Mexico Digital Nomad Visa Guide (2024)

Are you fascinated by incredible food, powdery sand beaches, and ancient temples? Then Mexico just might be your perfect digital nomad destination!

This country is steadily becoming one of the most alluring spots for digital nomads — partially due to its rich culture and exciting adventure opportunities.

In this article you will find out more about: 

• Rules and regulations for obtaining Mexico’s digital nomad visa, 
• Pros and cons of living in Mexico, 
• Best cities and towns for digital nomads in Mexico, and 
• Tips that will help you get situated in this beautiful country. 

Let’s dive in! 

Quick digital nomad visa facts for Mexico 

Before we get to the complete Mexico digital nomad visa guide, let’s take a quick look at some digital nomad visa facts. 

Mexico visa questions	Mexico visa answers
Does Mexico have a digital nomad visa?	No. But it has a partially suitable alternative called a Temporary resident visa.
Who can apply for the Mexico digital nomad visa?	– Anyone of non-Mexican nationality who works for a company registered outside Mexico. – Anyone who meets the other criteria stated under the subheading Who is eligible to apply for Mexico’s digital nomad visa?
How much does the Mexico digital nomad visa cost?	Mex$1,037.16 (~$53)
Mexico’s digital nomad visa length?	Anywhere from 6 months, up to 4 years
Minimum stay requirement?	Not stated
Possible to extend the visa?	Yes
Minimum income requirements?	— ~Mex$74,357.54 ($3,737.95) of monthly income after taxes during the previous 6 months, or — ~Mex$1,238,210.8 ($62,232.5) in your bank account over the past 12 months
Processing time for visa application?	10 business days
Can I apply with family members for a digital nomad visa?	Yes, but only with your spouse/registered partner and your children

What to expect as a digital nomad in Mexico?

Here are some fundamental facts that every digital nomad who plans to work remotely in Mexico should know.

Mexico digital nomad FAQ	Mexico digital nomad answers
Average Internet speed:	– 79.31 Mbps — Median download speed – 44.30 Mbps — Median upload speed
Best coworking space (highest Google rating and number of voters):	Colony Spaces Colima, Mexico City (4.9 stars from 437 votes)
Friendly to foreigners:	Yes. Every year plenty of foreigners visit Mexico, so locals are used to tourists and expats.
The most popular place for digital nomads in Mexico:	Mexico City
Weather in Mexico’s most popular place for digital nomads:	– Average annual temperature — ​​16.25℃ (61.25°F); – Coldest month average temperature (January) — 13°C (55.4°F) – Hottest month average temperature (June/July) — 18°C (64.4°F)  – Around 2,551 sunny hours per year.  – The temperatures during summer and winter depend on the location, since Mexico has various climate types.
Type of climate:	– Temperate – Tropical
Annual air quality average:	– US AQI 68 (moderate)  – PM 2.5 — 4x the WHO annual air quality guideline value (unhealthy)
Average cost of living (without rent):	– Single person: Mex$12,437.3 (~$634.94 ) – Family of 4: Mex$44,902 (~$2,292.29)
Average coworking space cost:	~Mex$3,311.90–Mex$9,975.56 (~$169–$509) per month per person
Interesting fact for digital nomads:	There are still “no-go zones” in certain areas of Mexico.

Mexico digital nomad visa 

Unfortunately, Mexico doesn’t have an official digital nomad visa. But, it does have a suitable alternative — the Temporary residence visa. 

The main benefits of this Mexico digital nomad visa alternative are the following: 

• You can stay in Mexico for up to 180 days,
• Once you get to Mexico, you can extend your stay to up to 4 years, and 
• You can legally work from Mexico for a company registered outside Mexico. 

Now, let’s see what documents you have to gather and which migratory procedures you’ll have to obey to be eligible for a Temporary residence visa. 

What documents do I need to apply for the Mexico digital nomad visa?

To apply for the Mexico digital nomad visa (otherwise known as the Temporary residence visa), you’ll need the following documents: 

• Your passport or another valid travel document, 
• A copy of the identity page in your passport, 
• A recent color ID photograph (3.9 cm x 3.1 cm),
• The filled-out visa application form, 
• Proof that you have paid the visa application fee, and 
• A contract of employment (original or copy) or another certified document proving you have had a monthly income of at least ~Mex$73,257.65 ($3,737.95), after taxes, for the previous 6 months. Alternatively, you can submit a bank account statement proving you have had an average monthly balance of at least ~Mex$1,219,801.19 ($62,232.50) during the last 12 months. 

If you apply for a Temporary residence visa from a country where you aren’t a resident, you will also need proof that you have entered that country legally.

Also, keep in mind that the minimum income requirements vary depending on the exchange rate of Mex$ — Mexican Peso — and the minimum daily wage in Mexico. So check both before applying. 

The required amounts are supposed to be equal to 300 and 5,000 daily minimum wages (on a monthly and annual level). Though the values we included are explicitly stated in official government sources, they may change over time due to the exchange rate and the minimum daily wage, which currently stands at Mex$249 (~$12.67).

Who is eligible to apply for Mexico’s digital nomad visa?

The eligibility criteria for the Mexico digital nomad visa alternative — Temporary residence visa — seem pretty straightforward.

First, digital nomads of any nationality can apply for a Temporary residence visa. 

