Mexico City, Mexico

Visa Requirements

• Tourist Visa

Most travelers to Mexico will need a Tourist Visa (FMM) for stays of up to 180 days. Citizens of many countries can enter Mexico without a visa and receive an FMM upon arrival. For stays longer than 180 days, travelers will need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa.

• Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Mexico does not offer a Visa on Arrival, but citizens of many countries (including the  U.S., Canada, EU countries, and several Latin American countries) can visit without a visa and obtain an FMM.

• Digital Nomad Visa

Mexico currently does not have a formal Digital Nomad Visa. However, digital nomads can use the tourist visa (FMM) for extended stays of up to 180 days. Many remote workers base themselves in Mexico City, taking advantage of the affordable cost of living, co-working spaces, and vibrant culture.

For visa information, visit the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Cost of Living

Accommodation

• Budget: Budget hotels or shared apartments cost between $23–46 per night.
• Mid-Range: A private room in a decent hotel or apartment will cost around $58–145 per night.
• Luxury: Luxury hotels or serviced apartments in prime areas like Polanco or Roma range from $175–580 per night.

Food

• Street Food: Mexico City’s street food scene is famous, with tacos, tamales, and quesadillas starting at just $1.50–3.00 per item.
• Restaurants: Casual dining can cost between $8–18 per person, while mid-range restaurants will charge $20–35 per meal.

Transportation

• Public Transport: The city’s metro system is inexpensive, with tickets priced at less than $0.50 per ride. Buses are similarly priced, and there are also affordable Uber options, with fares starting at around $2.00–6.00.
• Taxi: A regular taxi ride within the city costs approximately $3.00–9.00.
• Private Car Rental: Renting a car typically costs between $29–87 per day, depending on the type of vehicle.

Healthcare
Mexico City offers both public and private healthcare options. The cost of healthcare is relatively affordable, with consultations at a private clinic costing around $29–70. For emergencies or specialized care, private hospitals are available at a higher price. Many expats opt for private insurance to ensure access to high-quality care.

Climate & Weather

Dry and Rainy Seasons

• Dry Season (November–April): The dry season is the best time to visit Mexico City, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F – 77°F). This is the peak tourist season, with clear skies and pleasant weather.
• Rainy Season (May–October): The rainy season is characterized by afternoon thunderstorms, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C (59°F – 82°C). Despite the rains, the weather remains warm, and the city is lush and green.

Landscape

Mexico City’s landscape is unique due to its location in the Valley of Mexico, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. The Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes are visible from the city on clear days. The city’s parks and green spaces, such as Chapultepec Park, are vital in providing nature amid the urban sprawl.

Things to Do

Heritage Sites

• Zócalo (Plaza Mayor): Mexico City’s main square, surrounded by historic buildings like the Metropolitan Cathedral and Palacio Nacional.
• Teotihuacan Pyramids: Located just outside the city, these ancient ruins feature the Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon.
• Chapultepec Castle: A historic castle located in Chapultepec Park with panoramic views of the city.

Adventure Activities

• Hiking: Mexico City offers several hiking trails, including those around Desierto de los Leones and Ajusco.
• Cycling: The city’s Ciclovía (bike lanes) allows cycling throughout many parts of the city on Sundays, a fun way to explore.

Nightlife

Mexico City’s nightlife is lively, with trendy bars, clubs, and live music venues. Neighborhoods like Condesa, Roma, and Polanco are hotspots for nightlife. Popular venues include Pata Negra and M.N. Roy.

Wellness Retreats

The city has numerous wellness centers and spas offering relaxation and rejuvenation. Spas like Remède Spa at the St. Regis Hotel are highly recommended for those looking to unwind.

Shopping

Mexico City is a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from boutique stores in Polanco to artisan markets like La Ciudadela. The Antara Fashion Hall and Perisur mall offer luxury shopping, while Mercado de la Merced is perfect for handmade crafts and street goods.

Lifestyle

Daily life in Mexico City is fast-paced, with a mixture of urban hustle and a strong sense of community. The workweek is typically Monday through Friday, with weekends reserved for leisure activities, family gatherings, or exploring the city. There is a strong café culture, and many locals take time in the afternoon for a meal and rest (siesta).

Mexico City is a cultural melting pot, and locals are very welcoming to newcomers. The city hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year, including the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations, Cervantino Festival, and a variety of music, theater, and dance performances. Expats quickly integrate into social circles through shared interests in food, art, and culture.

Other Important Locations in Mexico

• Cancún: A beach paradise with crystal-clear waters, ideal for vacationing.
• Guadalajara: A city known for its tequila, mariachi, and historic architecture.
• Oaxaca: Famous for its indigenous culture, rich culinary scene, and historic landmarks.

