International Removals UK to Mexico

It takes between 18 and 37 days for an international move to Mexico. The time it takes will depend on the port you ship to. From London Gateway, it takes 18 days to ship to the port of Veracruz, 25 days to Manzanillo and 37 days to Tampico. You’ll also need to factor in the time for UK collection, packing, customs clearance and final delivery in Mexico.

If you are a returning Mexican citizen who has lived abroad for 6 months, you can import household goods and personal items duty-free. For foreigners with permanent or temporary resident status, you can also import these items duty-free. Both foreigners with this status and returning nationals must obtain a Household Goods Certificate (Menaje de Casa) from a Mexican consulate and the items must be used and owned for at least 6 months. Those bringing in new items or those without residency status will be subject to pay customs duties based on the CIF (cost, insurance and freight), which takes into account the value of the goods, insurance fees and the shipping cost. You’ll also have to pay a 16% VAT (IVA) on top.

You’ll need to gather the following documentation to ship your items to Mexico. They prove your residency status and list the items you are shipping. We can help you complete the documents and your move manager can even provide you with some:

• A copy of your passport including the visa page
• Residency documents or proof of visa
• A Bill of Lading which is issued by 1st Move International and highlights the contents of the shipment
• Menaje de Casa (Household Goods Certificate)
• An inventory list
• Customs declaration form

All documents can be uploaded via our secure document transfer page.

UK citizens don’t need a visa if they plan on staying in Mexico for less than 180 days. For any stays longer than this, you’ll need to either apply for one of the temporary or permanent resident visas.

For UK citizens who plan to live in Mexico for over 6 months but less than 4 years, you will need to apply for the Temporary Resident Visa. It’s valid for 1 year but can be extended up to 4 years. Those who plan to work, retire or study in Mexico tend to opt for this visa.

• A valid UK passport with 6 months left beyond the period you’re staying
• A completed Temporary Resident Visa application form from the Mexican consulate
• If you are working, a valid job offer from a company in Mexico
• If you are retiring, proof of a monthly income of typically between £2,400 to £3,200
• Proof of residence in Mexico

You can view all the different types of Mexican Temporary Resident Visa on the Mexican consular in the UK website.

UK citizens who have a spouse, parent, child or sibling who is a Mexican citizen or resident can apply for Temporary or Permanent Residence in Mexico.

• A UK passport valid for 6 months
• A completed relevant visa application form from the Mexican consulate
• Proof of family relationship via marriage certificate or birth certificate
• Proof that your relative can financially support you

To find the full requirements of the Family Visa, visit the Mexico consular in the UK website.

The permanent residence visa allows you to live and work in Mexico indefinitely. You can apply if you have family in Mexico, are a retiree, self-funded or if you have held a Temporary Residence Visa for 4 years.

• A UK passport valid for 6 months
• A completed Permanent Residence Visa application form from the Mexican consulate
• Proof of a regular monthly income of £3,500 if retired
• Proof of family relation via marriage certificate or birth certificate
• A Temporary Resident Card if you are applying via temporary residence

Read the full requirements of the Mexican Permanent Residence Visa.

You can move your pet to Mexico with you but you have to meet certain criteria and prove they are fit and safe to travel:

Health Certificate: You’ll need to get a Health Certificate from a licensed vet in the UK within 10 days before arrival.

Rabies Vaccination: Dogs and cats over 3 months must be vaccinated against rabies within 12 months before arrival.

Treatments: Your pet must be treated against external and internal parasites within the last 6 months.

Microchips aren’t a requirement but are always recommended for the safety of your pet.

Yes, when you use 1st Move International to move to Mexico, you can track your shipment as soon as it leaves the UK. Our free shipping container tracking tool lets you live track your shipment, monitoring its movements all the way to Mexico.

The cost of living in Mexico is 45% cheaper than in the UK, with rent, restaurant and grocery prices all more affordable. If you are moving to Mexico with your family, it’s estimated that a family of four should budget around £1,759.6 (MXN 44,754) a month, not including rent. Basic monthly utilities are 80% cheaper in Mexico and transportation costs are 79% more affordable too. It’s 72% lower in price to buy property in the city centre compared to in the UK. Monthly salaries are lower in Mexico, with the average salary being £525 (MXN 13,377) per month.

There are public and private healthcare systems in Mexico. The public healthcare system, known as the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, is primarily funded by the government as well as employee contributions. These contributions average £160 to £400 a year depending on age. Mexico’s healthcare system is renowned for its affordability, accessibility and high-quality care. For expats living in Mexico, both public and private healthcare are available, with many opting for private health insurance.

Pre-school education in Mexico is compulsory from age 3 to 6. Primary school runs from age 6 to 12 and then secondary school ends at age 15. From there, children must attend upper secondary school which is compulsory until age 18. Students can choose to continue their studies in university or enter the workforce. Well-regarded universities in Mexico include the National Autonomous University of Mexico, the National Polytechnic Institute, and Tec de Monterrey. Many international schools in Mexico cater to ex-pats and foreign nationals. Greengates School in Mexico City follows the British curriculum.

In 2024, the job market in Mexico offers diverse opportunities. It’s become a popular location for large companies, especially in the manufacturing, automotive, aerospace and IT sectors. The manufacturing sector is the largest in Mexico and also one of the main hubs for manufacturing in the world. Technology, tourism and energy are other key industries in Mexico that drive the economy. Teaching English in private schools is an increasingly popular job for British ex-pats in Mexico along with tourism and working for multinational companies.