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  • Home
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  •  /  Country Overviews
  •  /  Mexico
  • Country Overviews

Mexico

At a Glance

Capital Mexico City
Language Spanish
Population 128,933,000
GDP Total $1.2 trillion
GDP Per Capita $9,694.90
Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

 

When traveling to Mexico, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if work authorization will be required. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.

 

Traveling for Business

 

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to Mexico, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

  • » Attend business meetings
  • » Buy goods for sale outside the country
  • » Tour a company facility
  • » Attend a training session

 

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Mexico?

Nationals of the European Union, the United States, and many other select countries are eligible for a visa waiver and are not required to obtain a visa to enter and conduct business activities in Mexico for a limited duration. Additionally, foreign nationals who have permanent residence or a valid visa to enter Canada, Japan, the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, or the United States, and permanent residents of the Pacific Alliance member countries (Chile, Colombia, and Peru) are permitted to enter Mexico to conduct business activities without a visa.

Foreign nationals who are not eligible to enter Mexico on visa-waivered status must obtain a Visitor Visa for Non-Remunerated Activities from a Mexican Embassy or Consulate prior to travel. Please obtain an individual assessment before traveling to determine your eligibility for a visa waiver or a Visitor Visa.

Mexico is a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and foreign nationals in possession of a valid APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) endorsed with “Valid for travel to MEX” are eligible to enter Mexico on visa-waivered status.

Nationals of Russia and Ukraine are eligible to apply for an E-Visa through the Electronic Authorization System, which is limited to air travel. Please consult with your immigration provider for more information.

 

Working in Mexico

 

What types of activities require work authorization?

Business visitors may be eligible to engage in professional activities in Mexico without obtaining work or residence authorization, as long as the activities are not remunerated in Mexico. Foreign nationals are advised to consult with their immigration counsel prior to travel to verify that their activities are permitted without obtaining work authorization.

 

If I am traveling to Mexico for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

The requirements for work authorization depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work, and on whether your employer has an entity in Mexico. The most common types of work authorization for Mexico are:

  • » Visitor Visa for Remunerated Activities and Work Permit (short-term work authorization for local hires)
  • » Temporary Residence Visa for Non-Remunerated Activities (long-term work authorization for those on foreign payroll)
  • » Temporary Residence Visa for Remunerated Activities and Work Permit (long-term work authorization for those on local payroll)

 

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

There are no long-term exemptions to work authorization requirements in Mexico.

 

What else should I know?

 

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

 

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.


News and Events

3 Aug 23

Brazil, Mexico to resume e-visa program

Brazil Mexico

23 Feb 23

Job offers to be verified abroad

Mexico

26 Jan 23

Reminder: Companies must update their corporate registration certificate

Mexico

13 Jan 23

Government processing fees adjusted

Mexico

22 Sep 22

Expedited entry program expanded

Mexico

5 Aug 22

Visa application process to be modified for Brazilian...

Mexico

5 Aug 22

Pilot program launched to expedite entry

Mexico

5 Aug 22

Pilot program launched expedite entry

Mexico

4 Apr 22

Preregistration required for Colombian nationals

Mexico

23 Mar 22

Online appointment system temporarily suspended

Mexico

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At a Glance

Capital Mexico City
Language Spanish
Population 128,933,000
GDP Total $1.2 trillion
GDP Per Capita $9,694.90

Related News

  • Brazil, Mexico to resume e-visa program

    BRAZIL, MEXICO   3 Aug 23

  • Job offers to be verified abroad

    MEXICO   23 Feb 23

  • Reminder: Companies must update their corporate registration certificate

    MEXICO   26 Jan 23

  • Government processing fees adjusted

    MEXICO   13 Jan 23

  • Expedited entry program expanded

    MEXICO   22 Sep 22

  • Visa application process to be modified for Brazilian...

    MEXICO   5 Aug 22

  • Pilot program launched to expedite entry

    MEXICO   5 Aug 22

  • Pilot program launched expedite entry

    MEXICO   5 Aug 22

  • Preregistration required for Colombian nationals

    MEXICO   4 Apr 22

  • Online appointment system temporarily suspended

    MEXICO   23 Mar 22

  • Reminder: companies must update their corporate registration certificate

    MEXICO   8 Feb 22

  • Visa-free travel for Venezuelans to end

    MEXICO   12 Jan 22

  • Government processing fees adjusted

    MEXICO   12 Jan 22

  • Immigration offices closure for holidays set

    MEXICO   14 Dec 21

  • Visa-free entry for Brazilian nationals revoked

    MEXICO   7 Dec 21

  • Transition to electronic passports started

    MEXICO   11 Oct 21

  • COVID-19: Immigration offices in Mexico City, State of...

