Mexico Status Now: Mexican Immigration Changes in 2026
This page tracks the Mexican immigration rules that change most often, especially the income and savings thresholds for residency, which rise every February with the UMA, and the list of nationalities that need a visa to visit. Each item below carries a status label and a Last verified date, and links to a page with the details and what to do now. For 2026, the UMA is 117.31 pesos a day, in force since February 1, 2026.
On this page
- 2026 UMA
- 117.31 pesos a day, from Feb 1, 2026
- Temporary residency income test
- 680 UMA days a month, about 79,771 pesos
- Retiree permanent residency test
- 1,140 UMA days a month, about 133,733 pesos
- Threshold unit
- UMA days since Aug 9, 2025, not minimum wage
- Brazilian visitors
- Air-only electronic visa since Feb 5, 2026
- Next UMA update
- Expected Feb 1, 2027
What this page tracks
Mexico's immigration system changes less often than those of the US and Canada, but a few rules move every year or affect many travelers:
- Residency money tests. The income and savings thresholds for temporary and permanent residency are set in UMA days and rise each February. See 2026 solvency thresholds and check your numbers with the solvency calculator.
- Visitor visa rules. Mexico has added visa requirements for some nationalities and reopened an electronic visa for Brazilians. See visa requirement changes.
The list of items appears below and updates automatically. For background, read how Mexican immigration works. See also USA Status Now and Canada Status Now.
How to read the status labels
Each item carries one label. It describes the program or policy as of its Last verified date:
| Label | What it means |
|---|---|
| Open | Accepting applications under its normal rules |
| Paused | Intake or processing has stopped for now, with a restart possible |
| Closed | Ended, or not accepting new applications |
| In court | A court case affects whether or how the rules apply |
| Changing | New rules have been announced or are being phased in |
| Restricted | Open only to some people, nationalities, places, or numbers |
A label is a summary, not the whole story. Read the item's note and timeline, then check the official source linked on that page before you act.
How often we check
We build these pages from official sources: the National Migration Institute (INM), the Foreign Ministry (SRE) and its consulates, INEGI, and the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF). When one of them announces a change, or a court rules on a policy, we update the item, its label, and its Last verified date, and we often publish a dated news item.
Rules can change overnight, and official websites sometimes lag behind a new rule. If an item's date is more than a few weeks old, or you are about to pay a fee or file an application, confirm the current position on the official source first. Read how we research and our editorial policy. Spotted something out of date? Tell us through the contact page.
In this section
Frequently asked questions
How much income do I need for Mexican residency in 2026?
For temporary residency, more than 680 UMA days a month (about 79,771 pesos) for the last 6 months, or average savings of 11,460 UMA days (about 1,344,373 pesos) over 12 months. Consulates convert these into local currency.
Why do Mexican consulates quote different dollar amounts?
The rules set thresholds in UMA days, which convert to pesos. Each consulate then converts pesos to local currency at its own exchange rate, so figures differ between consulates and over time.
Do Brazilians need a visa for Mexico in 2026?
Yes, but since February 5, 2026 Brazilians flying in can use an electronic visa for a single entry. Those arriving by land or sea need a consular visa.
When will the thresholds change again?
The UMA is normally updated each February, so the next change is expected on February 1, 2027. Check this page and your consulate after that date.
Official sources
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.