Mexico is a land of multiple beauty spots as you can find seas, coats, forests, deserts, and sandy shores simultaneously. It is home to wonderful beaches. You can do adventurous activities in Mexico as a digital nomad. Mexico’s digital nomad visa is primarily called a “Temporary Residence Visa.”
This visa is suitable for all digital nomads and remote workers. Through a Mexico remote visa, you can stay for six months to a year in Mexico. Moreover, there are also conditions when you can apply for a permanent residence visa if you want to spend more than a year in Mexico. The eligibility criteria are simple. Hence it would be best if you could go to Mexico once.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A digital nomad visa is a legal permit for freelancers to live in the respective states for six months to a year. While applying for a digital nomad visa, it is important to meet the requirements. You also have to show proof so that the respective country’s embassy can confirm your reasons for staying in their country.
A digital nomad visa or a remote visa is helping the community of expats explore the world with more ease. And make sure to follow the rules and regulations of that country during your stay. Don’t try to work with the companies that are in the state you’re living in, as this act is strictly prohibited. Hence digital nomad visa is an amazing opportunity if you use it fairly.
Is Mexico a good country for Digital Nomads?
A land of a vibrant culture where you can enjoy every weather is an ideal place for digital nomads. The best part about living as a remote worker in Mexico is that you’ll get an amazing lifestyle at an affordable cost.
The internet speed is also good in Mexico. And you’ll find tons of coworking spaces. A large community of expats resides in that land. Therefore you have a great chance to make valuable connections with them.
Despite all these pros, there are some drawbacks too. As during storms, rain or bad weather you’ll not get electricity. Hence this can disrupt the flow of your work. Moreover, there are some places in Mexico where you can travel safely. Therefore it’s better to consult someone if you plan to visit a remote area in Mexico.
Documents Required for Mexico Digital Nomad Visa
Following are the documents that you must have while applying for a Mexican visa as a remote worker or digital nomad:
- Your documents, including a valid passport and (for at least six months) clear photographs, are necessary.
- Your Mexico digital nomad visa application form must be filled in English or Spanish.
- You need to submit medical and travel insurance.
- You have to pass a criminal background check to see whether you’ve been into past crimes.
- Moreover, you also have to submit the proof of paid fee receipt for the Mexico remote visa application form.
- You also have to submit the bank statements as these are necessary for proof that you’re earning enough to meet your cost of living in Mexico.
Eligibility Criteria for Mexico Digital Nomad Visa
The eligibility criteria for Mexico digital nomad visa are as follows:
- You must have a property in Mexico worth $346,000.
- If you don’t have the property, you must have savings of $43,000 a year.
- Or you have to show proof that you’ve made $2,595 in the past six months.
- If you want to bring your dependents on your digital nomad visa, your monthly income should be $3,456.
Mexico Digital Nomad Visa Cost
While submitting your application for a Mexico Digital Nomad Visa, you have to pay $40 to the embassy. Moreover, after the issuance of your visa, when you travel to Mexico, then in the National Migration Institute, you have to pay a fee of around $150 to $350. This fee is for further processing of your documents in Mexico.
Mexico Digital Nomad Visa Income Tax
You don’t have to pay any tax till 183 days of your stay in Mexico. After that, you become eligible to pay around 0% to 30% tax. The tax percentage usually depends on your income.
How To Apply for Mexico Digital Nomad Visa?
Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for Mexico digital nomad visa:
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Gather Documents
First, gather all your documents like your passport, insurance, bank statements, etc. And make sure that all your documents are valid.
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Appointment with Embassy
Book an appointment with the embassy before filling out an application form. You can consult them if you face any problems while applying for a Mexico temporary resident visa.
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Application Form
Now download the application form from their website, fill it out correctly. And submit it to the embassy. Now wait for the application approval.
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Entering Mexico
After approval of your application, you’ll get your visa within two to three weeks. And now you are eligible as a digital nomad in Mexico. The next step is to visit and pay the fee to the National Migration Institute so that they can issue further necessary documents for you to stay in Mexico.
Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Mexico
There are infinite perks to spending your days in the land of Mexico. Some of them will extremely benefit you being a digital nomad, which includes:
- Mexico is an affordable state for a digital nomad or freelancer to live in. Moreover, there are amazing coworking spaces where you can work peacefully.
- Mexican food is famous all around the globe. Hence you’ll find new cuisine every day to tantalize your taste buds. The street food is also tasty and budget-friendly.
- There are stunning destinations to visit in Mexico. Moreover, the places like Mérida and Playa del Carmen are where you can unleash the real vibrant Mexican culture.
- The accommodation cost in Mexico is affordable for a remote worker. Therefore if you’re earning in dollars, you can easily afford a luxurious lifestyle in Mexico.
