Mexico

Immigration & residency

Temporary and permanent residency are the main routes for Americans.

• Temporary Resident (renewable, up to four years) and Permanent Resident visas.
• Student and work routes, plus a path to citizenship over time.
• Tax residency is based on center of vital interests and habitual home rather than a fixed day count.

Tax considerations

U.S. citizens keep U.S. filing obligations and may take on Mexican ones once resident.

• Mexican tax residency is based on center of vital interests and habitual home; RFC registration follows residency.
• A U.S.–Mexico tax treaty is in force, but there is no totalization agreement — a real consideration for the self-employed.
• FEIE vs. foreign tax credit modeling — and U.S. state-tax exposure — deserve attention before the move.
• U.S. reporting (FBAR, FATCA) continues, and Mexican investment vehicles can raise PFIC questions.

U.S. tax topics are informed by James M. Cassidy, CPA, our contributing U.S. tax expert. This section is general information only — not tax advice; always consult a qualified tax professional in the relevant jurisdiction.

Financial planning

Keeping U.S. accounts working while you build a life in Mexico takes coordination.

• Confirm whether your U.S. brokerage and retirement custodians keep non-resident accounts open.
• Plan income across currencies, and consider currency movement in your cash-flow planning.
• Coordinate U.S. and Mexico-side professionals so nothing falls between the two systems.

Cross-border financial planning at US Expat is led by Adrian Flambard and Bennett Linsky.

Insurance & protection

Coverage that worked at home often needs review once you are resident in Mexico.

• Health coverage valid in Mexico — private plans are common for expats, and public IMSS coverage may be available.
• Whether existing U.S. life and protection policies travel with you.
• Transitional and travel coverage for the move itself.

Insurance topics are informed by our contributing specialists, Ron Sussman and Anthony Giannone.

Banking & currency

Setting up locally and moving money sensibly are early practical steps.

• Opening a Mexican bank account and handling day-to-day payments.
• How FATCA shapes what Mexican banks ask U.S. citizens for.
• Managing transfers, currency, and cash flow across two countries.

Banking and U.S.-account topics at US Expat are covered by Adrian Flambard and Bennett Linsky.

Real estate & the fideicomiso

Buying near the coast or border involves a specific trust structure.

• Property in restricted zones is typically held through a bank trust (fideicomiso).
• The U.S. tax treatment of fideicomisos has been the subject of evolving IRS guidance.
• Review your situation with a U.S. tax professional before purchasing.

The U.S. tax treatment of Mexican property is a question for James M. Cassidy, CPA, our contributing U.S. tax expert. This section is general information only — not tax advice; always consult a qualified tax professional in the relevant jurisdiction.