This information is particularly important to EU/EEA citizens, who are often unable to apply for digital nomad visas in many European countries since those visas are mostly intended for people outside the EU/EEA. 

Here are other requirements you need to meet to be eligible to apply for a Temporary residence visa: 

• Have enough funds at your disposal, which means that you need to have:
  • A monthly income of at least 300 minimum daily wages in Mexico (~Mex$73,257.65 ($3,737.95)) over the past 6 months, or 
  • An amount equal or higher than 5,000 minimum daily wages in Mexico (~Mex$1,219,801.19 ($62,232.50)) that’s been in your account for the last 12 months, 
• Work for a company or business entity registered outside Mexico (if applicable), and 
• Have all of the aforementioned documents. 

Although the eligibility criteria seem clear, we recommend you check if you are eligible to apply for Mexico’s digital nomad visa by contacting the nearest Mexican Consulate or Embassy.  

Are you eligible if you are a United States citizen?

Yes, as a US citizen, you can get a Temporary residence visa and enjoy the benefits of working remotely from Mexico. 

Also, as a US citizen, you don’t need a visa to enter Mexico if you plan to stay there for less than 180 days. 

However, you must visit the office of the National Migration Institute (INM) to get an entry permit, if you want to visit areas further than 12 miles (20 km) away from the border (in other words, if you want to move freely through Mexico). 

Are you eligible if you are a US Green Card holder?

Yes, as a US Green Card holder, you can apply for a Temporary residence visa. 

However, keep in mind that you will lose your rights to a Green Card if you stay outside the US for more than a year. Therefore, think carefully whether getting a work permit for Mexico is worth the risk of potentially losing your US Green Card. 

Are you eligible if you are an EU citizen?

Yes, as an EU citizen, you are eligible to apply for a Temporary residence visa. 

However, being an EU or EEA citizen is not enough to grant you a Temporary residence visa — you still have to meet all of the aforementioned conditions, as well. 

Are you eligible if you reside in any other country?

Yes, if you reside in any other country, you can apply for the best Mexican alternative for a digital nomad visa — a Temporary residence visa.

How do I get a digital nomad visa for Mexico? 

Unfortunately, there are currently no suitable online links where you can apply for a Temporary residence visa for Mexico.

Therefore, the only way to apply is by visiting a Mexican Consulate or Embassy.

After finding the nearest accredited Mexican representation, gather all the necessary documents, schedule an appointment, and submit the documentation. 

If your documentation is in order, you will move to the next stage — an interview at the embassy/consulate.

Providing your interview is successful, you might get a Temporary residence visa on the spot, during the interview. 

However, in most cases, the visa will arrive days or weeks later — it depends on the efficiency of the Mexican representation where you apply. 

Finally, once you get to Mexico, you must get your residence card from one of the National Immigration Institute offices. 

What other types of visas suitable for digital nomads does Mexico offer?

Unfortunately, Mexico does not have many alternative visas for digital nomads who do not meet the requirements for a Temporary residence visa. 

In fact, the only suitable alternative is a Temporary resident visa through NUT (NUT stands for Número Único de Trámite — a unique processing number). 

To obtain a NUT, you must apply for a work permit in Mexico. Once it gets approved, you’ll be assigned a NUT and you’ll be able to use it to apply for a Temporary resident visa through NUT.

Let’s find out more about its requirements and benefits. 

The alternative to a Temporary resident visa — Temporary resident visa through NUT 

The Temporary Resident Visa through NUT is one of the Mexican work visas that allow you to work for a company registered in Mexico. 

This visa allows you to perform remunerated activities and stay in Mexico for more than 180 days and up to 4 years. 

However, depending on the agreement with your employer, you will have to renew the visa from time to time. 

Naturally, before applying for this type of visa, we recommend you consult with your employer and the nearest Mexican Consulate or Embassy to be sure you are eligible for it. 

What documents do I need for a Temporary resident visa through NUT 

To get a Temporary Resident Visa through NUT, you have to submit the following documents:

• Your passport, 
• A copy of the identity page in your passport, 
• A recent color ID photograph (3.9cm x 3.1cm),
• The filled-out visa application form, 
• Proof that you have paid the visa application fee, and 
• A letter of authorization with your NUT number. 

If you live in a foreign country and want to apply for a Temporary resident visa through NUT, you have to submit proof of legal status in the country (residence permit/visa) as well. 

Also, if some of your family members want to come with you to Mexico, you must submit the following documents: 

• Birth certificate (for children),
• Marriage certificate (for your spouse), and 
• Proof of financial solvency in the form of a bank statement. 

Bear in mind that Mexican authorities may require some additional documents depending on where you apply. We recommend you check at the nearest Mexican Consulate or Embassy whether that would be the case for you or not. 

Which Mexico visa type is best for digital nomads?

Until the Mexican authorities introduce a real digital nomad visa, the best visa type for digital nomads in Mexico is a Temporary resident visa. Its biggest benefit is that you can work legally for a foreign company while living in Mexico.

However, its biggest disadvantage is that the process of obtaining it is somewhat unclear and that some additional requirements may appear during the application process. 

So, we recommend you contact lawyers specialized in Mexican migration laws or official Mexican representations in your (or nearby) country.

That way you can be sure that a Temporary resident visa is the right choice for you.

