Immigration and CURP and RFC, OH MY!

February 2, 2025 | by Jim Dobson-Kelley

Moving to Mexico: Understanding Residency and Buying Property

So, you’re ready to make your move to Mexico and obtain resident status. Congratulations — this is an exciting new chapter!
There are three types of immigration statuses for your stay in Mexico, and understanding them is essential to making the most of your time here.

FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) – Tourist Permit

This permit is issued upon entry into Mexico and is intended for tourism and short-term stays. You may be granted from 1 to 180 days of stay (not automatically 6 months); the length is determined at the discretion of the immigration officer processing your entry.

• Tip: Having a return airline ticket can help indicate the intended duration of your stay.

• Note: Experiences vary depending on the airport, though land entry is more likely to result in the full 180 days.

You can purchase and own property in Mexico with an FMM. Some homeowners live part-time in San Miguel de Allende with only a tourist permit. However, recent changes — such as the requirement of having an RFC (tax ID) for utility accounts and banking — have made it increasingly difficult to manage property without residency.

Because an FMM does not always guarantee 180 days and back-to-back “border runs” can raise red flags, obtaining residency is highly recommended if you plan to spend more than a few weeks at a time in Mexico.

Why Residency Matters?

Residency makes everyday life much easier when it comes to managing property, doing business, and handling government requirements.

If you’re moving your household, keep in mind you have six months from receiving your residency to move your belongings duty-free into Mexico.
That’s why I encourage my clients to begin the residency process early — immigration laws can change unexpectedly, and timing can be critical depending on your situation.

When it comes time to sell your property, only citizens and residents can take advantage of the Capital Gains Tax Exemption, making residency even more beneficial for homeowners.

How to Apply for Residency

The application process for both Residente Temporal and Residente Permanente begins at a Mexican Consulate or Embassy outside Mexico, usually the one nearest your home.

Once approved, you have six months to enter Mexico and complete the process. Upon your first entry after approval (marked canje in your passport), you’ll receive a Tourist Permit and must finalize your residency within 30 days at your local immigration office — for example, right here in San Miguel de Allende.

Appointments are currently required and can sometimes be a few weeks out, but the completion process can take as little as one week once started.

The Mexican Consulates in the U.S. are generally very friendly and helpful. If your application is denied, don’t worry — they’ll explain why, and you can simply correct and reapply.

Your Best Ally in San Miguel

Many people find using the services of a local facilitator extremely helpful. Facilitators manage the appointment process and even “hold your place in line,” saving you time and stress.

If you’d like a referral to a trusted facilitator, please reach out to me here.

Choosing Between Residente Temporal and Residente Permanente

Becoming a Residente Temporal or Residente Permanente does not make you a dual citizen — it simply grants you official foreign resident status.

Residente Temporal

• Valid for up to four years (one year initially, renewable for three more without proving financial solvency again).

• You can own and drive a foreign-plated vehicle.

• To work or engage in paid activities, you must apply for permission after arriving.

• Financial Requirements (2025):

  • $4,185 USD monthly income, or

  • $69,750 USD in liquid investments (per individual).

• Use the dd/mm/yy date format — don’t misread expiration dates!

Residente Permanente

• Never needs renewal and allows unlimited time in or out of Mexico.

• Comes with the right to work; you simply need to register with Hacienda (Mexico’s IRS) and report income.

• You cannot own or drive a foreign-plated vehicle.

• Financial Requirements (2025):

  • $6,975 USD monthly income, or

  • $279,000 USD in liquid investments (per individual).

Some consulates may also accept home ownership in Mexico valued at $11,160,000 MXN or higher as qualification.

Many couples choose a combination: one partner as Permanente and the other as Temporal, allowing temporary importation of a vehicle until the transition to permanent status.

When entering Mexico after approval, you’ll be given a 30-day FMM to complete your process — present yourself directly to an immigration officer and show your canje approval.

Avoid using the automated passport scanning line, as this can invalidate your status.

The Regularization Program

Another path to residency is through the Registro Nacional de Extranjeros (RNE) or “Regularization” program. Initiated in 2020, it allows foreigners who entered before January 1, 2023 and have not left Mexico since to obtain a 4-year Residente Temporal without proving financial solvency.

• San Miguel de Allende’s immigration office is one of the few still offering this program.

• There’s a small fine in addition to standard immigration fees.

• A facilitator is strongly recommended due to the paperwork involved.

This process was updated again in March 2025.

You must inform immigration within 90 days of any personal status changes, such as:

• A change of address within Mexico

• Marriage, divorce, or becoming widowed

Understanding Your CURP and RFC

CURP (Clave Única de Población):
Your official Mexican ID number, printed on your residency card — an 18-character combination of your name and birth date.

RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes):
Your official tax ID number, required for:

• Opening bank accounts

• Setting up utility services (electricity, water, internet)

• Claiming your capital gains tax exemption when selling property

If you are not generating income in Mexico, your classification will be “no lucrativa.”
RFCs are issued only in person at your local SAT (Hacienda) office. If you need help, I can refer you to a facilitator.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ve found this guide helpful! Moving to Mexico is a life-changing experience — and with the right preparation, it can be smooth and deeply rewarding.

If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected]. Remember, everyone’s path is unique — there’s no single “right way” to make your move. It’s your life, your plan, your dream.

I’ve had the privilege of assisting foreign buyers here at Coldwell Banker SMART for over a decade, and I take great pride in providing the world-class service our brand is known for.

If you haven’t yet connected with an agent, reach out — let’s begin making your dream home in Mexico a reality.