    MEXICO   16 Feb 21

  • COVID-19: Immigration offices in Mexico City, State of...

    MEXICO   4 Feb 21

  • Immigration law reformed to include presumption of innocence...

    MEXICO   29 Jan 21

  • COVID-19: Closure of INM offices in Mexico City,...

    MEXICO   26 Jan 21

  • COVID-19: INM offices in Mexico City, State of...

    MEXICO   15 Jan 21

  • COVID-19: Health form requirement added for entry and...

    MEXICO   17 Dec 20

  • Immigration offices closure for holidays announced

    MEXICO   8 Dec 20

  • Closure of INM offices expected to cause processing...

    MEXICO   2 Nov 20

  • COVID-19: Mexico extends border closure with United States

    MEXICO   17 Aug 20

  • COVID-19: Suspension of resident immigration requirements extended 

    MEXICO   29 May 20

  • COVID-19: Resident immigration requirements temporarily suspended

    MEXICO   8 Apr 20

  • COVID-19: Additional immigration services reductions

    MEXICO   26 Mar 20

  • Companies must meet annual deadline to update their...

    MEXICO   29 Jan 20

  • INM begins reorganization, aims to streamline applications in...

    MEXICO   19 Dec 19

  • Immigration offices to close for the holidays

    MEXICO   12 Dec 19

  • Reminder for employees with pending applications who are...

    MEXICO   11 Nov 19

  • Work on INM regional office adds to delays...

    MEXICO   30 Oct 19

  • Planned change in Mexico City filing procedures postponed

    MEXICO   3 Oct 19

  • Change in Mexico City filing procedures could cause...

    MEXICO   12 Sep 19

  • Staffing reductions, increased immigration checks expected in weeks...

    MEXICO   5 Jul 19

  • Authorities step up on-site inspections

    MEXICO   19 Jun 19

  • Update: Processing delays

    MEXICO   24 May 19

  • Renewals, exchanges delayed by almost two weeks in...

    MEXICO   17 May 19

  • New requirements announced for application submissions

    MEXICO   2 May 19

  • Continued delays impacting residence permits, corporate filings other...

    MEXICO   2 Apr 19

  • Reminder: companies must update corporate registration certificates promptly...

    MEXICO   28 Feb 19

  • Companies should plan around delays, file corporate registration...

    MEXICO   6 Feb 19

  • Government releases updated holiday schedule

    MEXICO   20 Dec 18

  • Applicants for police clearance certificates must appear in...

    MEXICO   7 Dec 18

  • Immigration offices to close for the holidays

    MEXICO   7 Dec 18

  • UAE secures 2 more visa-free travel arrangements

    MEXICO, ,   13 Nov 18

  • U.S., Mexico reach tentative agreement on trade

    MEXICO, UNITED STATES   27 Aug 18

  • Mexico elects left-wing president in rejection of status...

    MEXICO   2 Jul 18

  • Applicants in Mexico City facing stricter requirements

    MEXICO   27 Jun 18

  • Officials ramp up site inspections

    MEXICO   19 Jun 18

  • Changes to immigration procedures causing delays

    MEXICO   10 Apr 18

  • Immigration department changes prompting significant delays

    MEXICO   21 Mar 18

  • Immigration offices to close for holidays

    MEXICO   14 Dec 17

  • Reminder: Foreign nationals must provide notice of change...

    MEXICO   27 Nov 17

  • Interior Ministry offices to remain closed this week

    MEXICO   25 Sep 17

  • Offices remain closed, airport reopens after earthquake

    MEXICO   20 Sep 17

  • Travel, services disrupted as powerful quake hits Mexico

    MEXICO   19 Sep 17

  • Immigration services expected to continue as normal after...

    MEXICO   8 Sep 17

  • NAFTA talks set to move forward after Trump...

    CANADA, MEXICO, UNITED STATES   24 Aug 17

  • Canada set to waive visas for Mexican visitors

    CANADA, MEXICO   28 Jun 16

  • New regulations ease entry requirements for some visa-required...

    MEXICO   17 May 16

  • Employers reminded to be prepared for compliance visits

    MEXICO   12 Feb 16

  • Mexican immigration offices to close for 3 weeks

    MEXICO   2 Dec 15

  • Mexico moves to streamline border crossings

    MEXICO, UNITED STATES   11 Sep 15

  • New visa rules benefit business visitors, temporary residents

    MEXICO   27 Oct 14

  • Working Holiday program announced by four countries

    CHILE, COLOMBIA, MEXICO, PERU   15 Jul 14

  • Online form eases parental permission requirement

    MEXICO   29 Jan 14

  • Government Placing Surprise Phone Calls to Employers to...

    MEXICO   24 Oct 13

  • Changes Aim to Increase Efficiency for Processing of...

    MEXICO   24 Jul 13

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