Work Permits for Residents in Mexico: When You Can Work and How to Apply

Article 164 of the Migration Regulation sets out who has permission to work:

For temporary residents, the card must say expressly that you have permission to work.

Article 165 of the Migration Regulation describes the process. You apply at INM with:

• Your valid resident card.
• Proof that you paid the INM fee.
• A job offer from a person or company, stating the activity, how long it lasts, where you will work, and the details of the employer's INM registration (constancia de inscripción del empleador); or
• For independent work, a signed statement describing your occupation and where you will do it, plus proof of your registration in the federal taxpayer registry (RFC), if applicable.
• For students, a consent letter from your school.
• If a representative files for you, a power of attorney and their ID.

INM may visit the employer to confirm the offer. If approved, you receive a new card showing permission to work. If refused, INM gives written reasons and returns your card so you can keep your current status.

Any person or company that hires a foreign worker, or offers a job to one, must obtain the INM employer registration (Regulation, Article 166). Companies file their incorporation documents, the legal representative's powers and ID, proof of address, their RFC and latest tax return, and a list of employees and nationalities. Employers must report changes of address or representative within 30 days and update their tax information each year.

Employers can read more at hiring foreign workers in Mexico.

The Regulation expressly allows temporary residents to request permission for independent activities. You describe your occupation and where you will work, and attach your RFC registration. This is the route for people who want to invoice Mexican clients, open a small business, or work as independent professionals.

Before you start, register with the tax authority (SAT) and learn how Mexican invoicing works. See getting an RFC and taxes for residents. Some professions (for example medicine or law) also need a Mexican professional license.

The work permit rules focus on paid activities in Mexico, such as a Mexican employer or Mexican clients. Remote work for a company abroad, paid abroad, is treated differently by different consulates. The Houston consulate's visa page says the temporary resident visa allows work as long as the salary is paid from abroad, while other consulates ask remote workers for an employer letter.

If you are unsure whether your arrangement needs a Mexican work permit, ask INM or a licensed Mexican immigration lawyer. See remote work and digital nomads and remote work rules.

An INM work permit lets you work legally as far as immigration is concerned. It does not replace professional rules. In regulated fields such as medicine, law, nursing, or engineering signed-off work, Mexican law generally requires a professional license (cédula profesional) issued after your foreign degree is recognized (revalidación de estudios) by the Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) or another competent authority.

Before accepting a job in a regulated field, ask the employer whether the role needs a Mexican license and how long recognition of your degree could take. Employers can read more at hiring foreign workers in Mexico.

• Temporary residents: your permission is tied to the activity in your job offer. If you change employers or activity, apply to INM for updated permission with the new employer's offer.
• Permanent residents: you can change jobs freely, but you must report the new workplace to INM.
• Everyone: report changes of workplace, address, marital status, or nationality within 90 days (Regulation, Article 167).

Working without the right permission can put your residency at risk. If INM has questioned your work, talk to a licensed Mexican immigration lawyer.

• Assuming a residency card means you can work. Many temporary resident cards, especially those from financial solvency, do not include work permission. Check the card.
• Starting work before INM decides. Wait for the new card before you begin a Mexican job.
• Working for an unregistered employer. The employer's INM registration must be current, or INM can refuse the request.
• Doing a different job than the one approved. Your permission covers the activity in the job offer. A promotion into a different role may need an update.
• Forgetting the 90-day notice. A new workplace must be reported to INM even when you already have permission.

Employees of Mexican employers are registered with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), which provides health care and pension contributions. Self-employed residents can look at voluntary IMSS enrollment or private insurance. See IMSS health insurance and private health insurance.