Moving to Mexico
Off to the homeland of the Aztecs and Maya - UTS supports you!
UTS advises you on the preparations, clarifies your questions about VISA, immigration and import regulations and takes care of your move.
With a population of approx. 135 million (in 2024), Mexico is much larger than Germany and has a lot to offer.
With its almost 10,000 kilometres of snow-white beaches and dreamlike bays, Mexico attracts more and more tourists every year to the country, which is also often referred to as "the land where summer lives". The world-famous world of the Maya and Aztecs with their buildings from the old Spanish colonial period are a must-see for many tourists. But also the many hidden paradises with volcanoes and rainforests offer an ideal destination especially for nature lovers.
In 2022, almost 1,231 Germans emigrated to Mexico, but almost 967 also returned home. The reasons for this are economic contrasts, increasing political tensions and unrest, which have unsettled many Germans. Today, almost 90,000 German speakers live throughout Mexico.
When moving to Mexico, however, there are some special features to consider in order to ensure a smooth process. Your UTS experts are the right contact for this and will accompany you step by step.
Your contact person
All topics at a glance:
Our services
- Individual requirements
-
Individual offers
- Pre-inspection
- Delivery & unpacking on site
- Dismantling, packing & loading
- Transport by truck
- Customs clearance
- Storage & warehousing
- Transport insurance
MOVING TO MEXICO - TIMING
Transfer times to Mexico City
Export customs clearance in Bremerhaven, DE //
Hamburg, DE 1 - 2 days
23 sea days
Import customs clearance in Mexico 7 days
Note: The respective transfer times are only given as a rough guide and depend on shipping capacities, changes in the customs regulations of the country of departure and destination, the current political situation in the country of departure and destination, the infrastructure of the country of departure and destination as well as the availability of the correct documents for customs clearance.
MOVING TO MEXICO - ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Visa is compulsory
We strongly recommend that you inform yourself about the entry and residence regulations at the Mexican embassy early enough before moving to Mexico.
Nevertheless, we have already prepared a summary of the most important points for you:
Do I need a visa?
All EU citizens can stay in Mexico without a visa for up to 3 months, as long as they do not pursue a paid activity. Upon entry (at the airport), a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival must be presented. When entering the country for the first time, a stay of 180 days is granted. This can be extended for a fee of about 30€, the processing time for this is just under 10 days.
If you are planning a stay of more than 180 days, it is essential to apply for a visa at the Mexican mission in Germany responsible for your place of residence before leaving Germany, as it is not possible to obtain a visa in Mexico at a later date.
We have summarised the most important visa types for you:
Resident Temporal (up to a maximum of 4 years)
At least one of the following criteria must be met:
- Financially independent (proof of financial status: copies of bank statements confirming a monthly average balance of €19,100 during the last 12 months, or copies of salary slips from the last 6 months with a monthly income of at least €1,150).
- Family members in the country (e.g. parents, minor children, spouse)
- Evidence of investment in the country
Residente Temporal holders have the right to work in Mexico, but only if the salary is drawn from abroad. If you are directly employed in Mexico and receive your salary there, it is mandatory that your employer applies for the visa on your behalf.
For more information, see the section "Working in Mexico: Only with a permit".
Resident Permanente (more than 4 years)
At least one of the following criteria must be met:
- Family members in the country (e.g. parents, minor children, spouse).
- Pensioner (average assets of €76,500 in the last 12 months)
- Pension with a minimum monthly amount of 1,920 € in the last 6 months
Important: After you have entered, you have 30 days to register at the local foreigners authority. There you will receive a residence permit in the form of an identity card, which you will need to leave the country.
You can find more information about visas on the website of the Mexican embassy.
UTS Germany will be happy to assist you with all questions regarding visas and work permits.
MOVING WITH ANIMALS
Do you want to take your four-legged friend on a long journey?
UTS provides professional handling and organisation in the context of pet relocations worldwide. We also take care of any formal matters that may arise. With us at your side, your beloved pet will arrive safely in its new home.
When it comes to the topic of "moving with animals", there is a lot to consider. So that you can inform yourself in advance, we have created a page for you on all the important topics concerning moving with pets. Here you will find, among other things, information worth knowing about preparations for moving, import regulations and air travel.
Regulations for the entry of dogs, cats & co. to Mexico
- A health certificate (original and copy) is required, which must not be older than 15 days and has been issued by an established veterinarian or the veterinary authority.
- The health certificate must contain the following information: Name and address of the owner, details of the pet for identification purposes, proof of vaccination against rabies (vaccination date and validity period), proof of treatment against internal and external parasites within 6 months prior to travel and confirmation that your pet is free of parasites and general health certification prior to travel.
- Younger animals under 3 months of age do not require proof of rabies vaccination.
Please note: There are special regulations for reptiles, songbirds and pet birds, ferrets and turtles. Information on this can be obtained from the citizens' service of the veterinary authority. Contact information can be found on the homepage of the Mexican Embassy.
Further information about visas can be found on the website of the Mexican Embassy.
