Every year, thousands of foreign visitors arrive in Mexico to undertake some kind of volunteer work here. Volunteer projects include helping sea turtle sanctuaries to release turtles back into the wild, rural development projects, teaching, and specialized training.
We often receive inquiries from people asking what type of visa they need to volunteer in Mexico, so we’ve published this article to address the key points for you to consider.
No special permit needed for non-remunerated volunteer work
Foreigners on a prearranged volunteer assignment can arrive in Mexico and simply fill out and use the Visitor’s Permit known as the Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM). You can learn more about the FMM by reading this article.
The FMM is valid for a maximum of 180 days (a little less than six calendar months). Most volunteer assignments don’t tend to last for longer than this, but if your assignment does then you’ll need apply for a Residente Temporal visa that allows you to remain in Mexico for at least one year.
If the work is paid, or the role changes to become a paid appointment, then you need to apply for a residency visa with work permissions
It’s important to remember that the FMM permit does not allow you to engage in any lucrative or paid activities while you’re in Mexico, so if your volunteer work changes into a lucrative (paid) role the organization you are employed by will need to sponsor a change of your immigration status and apply for a Residente Temporal visa with work privileges on your behalf.
If you’re in Mexico already and decide to volunteer
If you are currently visiting in Mexico using a FMM Visitor’s Permit and subsequently take up some volunteering work, there is no need to take any action: provided the work is not lucrative, there’s no need to change your immigration status.
Learn more about residency in Mexico
Mexperience publishes information and resources to help you learn about how to apply for and obtain legal residency in Mexico:
- Learn about Mexico’s visitor’s permit, the FMM
- Learn about the principal routes to obtaining legal residency
- Detailed outline about how to apply for residency in Mexico
- The financial criteria required to qualify for residency in Mexico
- The difference between Temporary and Permanent residency
- Rights & obligations of legal residents in Mexico
Immigration Assistance
When you need assistance with an initial residency permit application, or residency card renewals, regularization procedures, expired permits, or troubleshooting, consider using our associate’s Mexico Immigration Assistance Service.
If you already have your residency visa in your passport and need help exchanging that for a card in Mexico, our associate offers a visa-to-card exchange assistance service.
Mexico in your inbox
Our free newsletter about Mexico brings you a monthly round-up of recently published stories and opportunities, as well as gems from our archives.
