Emigrating from France to Mexico: tax and cost of living

Compared by dimension

On an average France income of €42,000 gross per year, you keep €32,166 net in Mexico: a difference of €46 per year compared with France.

• Tax: on this income Mexico lands at an effective rate of about 23%, against 24% in France.
• Passport and mobility: from Mexico you travel visa-free to 157 countries.
• Residency: on our accessibility scale Mexico scores 87 out of 100 for obtaining residency.
• Living environment: banking, internet, safety and healthcare together give Mexico a living-environment score of 63 out of 100.

The tax regime in Mexico

Mexico taxes residents on worldwide income, progressively from 1.92% to 35% (the top rate only above ± MXN 5.1 million ≈ € 250,000 per year; brackets were inflation-adjusted by 13.2% for 2026). Dividends carry an additional, definitive 10% tax, including foreign dividends; stock-exchange gains are taxed at 10%. There is no wealth tax and no inheritance or gift tax: inheritances are exempt. VAT (IVA) is 16%, 8% in border zones. There is no special expat regime.

Residency and visas in Mexico

The residency route is among the fastest in the world: the consulate only tests 'economic solvency'. Temporary residence (1 to 4 years) requires ± USD 4,400 net monthly income over the last 6 months, or ± USD 74,000 in savings; permanent residence is possible right away (mainly for retirees) with ± USD 7,400 per month or ± USD 300,000 in bank balance. Thresholds vary by consulate. No investment requirement, processing in weeks rather than years; after 4 years temporary, permanent follows as an option.

• Residente temporal (consulaire solvencia-route: ± USD 4.400 netto-inkomen/mnd over 6 mnd óf ± USD 74.000 spaargeld; 1 tot 4 jaar, drempels verschillen per consulaat) · €48,000/year · 4 years to permanent residency
• Residente permanente direct (vooral gepensioneerden): ± USD 7.400 netto/mnd óf ± USD 298.000 banksaldo · €81,000/year
• Huwelijk of gezinsband met Mexicaan(se): residente temporal zonder solvencia-drempel, naturalisatie al na 2 jaar · 2 years to permanent residency

Frequently asked questions

What is the financial difference between France and Mexico?

On an average France income it differs by roughly €46 net per year. Your own figure depends on your income and situation; calculate it with the free freedom check.

Is this tax advice?

No. Libaros compares on the basis of primary government sources and provides information. For personal decisions, consult a qualified adviser.

What sources is this based on?

The Freedom Score uses the OECD Tax Database, IATA Timatic, the Henley Visa Index and Eurostat, with direct links to primary government sources.