Mexico residency costs to surge as INM sets 11,140 peso fee for Jan. 1

Mexico doubles INM card fees under Federal Fees Law reform

Mexico's reform to the Ley Federal de Derechos roughly doubles government fees for temporary and permanent resident cards starting Jan. 1, 2026. The change was published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación on Nov. 7, 2025, as part of the 2026 federal economic package.

The National Migration Institute (INM) fee for a one-year temporary resident card climbs to 11,140.74 pesos ($595) from 5,328 pesos in 2025. A four-year card now costs 25,057.82 pesos ($1,340) and the permanent resident card jumps to 13,578.96 pesos ($725) from 6,494 pesos. The visitor fee paid at airports and land crossings rises about 14% to 983 pesos ($53).

The reform also creates a 50% discount on resident card fees for applicants entering on grounds of family unity, a qualifying job offer from a registered Mexican employer or an invitation from a Mexican public or private institution.

Who pays the new rates

The higher fees hit anyone filing with INM on or after Jan. 1, regardless of when paperwork was prepared. That includes first-time temporary and permanent residents, renewals, status changes from temporary to permanent and replacement cards.

Self-funded retirees and remote workers on standard temporary residency see the largest jump because they rarely qualify for the discount categories. A full four-year temporary residency followed by conversion to permanent now runs about 38,637 pesos ($2,065) in INM fees alone, more than double the 2025 path.

Short-term tourists pay the higher visitor fee, though it remains bundled into most airline tickets.

What applicants can do before the deadline

Applications completed at INM before Dec. 31, 2025 fall under the 2025 schedule. Anyone close to filing a renewal, conversion or first-time card pickup has reason to finish the process this year.

The figures above cover INM government fees only. Consular visa fees charged abroad, legal help, translations and income thresholds set by consulates are separate and income floors for 2026 consular qualification have also risen.

The 50% discount requires documentary proof of the qualifying ground and local INM offices are still clarifying paperwork standards.

Read our full Mexico guide for the complete picture or browse more visa updates.