Mexico's residency regularization program (RNE) allowed many people to fix their immigration status without leaving the country or proving income. But as of May 2025, that path has officially closed.

If you didn't make it in time, here's what you can still do to stay in Mexico legally.

The good news? You may still qualify for Mexican residency or citizenship through other legal channels, especially if you have Mexican parents, children, or a spouse.

Even if you were rejected before or have missing documents, there are options available.

We help people fix paperwork issues, avoid the consulate, and unlock residency or citizenship, even after the RNE closure. If you feel stuck or confused, we'll tell you exactly where you stand and what you can do next.

If you're ready for the full breakdown, including new options, key deadlines, and solutions, keep reading. We've helped thousands through cases like yours, and we're here to help you too.

What Is Mexico's Residency Regularization (RNE) Program?

Mexico's Residency Regularization Program (RNE) was a special immigration policy designed for people living in Mexico with expired visitor permits or temporary residency cards. Instead of being forced to leave the country and reapply through a consulate, the program allowed them to legalize their status entirely within Mexico.

Unlike most residency paths, RNE did not require proof of income or savings, which made it uniquely accessible to digital nomads, retirees, undocumented migrants, and families who otherwise didn't meet the strict financial criteria.

For those who qualified, RNE offered a way to remain in the country legally, often with the option to apply for up to four years of temporary residency, and eventually move toward permanent status.

It was a rare chance to fix immigration issues without starting over. No consulate visits, no economic review; only a clear path to get right with the system.

But as of 2025, that path has closed.

If you're wondering what that means for you, keep reading. There are legal options available.

Is the RNE Program Still Available in 2025?

No. Mexico's Residency Regularization Program (RNE) officially ended in May 2025.

While it once offered a streamlined way to fix expired immigration status from within the country, that path has now closed to new applicants.

In March 2025, the government tightened eligibility rules, requiring proof of entry before 2023 and continuous presence in Mexico. Weeks later, the program was discontinued completely without a formal replacement.

What is the new visa law for Mexico in 2025?

As of now, there's no new regularization program to take RNE's place. Anyone looking to legalize their status must apply through traditional channels managed by Mexico's Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) like:

  • Mexican consulates abroad (with income or savings requirements)
  • Family-based pathways (through a Mexican spouse, child, or parent)
  • Other special humanitarian or retirement-based routes

For many, this shift feels like the door has closed. But if you have ties to Mexico, or even if you've been rejected before, there may be a way forward.

We'll explore your current options in the next sections.

How Residency Regularization Differs by Your Situation

U.S.-Born Individuals with Mexican Parents

You likely qualify for Mexican nationality, not residency.

Regularization may not be necessary. Citizenship may be a faster, better option.

Parents Seeking Citizenship for U.S.-Born Children

Children can often obtain citizenship through registration, skipping residency altogether.

No need to prove economic solvency or travel to Mexico.

People Rejected or Discouraged by Mexican Consulates

You might qualify through in-country processes like birth certificate correction or legal review.

Many were rejected due to clerical errors, not true ineligibility.

“Can I reapply if I was denied last year?”

Yes. We often reopen cases that were wrongly rejected, even without new documents.

Spouses or Partners of Mexican Citizens

Marriage to a Mexican citizen is a valid path to temporary or permanent residency.

Paperwork is required, but often easier than financial-based applications.

People with Missing or Incorrect Documents

Legal residency may be blocked by errors in names, dates, or missing birth certificates.

We specialize in correcting and locating documents to unlock eligibility.

“I don't have my expired visitor card. Will they reject me?”

INM can verify your entry via electronic records. But missing proof increases risk; get legal help.

How Residency Regularization Differs by Your Situation

While the RNE program had strict rules, not everyone needed it in the first place. Depending on your background, you might qualify for a faster, permanent solution like Mexican citizenship or family-based residency.

Here's how the process changes based on your situation:

U.S.-Born Individuals with Mexican Parents

If you were born in the U.S. and have one or both parents born in Mexico, you likely qualify for Mexican nationality, not residency. That means:

  • You may be able to get a Mexican birth certificate and passport
  • No need to apply through RNE or prove income
  • You can often reclaim your nationality without going through the consulate

For many, citizenship is faster and holds greater permanence than temporary residency, and it doesn't expire.

Parents Seeking Citizenship for U.S.-Born Children

If you're a Mexican parent living in the U.S., your American-born children may already be eligible for Mexican citizenship.

  • No need to bring your kids to Mexico
  • No income verification required
  • Entire process can often be done remotely through legal channels

We handle these cases regularly, especially when families want their children to maintain cultural and legal ties to Mexico.

People Rejected or Discouraged by Mexican Consulates

Many applicants came to us after being misinformed, ignored, or rejected by the consulate. But rejection doesn't always mean you're ineligible.

You may qualify through:

  • In-country registry corrections
  • Legal reviews of old applications
  • Document recovery when paperwork is lost or mismatched

“Can I reapply if I was denied last year?”

Yes. We often reopen cases that were wrongly denied, even without new documents.

Spouses or Partners of Mexican Citizens

If you're married to a Mexican citizen, or in a long-term legal relationship, you may qualify for residency under family unity laws.

  • No need to meet financial requirements
  • Paperwork is required, but generally faster through consulate routes
  • After 2 years, you may qualify for permanent residency or naturalization

People with Missing or Incorrect Documents

Even if you're eligible by law, bad paperwork can block your application.

  • Name mismatches
  • Missing birth certificates
  • Incorrect dates or expired IDs

We offer in-house record corrections and document recovery, a necessary step for applicants who've hit a wall trying to do it alone.