UTS Germany will be happy to assist you with all questions regarding visas and work permits.
Import regulations
Entering Mexico
As the import regulations for Mexico are quite complex and depend on the respective entry requirements, we cannot provide any general information.
We therefore recommend that you contact us directly in order to receive the best possible individual advice.
You can also find up-to-date information on import regulations on the IAM website: Country Guide Mexico
MOVING TO MEXICO - INSURANCE
Health insurance
Mexico does have a national health insurance system, which all Mexican citizens can use free of charge.
However, only the most basic services are covered by the state health insurance.
We therefore recommend taking out private health insurance or using long-term travel insurance.
If you have any further questions about health care in Mexico, please do not hesitate to contact us.
MOVE WITH CAR
Apply for a Mexican driving licence
If you already have a driving licence, you do not have to take another driving test. However, the application itself is subject to a fee.
You will need the following documents:
- Passport
- Visa
- Birth certificate
- Proof of residential address
- You will need an eye test and a blood test.
Attention: The Mexican driving licence must be renewed after 3 years at the latest.
MOVING TO MEXICO - FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Below we have summarised some of the most frequently asked questions about formalities when moving to Mexico. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact your UTS relocation manager.
No visa is required for a stay of up to 180 days. However, if you are planning a longer stay, you must apply for a visa at the Mexican Embassy in Germany before entering the country.
For more information, see the section "Entry requirements."
As the import regulations for Mexico are quite complex and depend on the respective entry requirements, we cannot give any general information.
Once you have moved, you should register within 30 days. There you will also receive your residence permit in the form of an identity card.
A 1-room flat in the city centre costs an average of 665€.
If your new employer does not support you in your search, you should hire an estate agent to find suitable accommodation. The high demand in Mexico City in particular makes finding accommodation a challenge, so we advise you to seek assistance.
The accommodation options in Mexico are very diverse - from very simple accommodation to luxurious flats, everything is available. UTS Germany will be happy to help you with the selection, contact us!
The move takes a minimum of 32 days for sea freight.
You can look for a job through various Internet job exchanges or through the recruitment agency of the German-Mexican Chamber of Commerce. You should inform yourself about various job opportunities before you move to Mexico.
Generally speaking, a good knowledge of Spanish and English is mandatory for any job. UTS Germany will be happy to help you arrange language courses. Please contact us!
The top tax rate is 35%.
No, but we recommend that you take out private health insurance or use long-term travel insurance.
During the first few months after your arrival in Mexico, you may drive a car in Mexico with your German driving licence without any problems. To avoid any supposed complications, we recommend that you obtain an international driving licence before you leave. If you are planning a longer stay in Mexico, you should visit the local authorities after arrival to have everything else clarified professionally.
In order to be able to plan your move to Mexico optimally, we recommend that you deregister in good time at the Residents' Registration Office in Germany.
MOVING TO MEXICO - THINGS TO KNOW
Culture and language
Diverse Mexico
The Mexican population is generally very diverse: almost 60% of Mexico's inhabitants are mestizos, 30% of European descent and 10% of indigenous descent.
The majority of the inhabitants (85%) in Mexico speak Spanish. In addition, there are about 62 indigenous languages, which are also officially recognised. Due to the many immigrants, however, English, French, German, Arabic and even Mandarin are increasingly spoken.
Religion in Mexico
In Mexico, almost 87% of all inhabitants are Catholic, although the number is declining slightly. In total, almost 90 million Mexicans are of the Catholic faith. The Catholic Church was brought into the country at the time of the Spanish conquests. In addition, about 40,000 Jews, 50,000 Mennonites and other members of the Protestant faith as well as followers of Islam still live in Mexico.
After moving to Mexico, you will immediately realise that religion plays an essential role in the everyday life of Mexicans. In every city you will find a cathedral or one of the beautiful churches. A paradise for every lover of extensive church visits.
During your visit to Mexico, we can only recommend attending one of the religious festivals. Even a simple Sunday mass attracts many believers and is extremely worth seeing.
MOVING TO MEXICO - ECONOMIC SITUATION
A stable economy
The Mexican economy generates its gross domestic product (GDP) mainly in the industrial and tourism sectors. As an advanced emerging economy, Mexico ranks sixteenth among the world's largest economies. As an export nation, it ranks twelfth. It has also had a free trade agreement with the European Union since 2002.
Mexico is also the largest exporter and importer in Latin America. Almost 85% of its exports and 50% of its imports go to the USA and Canada. Most exports are many agricultural products, such as wheat, soybeans, corn, rice, beans, coffee, wool, tobacco, beef, poultry, timber and other myriad fruits and vegetables.
Mexico's economy has achieved a relatively high degree of stability over the past 30 years, but at the same time has hardly grown at all, with only 3%.
Working in Mexico
Only with a permit
Since work permits are only issued to foreign nationals if the employer can prove that a comparable worker cannot be found on the Mexican labour market, finding a job or pursuing employment in Mexico can be complicated. As a rule, only skilled workers have a good chance of finding work on the labour market.