Rental Accommodations

• Budget: Basic apartments or hostels range from $350–700 per month.
• Mid-Range: Comfortable apartments or private rooms in nice neighborhoods cost $700–1,450 per month.
• Luxury: High-end apartments or penthouses in sought-after areas like Polanco or Condesa start at $1,740–2,900 per month.

Co-Working Facilities and Costs

Mexico City has a thriving digital nomad scene with numerous co-working spaces such as WeWork, Centraal, and Páginas de Encuentro. Memberships typically range from $120 – $400 per month, depending on location and facilities.

Connectivity

• WiFi: Mexico City has reliable high-speed WiFi in hotels, coworking spaces, and most restaurants or cafes, with consistent connectivity in urban areas. Free public WiFi is available in many parks and public plazas.
• SIM: Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar are the main providers offering prepaid SIM cards with unlimited data plans. SIM cards can be purchased easily at convenience stores or provider outlets.

Volunteering Opportunities

Mexico City has several organizations and NGOs focused on education, community development, and social causes. Volunteer opportunities range from working with children and youth to supporting environmental conservation efforts. Organizations like Techo and Unicef Mexico offer various volunteering roles.

Explore local volunteering organizations for more options and also visit www.volunteerhq.org.

Local Employment Options

• Teaching English or Spanish.
• Freelance work in creative industries.
• Opportunities in multinational corporations.

Real Estate Investment Options

The real estate market in Mexico City is diverse, with options ranging from luxury condos in Polanco and Santa Fe to more affordable properties in areas like Coyoacán or Tlalpan. Investment opportunities are abundant in the residential and commercial sectors, with steady demand due to the city’s population growth and economic importance. Additionally, tourism real estate, i.e. investment in short-term rentals is also lucrative.

Start-Up Ecosystem

Mexico City has a thriving start-up ecosystem, especially in industries like technology, fintech, and e-commerce. Several incubators and accelerators, such as 500 Startups Mexico and Startup Mexico, provide mentorship and resources for entrepreneurs.

Business Setup Process for Expats in Mexico City

1. Decide on Your Business Structure

Expats in Mexico often choose the S.A. de C.V. (Sociedad Anónima de Capital Variable) structure, which is a flexible limited liability company, perfect for small to medium businesses. However, other structures like Sole Proprietorship (Persona Física) or Corporation (Persona Moral) are also common.

2. Obtain Legal Representation

Expats must hire a Mexican lawyer to help navigate the bureaucratic steps.

3. Register the Company with the Public Registry of Commerce (Registro Público de Comercio)

The company needs to be officially registered in the Public Registry of Commerce (RPC) which also includes obtaining a Federal Taxpayer Registration (RFC) from the Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT), the Mexican tax authority.

4. Open a Business Bank Account

Once your company is registered, you’ll need to open a business bank account.

5. Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses

Depending on the business sector, specific permits may be required, such as:

• Health and Safety Permits (for businesses in food service or health-related industries).
• Environmental Permits (if your business impacts the environment).
• Zoning Permits (if you’re opening a business in a specific district).
• Municipal Permits (issued by the city government).

6. Hire Employees and Comply with Labor Laws

Expats hiring employees in Mexico must comply with Mexican labor laws that protect employee rights. This includes providing social security benefits, health insurance, paid holidays, and severance pay.

7. Filing Taxes

As an expat entrepreneur in Mexico, you are required to file tax returns with SAT.

Business Opportunities in Mexico City

Below are some of the most promising sectors for investment and business development:

1. Tech and Innovation: Mexico City has emerged as a hub for startups and tech entrepreneurs, especially in areas such as fintech, e-commerce, and software development.
2. Tourism and Hospitality: Mexico City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Latin America, attracting millions of visitors each year.
3. Retail and Fashion: Mexico City is a fashion-forward city, with high demand for both local and international clothing brands. Opportunities exist in the retail sector, ranging from boutiques to large-scale fashion brands.
4. Real Estate: The real estate market in Mexico City offers diverse opportunities for investment. With its growing population, rapid urbanization, and an increasing influx of foreign residents and businesses, Mexico City’s real estate sector is booming.
5. Health and Wellness

The health and wellness sector is on the rise in Mexico City. As the population becomes more health-conscious, businesses in fitness, wellness retreats, spas, and healthy food are booming.

6. Education and Language Schools: Businesses offering English language classes, business courses, or technical training are increasingly popular.
7. Logistics and E-Commerce Fulfilment

With Mexico City’s role as a logistics hub and its proximity to the U.S., there’s an expanding demand for logistics and e-commerce fulfilment services.