“I don't have my expired visitor card. Will they reject me?”

INM can access your electronic entry records, but missing documents increase the risk. You'll need legal support to move forward confidently.

No matter your situation, the key takeaway is this: don't assume you're disqualified. Legal eligibility often exists; it takes the right strategy, timing, and help to uncover it.

How to Get Residency in Mexico in 2025 (Post-RNE Options)

With the RNE program officially closed, the path to legal residency in Mexico is now traditional, but still possible. If you're serious about staying in Mexico long-term, here are the three most reliable ways to apply for residency in 2025:

Option 1: Apply Through a Mexican Consulate Abroad

This is the most common route for foreigners without family ties in Mexico.

  • You must start your application at a Mexican consulate in your home country
  • Requires proof of monthly income (around $2,500 USD) or substantial savings (typically $43,000+ USD)
  • Can lead to temporary residency (1 year), renewable for up to 4 years
  • After 4 years, you're eligible for permanent residency

What are the income requirements for residency in 2025?

While the exact amounts vary by consulate, most require proof of income or savings using bank statements, pension letters, or investment reports.

Downside: This process is slower and rigid, and it can be especially hard for freelancers, self-employed individuals, or retirees with fluctuating income.

Option 2: Apply Through Family Connection

If you have a Mexican spouse, child, or parent, you may be eligible for residency, or even citizenship, in some cases.

  • No income requirement
  • In many cases, the process can be completed entirely in Mexico
  • After 2 years of family-based residency, you can apply for naturalization

This is one of the fastest and most secure options for many of our clients, especially those with U.S.-born children or cross-border families.

Option 3: Apply Under Humanitarian or Retirement Grounds

While rare, these special categories exist for:

  • Elderly individuals with deep roots in Mexico
  • Applicants with severe health conditions
  • People facing risk or hardship if returned to their country of origin

These cases require careful documentation and often legal representation, but they can work when no other path is available.

No matter your route, our team can help you avoid costly delays, rejections, or consulate visits. We've guided hundreds through both family-based and income-based pathways, even in tough or unusual circumstances.

Frequent Pitfalls, Fears & Client Questions

Behind every application is a human story, often filled with confusion, stress, and uncertainty. Here are some of the concerns we hear from people trying to fix their immigration status in Mexico:

“I'm afraid I'll get rejected because the INM official is having a bad day.”

This happens. INM officers have broad discretion, and we've seen inconsistent decisions across offices.

That's why legal preparation matters. Strong documentation, qualified guidance, and calm communication can make the difference between approval and rejection.

“I changed my passport. Can they still verify my 2022 entry?”

Possibly, but this is a red flag for INM. If your new passport doesn't show your original entry, you'll need to trace your old records through internal systems.

We track and recover electronic entry logs when physical proof is missing, something most applicants can't do alone.

“Can my child apply alone if I'm undocumented?”

Yes. If your child is a child of a Mexican citizen, they may qualify for legal residency or citizenship, even if you don't have status.

This is often a powerful first step for mixed-status families trying to build stability.

“The fine is too expensive. Can I negotiate it?”

Unfortunately, no. The RNE fine (around 11,000 MXN) and related fees are set by the government and can't be waived or reduced.

However, we offer affordable legal services and flexible payment plans so families can move forward without financial strain.

Why Choose Our Services to Help You

When it comes to immigration in Mexico, paperwork represents legal identity, family rights, and your future. Here's why thousands have trusted Doble Nacionalidad to get it done right the first time:

Trusted, In-House Legal Team

We're a document service backed by licensed Mexican attorneys who understand both the law and your lived reality. No outsourcing, no random third parties; only direct legal guidance you can count on.

We Handle Difficult and Rejected Cases

Been denied at the consulate? Have mismatched names or missing parent info?

We specialize in the “impossible” cases, the ones others give up on. If you've hit a wall, there's a good chance we've solved it before.

We Know the Law and the Loopholes

Most people think the consulate is the only path. Not true.

We guide our clients through legal, in-country routes that bypass unnecessary roadblocks, including paths to residency or citizenship that others overlook.

Full Service in English and Spanish

You'll never be left guessing. We offer clear communication through phone, WhatsApp, email, and social media, always in the language you prefer, with responsive support on the other end.

All-Inclusive Document Recovery & Correction

From locating lost records to fixing typos and date mismatches, our team does it all in-house, so your eligibility won't be held back by bureaucratic errors.

The Downsides of Doing It Yourself

Trying to go it alone? Here's what we see happen too often:

  • Rejection due to minor paperwork issues
  • Confusion over legal terms or timelines
  • No second chance if your application is denied
  • No recourse if INM misinterprets your case

With Our Support, You Get:

  • Clear instructions every step of the way
  • Attorney-reviewed paperwork
  • No consulate visits required
  • Proven outcomes, even in complex or denied cases

Your immigration journey doesn't have to be stressful. With the right legal partner, it can be clear, calm, and successful.

Let's finish strong with what to do next.

Final Takeaways

Mexico's Residency Regularization Program (RNE) is no longer active, but that doesn't mean your options are gone.

You may qualify for residency or even citizenship, depending on your entry date, family connections, and available documents. Even if you've been rejected, or are missing key paperwork, you're not disqualified; you need the right help.

We've helped thousands of people across the U.S. and Mexico fix their status, recover lost records, and finally get the legal recognition they deserve.

Ready to reclaim your Mexican identity or fix your residency?