If a foreign worker is hired, the employer is responsible for applying to the Mexican Ministry of the Interior for a work and residence permit. All employers must insure their employees with a pension fund. The best opportunities for a job position can be found in social and scientific institutions and international organisations.
We have summarised the most important facts about work permits for you:
Every traveller who will be doing paid work in Mexico needs a work permit, which must be applied for by the company based in Mexico where you will be working at the local immigration office (Instituto Nacional de Migración).
Important: Once you receive your process number (NUT), you have 30 days to submit and process your visa application.
The company in Mexico where you will be working must apply to the immigration authority there (Instituto Nacional de Migración), which is under the Mexican Ministry of the Interior (Secretaría de Gobernación).
The following applications are possible:
- For a stay of up to 180 days in Mexico, a "Visitante con permiso para realizar actividades remuneradas" must be applied for.
- For a stay of 180 days or more up to 4 years in Mexico, a "Residente temporal con permiso de trabajo" must be applied for.
Once the Mexican immigration authorities have issued the entry permit and informed the relevant Mexican embassy or consulate, applicants are notified - usually by the Mexican company where they will be working. Only after receiving the entry permit can the Mexican embassy or consulate issue the necessary documents, which must be collected personally by the applicant and his/her family by appointment. Therefore, it is mandatory to inform the embassy after receiving the work permit.
MOVING TO MEXICO - TAX SYSTEM
Income tax 2024
The top tax rate is 35% for salaries of more than €254,949.37 per year.
For non-residents (e.g. temporary or fixed-term visa), the tax rate applicable to remuneration varies between 15% and 30%. No tax is payable on income up to 125,900 MXN.
Income tax for permanent residents
Tax rate % = income up to MXN
- 1.92 = 8,925,49
- 6.40 = 75,984.55
- 10.88 = 133,536.07
- 16.00 = 155,229.80
- 17.92 = 185,852.57
- 21.36 = 374,837.88
- 23.52 = 590,795.99
- 30.00 = 1,127,926.84
- 32.00 = 1,503,902.46
- 34.00 = 4,511,707.37
- 35.00 = More than 4,511,707.38
* 1 MXN = 0.056€ (as of April 2024, data subject to change)
Income tax for non-residents
Tax rate % = Income up to MXN
- - = 125.900
- 15 = 1.000.000
- 30 = More than 1,000,000
Our qualified UTS team will be happy to provide you with further information. Contact us!
MOVING TO MEXICO - COST OF LIVING
Rental prices
Considerably cheaper than Germany
On average, you pay almost 30% less for accommodation than in Germany.
* (as of 2024) Please note that these are only average values and that there can always be deviations due to seasonal factors.
Average rental prices
in Mexico City
- 1-room flat
in the city centre: approx. 990€
- 1-room flat
outside the city centre: approx. 620€
- 3-room flat
in the city centre: approx. 1,920€
- 3-room flat
outside the city centre: approx. 1,260€
Average rental prices
in Ecatepec de Morelos
- 1-room flat
in the city centre: approx. 440€
- 1-room flat
outside the city centre: approx. 160€
- 3-room flat
in the city centre: approx. 820€
- 3-room flat
outside the city centre: approx. 480€
Average rental prices
in Guadalajara
- 1-room flat
in the city centre: approx. 640€
- 1-room flat
outside the city centre: approx. 410€
- 3-room flat
in the city centre: approx. 1,200€
- 3-room flat
outside the city centre: approx. 890€
Average rental prices
in Ciudad Juarez
- 1-room flat
in the city centre: approx. 280€
- 1-room flat
outside the city centre: approx. 230€
- 3-room flat
in the city centre: approx. 660€
- 3-room flat
outside the city centre: approx. 790€
Average rental prices
in Puebla
- 1-room flat
in the city centre: approx. 670€
- 1-room flat
outside the city centre: approx. 380€
- 3-room flat
in the city centre: approx. 1,100€
- 3-room flat
outside the city centre: approx. 740€
Average rental prices
in Cancun
- 1-room flat
in the city centre: approx. 710€
- 1-room flat
outside the city centre: approx. 480€
- 3-room flat
in the city centre: approx. 1,220€
- 3-room flat
outside the city centre: approx. 940€
Food prices
Average prices
- 1l milk - approx. 1.50€
- 500g bread - approx. 2.60€
- 1kg rice - approx. 1.70€
- 12 eggs - approx. 2.50€
- 1kg cheese - approx. 8.70€
On average, food is much cheaper than in Germany and Western Europe, and rents are also somewhat cheaper, although there are of course big differences between the big cities and the countryside. Leisure activities such as a visit to the cinema can usually be had for around €5. Likewise, a visit to a simple restaurant is much cheaper than in this country at just under €9. On average, life in Mexico is almost 50% cheaper than in Germany.
By moving to Mexico, you will save money on the cost of living in the long run.
If you have any further questions, your UTS expert will be happy to help you.