- The internet connection in most areas of Mexico is fast.
Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Mexico
Here is the list of best cities in Mexico for digital nomads:
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Mexico City
Mexico City will be a great choice if you’re looking for a real adventure. The natural beauty of the beaches surrounds the city. There are many cultural events and artistic celebrations in Mexico from which you can enjoy the Mexican vibe.
The best part is that you’ll get everything at an affordable price. It is suggested to rent an Airbnb, it will cost you around $500 to $800 per month. You can also visit the museums, art galleries, and parks. Moreover, you’ll find tons of activities to do in Mexico.
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Oaxaca City
Oaxaca is an amazing place for remote workers. Especially if you’re a food lover and artistic culture gives you peace, then Oaxaca is an ideal place for you. There are amazing coworking spaces at affordable costs. Moreover, there are strong WiFi connections all over the city.
There are amazing places to visit in the city, like Monte Alban, and Tlacolula Sunday Market are worth visiting. Moreover, the local streets in the city will show the real Mexican culture. And if you choose this place to stay as a digital nomad, then its total cost of living would be around $1000 to $1200.
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Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is one of Mexico’s safest cities for digital nomads. There are scenic beaches to visit and relax after a hectic day. This city also provides you with an affordable lifestyle. You can rent accommodation for around $800. Moreover, the food will cost you $200 to $300 per month.
You can travel the city on a bike as the bus system in Playa del Carmen is not necessarily expanded. Moreover, you can also go in a cab. The internet connection is also good all around the city. You’ll find a strong community of expats while working in coworking spaces.
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Puerto Escondido
This place is home to amazing waterfronts to explore. You can scuba, fish, and dive in this paradise of shores. You’ll find Italian and Asian cuisine too in Mexico. And don’t forget to enjoy the sunsetting view near the coast of Playa Carrizalillo.
You’ll find a fast WiFi connection anywhere in the city. Moreover, the bus route system is also better than Playa del Carmen. The total cost for a remote worker or a digital nomad in Puerto Escondido is $1,200 to $1,500.
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Merida
Merida is for those who want to live and enjoy nomadism in a small city. You’ll see kaleidoscopic streets around the city unleashing Mexican culture. The best part is that you can explore the city on foot, as most of the spots are close to each other. But on rainy days, you can also go by Uber.
You can easily access the airport, big shopping malls, and restaurants through Merida. The accommodation is reasonable in this city, and you’ll get it for $800 monthly. Moreover, this city has wonderful coworking spaces. And you’ll feel pleasant all around.
Best Coworking Spaces for Remote Workers in Mexico
Following are the suggestions for the best coworking spaces you can join in Mexico as a remote worker or digital nomad:
- Regus, Mexico City.
- PÚBLICO Muzquiz 15, San Miguel Chapultepec.
- Centralita Coworking – San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico.
- El 3er Espacio, La Condensa.
- Pasamanos Coworking, Mexico City.
- NEST Coworking – Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
- Conexion60, Merid.
- Sayulita Cowork, Sayulita.
Mexico Digital Nomad Visa Rejection Rate and Appeal Procedure
There are no proper figures for rejecting Mexico’s digital nomad visa. Hence the rejection rate is low. Moreover, the reason behind visa rejection is the submission of invalid or incomplete documents.
Hence make sure to double-check the documents and information that you submitted. In case your Mexico temporary residence permit gets rejected. You can follow the following procedure to appeal for it:
- First of all, submit a letter explaining the reasons why you think their rejection was a mistake.
- Moreover, attach documents as evidence with your appeal letter.
- Now submit it to the Mexican Embassy. Wait for some days; they’ll contact you if your appeal is accepted.
- Furthermore, if they reject your appeal, reapplying for a remote visa is better.
FAQS
1. What is the cost of living in Mexico?
The cost of living, including accommodation, food, and travel in Mexico, is $2009.
2. What is the internet speed in Mexico?
The internet speed in Mexico is between 24.8 Mbps to 37.23 Mbps.
3. How long is the processing time for Mexico Digital Nomad Visa?
After submitting your application, it will take around a month to issue your visa.
4. More American countries with digital nomad visas.
Following are the best places for digital nomads in North America:
- Costa Rica.
- Belize.
- New Zealand.
5. Can you take your family with you on your Mexico digital nomad visa?
Yes, you can take your family with you on your visa. But the eligibility criteria for income increases according to the number of dependents you take.
Conclusion
Mexico is undoubtedly an affordable place for digital nomads, where you can enjoy a high-quality lifestyle at a reasonable cost. Moreover, there is a strong community of ex-pats in Mexico. The visa is also easy to apply for. Just make sure to fill out the data correctly. There are valuable things to learn from Mexican culture; you’ll feel relaxed and energetic surrounded by Mexican beauty.