How to Get a Visa and Work Permit in Mexico (2025)

Expanding into Mexico brings a world of opportunity—access to a deep, diverse talent pool and a fast-growing market. Many global companies eye Mexico for nearshoring, regional HQs, and remote work hubs, knowing the strategic value of a local presence. Yet, the path to getting your team on the ground isn’t always smooth sailing.

Mexico’s visa and work visa rules can be confusing, laden with paperwork, and packed with compliance pitfalls. Mexico’s evolving requirements, sponsor obligations, and in-person interviews can trip up even experienced HR teams. Delays, missing documents, or small missteps can result in steep fines, lost hires, or even deportation, putting your business plans on ice.

That’s where Deel Immigration steps in—handling the legwork, sponsor obligations, and compliance so you don’t miss a beat. Deel’s immigration platform preps your documents, submits your applications, and lets you track every step in real time. The result? Faster onboarding, rock-solid compliance, and a direct line into Mexico’s booming workforce—without the headaches or surprises.

How easy is it to get a work visa in Mexico?

Obtaining a work permit in Mexico is not very challenging for foreign nationals. However, applicants will need to ensure that their application documents are appropriately legalized/certified and translated into Spanish.

See also: Moving to Mexico: A Guide for Expats and Digital Nomads

Are there different types of entry visas and work permits in Mexico?

Mexico provides various Mexico work visa types including Temporary Resident Visas, Permanent Resident Visas, Visitor Visas with work permission, NAFTA/T-MEC Professional Work Permits, Seasonal Work Permits, and Investor Visas with work permits. Below are the main permits supported by Deel for foreign nationals seeking to live or work in Mexico.

• Temporary Resident Visa (For employment in Mexico): This visa suits foreign professionals who secure employment with a Mexican company. Applicants need a formal job offer, proof of academic or professional qualifications, and must meet minimum salary thresholds aligned with Mexican standards. It’s initially valid for up to 1 year and renewable annually for a total of 4 renewals before requiring a change of status. Holders can lawfully work for the sponsoring employer and travel freely within Mexico

• Temporary Resident Visa (For remote working in Mexico): Remote workers contracting with non-Mexican companies can apply under this category to reside in Mexico legally while working from home. Eligibility requires proof of remote employment or freelance contracts, financial solvency demonstrated by bank statements or income threshold (approx. USD 1,500/month), and valid health insurance. The permit is granted for up to 1 year and can be renewed annually, allowing continuous legal residence and remote work

• Temporary Resident Visa (For family reunification): This visa is tailored for immediate family members of Mexican citizens or residents wishing to join their loved ones. Applicants must submit proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificates), evidence of the host’s legal status in Mexico, and show adequate housing arrangements. It’s issued for an initial period of up to 1 year and renewable annually for up to 4 years. Permit holders may work for any Mexican employer once they obtain the work authorization endorsement

• Permanent Resident Visa (Continuous Residency category): Professionals who have held temporary residency in Mexico for at least 4 consecutive years—or meet specific investment or humanitarian criteria—can apply for permanent residency. Core eligibility includes demonstrating continued lawful stay, a clean criminal record, and stable income or economic solvency. Successful applicants receive an indefinite-duration card allowing permanent work and residency rights without further renewals

• Permanent Resident Visa (Family Reunification category): Immediate relatives of Mexican citizens or permanent residents may qualify directly for permanent residency under the family reunification path. Eligibility hinges on proof of the family bond, sponsor’s income or asset requirements, and absence of serious criminal convictions. Approved applicants obtain a permanent resident card with indefinite validity and full work privileges

See also: Digital Nomad Visas for Remote Work: The Complete 2025 List

Mexico visa and work permit eligibility requirements for candidates

The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of Mexico’s main temporary and permanent resident visa options, outlining target candidates, key eligibility criteria, validity, and processing timelines to help you identify the most suitable pathway:

Mexico visa comparison table

Use Deel’s fast, expert visa assessments with detailed cost breakdowns delivered within 48 hours to verify your eligibility before you apply.

See also: Self-Verify Global Employee Visa Eligibility in Minutes

Mexico visa and work-permit sponsorship criteria for employers

Employers must be registered as a legal entity in Mexico—either as a domestic company or a foreign branch—to sponsor a Mexican work visa or permit. They also need to provide a formal job offer showing the position, compensation package, and proof of ability to pay wages. Immigration authorities will review the employer’s incorporation documents, tax compliance, and the legitimacy of the business operation before approving any request.