On the other hand, if you are, for example, working remotely in Mexico for a US company registered in Mexico, a Temporary resident visa through NUT might be the better choice.

Costs you need to consider as a digital nomad in Mexico

One of the most important things to consider before moving to another country is how much money you would need for a comfortable life there. 

Since digital nomads who come to Mexico with Temporary resident visas have a minimum income requirement of ~Mex$73,257.65 ($3,737.95) or more, they will likely enjoy their time in Mexico without worrying about finances. 

However, be prepared to spend a large part of your income on rent, since the accommodation in Mexico is pricey. 

In any case, let’s see in detail the costs of living in Mexico as a digital nomad so that you can estimate your future expenditures. 

Expense #1: Accommodation

Accommodation prices in Mexico are pretty high compared to some other destinations popular among digital nomads. 

To get a 1-bedroom apartment in Mexico’s capital, Mexico City, you will need around Mex$17,968.75  (~$900.62). The rent will be even higher if you look for a better-equipped or larger apartment.

If you want to live in the Mexican nightlife hotspot, Tulum, you’ll need to pay close to Mex$11,462.5 (~$574.36) for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center.

Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta are on the list of the most expensive destinations in the world. That is because these destinations are massively popular not only among tourists but also well-off digital nomads.

However, these are not the only destinations in Mexico — there are other interesting cities where digital nomads could live. 

Therefore, let’s learn more about the average rent prices of 1-bedroom apartments in Mexico’s most popular cities. 

Cities and areas in Mexico	Average accommodation costs (1-bedroom)
Mexico City	Mex$17,968.75 (~$900.62)
Guadalajara	Mex$12,975 (~$650.15)
Tulum area	Mex$11,462.5 (~$574.36)
Puerto Vallarta	Mex$19,253.85 (~$964.82)
Toluca	Mex$10,500 (~$526.10)
Cancún	Mex$14,049.52 (~$706.20)

Expense #2: Groceries

If you come from the US or European countries, you’ll notice that there are no huge discrepancies between the prices there and in Mexico. 

Although inflation in Mexico has been slightly higher recently, food prices have been on the decline in 2024. 

To give you a better picture of what groceries may cost you in Mexico, we have created a list of the most commonly bought groceries and their prices.

Groceries	Grocery prices in Mexico
Bread 500g (1.1 lbs)	Mex$47.70  (~$2.44)
Water 1.5 l (50.72 fl oz)	Mex$18.16 (~$0.93)
Milk 1 l (33.8 fl oz)	Mex$27.31 (~$1.40)
Chicken breasts 1 kg (2.2 lbs)	Mex$143.02 (~$7.32)
Beef 1 kg (2.2 lbs)	Mex$198.85 (~$10.18)
Local cheese 1 kg (2.2 lbs)	Mex$158.36 (~$8.11)
12 eggs	Mex$43.63 (~$2.32)
Rice 1 kg (2.2 lbs)	Mex$31.92 (~$1.63)
Apples 1 kg (2.2 lbs)	Mex$50.29 (~$2.57)
Oranges 1 kg (2.2 lbs)	Mex$32.29 (~$1.65)
Tomatoes 1 kg (2.2 lbs)	Mex$31.86 (~$1.63)
Potatoes 1 kg (2.2 lbs)	Mex$36.92 (~$1.89)

Expense #3: Utilities

Even though the pricing information on utility bills isn’t readily available online, their cost shouldn’t really set you back too much. Mexico has a pretty moderate, if not low price of electricity, compared to some other countries with digital nomad visas.

According to the latest available data, the electricity price in Mexico is Mex$1.95 (~$0.1) per 1 kWh of power. Therefore, if you spend 100 kWh of electricity, you will need to pay Mex$195.39 (~$10). 

On the other hand, water pricing depends on where you live and how you get your tap water. Therefore, there is no universal water price for households in Mexico. 

Also, bear in mind that a lot of Mexicans don’t drink tap water and use it only as technical water. 

Most Mexican homes do not have a heating system, so you probably won’t have to worry about heating bills. However, that depends on your exact location.

Mexico has various climate types,  and you’ll need some kind of heating during the cold days and nights in some of them. Therefore, it would be good to have air conditioning in your apartment so that you can heat the room a bit when needed.  

Finally, depending on where you live, you might need to pay some additional bills, such as garbage collection or cleaning bills. 

Expense #4: Transportation

Since Mexico is a huge country with various beautiful attractions worth visiting, we recommend you use a car while living there as a digital nomad to get around easier.

Unfortunately, the detailed prices of fuel in Mexico are not readily available. However, 1 l of petrol is currently around Mex$25.20 (~$1.29) — that can give you some insight into other prices, as well. 

On the other hand, since Mexico City has a chronic problem with traffic jams, you might want to use public transport services when going around town. Fortunately, Mexico City has a metro system, a well-developed bus transport system, and a tram system. 

As you can see below, public transportation tickets in Mexico City are pretty cheap by US and European standards. 

Type of public transport in Mexico City	Price of ticket
Bus	Mex$6 (~$0.31)
Metro	Mex$5 (~$0.26)
Tram	Mex$3 (~$0.15)

Expense #5: Bars and restaurants

To go to Mexico and not visit some of its bars, clubs, or restaurants would be a travesty. 

