Can I apply for this visa while already inside Mexico?

No. You must apply at a Mexican consulate outside of Mexico. You can only finalize the residency card (the plastic card) once inside Mexico.

Do I need to speak Spanish to get the visa?

Not for the initial consular appointment, but it is highly recommended to have a basic grasp of Spanish when dealing with the INM office once you arrive in Mexico.

Does my spouse get residency automatically?

If you are married to a resident or citizen, you can apply for 'residency by family unity,' which has different financial requirements.

How to Qualify for a Mexican Temporary Resident Visa

To qualify, you must prove financial solvency through consistent monthly income or significant bank savings. You must apply in person at a Mexican consulate outside of Mexico and complete the residency process within 30 days of arriving in the country.

Calculate your financial eligibility. You must meet one of two criteria: proof of monthly income (approx. $3,600 USD per month for the last 6 months) OR proof of average monthly bank balances (approx. $60,000 USD for the last 12 months). Check your specific consulate's website, as these numbers fluctuate based on the Mexican minimum wage and exchange rates.
Schedule your consular appointment. Use the MiConsulado system to book an appointment at a Mexican consulate in your home country. Appointments fill up weeks or months in advance, so do this as soon as your paperwork is ready.
Prepare your document packet. Bring your original passport, a photocopy of the main page, a completed visa application form, one passport-sized photo (no glasses), and the original bank statements or employment letters proving your solvency. Ensure all documents are printed and organized.
Attend the interview. You will pay a fee (approx. $50 USD) and answer basic questions about why you are moving to Mexico. If approved, they will place a temporary resident visa sticker in your passport.
Register with INM upon arrival. Once you enter Mexico, you have 30 calendar days to visit an INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración) office to exchange your visa for your Temporary Resident Card (Residente Temporal). Bring your passport and the Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) you received at the border.

Can I apply for this visa while already inside Mexico?: No. You must apply at a Mexican consulate outside of Mexico. You can only finalize the residency card (the plastic card) once inside Mexico.
Do I need to speak Spanish to get the visa?: Not for the initial consular appointment, but it is highly recommended to have a basic grasp of Spanish when dealing with the INM office once you arrive in Mexico.
Does my spouse get residency automatically?: If you are married to a resident or citizen, you can apply for 'residency by family unity,' which has different financial requirements.