Recognition of refugee status and complementary protection
COMAR
People in Mexico can ask the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (COMAR) to recognise them as refugees, generally within 30 working days of entry. COMAR issues a proof-of-procedure document (constancia de trámite) and must decide within 45 working days, though times have grown. If refugee status is refused, COMAR must consider complementary protection; both lead to permanent residence.
Life in Mexico
Money
3
Currency
Mexican Peso
MXN
Mexican Peso
Cost of living
59
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
1.92–35%
Income tax (national)
VAT (IVA) 16%
Federal annual ISR tariff; 35% above about MXN 4.51 million (2025 bands). Some states add a payroll tax paid by employers.
Living
1
Happiness
#12 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Who it’s for
People in Mexican territory who fear persecution, or who fled generalised violence, foreign aggression, internal conflict or massive human rights violations.
Eligibility
Persecution grounds
A well-founded fear of persecution because of race, religion, nationality, gender, membership of a particular social group or political opinion (Ley sobre Refugiados art. 13 I).
Generalised violence and other serious threats
People whose life, safety or freedom was threatened by generalised violence, foreign aggression, internal conflicts, massive human rights violations or other circumstances seriously disturbing public order (art. 13 II).
Sur place claims
You may also claim if your fear of persecution comes from events after you left, or from activities in Mexico.
- The deadline runs from when you learn of those events
- Based on arts. 13 III and 18
Official wording
People who come to fear persecution because of events after they left, or activities in Mexico, can also qualify; the deadline runs from when they learn of those events (arts. 13 III, 18).
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- 6 more requirements
- 6 documents
- 1 fee
- 8 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Official sources
- Ley sobre Refugiados, Protección Complementaria y Asilo Político (last reform DOF 18-02-2022)
- COMAR - Requisitos para solicitar refugio en México (13 Aug 2021)
- COMAR - Trámite de Comar no es un permiso de libre tránsito (25 May 2023)
- Reglamento de la Ley sobre Refugiados y Protección Complementaria
- INM - Cambio a visitante por razones humanitarias
- INM - Preguntas frecuentes regularización por razones humanitarias
Other routes to Mexico
- Visit & tourismVisitor visa without permission to work (Visa de Visitante sin permiso para realizar actividades remuneradas) for tourism
- Investors & entrepreneursVisa de Residente Temporal por solvencia económica
- CitizenshipCarta de naturalización por residencia
