Mexican Consulate in Washington, D.C.: Residency Visa Requirements (2026)

Temporary residency requirements

How it's calculated: Published in pesos, converted at the official DOF exchange rate on the day of your appointment. The figures equal 300 and 5,000 days of the 2025 general minimum wage (MX$278.80).

You show either income or savings, not a combination.

Permanent residency requirements

Eligibility: Officially retired or age 62+.

Pension income after taxes for the previous 6 months, with your retirement letter.

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 statements only; paperless banking customers must have statements stamped by their branch
• Simple printouts of downloaded statements are not accepted
• Income route: 6 pay stubs or pension proof plus 6 bank statements showing the direct deposits
• Visa fee: $56 — Credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard)

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

How Washington, D.C. compares

Of the 6 consulates we track, Washington, D.C. has the highest published income requirement for temporary residency, at about $4,647 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 $5,200 a month after tax: about 10% above Washington, D.C.'s figure — comfortably over the line, as long as six months of statements show it.
• Income of $4,500 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 $86,000: qualifies on the savings route if the balance stayed above MX$1,394,000 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 Washington, D.C., step by step

1. Check you qualify against Washington, D.C.'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: One appointment per person via citas.sre.gob.mx. Questions: visasconwas@sre.gob.mx.
4. Attend in person: an officer reviews your file and interviews you, and you give fingerprints. Bring the fee — credit or debit card (visa or mastercard).
5. Collect the visa: Visas are normally ready the same day at 1:30 p.m. (not guaranteed).
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 Washington, D.C.

• Because thresholds are in pesos, the USD amount you need moves with the exchange rate — check the DOF rate the week of your appointment and keep a cushion.
• Same-day issuance is typical, which makes D.C. convenient if you're traveling in.

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/washington/
• Address: 1250 23rd St. NW, Suite 002, Washington, D.C. 20037