Naturally, prices in bars and restaurants vary depending on where you live. For example, since Tulum is a tourist hotspot, prices in bars there aren’t quite the same as in some less popular destinations like Toluca or Guadalajara. 

Take a look at the usual prices of drinks in Mexican bars. 

Drinks	Drink prices in Mexico
Beer 0.5 l (16.9 fl oz)	~Mex$45 (~$2.31)
Pepsi/Coca–Cola 0.33l (11.15 fl oz)	~Mex$22.59 (~$1.16)
Cappuccino	~Mex$59.27 (~$3.04)
Water 0.33 l (11.15 fl oz)	~Mex$16.74 (~$0.86)

“Where’s tequila?”, you might ask. Well, since tequila is for Mexico what oil is for the Middle East — readily available — it is pretty hard to pinpoint the average price of the drink that tastes like I’m not going to work tomorrow. 

So, be prepared to pay anywhere from Mex$17,50 (~$1) to a small fortune for one shot of tequila.

If you prefer to go to restaurants, you will be happy to hear that the prices of meals in restaurants are moderate. 

In mid range restaurants, you will likely spend around Mex$800 (~$40.98) for a meal for 2, but if you go to a nice local restaurant, you can enjoy your meal for around Mex$180 (~$9.23), which is a bargain. 

Expense #6: Coworking spaces

The average monthly price of a desk in a coworking space in Mexico City is around Mex$6,767.85 ($340) — the prices go between Mex$3,294.51 ($169) and Mex$9,922.53 ($509). 

There are plenty of coworking spaces in other Mexican cities popular among digital nomads. However, there is a difference in their prices. 

Coworking spaces in towns such as Tulum, Puerto Vallarta, and the Cancún area are slightly more expensive than hubs in Mexico City, Guadalajara, or Toluca. 

Expense #7: Internet

Although Mexico doesn’t belong to the group of countries with extremely fast Internet, it still offers stable and reliable Internet that is faster than in some European countries. 

The internet price in Mexico is somewhere between Mex$291.9 (~$15) and Mex$778.39 (~$40), depending on where you live and how fast you want it to be. 

Do digital nomads pay taxes in Mexico?

No, digital nomads do not pay taxes in Mexico if they are other countries’ residents for tax purposes.  

On the other hand, you have to pay taxes in Mexico if you become a Mexican resident for tax purposes by working for a company registered in Mexico. 

But, if you ever got employed by a Mexican company, your Mexican digital nomad visa would no longer be valid and you would have to apply for a work permit.

However, even in that case, you wouldn’t have to worry about taxes. Your employer would probably be required to pay taxes for you.

In any case, once you get to Mexico, we recommend you contact the INM (National Immigration Institute), Mexican tax authorities, and accredited tax and accounting services offices to get the most accurate information about the taxes in Mexico.

What are the benefits of being a digital nomad in Mexico?

If you have ever asked yourself “Why should I move to Mexico?” or “What are the benefits of living in Mexico”, the following list might give you some answers. 

Here are the main benefits of being a digital nomad in Mexico. 

Benefit #1: Cultural diversity and great social life

One of the first things you will notice when you come to Mexico is the cultural diversity.

People from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and races make Mexico a unique place and a true melting pot.

Plus, Mexico offers plenty of opportunities to meet new people! There are lots of great cafes, bars, and restaurants where you can try local or international drinks and specialties for more or less affordable prices and get to know some of the locals.

Also, various holidays, festivals, and carnivals — such as the Day of the Dead and Cinco de Mayo — are great ways to meet Mexicans and get to know their culture better. 

If you are fond of nightlife, almost every Mexican city has something for you. However, if you are looking for the best clubs and entertainment, then look no further than Mexico City and the Tulum area. 

Finally, Mexico has a rich history and a variety of attractions worth visiting. 

Therefore, we recommend you spend your spare time visiting temples and ancient ruins such as Chichén Itzá, Teotihuacan, Kukulkán, and many others. Also, there are plenty of museums, churches, and other buildings and institutions worth seeing whenever you have an opportunity to do so. 

Benefit #2: Moderate cost of living

Although rent prices are pretty high, groceries, utility bills, transportation costs, and prices in bars and restaurants are moderate, which makes Mexico attractive for digital nomads.

To cover the expenses of rent, basic groceries, and utilities, a single person needs around Mex$24,467 (~$1,259.04).

Since rent is the highest expense in Mexico, getting a cheaper apartment might lower your overall cost of living. So, we recommend you pay special attention to finding moderately priced accommodation. 

Of course, there is always a possibility to go off the beaten path and find an apartment in one of Mexico’s less popular places. That way, you could save more than if you lived in Mexico City or the Tulum area. 

Overall, since digital nomads have an average annual income of $122,859 (and a median income of $85,000), we believe that most nomads will be able to cope with the expenditures and live comfortably in this North American country. 

Benefit #3: Up to par Internet speed

It might be surprising for some people, but the broadband Internet in Mexico is (on average) faster than in some European countries such as Croatia or Greece. 

According to Ookla Speedtest Global Index, the Internet in Mexico has a median download speed of 79.31 Mbps and a median upload speed of 44.30 Mbps. 

In addition, the connection is stable and reliable, so digital nomads usually don’t have problems while working from their Mexican accommodations or coworking spaces. 

