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Dreaming of vibrant sunsets, rich cultural experiences, and a life full of adventure?
Moving to Mexico might be just the journey you’ve been yearning for. Whether you’re drawn to its stunning beaches, bustling cities, or charming towns, moving to Mexico opens the door to a world of possibilities.
But before you pack your bags and leave everything behind, there is some planning you have to do. Where do you start?
This easy-to-follow checklist for moving to Mexico will help you plan your move from 6 months to 10 days before. You can print this page, and I’ve left some room for you to put a checkmark on the things you have accomplished.
| 6 MONTHS BEFORE | |
| Check your passport Expiry Date. If expiring soon, renew it. | |
| Do You Need Any Vaccines to Move to Mexico? | |
| Make a List of Things You’ll Take to Mexico or Sell | |
| Start Getting Rid of Things Not Going to Mexico | |
| Start Folder with Important Documents to Take- full list below | |
| Start Canceling Subscriptions- Magazines, Newspapers, etc | |
| Renew Driver’s License If You Want to Keep It- Or find out where you can renew in Mexico | |
| Verify with Your Bank how to Wire Money to Mexico or Open a Charles Schwab Account in the US. | |
| Download Whatsapp- Needed for ALL Contacts in Mexico | |
| 5 MONTHS BEFORE | |
| Pick Mexico Immigration Facilitator- If you need a recommendation, check out our Guide. | |
| Start the appointment process at a Mexican Consulate near you. | |
| Have Estate Sales or Take Unwanted things to Goodwill | |
| 4 MONTHS BEFORE | |
| Sell One Car If You Have Two – Consolidate | |
| Put House on the Market if Selling | |
| Buy Plane Tickets to Mexico for You/Pets if Flying | |
| Buy Airline-Approved Pet Carrier And Familiarize the Pet if Flying | |
| Contact a Pet Transport if Driving to Mexico- We have recommendations in our Guide | |
| If necessary, get documents Apostilled | |
| 3 MONTHS BEFORE | |
| If necessary, get documents Apostilled. Marriage certificates, birth certificates, etc. | |
| Switch Most Mail to Electronic Delivery | |
| Start looking into a Mail Forwarding Service | |
| Get a List of Medications and Medical Records | |
| Buy Additional Suitcases if Necessary | |
| Assign any trusted friends or family as a user on your bank account- Only in case you need them to sign anything for you. | |
| Contact an international moving company- Check out our recommendations in our Guide | |
| 2 MONTHS BEFORE | |
| Contact Vet for Pet Vaccines | |
| Cancel Utilities if Applicable | |
| For Pets Flying as Cargo, Contact The Airline and Get Instructions | |
| Rent Storage for Things You Are Keeping | |
| Start Packing Things You’ll Take to Mexico | |
| Make An Inventory of What Goes In Each Box | |
| If doing a Menaje de casa, start making a list | |
| 1 MONTH BEFORE | |
| Get A VPN Account to Watch Shows in Mexico | |
| If getting Google Voice while you still have a US Number- You’ll need to verify this number. | |
| Get Mail Forwarding Service | |
| May Need to Move to Airbnb | |
| Switch Bank Accounts to Email Verification vs SMS | |
| Book Hotels in Mexico if Necessary | |
| If Flying- Get Health Certificate- Check with your airline. | |
| Put Final Things In Storage | |
| Create your Menaje de Casa Inventory List- Residents Only | |
| MOVING MONTH | |
| Book Domestic Flights in Mexico if Necessary- Check luggage restrictions. | |
| Cancel Car and Home Insurance if Not Needed | |
| Farewell Party with Family/Friends | |
| Get A TIP if Driving Across The Border | |
| 10 DAYS BEFORE | |
| If you are not a resident- you will need a round-trip ticket. Use onward ticket | |
| If Driving- Plan Your Route- Use On The Road in Mexico FB Page | |
| Contact your Pet Transport With Any Final Documents | |
| If Selling Your Car- Might Need to Rent a Car | |
| Change of Address with Post Office to Mail Forwarding | |
| Secure Your Short-Term Rental in Mexico- Airbnb.com, Booking.com, or Word of Mouth |
Next Steps For Moving to Mexico?
Aside from our checklist for moving to Mexico, we recommend doing some additional research. As the time to move to Mexico gets closer, we recommend our easy-to-follow COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide.
Because it is conveniently online and consistently updated, you get those updates in real-time when you log in. So it doesn’t matter if you’re moving a month from today or a few years from now. The information in the online guide for your move to Mexico will still be accurate and relevant at the time.
From the intricacies of residency to the nuances of finding a long-term rental in Mexico, our guide is designed to empower you with the knowledge and confidence you need to make this transition not only smooth but also enriching.
You get instant access to our directory of recommended & vetted contacts, including realtors, immigration facilitators, international moving companies, health insurance brokers, relocation tour guides, private drivers, and more. Check out our customer reviews and what’s included here.
Hello,
I have a question about moving to Mexico which no one is really talking about. My understanding is that if one becomes a Mexican resident and resides in Mexico for more than 6 months a year, he/she automatically becomes a tax resident of Mexico and has to file taxes in Mexico for their worldwide income. Is there a way to avoid that?
I would appreciate your reply.
Sincerely,
Kyrillos
I have to need Mexico tourist visa