Home Visas Extending Your Stay in Mexico
Visas Updated April 2026 ⏱ 1 min read

Extending Your Stay in Mexico

If you want to stay in Mexico longer than your FMM, your two real options are a visa run or applying for residency.

InfoMexico.org · Independent guide · Not affiliated with any government

Can the FMM be extended?

No — the FMM cannot be officially extended at INM. Once it expires, you must leave Mexico.

Visa runs

Many long-stayers do a visa run: fly out (Belize, Guatemala, the US) and re-enter, getting a new FMM. This works but is increasingly scrutinized — officers may grant short permits to visible repeat visitors.

Applying for residency

The legal long-term option. Apply for a Temporary Resident visa from a Mexican consulate ABROAD — you cannot start the process inside Mexico.

Risks

Overstaying your FMM means a fine of around $50 USD per month and possible difficulties on future entries. Consistent visa runs to live in Mexico can also start to flag the system.

Back to Visas