Among other benefits from our list, satisfactory internet speed is one of the main reasons why an increasing number of digital nomads move to Mexico. 

Benefit #4: Satisfactory healthcare system

The Mexican healthcare system is not state-of-the-art, but it isn’t bad either. It’s best described as satisfactory.

Although it is not stated as one of the Mexico digital nomad visa requirements, we strongly recommend you get private health insurance before coming to this North American country. That way, you can get medical treatment in both public and private hospitals. 

However, we recommend you opt for private hospitals if needed. You’ll have better luck finding  English-speaking personnel and better equipment there than you would in public hospitals. 

Another proof of the reliability and efficiency of private hospitals in Mexico is the fact that Mexico is one of the most popular destinations for medical tourism. 

Benefit #5: Fine weather

If you like countries with various climate zones, where the temperatures and climate conditions vary from region to region, Mexico is the right place for you. 

The average temperature in Mexico is 16.25℃ (61.25°F), but that doesn’t mean much since the country is climatologically different.

The average annual temperature in central Mexican areas is between 15℃ and 20℃, while coastal areas have higher average annual temperatures — between 23℃ and 27℃. 

If you prefer arid areas, the Northern and central parts of Mexico will be ideal for you. On the other hand, those who like occasional rain might prefer more humid areas near the Mexican coasts and mountains. 

In the southern parts of Mexico, the warmest months are April and May, while the rest of Mexico experiences high temperatures from June to September. 

Unfortunately, due to the El Niño climate pattern, Mexico’s coasts are areas where hurricanes and rain storms may appear from July to October. 

Benefit #6: No smoking in public areas

If you don’t smoke or don’t prefer to hang out in places where smoking is allowed, you will love the fact that smoking is banned in all public areas in Mexico. 

Mexico’s 2023 anti-smoking law is one of the strictest in the world. The ban includes not only bars, restaurants, and clubs, but also parks, squares, bus stations, offices, etc. Furthermore, vapes and e-cigarettes are also banned indoors. 

Smoking prohibition in public places means that private residences are the only places where you can legally smoke.  

What are the drawbacks of being a digital nomad in Mexico?

Although there are more advantages than disadvantages to living as a digital nomad in Mexico, you should carefully consider if the drawbacks outweigh all the positive things about Mexico we mentioned above. 

Let’s take a look at the main ones.

Drawback #1: Unsatisfactory safety

Unfortunately, there is no exact data about the number of crimes in Mexico. 

Still, crime in Mexico has been a burning issue for decades now. Ongoing violence between cartels and a high number of homicides (29,675 in 2023) as well as the fact that you should avoid certain areas of Mexico if you don’t want to accidentally end up in a potential crossfire or dispute between rival gangs, make us believe safety in Mexico is currently at an unsatisfactory level. 

However, this burning issue doesn’t seem to be bothering tourists too much, since around 42.15 million foreigners visited Mexico in 2023.

Also, according to the latest data, around 1.2 million foreigners reside in Mexico. Nowadays, that number might be even higher, since the last official data about foreigners living in Mexico has been published in 2020. 

Overall, it seems that the popular tourist and digital nomad hotspots are safe and have been spared from the outbursts of violence. 

In any case, we recommend you be on alert so you can spot any suspicious behavior and activities around you and move away from the potential danger. With enough caution, you will be safe and enjoy your stay in Mexico.

Drawback #2: Air pollution

Air pollution is the second biggest problem of living in Mexico. 

Although air pollution has drastically lowered since the 80s and 90s, the air quality in most parts of Mexico is still moderate at best. 

Furthermore, the level of PM2.5 is 4 times higher than what the WHO considers fine. 

The high concentration of ozone due to specific climate, large number of vehicles on Mexican streets, and dirty industries are the main contributors to air pollution in Mexico.  

Unfortunately, fighting air pollution doesn’t seem to be high on the current administration’s list of priorities. 

Drawback #3: Expensive rent

As stated before, you will need between Mex$12,300 and Mex$26,390 ($700 and $1,500) per month to rent a 1-bedroom apartment in Mexico, depending on its location. 

Of course, there is a good chance that you can find an apartment for less money by doing thorough research — that’s the only way to find the best and most cost-effective option. 

According to the trends in the market, it doesn’t seem that the rent prices will go down anytime soon. Therefore, Mexico will remain, at least for some time, a country with pretty expensive rent. 

Drawback #4: Very low English proficiency

According to the English Proficiency Index, the English proficiency of Mexicans has been labeled as low. 

This means you might face potential communication barriers in Mexico since many Mexicans don’t speak English at all or speak broken English. 

However, don’t lose hope. Locals will usually have better knowledge of English in places popular among tourists or populated by expats — urban areas of big cities and coastal destinations. 

On the other hand, if you want to visit some destinations off the beaten path, we cannot guarantee the locals will understand you. 

Therefore, if exploring rural Mexico is on your agenda, learn some alternative communication types, get a translator app, or just learn a bit of Spanish. 

5 Best destinations for digital nomads in Mexico

Now that you know a lot about the Mexico digital nomad visa, its requirements, and life in Mexico in general, it is time to learn more about your potential destinations. 

Here are the 5 best destinations for digital nomads in Mexico. 

