Residency in Mexico: Understanding the New Appointment Rules

Relocating to Mexico is a dream for many - for obvious reasons. But immigrants who already live here know firsthand: dealing with the immigration office (Instituto Nacional de Migración – INM) is not always easy. Sometimes it feels manageable, other times almost impossible.

And if you decide to go through the process on your own, without a lawyer, you need to know a few important things.

The New Reality of Appointments (Citas)

Since late 2024, the way immigration appointments are handled has changed. You can no longer book freely — the system only allows appointments starting three weeks (21 days) ahead.

This means:

• Whatever your procedure — whether applying for something new, replacing, or renewing — you must plan around this 21-day minimum window.

• If you already have Mexican residency that is about to expire, you should plan to secure your cita at least one month before the expiration date + three weeks for the system restriction. In practice, this means you’ll be checking and booking almost two months ahead of time.

• In busy offices, like those in Quintana Roo (Playa del Carmen, Cancún, Tulum), citas are gone within minutes once they appear. You need to check often, refresh the system, and be ready to book the moment a slot opens.

If you miss it — don’t panic. It’s not always the end. You can still go directly to the immigration office, explain your situation at the information desk, and if there’s a free slot that day, they may add you manually.

On the Ground: Playa del Carmen Example

Playa del Carmen is one of the busiest immigration offices in Mexico. Tourists, digital nomads, and new residents all funnel through the same building, so lines are long and patience is required.

Here’s how the process looks in practice if you already have a cita:

1. Two entrances:

   • The left entrance is for appointments and renewals (if you already have a cita).

   • The right entrance is for biometrics.

2. If you already have the cita:

   • Arrive at least 30 minutes early.

   • Bring a printed copy of your appointment confirmation.

   • When officials come out and call names, present your paper. If you don’t hear your name and miss it, the appointment is canceled — no second chances.

   Inside the building, you will:

   • Fill out the required form.

   • Submit your documents in a paper folder (passport copy, proof of residence, and if renewing, your current residency card).

   • If everything is correct, you’ll pay the fee, hand in your old card (for renewals), and receive a confirmation slip. Within a few days, you’ll get an email with your biometric appointment.

3. Biometrics (right entrance):

   • Arrive early (8 am is recommended, as biometrics are usually processed between 9–10 am).

   • Add your confirmation email to the stack collected outside.

   • Around 9:30, names are called in order of arrival. If you don’t respond when called, your slot is lost.

   Inside, it’s a quick process: fingerprints, photos, and finally your new residency card. Always double-check that your details are correct before leaving.

   
   

Final Advice

The rules have changed, and the process requires much more planning than before:

• Book early — think at least 1 month + 3 weeks in advance.

• Check often — slots disappear in minutes.

• Arrive early — both for appointments and biometrics.

• Stay calm — kindness and patience go further than frustration.

  
  

  

✨ How We Can Help

At BeGlobal, we support individuals and families through every step of relocation in Mexico. If the process feels overwhelming, we can:

• Guide you in preparing documents and securing citas.

• Assist with renewals, replacements, and new residency applications.

• Even accompany you directly to the immigration office to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Because relocation isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about beginning a new chapter in life with clarity and confidence.