Everything You Need to Know Before Moving to Mexico

In this collab with Roshida Dowe, we talk about the main things you need to know before moving to Mexico. From residency visa requirements changing in 2026, to how the Mexican consulates work, and how to integrate into Mexican society as a foreigner living in Mexico.

It was a great conversation (thank you Roshida for the opportunity), and I hope you have a few takeaways from it.

Watch the full interview here

YouTube video

What You’ll Learn From This Video

  • Why Mexico Relocation Guide exists and how it’s different from random online advice
    Including how outdated, vague, or incomplete information creates problems—and why real-world experience matters more than what’s written “on paper.”
  • How Mexico’s residency process really works (not just what the rules say)
    Including why consulate experiences vary, how much discretion consular officers have, and why two people can have completely different outcomes.
  • What’s actually changing with Mexican residency requirements—and what’s not
    Including minimum wage increases, the possible switch to UMA, and why these changes are not about U.S. or Canadian politics.
  • Real income and savings requirements for temporary residency
    What people are actually being asked for right now, why numbers vary by consulate, and how exchange rates factor into approvals.
  • Whether you can qualify using investments, savings, or retirement accounts
    Including what works, what sometimes causes problems, and why preparation and documentation matter more than rumors.
  • Why some people are being denied—and what they could do differently
    Including missing documents, redacted statements, lack of preparation, or simply going to the wrong consulate.
  • Why “nothing changed” and “everything changed” can both be true
    The laws may stay the same, but enforcement, expectations, and interpretation evolve year to year.
  • How to improve your odds at a consulate appointment
    Including why over-preparing is better than under-preparing, what documents to never redact, and when it makes sense to try another consulate.
  • When hiring a facilitator actually makes sense (and when it doesn’t)
    Especially for people close to the financial threshold, limited in travel options, or dealing with complex situations.
  • Why Mexico doesn’t require you to live in the country to keep residency
    Including renewal timelines, physical presence requirements, and how temporary residency transitions to permanent.
  • What’s really behind the gentrification debate and protests
    Including media exaggeration, online outrage vs. real-life experience, and how most locals actually treat foreigners.
  • How to be a respectful and welcome foreigner in Mexico
    Why language effort, cultural awareness, and not overpaying blindly matter more than your nationality.
  • Why Mexico City isn’t for everyone—and why that’s okay
    Including discussion of chaos, climate issues, protests, and why many people prefer smaller cities or towns.
  • How to choose the right city for YOU—not based on influencers or lists
    Why personal lifestyle, tolerance for bureaucracy, and vibe matter more than popularity.
  • Why renting before buying is strongly recommended
    Including real estate risks, lack of title insurance, and why rushing into property purchases can backfire.
  • The realities of healthcare in Mexico
    What’s cheaper, what isn’t, why “cheap” doesn’t mean “free,” and why emergency funds or insurance still matter.
  • What IMSS is, who it’s for, and its limitations
    Including costs, wait times, and why private care is still often necessary.
  • Safety in Mexico—without fear-mongering
    Including common-sense precautions, solo travel as a woman, and why cartel fears are wildly misunderstood.
  • Why online comments don’t reflect real life in Mexico
    How internet outrage creates fear that most people never experience on the ground.
  • What expats often struggle with after moving
    Bureaucracy, apartment hunting, changing costs, patience, and the emotional adjustment to slower systems.
  • How your first year in Mexico is usually the hardest and most expensive
    And why things typically get easier and cheaper as you learn how the system actually works.
  • Why Mexico is not perfect—but still worth it for the right person
    And how attitude, flexibility, and realistic expectations make all the difference.

How Can We Help You Move to Mexico?

If this video made you realize how inconsistent, nuanced, and human-driven the Mexico relocation process really is, that’s exactly why I created the Mexico Relocation Guide.

This guide is for people who want to do this the right way. With realistic expectations, current information, and fewer surprises.

Inside the Mexico Relocation Guide, you’ll find:

  • Clear, up-to-date guidance on residency
    Including income vs. savings routes, how different consulates apply the rules, what’s actually working right now, and how to prepare so you don’t get caught off guard.
  • What the law says vs. how things work in real life
    Because as you heard in this video, those are often two very different things in Mexico.
  • Step-by-step processes you can follow at your own pace
    So you’re not piecing together advice from outdated blog posts, Facebook comments, or YouTube videos from 2021.
  • Realistic cost of living expectations
    To help you avoid overpaying, unintentionally contributing to local problems, or budgeting based on fantasy numbers.
  • Vetted contacts across Mexico– in 30+ cities
    Including immigration facilitators, relocation tour guides, rental resources, and on-the-ground help—so you’re not guessing who to trust.
  • Guidance on being a respectful, informed foreigner
    From cultural integration to avoiding common mistakes that frustrate locals and newcomers alike.

The Mexico Relocation Guide is a one-time purchase with lifetime access, and it’s updated as laws, processes, and on-the-ground realities change. So you’re not relying on information that’s already outdated or inaccurate advice from “internet experts.”

If you’re serious about Mexico, whether you’re moving this year or just starting to plan, this online course can save you time, money, and a lot of unnecessary stress.

👉 Learn more about the Mexico Relocation Guide here

Mariana Lange

Mariana Lima-Lange was born and raised in Mexico. Then later moved to South Texas in the U.S. For years, she split her time between both countries, giving her a unique, insider perspective on Mexican culture, daily life, and the practical realities of living in Mexico. Fully bilingual and bicultural, Mariana understands the challenges and rewards of relocating to Mexico better than most other living in Mexico "experts".

In 2019, she launched Mexico Relocation Guide to make the process easier for others. Since then, Mexico Relocation Guide has helped hundreds of thousands of people move to Mexico THE RIGHT WAY. Clients have relied on her honest, up-to-date, and realistic guidance through blog posts, videos, relocation tours, and the Complete Mexico Relocation Online Guide- an all-in-one resource packed with step-by-step instructions on moving to Mexico and access to a private directory of vetted contacts across Mexico.
Whether you’re dreaming, planning, or packing. Mariana and the Mexico Relocation Guide team are here to help you move to Mexico THE RIGHT WAY!