(MEXICO) Mexico will raise a wide range of immigration fees starting January 1, 2026, with some of the largest increases hitting temporary and permanent residency. Lawmakers in the lower house approved the changes as part of the 2026 Economic Budget, voting 352 to 133, and the measure now awaits Senate approval and presidential sign-off.

Officials say the higher charges are meant to keep pace with inflation, cover the growing cost of services, and reflect heavier use of immigration systems. The National Migration Institute, known as INM, is also preparing a 50% fee reduction for some temporary and permanent residents, though it has not yet explained who will qualify or how to apply.

Key fee changes (high-level)

• Temporary residency (1–4 years): fees will roughly double.
  • Example: a four-year temporary residency card costing about 11,984 MXN (~$650 USD) in 2025 is expected to rise to about 25,058 MXN (~$1,354 USD) in 2026.
• Permanent residency: annual fee rising from about 6,494 MXN (~$355 USD) to around 12,988 MXN (~$705 USD).
• FMM tourist permit: from 861 MXN to 983 MXN (~$53 USD).
• New charges for previously free services:
  • SAM (exit authorization for minors): about 294 MXN (~$15.89 USD).
  • Visit requests for vessels in deep-sea navigation: about 298 MXN (~$16 USD).

Discount program: 50% fee reduction

Officials have announced a 50% reduction for some temporary and permanent residents, described as targeted to people who qualify through:

• Family ties
• National job offers
• Unpaid invitations from public or private groups

However, the INM has not yet released proof requirements or the application process. That lack of detail is creating a short-term information gap for families and workers who must plan budgets for 2026 and may rely on the discount.

VisaVerge.com notes the missing details could affect planning for families and employers who need clarity before hiring or renewing status in 2026.

Government rationale and official framing

Supporters of the change argue the immigration system needs more funding to:

• Update services and maintain staff
• Handle rising numbers of foreign residents and digital nomads
• Meet larger demands on security checks, document verification, and customer service

Officials say fees must reflect the “intensive use of infrastructure and specialized human resources” at the INM, where trained staff perform identity checks, visa processing, and fraud prevention.

Concerns from critics

Critics in Congress and the business community warn the increases could:

• Deter longer stays
• Add pressure to families already handling high living costs
• Affect employers who sponsor foreign workers (they need clarity on discounts for hiring plans)
• Hit small firms that rely on seasonal talent, even if costs can be amortized
• Create a rush to apply before the end of 2025, potentially straining INM offices and Mexican consulates abroad

Some immigration attorneys advise that a pre-2026 renewal strategy could make sense for those who qualify, but caution that rushing can backfire if documents are incomplete.

Practical implications and planning

• Applicants traveling on tourist status will see smaller changes, though families traveling with children now face the SAM charge for exit authorization.
• People with temporary residency cards expiring in late 2025 are weighing early renewals to lock in 2025 rates.
  • Attorneys say renewal-before-increase can be sensible for those within renewal windows and with clean records.
  • For those becoming eligible for permanent residence in 2026, higher permanent fees change the cost calculus.
• Families with mixed status (one spouse eligible for the discount, the other not) are seeking clarity on whether the 50% reduction applies per person or per family unit.

Actionable guidance and sources

• The INM’s official portal is at gob.mx/inm. Officials are expected to publish:
  • The updated fee table
  • Any discount rules and proof requirements
• Travelers and applicants should:
  • Always check the most recent INM pages before paying fees or booking travel
  • Review expiration dates and renewal windows
  • Prepare documents early if planning to claim the discount once rules are published

Current INM resources include the FMM overview and SAM guidance for minors’ departures; these pages are expected to reflect the new immigration fees shortly before the changes take effect.

Timeline and legislative status

• The lower house approved the fee changes; the measure still needs:
  1. Senate review and potential amendments
  2. Presidential approval
• Lawmakers expect the law to enter into force on January 1, 2026, giving applicants roughly one year to plan.
• If the INM publishes discount instructions by mid-2025, companies and families would have time to gather eligibility documents.

Advice from support sectors

Travel agencies, relocation firms, and university international offices are advising clients to:

• Review document expiration dates
• Consider timing renewals to avoid higher fees
• Set aside funds for the new amounts (temporary residency four-year totals and permanent residency increases)
• Build modest buffers for exchange rate fluctuations

They note that if the Senate makes only minor adjustments, final amounts could vary slightly, but the overall near-doubling of core residency fees is expected to remain.

Important reminders and next steps

• Fees are slated to increase on January 1, 2026 — this date is the clearest, confirmed element for planning.
• The 50% fee reduction details should appear in official notices from INM in the months before the increase.
• For families traveling with children: ensure minors’ documents and parental consent proof are in order, since airlines may require these at check-in.
• Monitor INM pages at gob.mx/inm for updated formats and payment instructions before making any payments.

VisaVerge.com reports many foreign residents are closely watching the process. Some will renew before the end of 2025 to avoid higher fees; others will wait for the discount guidance to see if they qualify. The final decision for each person or employer will depend on timing, documentation, and how local INM offices implement the policy.