Many companies in other countries have additional locations in Mexico or want to outsource some of their operations and labor to the country. If you’re considering hiring employees to work in Mexico,...
Read MoreMany companies in other countries have additional locations in Mexico or want to outsource some of their operations and labor to the country. If you’re considering hiring employees to work in Mexico, you need to know how to get a work visa. Following the right process will ensure that your employees stay compliant and can be productive from the start.
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Many companies in other countries have additional locations in Mexico or want to outsource some of their operations and labor to the country. If you’re considering hiring employees to work in Mexico, you need to know how to get a work visa. Following the right process will ensure that your employees stay compliant and can be productive from the start.
The National Institute of Migration oversees all immigration in Mexico and issues work visas. Anyone who wants to work in the country and does not yet have the right to work in Mexico must obtain a visa. For example, those working for Mexico-based companies need a residency visa with permission to work. Individuals working for an international company in Mexico for less than 6 months can instead get a visitor’s visa with permission to work.
Mexico has 3 different visas:
Most employees accepting a position with your company in Mexico will need a permanent resident visa known as the Visa de Residencia Permanente. However, not all employees will meet the requirements, as they need to have family connections in the country, sufficient monthly income, or 4 years of regular status as a temporary resident. It may be wise for companies to apply for a temporary resident permit for employees who have been invited to Mexico to work or have real estate or close family ties in the country.
While some of the requirements differ between the 2 options, some common documents required include the following:
Citizens from other countries looking to work in Mexico for more than 6 months need a temporary resident visa with approval to work. This setup requires you, as the employer, to apply at the National Institute of Migration. If approved, the employee must apply for the relevant visa at the consulate in Mexico in the applicant’s resident company. Once you or the employee receives word that the visa application is accepted, the employee must visit the consulate to get the necessary visa within 15 days.
This entire procedure gives employees a temporary resident visa, along with permission to work, that’s valid for 180 days. After arriving in Mexico, the employee has 30 days to register with their local immigration office and receive a temporary resident card, which is valid for up to 4 years. After the card expires, the individual has to either obtain a permanent resident visa or move from Mexico.
While it’s possible to convert a temporary resident visa into a permanent resident visa, citizens from other countries with a visitor status cannot convert it to work status. Individuals who have a company they want to work for in Mexico can apply for a work permit and stay in the country until they get the permit at the consulate of their home country. They must leave Mexico to collect the permit, and they can then apply for a residence visa.
At G-P, we’re committed to breaking down barriers to global business, enabling opportunity for everyone, everywhere, and helping companies tap into the fullest potential of their workforce. We help you maintain full compliance with local laws and ensure everything from hiring and onboarding to paying your employees is quick and easy, regardless of where they are in the world.
Find out more about how our Global Growth Platform™ can help you grow your team across the globe.
–
For this particular location, G-P may offer support processing certain work visas and permits. Contact us today to assess your specific needs.
THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. You should always consult with and rely on your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). G-P does not provide legal or tax advice. The information is general and not tailored to a specific company or workforce and does not reflect G-P’s product delivery in any given jurisdiction. G-P makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information and shall have no liability arising out of or in connection with it, including any loss caused by use of, or reliance on, the information.
If you’re ready to grow your business, or you have questions about a specific country, complete the form. One of our experts will be in touch shortly.
