Mexico switches residency solvency to UMA requiring 680 days for nomads

Mexico’s solvency test now follows UMA

Mexico now bases residency economic-solvency checks on UMA instead of the fast-rising minimum wage. The shift applies to foreigners seeking temporary or permanent residency, not short-term tourists and the updated UMA value took effect Feb. 1, 2026.

For 2026, INEGI set UMA at 117.31 pesos a day, 3,566.22 pesos a month and 42,794.64 pesos a year. Under the current formulas, temporary residency typically requires 680 days of UMA for monthly income or 11,460 days for savings, while permanent residency uses 1,140 days of income or 45,850 days of savings.

Who feels the change most

Digital nomads, retirees and expats applying through consulates are the main group affected. The higher peso thresholds can make it harder to qualify if income or bank balances were already close to the old minimum.

Tourists are largely outside this system. People entering Mexico on visa-free stays don't need to meet the residency solvency test, though that doesn’t give them residence rights. Some consulates also convert the UMA formula into local currency, so the exact amount can vary by post and exchange rate.

What applicants should check now

Applicants should confirm the current threshold with the Mexican consulate where they plan to apply, since posts can publish their own currency estimates and document lists. Most require proof of income or savings for the last 6 to 12 months, plus a passport, photos and an application form.

If you’re planning a longer stay, review the current consular checklist before booking an appointment. Read our full Mexico guide for the complete picture. For more visa updates, keep an eye on the latest consular changes.