Moving to Mexico from the U.S.: A Complete Relocation Guide
Whether you’re drawn to Mexico’s lower cost of living, warm climate, vibrant culture, or proximity to the U.S., you’re not alone—more Americans are relocating to Mexico in 2025 than ever before.
And it’s easy to see why.
From retirees looking to stretch their savings to digital nomads and remote workers craving more freedom, Mexico offers a unique blend of comfort, affordability, and opportunity. Cities like MĂ©rida, Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, and Puerto Vallarta are filled with thriving expat communities, modern conveniences, and a lifestyle many find hard to match back home.
But if you’re thinking about making the move, it’s not just about finding the perfect house or beachfront condo.
You have to figure out:
- What visa you need (and how long it lasts)
- What you can bring with you—furniture, appliances, even your car
- How to get your household goods across the border legally and safely
- What documents you’ll need for customs clearance
- Whether to store, ship, or sell some of your belongings
That’s where SDC International Shipping comes in. We’ve helped thousands of Americans move their homes—and their lives—to Mexico with confidence, clarity, and care. From packing to customs clearance to delivery, we handle every detail so you don’t have to.
In this complete relocation guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps of moving to Mexico from the U.S.—including legal requirements, shipping options, and how to avoid the most common (and costly) mistakes.
Visas, Residency & Paperwork: What You Need to Move to Mexico Legally
Before you start packing your belongings—or even shopping for homes—you need to understand the legal framework for relocating to Mexico. Fortunately, Mexico offers flexible and accessible visa options for Americans, especially retirees, remote workers, and long-term travelers.
Here’s what you need to know:
Temporary and Permanent Residency Visas
Most U.S. citizens moving to Mexico start with either a Temporary Resident Visa or a Permanent Resident Visa. The right one for you depends on your income, purpose of relocation, and long-term plans.
- Temporary Resident Visa (Residente Temporal):
Valid for up to 4 years, renewable annually. Ideal for retirees, remote workers, and those exploring life in Mexico before committing long-term.
Financial requirements apply, usually based on monthly income or savings. - Permanent Resident Visa (Residente Permanente):
For those ready to live in Mexico indefinitely. This visa allows unrestricted stay and work and often appeals to retirees or dual citizens.
Requirements are higher, but no renewal is needed.
👉 Tip: Most people apply through a Mexican consulate in the U.S. before arriving, and finalize the process at a local immigration office once in Mexico.
Documents You’ll Likely Need
To apply for residency, you’ll typically need:
- A valid passport
- Proof of income or retirement funds
- Passport-style photos
- Completed visa application
- Appointment at a Mexican consulate
- Payment of application and issuance fees
And if you’re shipping household goods, you’ll also need:
- A Menaje de Casa (household goods inventory)
- Your residency visa or pre-approval letter
- A Non-Commercial Import Declaration
- Properly translated inventory (in Spanish)
We help clients with all of this. At SDC International Shipping, we’ll work with your visa status and ensure your shipment meets Mexican customs requirements—so you avoid costly delays or tax penalties.
Check out our full Customs Regulations Guide for more info.
Shipping Your Household Goods to Mexico: How It Works
You’ve secured your visa or started the process. Now it’s time to figure out how to actually move your belongings across the border.
At SDC International Shipping, we specialize in helping Americans ship everything from furniture and electronics to personal items and vehicles—safely and legally—into Mexico.
Here’s what you need to know:
Container Shipping Options
We typically use ground transportation or a combination of ground and ocean freight depending on your origin, destination, and shipment size.
You’ll choose from two main container options:
- Full Container Load (FCL): A 20- or 40-foot container dedicated to your household. Ideal for full-home relocations or families.
- Groupage / Shared Container: You share space with other customers going to the same region. Great for smaller moves and cost savings.
Not sure which you need? We’ll help estimate your volume and match you to the right container. Learn more here: International Shipping Containers
Professional Packing Matters
International shipments require customs-compliant packing and documentation. Our packing specialists use high-grade materials, create detailed inventories, and label everything for Mexican customs.
We offer:
- Full-service packing
- Custom crating for fragile items
- Furniture disassembly/reassembly
- Inventory list in Spanish (required for clearance)
Customs Clearance at the Border
Shipping to Mexico means clearing customs—not just at the port or land crossing, but often at your destination as well. We’ll coordinate your:
- Menaje de Casa approval
- Proper documentation submission
- Coordination with Mexican customs brokers
- Final delivery to your home or storage facility
Because we’ve helped thousands of clients do this, we know how to avoid common hang-ups, such as undervalued declarations, missing paperwork, or issues with restricted items.