Mexico City — The biggest city in Mexico

Population: 9,209,944

City area: 573 mi² (1,485 km²)

Time zone: UTC–06:00 (CST)

Average internet speed: 50 Mbps (median download speed), 24.6 Mbps (median upload speed) 

Average cost of living: Mex$13,508.2 (~$693.92) for 1 person per month (without rent); Mex$49,719.7 (~$2,554.13) for a family of 4 (without rent)

Average cost of rent: Mex$17,968.75  (~$900.62) per month for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center

Biggest advantage: A variety of attractions 

Biggest drawback: Traffic 

Mexico City is the cultural, political, and economic center of Mexico, and you’ll find it pretty hard not to fall in love with it. 

Although it is big, the city is walkable, so you can easily get where you want on foot. Also, while walking through the streets of Mexico City, there is a high chance you will see some architectural jewels, interesting museums, or cozy bars on your way. 

Mexico City offers a variety of places where you can hang out, meet new friends, and enjoy various types of drinks and food. 

This is a massive benefit because there are a lot of expats and digital nomads working remotely in Mexico — so you’ll have no issue finding a spot to hang out with them.

Sadly, Mexico City has its share of problems such as:

• High accommodation prices, 
• Traffic, and 
• Air pollution. 

However, since it’s the country’s capital that’s also rich in culture and history, we still believe living in Mexico City is a unique experience and that the positive aspects of the city outweigh the disadvantages.

Where to work in Mexico City

There are a lot of coworking spaces in Mexico City. The one that stands out, at least according to Google ratings, is Colony Spaces Colima with 4.9 stars from 437 votes. 

Guadalajara — The best alternative to Mexico City 

Population: 1,385,629

City area: 58 mi² (151 km²)

Time zone: UTC–06:00 (CST)

Average internet speed: 51.3 Mbps (median download speed), 29.1 Mbps (median upload speed) 

Average cost of living: Mex$12,126.8 (~$623.29) for 1 person per month (without rent); Mex$44,497.7 (~$2,287.09) for a family of 4 (without rent)

Average cost of rent: Mex$12,975 (~$650.15) per month for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center

Biggest advantage: Lower cost of living

Biggest drawback: Poor public transportation

Guadalajara is a truly amazing city to live in. 

It is the 4th most populated city in Mexico, the economic capital of the Bajio region, one of the centers of the Mexican economy, and a city with various UNESCO sites. 

But, best of all — it has a low cost of living. The average cost of rent is slightly lower than in other cities, making Guadalajara attractive to digital nomads who don’t have high salaries. 

In your spare time, we recommend visiting various historical sites, museums, restaurants, bars, or numerous festivals in Guadalajara and its surroundings. That way, you’ll be able to learn more about the great history of this part of Mexico and experience the casual spirit and friendliness of the locals. 

Also, if you believe that tequila is not the answer, but it’s worth a shot, visiting the nearby town called Tequila is a must. After all, it is the birthplace of Mexico’s most famous drink.

Although Guadalajara is much smaller than Mexico City, you will not miss the big city vibes since Guadalajara is alive and kicking 24/7. 

On the other hand, the 2 main disadvantages of living in Guadalajara are poor public transportation and potential violence between the gangs — although the latter rarely happens. 

Where to work in Guadalajara 

It seems every bigger city in Mexico has a plethora of coworking spaces available. The same applies to Guadalajara. According to Google ratings, the one that leaves others in the shade is Metta Coworking (4.8 stars from 87 reviews). 

Cancún — The best destination for digital nomads in Mexico

Population: 888,797

City area: 55.1 mi² (142.7 km²)

Time zone: UTC–5 (EST)

Average internet speed: 43.6 Mbps (median download speed), 30.6 Mbps (median upload speed) 

Average cost of living: Mex$14,243 (~$731.87) for 1 person per month (without rent); Mex$50,813.6 (~$2,611.03) for a family of 4 (without rent)

Average cost of rent: Mex$14,049.52 (~$706.20) per month for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center 

Biggest advantage: City’s energy 

Biggest drawback: Might become overcrowded with expats

Cancún is one of the most attractive destinations for tourists and digital nomads from all over the world. 

The city is located in the southeast of Mexico, on the shores of the Caribbean Sea. It was founded in 1970, and since then, it has been developing rapidly. 

One of the first things you will notice when you come to Cancún is the relaxed atmosphere and laid-back and friendly locals. 

The majority of locals speak English pretty well, so you probably won’t have any problems with communication. 

Although relaxed, it seems that the locals are pretty serious regarding the future of their city. They want it to prosper even further.   

Hence, the Cancún housing market has been developing dramatically in the last few years, with many new building complexes mushrooming around the city. 

When you come to the city, apart from the laid-back lifestyle of the Cancúnenses, you will notice the amazing nature — turquoise sea and white sand beaches — as well as historical sites. 

Therefore, during your spare time, apart from the beaches and sea, you should visit the other attractions of Cancún and nearby areas. 

Accommodation costs in Cancún are slightly higher than in Mexico City, so we recommend Cancún to digital nomads with slightly deeper pockets. Also, the prices of groceries might be somewhat higher since many wealthy tourists often visit this tropical paradise. 

Overall, the only problem in the future might be overcrowding due to the large number of foreigners who pick Cancún as their new home. 

Where to work in Cancún

There is no shortage of coworking spaces in Cancún. There are plenty of hubs where you can work, but one has caught our eye — beNuk Coworking (4.9 stars on Google from 68 reviews). 

