Temporary resident student visa
studies over 180 days · Official name: Visa de residente temporal estudiante
Foreign students of any nationality who will stay in Mexico more than 180 days for studies (including bachelor's, master's, doctorate and postdoctoral stays) need a temporary resident student visa from a Mexican consulate. They need an acceptance letter from an institution in Mexico's National Education System and proof of funds for living costs and tuition, or a scholarship. On arrival the visa is exchanged for a student residence card at the INM.
Life in Mexico
Finance
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
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Who it’s for
Students accepted by a Mexican educational institution for more than 180 days.
Eligibility
Acceptance letter
Sign in to check this route against your profileFrom an institution in the National Education System, with the applicant's full name, level and area of study, course, dates, tuition and institution details.
Financial solvency
Sign in to check this route against your profileShow proof of funds for living costs and tuition, from you, your parents or guardians if you are under 25, or a scholarship letter.
Funds to show (SRE 2015 page)
- Monthly incomefor the last three months
- 100 days of general minimum wage
- Average bank balanceover the last three months
- 1,000 days of minimum wage
- Amounts are now set by each consulate, often in UMA days.
Official wording
Proof of funds for living costs and tuition, shown by the student, or by parents or guardians if the student is under 25, or a scholarship letter. SRE's 2015 page sets: monthly income over the equivalent of 100 days of the general minimum wage for the last three months, or average bank balances equivalent to 1,000 days of minimum wage over the last three months. Amounts are now set by each consulate (often in UMA days).
Nationality or legal stay
Sign in to check this route against your profileBe a national of the country where applying, or prove legal stay there.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklist
- Fees
- Steps to apply
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- 4 documents
- 1 fee
- 3 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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Official sources
Other routes to Mexico
- Visit & tourismVisitor visa without permission to work (Visa de Visitante sin permiso para realizar actividades remuneradas) for tourism
- Work permitsTemporary Resident visa with permission to work
- Permanent residencePermanent Resident visa
- 3 more routes with Premium
