Mexico has become one of the most strategic destinations for foreign companies expanding into Latin America. Its proximity to the U.S., competitive labour costs, and growing industrial base attract manufacturers, service firms, and remote-first businesses alike. But entering this market requires more than a business strategy; it demands full compliance with local hiring and immigration laws.
Hiring or relocating foreign staff in Mexico involves a structured process under the National Immigration Institute (INM). Every company must understand how to get a Mexico work permit, choose the correct category, and ensure that both employer and employee meet strict eligibility requirements. Even small mistakes can delay operations or result in compliance penalties.
For HR and compliance leaders managing global teams, navigating Mexico’s work permit framework is essential. This guide explains each step, from employer registration and application to costs, timelines, and post-approval duties, so your business can hire and operate in Mexico with confidence.
Why Foreign Companies Must Understand Mexico Work Permits
As one of Latin America’s largest and most open economies, Mexico attracts thousands of foreign companies each year. Whether you’re building a local team or relocating international talent, understanding how to get a Mexico work permit is essential for staying compliant and protecting your business from penalties.
A Mexico work permit is a legal authorization that allows non-Mexican nationals to live and work in the country under a specific employer. Companies that hire foreign staff without proper authorization risk administrative fines and even temporary suspension of employer privileges under Mexico’s National Immigration Institute (Instituto Nacional de Migración – INM).
The country’s growing reputation as a nearshoring destination makes work permits increasingly relevant. According to Mexico’s Ministry of Economy, foreign direct investment reached USD 36.06 billion in 2023, a record figure largely driven by multinational expansions. To operate within this booming market, companies must ensure every foreign employee has the correct authorization before beginning paid work.
Understanding Key Terms: Work Permit vs Work Visa in Mexico
When researching how to apply for a work permit in Mexico, it’s easy to confuse two related but distinct terms: the work permit and the work visa.
Work Permit (Employer Authorization)
The INM issues the work permit to an employer legally registered in Mexico. It authorises the employer to hire a specific foreign national. This step must be completed before the employee can apply for a visa.
Work Visa (Employee Authorization)
After the work permit is approved, the employee applies for a Temporary Resident Visa at a Mexican consulate abroad. Once they enter Mexico with this visa, they finalise the process by obtaining a Temporary Resident Card, which functions as the actual work authorization document.
In short:
- The employer applies for the work permit.
- The employee uses the permit approval to apply for a visa abroad.
- The employee enters Mexico, finalises registration, and receives the resident card.
Understanding these distinctions prevents delays and ensures compliance with both immigration and labour regulations.
Eligibility Criteria for Foreign Employers Sponsoring Work Permits
Foreign companies planning to employ non-Mexican nationals must first meet specific registration and compliance requirements. Mexico requires all sponsoring employers to be officially recognised by the National Immigration Institute (INM).
Employer Registration
Before hiring foreign workers, a company must obtain the Employer Registration Certificate (Constancia de Inscripción de Empleador) from the INM. This document confirms the business is authorised to act as a legal sponsor.
Legal Presence in Mexico
Only companies with a registered local entity, such as a subsidiary or branch, can directly apply for work permits. The entity must hold a Mexican tax ID (RFC) and maintain a verifiable address.
Supporting Documentation
Employers must submit:
- Articles of incorporation and tax registration certificates.
- Proof of business address and operating status.
- Annual financial statements and proof of social security registration, if applicable.
- Corporate ID of the company’s legal representative.
Job Justification
In some cases, particularly for technical or managerial positions, employers must provide evidence that the role requires foreign expertise or that no qualified local candidate is available.
Without these prerequisites, an employer cannot file a work permit application, regardless of the employee’s qualifications.
Types of Work Permits Available in Mexico
The types of work permits in Mexico vary based on job role, contract duration, and the applicant’s immigration category. The main options include:
1. Temporary Resident Visa with Work Authorization
This is the most common work permit for foreign employees. It allows residency and employment in Mexico for up to one year initially, renewable for up to four years. The permit is tied to the sponsoring employer.
2. Intra-Company Transfer Permit
For employees transferred from a foreign branch to a Mexican entity within the same corporate group. The applicant must already be employed by the foreign entity and hold relevant experience or managerial authority.
3. Visitor Visa with Permission to Work
Designed for short-term assignments, such as consulting, maintenance, or project-based work. Holders of this visa are authorised to perform paid activities but cannot convert it into a resident permit.
4. Specialised or Technical Service Permit
Applicable to foreign specialists contracted for specific technical services or infrastructure projects. Requires submission of the service contract between the Mexican company and the foreign contractor.
Choosing the correct permit type is essential to avoid rejections or the need to refile. Misclassifying an applicant, for instance, applying for a visitor permit instead of a temporary resident visa, is one of the most common mistakes made by foreign employers.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Work Permit in Mexico
Here’s a detailed overview of how to get a work permit in Mexico from start to finish.
Step 1. Register as an Employer
The employer must register with the INM to obtain its Employer Registration Certificate. This establishes the company’s eligibility to hire foreign workers. The process typically takes 2–3 weeks.
Step 2. Submit the Work Permit Application
The employer files a Solicitud de Trámite de Autorización de Visa por Oferta de Empleo through the INM online portal. Required documents include corporate registration proof, a job offer, and details of the foreign employee.
Step 3. INM Review and Decision
The INM reviews the application and, if approved, issues a Unique Processing Number (Número Único de Trámite – NUT), which is sent to the foreign employee for use at the consulate.