Puerto Vallarta — The best mix of traditional and modern Mexico

Population: 224,166

City area: 18.96 mi² (49.11 km²)

Time zone: UTC–6 (CST)

Average internet speed: 45.1 Mbps (median download speed), 34.4 Mbps (median upload speed) 

Average cost of living: Mex$12,851.7 (~$660.31) per month for 1 person (without rent); Mex$45,775.3 (~$2,352) per month for a family of 4 (without rent) 

Average cost of rent: Mex$19,253.85 (~$964.82) per month for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center 

Biggest advantage: One of the most beautiful places in Mexico 

Biggest drawback: Higher cost of living 

Puerto Vallarta is a tropical paradise located on the Pacific coast in the country of Jalisco. 

The city is well-known for its beauty, world-class beaches, and breathtaking nature. Therefore, if you love hiking, boarding, surfing, or golfing, apart from swimming and sunbathing, Puerto Vallarta might be the perfect choice for you.  

The fact that Puerto Vallarta is still a hidden gem is amazing. 

Although beautiful and popular, most tourists in Mexico visit Tulum or Cancún areas for holidays, leaving Puerto Vallarta citizens to enjoy their usual, relaxed lifestyle and the city to develop properly without the influence of the so-called “investor urbanism”. 

However, the aforementioned doesn’t mean the city doesn’t get its share of tourists or urbanization. It does. 

Many tourists visit this small town, but still, the city is not in danger of becoming overcrowded or destroyed by sudden urbanization — at least for now. 

The biggest drawback of living in Puerto Vallarta is the high cost of living. 

Namely, to live comfortably in this tropical heaven, a single person needs around Mex$32,105.55 (~$1,649.58), due to the high cost of rent. 

Where to work in Puerto Vallarta 

As Puerto Vallarta slowly becomes appealing to digital nomads who are looking for an alternative to Cancún, more and more coworking spaces are opening. 

The one with the highest rating on Google is Vallarta Cowork. It is near the beach and has an average rating of 4.8 from 89 reviews. 

Toluca — The biggest hidden gem in Mexico

Population: 910,608

City area: 174.66 mi² (452.37 km²)

Time zone: UTC–6 (CST)

Average internet speed: 15.8 Mbps (median download speed), 3.9 Mbps (median upload speed) 

Average cost of living: Mex$11,236.98 (~$577.13) per month for 1 person (without rent); Mex$40,611.89 (~$2,085.75) per month for a family of 4 (without rent) 

Average cost of rent: Mex$10,500 (~$526.10) per month for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center 

Biggest advantage: Large but not crowded 

Biggest drawback: Not so vibrant 

Toluca is a rapidly developing capital of the State of Mexico. Due to its proximity to the country’s capital, Mexico City, and economic development, Toluca has become one of the most advanced cities in Mexico. 

According to the Köppen climate classification, Toluca has a subtropical climate. That means summers are mild, while the winters can be pretty cold — something most Europeans, especially those from northern and central European countries, can easily adapt to, since it is pretty similar to the climate types in their countries.

Since it is a rapidly developing city, we would expect Toluca to be bustling with activities and to have a rich social life, but that is not the case. Naturally, you have places where you can go out and enjoy a nice evening, but that is nothing compared to the atmosphere in some other Mexican cities. 

Therefore, if you like a more tranquil but still large city where you have everything at your disposal, Toluca might be your cup of tea. 

Also, like almost any other city in Mexico, Toluca is rich with historical sites, architectural gems, and natural beauties. So don’t worry about the lack of vibrancy — you’ll have your share of fun visiting the Tolucan attractions. 

Bear in mind that living in Toluca is not cheap, again due to high accommodation prices. When it comes to other costs (for example, of groceries), the prices are more or less moderate.

Where to work in Toluca 

If you come to Toluca, you will have plenty of coworking spaces at your disposal. According to Google ratings, the best one is Proyecto 7 – Sede Toluca – Edomex coworking space. It has 4.3 stars out of 67 reviews.  

Tips for digital nomads in Mexico

To make your stay in Mexico more pleasant, we have made a list of tips that might help you. 

Here are the most important pieces of advice we gathered. 

Tip #1: Accept the more relaxed lifestyle 

Mexicans are known for their relaxed lifestyle. However, that doesn’t mean that they are lazy. On the contrary, the average Mexican works more hours than any other worker in the world. 

The point is that Mexicans simply know how to spend their spare time and relax — by hanging out with their family and friends, going out, and meeting new people. 

Naturally, if you come from a culture where most people keep to themselves, you might find this type of lifestyle strange, but, thanks to the friendliness of the locals, you will get used to it sooner or later. 

Tip #2: Avoid risky situations

It is true that safety in Mexico is at an unsatisfactory level. 

However, forget the ignorant claims that if you go to Mexico something bad will surely happen as soon as you leave the plane. If that were true, Mexico wouldn’t have millions of tourists every year. 

You will be safe, as long as you avoid any risk, just like in any other country. By avoiding risk, we mean:

• Avoid dangerous places and no-go zones (mostly near the American border and in the state of Michoacan),
• Don’t flash money or speak about how much money you have, 
• Don’t wander through unknown places during the night, and
• Walk away if you notice suspicious behavior. 

