How to use this checklist
The move to Mexico has four phases. The order matters — skip ahead and you'll hit walls. Do it in sequence and nothing is hard.
Research, residency decision, consulate preparation, financial documentation
Housing research, pet prep, vehicle decisions, banking setup, insurance
INM canje deadline, CURP, short-term housing, SIM card, cash access
Bank account, long-term rental, RFC/SAT, healthcare decision, schools
Phase 1 6–12 Months Before You Move
🛂 Residency — decide your route first
Every other decision flows from your residency status. Figure this out before you book flights, sign leases, or tell your employer.
Dez's note: The income figures you see in Facebook groups are almost always out of date. Consulate thresholds are set in Mexican pesos and shift with the exchange rate — sometimes monthly. Always call or email your specific consulate to confirm the current figures before your appointment. We maintain a consulate-by-consulate breakdown on our residency page.
🐾 Pet relocation — start earlier than you think
Mexico's pet import rules are manageable but time-sensitive. The health certificate window is strict.
🚘 Vehicles — understand the rules before you drive south
Phase 2 1–3 Months Before You Move
🏠 Housing — rent first, always
Do not buy before you've lived in a city for at least 6–12 months. Neighbourhoods in Mexico look different in rainy season, tourist season, and daily life than they do in a quick visit.
💼 Banking & finances — set up before you leave
Dez's note: The banking sequence is one of the most common places people get stuck. You need your residency card to open a Mexican bank account — but you need a Mexican bank account for most other things. Get your INM canje done within 30 days of arrival and the rest follows. We help VIP clients coordinate this sequence so there are no gaps.
🩺 Healthcare — know your options before you need them
📦 Logistics & household goods
Phase 3 Your First 30 Days in Mexico
⚠️ The 30-day INM deadline — do this first
If you entered Mexico on a Temporary Residency visa, you have 30 days from your entry date to visit INM and begin the canje process. This is the most important deadline in your entire move. Missing it creates serious complications.
📱 Immediate arrival tasks
Phase 4 Days 30–90 — Getting Established
🪪 CURP and RFC — get these in order
🏦 Open your Mexican bank account
🏠 Find your long-term rental
👨👩👧 Families — schools and childcare
🌐 Community and integration
📥 Free download
Get the complete interactive checklist
The printable version of this guide includes every item above plus residency timelines, cost-of-living budget templates, pet import documentation checklists, and bonus guides on healthcare, banking, and what to do in your first week. Downloaded by 20,000+ people planning their Mexico move.
Rather have someone who knows Mexico handle this for you?
This checklist gives you the full picture. But knowing what to do and knowing how to do it in practice are different things — especially when consulate rules change, landlords ask for things you weren't expecting, and INM appointments run three hours late.
My Deztination guides Americans, Canadians, and Europeans through every stage of the move — from residency prep through your first week in your new home. 5-star rated on Google and Facebook. Founded by Dez, who has lived in Mexico for over a decade and done this herself.
