calendar year, though other factors, such as where your main economic interests are based, can also apply. Expats should establish early whether they are considered tax resident, and whether any tax treaty between Mexico and their home country affects their obligations, since this varies significantly by nationality and income type
Housing in Mexico
Mexico’s housing market spans everything from modern high-rise apartments in Mexico City to beachfront homes in the Riviera Maya and restored colonial properties in towns like San Miguel de Allende and Oaxaca. Rental markets in major cities and popular expat hubs have grown more competitive in recent years, so early research and realistic budgeting matter more than they once did.
More information
Foreign nationals can buy property in most of Mexico directly, but constitutional restrictions apply within 50 kilometers of the coast and 100 kilometers of international borders. In these “restricted zones,” which cover most of the country’s most popular expat destinations, foreign buyers typically purchase through a fideicomiso, a bank-administered trust that holds the property on the buyer’s behalf. This is a well established and secure legal mechanism, but it does involve additional setup steps and ongoing bank trustee fees, so it is worth factoring into your planning from the outset.
Researching Locations
Urban centers like Mexico City and Monterrey offer the widest range of rental and purchase options, from compact apartments to larger family homes. Coastal and tourist-heavy areas such as the Riviera Maya and Puerto Vallarta tend to command a premium, particularly for beachfront or newly built properties. Working with a licensed, locally reputable real estate agent and having any purchase contract reviewed by an independent Mexican lawyer are both strongly advisable steps before committing to a property.
Education in Mexico
Expat families relocating to Mexico generally choose between the public school system, private Mexican schools, and international schools offering foreign curricula. Each comes with a different balance of cost, language of instruction, and cultural immersion, and the right fit often depends on how long the family expects to stay and how important continuity with a home-country curriculum is.
More information
Public Schools
Public education in Mexico is free and government funded, and is a realistic option for expat families planning a longer-term stay, particularly where children are younger and better placed to adapt quickly to Spanish-language instruction. Families should budget for supplementary costs such as uniforms, supplies, and optional extracurricular activities, though these are generally modest compared with private schooling.
International Schools
International schools are widely available in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and most major expat hubs, offering curricula including the International Baccalaureate (IB), British, and American systems. These schools are popular with expat families who expect to relocate again in the future or who want continuity with a home-country education system. Availability and admission timelines vary by school and city, so it is worth beginning the enrollment process well ahead of an intended move date.
Visas in Mexico
Whether you are moving to Mexico for work, study, retirement, or to join family already living there, understanding the visa process early will make the rest of your move considerably smoother. Mexico’s visa categories are well defined, but the right choice depends heavily on your specific circumstances and intended length of stay.
More information
Visa Application Process
Most visa applications begin at a Mexican consulate in your home country before you travel, rather than on arrival. Requirements and processing times vary by consulate and visa type, so it’s advisable to start the process several months ahead of your planned move.
Types of Visas in Mexico
The two most common routes for expats are the Temporary Resident Visa, typically issued for one to four years and suited to those planning a medium-term stay, and the Permanent Resident Visa, aimed at those settling in Mexico long term or who meet certain income or pension thresholds. Requirements differ depending on the basis for your application, such as employment, retirement income, family ties, or investment, so it is worth confirming the correct category with a consulate or immigration specialist before applying.
Staying current on regulatory changes, and seeking professional guidance where your situation is not straightforward, will help keep the process on track.
International Health Insurance in Mexico
Arranging healthcare cover before you arrive is one of the most important steps in preparing for a move to Mexico. Public healthcare access for foreign residents can be limited or slow to arrange, and US Medicare does not provide cover outside the United States, which makes international health insurance an important consideration for American expats in particular. Visit our Mexico international health insurance page to explore your options.