Tip #3: Try local specialties

Mexico has a world-famous cuisine. Therefore, it would be a pity not to try some of their specialties.

Some of the best and most popular Mexican dishes are: 

• Tacos, 
• Burritos, 
• Torta, 
• Tamales, and many others. 

You can try them in some of the local or fancy restaurants — both options are great, as long as you get the opportunity to eat like a local. 

Unfortunately, there are currently no Mexican restaurants with Michelin stars that we would recommend.

However, according to customer reviews of some restaurants, some places in Mexico truly deserve the prestigious stars.

Tip #4: Travel as much as you can

Enrique Peña Nieto, former president of Mexico, said that Mexico is a mosaic of different realities and beauties. And that is one of the best descriptions of this North American country. 

So many different cultures, ethnicities, and civilizations have left their marks on contemporary Mexico that you would need years to see everything.

Furthermore, nature has been more than generous, so all those historical sites and buildings in Mexico are often surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty that you can see only in this proud country.

Therefore, we recommend you travel as much as possible and experience life in, at least, the 5 destinations we mentioned above.

Tip #5: Learn Spanish

Since English proficiency of Mexicans is not high, we recommend you start learning Spanish (the official language in Mexico) as soon as possible. 

That way, you will be able to communicate with the locals easier and enrich your knowledge. Furthermore, knowing the language will enable you to feel and learn some aspects of Mexican culture that are familiar only to locals. 

Further reading for digital nomads in Mexico

During the process of researching the topic of the Mexico digital nomad visa and life in Mexico in general, we found some additional useful reading. 

Here are the resources you could use:

• If you are looking for more details about life in Mexico City check out Peter Sentanello’s vlogs — Mexico’s Craziest City and Moving to Mexico City. 
• If you live in Mexico City and prefer to use public transport while there, we recommend visiting Mexico City’s public transport page.
• By joining the Facebook group Digital Nomads México, you’ll be able to get access to various information shared among expats and digital nomads who live there. 
• If you don’t know what to do while in Mexico City, Cancún, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta, or many other Mexican cities, visit the Time Out website. It will give you some ideas about where to go and what attractions to visit.

Power your Mexico trip with Pumble

As you embark on your digital nomad journey to Mexico, staying connected with your team will be crucial to maintain your productivity and keep the collaboration seamless. Fortunately, Pumble is there to bridge this distance.

Pumble is the ultimate team collaboration app that offers a wide range of features built to enhance your group’s connectivity. With your team on Pumble, you can:

• Chat with people individually, to exchange important information, 
• Make one-on-one or group video calls, and make the distance instantly disappear,
• Share your screen during virtual meetings, to keep the entire team engaged and on the same page,
• Share files and keep them in your history forever, to simplify collaborative work.

As an Admin, you can:

• Send alerts to defined user groups, to only ping a smaller number of channel members,
• Invite guests in case you need to include external collaborators into your team communication, and
• Manage user permissions, to limit what individual members can do in your digital HQ.

So install Pumble, relax, take a bite of your favorite local dish, and rest assured that your team’s communication and collaboration are in great hands!

Mexico digital nomad visa guide disclaimer

We hope this Mexico digital nomad visa guide has been helpful and that you enjoyed reading it. Throughout the guide, we have given you various links that might lead you to new interesting data or simply to articles that will expand your knowledge on various Mexico-related topics.

Please bear in mind that our article was written in Q4 of 2024, so any changes that are made in the Mexico digital nomad visa procedures or laws after that time have not been included. 

Before you start the application process, we advise you to consult with certified representatives, lawyers, and institutions that can provide you with all the information needed. 

Pumble is not responsible for any negative responses, losses, or risks incurred, should this guide be used without further guidance from legal and other official advisors.

References:

• BBC. (January 15, 2023) Mexico tightens ban on smoking in public places. Retrieved October 2024, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-64279351
• Embassies.net. (n.d.). Mexico Embassies and Consulates. Retrieved October 2024, from https://embassies.net/mexico-embassy
• English Proficiency Index. (n.d.). Global Ranking of Countries and Regions 2023. Retrieved October 2024, from https://www.ef.com/wwen/epi/
• Holiday Weather. (n.d.). Mexico City, Mexico Weather Averages. Retrieved October, 2024 from https://www.holiday-weather.com/mexico_city/averages/
• IQ Air. (n.d.). Air quality in Mexico. Retrieved October 2024, from https://www.iqair.com/us/mexico
• Lonely Planet. (May 28, 2019). Top 10 festivals and fiestas in Mexico. Retrieved October 2024, from https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/top-10-festivals-and-fiestas-in-mexico
• Mexico News Daily. (September 24, 2024). Drop in food prices pushes inflation down to 4.66% in first half of September. Retrieved October 2024, from https://mexiconewsdaily.com/business/inflation-september-mexico/
• Numbeo. (n.d.). Cost of Living in Mexico. Retrieved October 2024, from https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Mexico
• Speedtest. (n.d.). Mexico Median Country Speeds Updated August 2024. Retrieved October 2024, from https://www.speedtest.net/global-index/mexico#fixed
• Zona Turistica. (n.d). Calendar of Tourism Events in GUADALAJARA. Retrieved October 2024, from https://www.zonaturistica.com/en/events-in/jalisco/guadalajara