Step 4. Apply for a Work Visa Abroad
Using the NUT, the foreign employee applies for a Temporary Resident Visa at a Mexican consulate in their home country. This process includes an interview, biometrics, and visa issuance.
Step 5. Enter Mexico and Finalise Registration
Upon arrival, the employee must visit the local INM office within 30 days to exchange the visa for a Temporary Resident Card, the document that officially authorizes work.
Step 6. Begin Employment
Once the card is issued, the employee is legally authorised to work and receive payment from the Mexican entity.
Required Documents & Compliance Checklist
Documentation accuracy is critical. Below are the core documents needed for both employer and employee applications.
Employer Documents
- Valid Employer Registration Certificate from INM.
- Articles of incorporation and RFC tax ID.
- Proof of address and a recent tax compliance certificate.
- Employment contract or job offer letter detailing salary, duties, and duration.
- Copy of the legal representative’s ID and signature authorization.
Employee Documents
- Valid passport and completed INM form.
- Academic certificates and professional references.
- Police clearance certificate from the country of residence.
- Medical certificate (requested by some consulates).
- Passport-size photos and a consular fee receipt.
All non-Spanish documents must be translated by a certified translator in Mexico and notarised or apostilled in the home country, per The Hague Convention standards.
Cost, Processing Time & Validity
When planning for foreign hires in Mexico, employers should factor in both government fees and document authentication costs. While the total cost may vary by consulate and duration of stay, official sources provide general guidance on fees and timelines.
Government Fees
According to the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM), the government fee for a Temporary Resident Card with work authorization is approximately MXN 5,570 for the first year. If the card includes a specific work-permit endorsement, an additional authorization fee of around MXN 4,182 may apply, depending on the case type.
A Visitor Visa with Permission to Perform Paid Activities (for assignments under 180 days) is also available and typically costs between USD 150 – 400, depending on the issuing consulate and the applicant’s nationality.
Processing Time
The processing timeline generally depends on the stage and workload of each authority:
- Employer registration with INM: around 2–3 weeks, depending on documentation completeness.
- Work permit authorization: approximately 30 business days after submission.
- Consular visa issuance: usually within 10–15 days once the INM approval number is received.
Official timelines are not guaranteed; the INM advises applicants to plan for potential administrative delays, especially during high-volume months.
Validity
The Temporary Resident Card issued upon arrival is normally valid for one year, renewable annually for up to four years. Short-term visitor visas with paid activity permissions are valid for up to 180 days and are non-renewable.
Employers are responsible for tracking renewal dates and maintaining valid status for all foreign employees to remain compliant with Mexican immigration regulations.
Employer Responsibilities & Post-Approval Compliance
Once a company employs a foreign worker, several post-approval obligations must be met under Mexican law.
1. Reporting and Record Maintenance
Employers must notify INM within 90 days of any changes in employment, such as termination, role modification, or salary adjustment.
2. Labour and Social Security Compliance
All foreign employees must be registered with:
- The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) for health and pension benefits.
- The Tax Administration Service (SAT) is for income tax withholding and employer contributions.
3. Permit Renewals and Expirations
Renewal requests must be filed 30 days before expiry, accompanied by updated proof of employment, tax compliance, and company registration.
4. Record Retention
Employers are required to retain copies of all permits, employment contracts, and tax filings for at least five years, as they may be reviewed during audits.
Failure to meet these obligations can result in administrative penalties or revocation of employer registration.
How Commenda Simplifies Global Work Permit and Compliance Management
Successful expansion into markets like Mexico begins with establishing the right legal entity and maintaining ongoing corporate compliance, not navigating these processes through scattered advisors. Commenda’s global business console gives companies a single, reliable system to form, manage, and oversee foreign entities with clarity and control.
Commenda helps international teams by providing:
- End-to-end entity incorporation: Set up and register your Mexican entity, and entities in 30+ jurisdictions, through one streamlined platform that organizes documents, filings, and regulatory steps from start to finish.
- Centralized entity management: Maintain an up-to-date, audit-ready record of directors, shareholders, resolutions, and corporate documents across all your global entities in a single, secure dashboard.
- Coordinated banking and operational setup: Prepare and manage the documentation required for local bank account opening and operational registrations, ensuring your entity is fully equipped to begin business activities.
While immigration support can be added through specialized partners, Commenda ensures your legal entity and corporate structure are established and maintained accurately, creating a strong foundation for compliant hiring and long-term growth.
Book a free Demo to see how Commenda can help your business manage work-permit applications, renewals, and compliance across global markets.
FAQs
1. What is the cost of a work permit in Mexico for foreign employees?
Government fees range from MXN 4,500–6,000 (≈US $250–330), plus registration and renewal costs.
2. How long does it take to apply for a work permit in Mexico?
Typically 4–8 weeks, including employer registration, permit approval, and consular processing.
3. What types of work permits in Mexico are available?
Temporary resident, intra-company transfer, visitor with paid activities, and specialised technical permits.
4. Can a foreign company apply for a work permit in Mexico without a local office?
No. Only entities registered with the National Immigration Institute (INM) may sponsor foreign workers.
5. What risks exist if a foreign company fails to comply after getting a work permit in Mexico?
Non-compliance can lead to fines, suspension of employer registration, or cancellation of permits.
6. Can a foreign employee change jobs or employer under the same permit?
Not without authorization from the INM. A new sponsor must reapply.
7. How to renew or extend a work permit in Mexico?
Apply at least 30 days before expiration with updated documents and proof of continued employment.
8. Is a work permit sufficient for visa entry, or is a separate visa needed?
A Mexican consulate must issue a separate Temporary Resident Visa before entry.
