Mexico: Immigration Fee Increases and New Reduction Mechanism Forthcoming
November 12, 2025
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At a Glance
- Mexico has approved substantial immigration fee increases under a reform to the Federal Fee Law as part of the 2026 Economic Budget.
- As a result, effective January 1, 2026, government processing fees will rise by more than 100% in some categories, affecting visitors and temporary and permanent residence visas, and there will be new charges for exit authorizations for minors and other services.
- A 50% fee reduction will apply to certain temporary and permanent residents who meet specific eligibility conditions, though the scope and application process for this reduction have yet to be clarified by the National Immigration Institute.
- Individuals or employers not covered by the reduction should expect significant cost increases in 2026 and may wish to file renewals or applications before the end of 2025 to take advantage of current, lower fees.
The situation
Mexico has approved a reform to the Federal Fee Law (Ley Federal de Derechos) as part of the 2026 Economic Budget, introducing substantial increases to government processing fees effective January 1, 2026. While many categories will see higher fees, certain residents may benefit from a newly introduced 50% reduction mechanism under specific qualifying conditions.
A closer look
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Key fee increases. The reform introduces substantial fee increases across immigration categories, in some cases exceeding 100% of current levels. New fees will be as follows: · Visitor without work authorization: MXN 983, up from MXN 860. · Temporary Resident Visas: o One year: MXN 11,140.74, up from MXN 5,328 o Two years: 16,693.36, up from MXN 7,984 o Three years: MXN 21,142.58, up from MXN 10,112 o Four years: MXN 25,057.82, up from MXN 11,984 · Permanent Resident Visa: MXN 13,578.96, up from MXN 6,494 · Other new fees. MXN 294.01 for the exit authorization form for minors and individuals under legal guardianship (currently free of charge). |
· Cost impact. These increases may represent a major cost adjustment for both foreign nationals and employers sponsoring immigration processes. The most affected categories will be temporary and permanent residents, who will see fees more than double in several cases. · Planning and budget considerations. Employers may need to reassess mobility budgets and relocation planning for 2026. Employers and foreign nationals renewing or applying for residence before January 2026 may wish to do so early to avoid the higher fees that will be in effect after this date.
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Partial fee reduction provision. The reform introduces a 50% fee reduction for certain temporary and permanent residents who can demonstrate to the National Immigration Institute (INM) that their stay in Mexico is: · for family unity; |
While this provision could significantly mitigate the impact of the new fees, operational details remain pending, including eligibility documentation, proof requirements, and the process of applying for the discount at the time of payment. Clarifying guidance from the INM is expected closer to the implementation date.
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Background
The reform, introduced as part of the 2026 Economic Budget, aims to increase government revenue through updates to service fees, including those related to immigration processes. It forms part of a broader effort to modernize revenue collection, offset inflation, and align the Federal Fee Law’s annual updates with the rising costs of administrative services.
Looking ahead
These changes may reflect broader policy developments as Mexico continues advancing reforms to its immigration framework, including the introduction of electronic visas and streamlined procedures announced earlier this year. Further regulatory adjustments could follow as authorities refine cost-recovery measures and modernize administrative processes to align with fiscal and operational priorities into 2026.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