Door-to-Door Delivery
You don’t have to pick up your container at a warehouse or port—we’ll bring your belongings directly to your new home in Mexico.
Need time before you’re ready to receive your shipment? We also provide secure storage options in both the U.S. and Mexico, giving you flexibility as you settle in.
What You Can (and Can’t) Bring Into Mexico
One of the most important parts of a successful move to Mexico is understanding what you’re legally allowed to bring with you—and what might cause delays, fines, or confiscation at the border.
Fortunately, with the right documentation and expert help from SDC International Shipping, the process can be smooth and stress-free.
What You Can Bring
As part of your Menaje de Casa (household goods inventory), you can typically bring:
- Used personal items and furniture
- Appliances and electronics (1 of each type)
- Clothing, books, and home décor
- Bicycles, musical instruments, and sporting goods
- Tools for personal use
- Vehicles (under certain conditions—ask us how)
The key? Items must be used and clearly declared in your inventory list.
We’ll help you prepare your Menaje de Casa, translate it into Spanish, and file it with the Mexican consulate and customs officials.
What You Cannot Bring (or Must Declare Carefully)
- New items (purchased in the last 6 months) may be subject to import taxes
- Duplicate electronics (e.g., 2 TVs, 3 laptops) may trigger duty charges
- Alcohol, tobacco, and food items are restricted or prohibited
- Large quantities of unopened goods may look like commercial imports
- Firearms, ammunition, and weapons are strictly banned
- Hazardous materials (e.g., cleaning supplies, certain batteries)
Trying to sneak something through will almost always backfire—resulting in confiscation, delays, or fines. Let us guide you on what’s allowed and how to declare it correctly.
Special Tip:
Label your inventory accurately and match every item to the container manifest.
We’ll help you create a compliant, organized shipping list so Mexican customs agents have no reason to delay or inspect your goods unnecessarily.
How to Insure Your Move to Mexico (and Why It Matters)
You’ve spent years building your home—collecting memories, furnishing your space, and investing in the things that make life comfortable. Now, as you prepare to relocate to Mexico, you’re trusting those belongings to travel hundreds or thousands of miles across borders.
That’s why having the right international moving insurance isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Even with experienced movers like SDC, shipping household goods internationally involves risk. Cross-border logistics, road transport, and customs handling all introduce variables like:
- Physical damage
- Theft or loss in transit
- Delays or exposure to moisture or temperature changes
- Customs inspections or mishandling by third parties
The Good News? You Can Insure It All.
At SDC International Shipping, we offer:
- All-Risk Insurance: Full coverage for damage, loss, or breakage—available for shipments packed by our professionals
- Total Loss Coverage: Protects your entire container in case of major incidents
- Custom itemized coverage: High-value items like artwork, instruments, and electronics can be listed separately
Explore your options:
👉 International Moving Insurance
👉 Marine Cargo Insurance
What You Need to Qualify
To qualify for full coverage:
- Items must be professionally packed and inventoried
- Inventory must include item descriptions and values
- Insurance must be secured before your shipment departs
Don’t worry—we’ll guide you through this during your move planning, so nothing falls through the cracks.
What Success Looks Like: Your Move to Mexico with SDC
A successful move to Mexico isn’t just about getting your stuff across the border—it’s about stepping into your new life with confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.
When you partner with SDC International Shipping, you’re not just hiring movers. You’re choosing a team that guides you through every single step of your international relocation—from your first quote to the final box delivered to your home in Mexico.
Here’s what success looks like:
- Your visa and customs documents are prepared correctly
- Your items are packed to international standards
- Your Menaje de Casa is approved and translated
- Your shipment clears customs without issues
- Your belongings are delivered to your home or held securely in storage
- You arrive in Mexico excited—not exhausted or overwhelmed
What Happens Without a Plan?
- Delays at the border due to missing or mistranslated paperwork
- Surprise fees from low-cost movers who left key services out of the quote
- Damaged or uninsured items from improper packing
- Confusion about what’s allowed into Mexico (and what isn’t)
When the stakes are this high, experience matters.
Let’s Make Your Mexico Move Easy
Whether you’re moving a studio apartment or a full family home, SDC will tailor a plan just for you—with transparent pricing, expert support, and true door-to-door delivery.
👉 Get your free moving quote today
👉 Or call us now at 877-339-0267 to speak with a relocation advisor
The move to Mexico you’ve dreamed of is waiting—let’s get you there, stress-free.
