Mexico’s Residency Fees More Than Doubled in 2026
If you’re planning to apply for or renew a temporary or permanent residency permit in Mexico this year, budget for a lot more than you would have in 2025. On January 1, 2026, Mexico’s Federal Duties Law (Ley Federal de Derechos) took effect with new fees set by the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) — published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF) on November 7, 2025 — and the increases on residency permits are steep — in most cases, more than double what applicants paid the year before.
This isn’t a proposal or a rumor. It’s already in force, and it affects every foreigner applying for residency, renewing a permit, or converting a visitor status into residency inside Mexico.
New INM Fees for Temporary Residency in 2026
Temporary residency fees are tied to how many years the card is issued for. Here’s what applicants are paying in 2026 compared to 2025:
| Temporary Residency Term | 2026 Fee (MXN) | Approx. USD | Increase vs. 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | $11,140.74 | ~$637 USD | +109.09% |
| 2 years | $16,693.36 | ~$954 USD | +109.09% |
| 3 years | $21,142.58 | ~$1,208 USD | +109.08% |
| 4 years | $25,058.00 | ~$1,432 USD | — |
USD figures are approximate, based on the Banxico FIX exchange rate of ~17.47 MXN/USD as of July 10, 2026, and will shift with the market — always confirm the peso amount before paying.
In practical terms, a permit that cost roughly $5,300 MXN (~$300 USD) in 2025 now costs over $11,000 MXN (~$637 USD) for the same one-year term.
New INM Fees for Permanent Residency in 2026
Permanent residency saw a similarly sharp jump — from $6,494 MXN in 2025 to $13,578.96 MXN (~$776 USD) in 2026, an increase of more than 100%.
Because permanent residency doesn’t need to be renewed, this is a one-time cost — but it’s one more reason to make sure your visa category and documentation are correct the first time. A rejected or incomplete application means paying this fee again.
Who Qualifies for the 50% Discount
The INM introduced differentiated rates for 2026: a small number of applicants qualify for a 50% reduced fee. To be eligible, you generally need to demonstrate one of the following:
- Family unity (you have a Mexican spouse, child, or parent, or a family member who already holds residency)
- A confirmed job offer in Mexico
- An invitation to participate in nonprofit or humanitarian activities
If none of these apply to you — which is the case for most retirees, remote workers, and property owners applying independently — you’ll pay the full fee shown above.
Other Immigration Fees That Went Up
Residency permits aren’t the only trámites affected:
| Procedure | 2025 Fee | 2026 Fee | Approx. USD (2026) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor permit (no work authorization) | $860 MXN | $983 MXN | ~$56 USD | +19.97% |
| Minor’s exit authorization form | Free | $294.01 MXN | ~$17 USD | New fee |
Why the Increase Matters If You’re Applying This Year
For expats already living in Mexico, the timing matters most at renewal. If your CURP, RFC, or residency documentation is tied to a permit expiring in 2026 or 2027, plan for the new fee schedule rather than what you paid last time. For newcomers — including foreign investors and business founders — the higher upfront cost makes it more important than ever to submit a complete, correct application on the first attempt, since INM does not refund fees for rejected applications.
It’s also worth noting that these are federal INM fees only. They don’t include consulate visa fees (for applicants applying from outside Mexico), notary costs, or legal fees — all of which are separate line items in your total budget. If you’re weighing whether Mexico still makes financial sense as a place to live or retire, factor these fees in alongside your ongoing tax obligations as an expat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the new 2026 fee if I already submitted my application in 2025?
No. INM applies the fee rate in effect on the date you submit or renew your application, not the date you first started the process. If your renewal falls in 2026, you’ll pay the 2026 rate.
Can I lock in the old, lower rate before it changes again?
No — there’s no mechanism to pre-pay or reserve a prior year’s rate. Fees are set annually in the Federal Duties Law and apply to whatever calendar year your application or renewal is processed in.
Does the fee increase apply to renewals, or only new applications?
Both. Whether you’re applying for residency for the first time or renewing an existing temporary permit, you’ll pay the fee schedule in effect at the time of that transaction.
How Lorad Can Help With Your Residency Application
Given the cost of getting it wrong has effectively doubled, it makes sense to have your application reviewed before you submit it — not after INM sends back a rejection. Our team works with expats and investors across Quintana Roo on residency, visa, and immigration matters, and can tell you which permit category fits your situation, whether you qualify for the 50% discount, and what documentation INM will actually accept.
Contact Lorad Law to get your residency application reviewed before you pay the new 2026 fees.