Mexican Consulate in San Diego: Residency Visa Requirements (2026)

Temporary residency requirements

How it's calculated: Fixed USD amounts published for 2026.

You show either income or savings, not a combination.

Documents to bring

• Completed visa application form
• Valid passport, plus a copy of the data page
• One recent passport-size color photo, white background, no glasses
• If you're not a citizen of the country where the consulate is: original and copy of proof of legal status
• Original bank statements with an official bank stamp, or an official bank letter
• Statements must be complete and show your full name and street address (no P.O. boxes)
• Savings route: minimum monthly balance for each of the previous 12 months
• Visa fee: $56 — Cash only

Documents issued outside the US or Mexico generally need an apostille and an official Spanish translation.

How San Diego compares

Of the 6 consulates we track, San Diego has the lowest published income requirement for temporary residency, at about $4,049 a month. The range runs from San Diego (about $4,049) to Washington, D.C. (about $4,647).

Peso amounts are converted at 18 MXN/USD. A lower figure isn't the only thing that matters: appointment availability, processing time and document rules differ too. See the full consulate comparison.

Do you qualify? Worked examples

• Income of $4,500 a month after tax: about 10% above San Diego's figure — comfortably over the line, as long as six months of statements show it.
• Income of $3,900 a month: just under. Consulates don't round up, so either wait until you can show the full amount or use the savings route.
• Savings of $76,000: qualifies on the savings route if the balance stayed above $68,241 in each of the 12 months.
• A couple where one partner earns: the earner applies on income and the partner through family unity.

Applying at San Diego, step by step

1. Check you qualify against San Diego's figures, with a margin for exchange-rate moves.
2. Gather documents — statements in the format this consulate requires (see above), passport, photo and form.
3. Book the appointment: MiConsulado only — online at citas.sre.gob.mx (desktop recommended) or by phone/WhatsApp at 1-424-309-0009. Email requests are not accepted. Book under the VISAS department.
4. Attend in person: an officer reviews your file and interviews you, and you give fingerprints. Bring the fee — cash only.
5. Collect the visa: Up to 10 business days.
6. Enter Mexico within 180 days and start the canje at INM within 30 days.

Why applications fall short

• Income just below the published figure, or a savings balance that dipped below it in one month.
• Statements that aren't in the required format — printouts where originals or bank-stamped copies are required.
• Mixing income and savings: consulates assess one route, not both added together.
• Missing proof of legal status for applicants who aren't citizens of the country they're applying in.
• Remote workers without an employer letter where the consulate requires one.

What's different about San Diego

• Remote workers qualifying on salary need a signed letter on company letterhead that explicitly agrees to you living in Mexico and working remotely, with your position, seniority and monthly salary — plus a copy of the signer's ID.
• Documents issued outside San Diego County may be sent for further validation.
• The interview can be conducted in English or Spanish; biometrics are captured at the appointment.

After your visa is approved

Your visa sticker is valid for 180 days. Enter Mexico, make sure your entry is recorded as a canje, and visit an INM office within 30 days to get your residency card. Step-by-step instructions and 2026 fees are in our canje guide; when the card nears expiry, see how to renew.

Official contact details

• Website: consulmex.sre.gob.mx/sandiego/
• Address: 1549 India Street, San Diego, CA 92101