An Employer of Record (EOR) steps in to act as the formal sponsor when a company lacks a local entity. The EOR takes on duties such as issuing the job offer, handling payroll withholding, remitting social security contributions, and ensuring ongoing compliance with Mexican labor and immigration laws. This arrangement lets global organizations expand quickly without the overhead of setting up a Mexican subsidiary.

Deel Immigration, a G2-leading Employer of Record in 150+ countries, provides sponsorship services across 200+ visa and permit categories in 40 countries. With wholly-owned entities on the ground, Deel can file high-volume applications swiftly, track approvals in real time via an in-app visa tracker, and secure partner discounts for relocation services including spouse and child visa support.

See also: Easy Visa Sponsorship for Exploring New International Markets

Mexico’s work-permit application process

Follow this five-step roadmap to secure your Mexican work permit.

Step one: Prepare documentation

Prepare all required documents, including a valid passport, a job offer, and proof of qualifications. The candidate uploads certified copies to the Deel platform, and the employer reviews and digitally signs the offer letter.

Tip: Deel’s document-upload feature automatically flags missing pages and expiration issues.

Step two: Submit the application

Submit the visa application at the nearest Mexican consulate in the candidate’s home country. Applicants schedule an appointment, pay the consular fee, and bring originals plus copies. Deel’s platform pre-populates application forms to reduce data-entry errors.

Tip: Deel Immigration offers dependent visa assistance to help families relocate and settle.

Step three: Await approval

Wait for the consulate’s approval and issuance of the Temporary Resident Visa with Work Permit. Depending on the location and permit type, processing can take 4–8 weeks.

Tip: Use the Deel visa tracker to see real-time status updates.

Step four: Candidate enters Mexico

The candidate enters Mexico and completes registration with the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM). They must present their stamped visa and fill out forms at a local INM office within 30 days of arrival.

Tip: The candidate can leverage Deel’s relocation partners and exclusive discounts for assistance with travel logistics.

Step five: Collect work permit card

The candidate obtains the official work permit card from INM, allowing legal employment in Mexico. INM issues a laminated credential that the applicant must carry when working

Tip: Deel’s Compliance Hub will notify you of any workforce compliance risks, such as expiring visas or changes to immigration law.

See also: Application Guide for Enterprise Employee Visas

What is the cost of a visa and work permit in Mexico?

Visa and Mexico work permit costs vary by permit class, applicant nationality, and the number of included dependents. Government fees are set on a sliding scale:

Deel offers transparent, flat-fee service pricing with no hidden charges. You’ll receive a detailed breakdown of government and service fees upfront.

Is Deel Immigration the best choice for hiring in Mexico?

Absolutely. Deel Immigration simplifies the complex Mexican visa and Mexican work visa landscape with expert guidance and streamlined processes, enabling companies to hire foreign talent compliantly and efficiently. Their end-to-end service ensures your hires get authorized quickly, minimizing delays and compliance risks.

• End-to-end immigration management covering all major Mexican visa categories
• Fast, free visa eligibility assessments delivered within 48 hours
• Personalized expert support from Mexico-based immigration specialists
• Real-time application tracking via the Deel platform for full transparency
• Automated renewal reminders and dependent visa assistance to ease ongoing compliance

With Deel Immigration, you can confidently navigate Mexico’s immigration requirements and focus on growing your team. Let’s explore how Deel accelerates hiring in Mexico.

Hire employees in Mexico faster with Deel Immigration

Hiring internationally in Mexico can be time-consuming and complex, but Deel Immigration cuts through the red tape with accelerated processing and expert support. Their end-to-end immigration management handles every step—from document collection and application filing to consulate coordination and INM registration—so you can onboard talent faster and with peace of mind.

Book a free consultation today to receive a tailored immigration strategy and complimentary visa assessment. Deel’s personalized expert support ensures your candidates meet eligibility criteria, while their self-serve document uploads and real-time application tracking keep your team informed every step of the way. Don’t let bureaucracy slow you down—partner with Deel to hire in Mexico efficiently and compliantly.