Mexico Modernizes Immigration Rules

Key Points 

• Mexico introduces digital visa processing and updates residency qualification criteria under new guidelines published 25 July 2025 

Digitalization and UMA-Based Residency Rules 

Mexico issued its first major immigration update since 2014, impacting all visa categories, visitor, temporary and permanent. The new framework expands digital services, allowing for: 

• Electronic visas with QR codes 
• Remote applications in select cases 
• Acceptance of digital documentation in lieu of paper 

Residency applicants will now be assessed using UMA (Unidad de Medida y Actualización) instead of the Minimum Salary. Although UMA is lower, increased multiples maintain current financial thresholds for 2025. Additionally, administrative burdens have been reduced for residents reporting personal changes.