Working and Living in Mexico

Labor market

Work permits to foreign nationals are only issued if the employer can prove that a comparable worker cannot be found on the Mexican labor market. As a rule, this only applies to skilled workers.

When hiring a foreign worker, the employer must apply to the Mexican Ministry of the Interior for work and residence permits. Employers must insure their employees with a pension insurance. Social and scientific institutions as well as international organizations are most likely to be able to provide work for immigrants.

For young people who want to go abroad for a while and are completing or completing an apprenticeship in tourism, the Riviera Maya offers some good opportunities to find work in a large “all inclusive hotel” (e.g. reception, entertainment, children’s club). The prerequisite is that you speak Spanish, English and one other language (especially Italian, French, German) and try to find work on site. However, wages are low.

Another possibility is, for example, as a diving instructor. For the self-employed or entrepreneurs with the appropriate capital, there are some opportunities on the Riviera Maya, in Playa del Carmen, Tulum or Cancun, for example as a craftsman or mechanic.

Furthermore, you should get detailed information about the employer of your choice in advance. Local contacts can’t hurt. The job search itself can be done in a number of ways. In job exchanges, at recruitment agencies or at the German-Mexican Chamber of Commerce: https://mexiko.ahk.de/

According to countryvv, workers are required to pay income tax. It is a maximum of 35 percent. A private accident insurance must be taken out.

Real estate – buy or rent

Foreigners from the EU can easily buy or rent real estate in Mexico (except within 50 km of the coast and within 100 km of the state border). However, it is an advantage to seek help from an experienced real estate agency.

Cost of living

The cost of living is almost half cheaper than in Western Europe. Land, houses, apartments and cars are a lot cheaper.

You would need around € 1,942.40 (MXN 48,343.44) in Mexico City to maintain the same standard of living that you could have in Berlin with € 3,700.00 (assuming you rent in the cities).

• Consumer prices in Mexico City are 47.51% lower than in Berlin (excluding rent)
• Consumer prices in Mexico City are 47.50% lower than in Berlin (including rent)
• Rental prices in Mexico City are 47.48% lower than in Berlin
• Restaurant prices in Mexico City are 39.33% lower than in Berlin
• Food prices in Mexico City are 42.45% lower than in Berlin.
  Local purchasing power in Mexico City is 59.77% lower than in Berlin

Average cost of living in Mexico City (from 09/2019 – 08/2020)

Average costs for local transport, utilities, clothing, leisure, education of Mexico City (from 09/2019 – 08/2020)

Average Rental Prices / Purchase and Salaries of Mexico City (from 09/2019 – 08/2020)

Emigration and Living in Mexico

Immigration is particularly interesting for retirees who have a regular monthly income and who can raise additional capital to buy a house, car, etc. The Riviera Maya is mainly recommended for job seekers and the self-employed. Immigration is quite difficult elsewhere. Some advantages of the country: Cost of living cheap (LHK-I 60.8).