How to Renew a Mexican Temporary Resident Card
The renewal window opens 30 days before your card expires. What INM asks for, what it costs in 2026 and how renewals lead to permanent status.
A Mexican temporary resident card is renewed at the National Migration Institute (INM) in the last 30 calendar days of its validity, with an online form, a fee and a visit for fingerprints. As of November 2026, INM charges MXN 11,141 for one more year, MXN 16,693 for two and MXN 21,143 for three.
When should you renew your resident card?
INM’s renewal requirements list a card with up to 30 calendar days of validity left. In practice that means you file once your card is inside its final month and before it expires. Filing earlier is not part of the published procedure, so mark the date on the card and set a reminder 35 days ahead.
Your first temporary resident card, issued at the INM canje, is valid for one year from your entry into Mexico. Renewals add one, two or three years, as long as your total time as a temporary resident does not exceed four years.
How much does renewal cost in 2026?
Fees come from the Federal Law of Fees (Ley Federal de Derechos) and rise every year. As of November 2026, INM lists:
| Renewal | Full fee | 50% rate |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary resident, 1 year | MXN 11,141 | MXN 5,570 |
| Temporary resident, 2 years | MXN 16,693 | MXN 8,347 |
| Temporary resident, 3 years | MXN 21,143 | MXN 10,571 |
The 50% rate is only for residents who prove their stay is for family unity, a job offer from an employer registered with INM, or an unpaid invitation. INM does not take cash: pay by Visa or Mastercard at the office or with the payment help sheet the online system generates.
What documents does INM ask for?
INM’s renewal procedure sheet lists these items:
- The online application form for a stay procedure, printed and signed by hand.
- Your current resident card, with no more than 30 days of validity left.
- A written statement, made under oath (bajo protesta de decir verdad), that the conditions under which you received residency still apply.
- The formato básico, filled in.
- Three small photos (2.5 x 3 cm), two facing forward and one of the right profile, white background, no glasses or earrings.
- Proof of fee payment.
Extra documents depend on your case. Residents with a job offer bring a letter from the employer confirming continued employment. Students bring a letter from their school. If your residency rests on marriage or partnership with a Mexican or a resident, both of you sign the sworn statement.
How does the renewal process work?
- Complete the stay procedure form on inm.gob.mx. Keep the file number (pieza) and the password sent to your email.
- Choose the number of years and pay the fee.
- Take the file to the INM office that covers your address. In Mexico City that is the INM office at Av. Ejército Nacional 862, Polanco, open Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 15:00.
- Give fingerprints and sign in person. A representative with a power of attorney can file papers, but cannot do this step for you.
- Follow the file online and collect the new card when it is ready.
If you must travel while the renewal is pending, ask INM for an exit and return permit (permiso de salida y regreso) at the office handling your file. INM lists its fee as MXN 591 as of November 2026.
What happens if your card expires before you renew?
A late filing is treated as outside the deadline, and the Migration Law allows INM to fine foreigners who do not keep their documents current. The window for a late renewal and the size of the fine are set by INM in each case. If your card has already expired, contact the INM office or an immigration lawyer before traveling or filing anything else.
This article explains INM’s published procedure and is not legal advice. INM decides each case.
Can you switch to permanent residency instead of renewing?
Yes, once you have held temporary residency for four years. At that point the next step is a change of status to permanent resident rather than another renewal. INM charges MXN 13,579 for the permanent card as of November 2026, and for adults that card has no expiry. Our guide to permanent residency requirements lists the other routes, including family ties.
If your address changed since the last card, file the notice first; see how to notify INM of a change.
Bottom line
Write your card’s expiry date down today and start the online form as soon as you are inside the last 30 days. If you plan to stay in Mexico long term, compare the cost of a three-year renewal with two shorter ones, and count how many years remain before you can apply for permanent residency.
FAQ
Can I renew for four years at once?
No. Temporary residency lasts four years in total, and the first year is already used by the card from your canje. Renewals therefore run for one, two or three years.
Do I need to prove income again when renewing?
INM’s procedure sheet asks for a sworn statement that your original conditions still apply, plus case-specific letters for workers and students. INM can ask for more documents if it has doubts.
Can I renew at any INM office in Mexico?
File at the office that corresponds to the address on your record. If you have moved, notify INM of the new address first.
