Working in Mexico

The transformation of the economy has established Mexico as an upper middle-income country. However, as urbanization continues, the agricultural sector continues to shrink, and a vast majority of the people is moving to the cities to look for jobs.

The unemployment rate in Mexico fell to 5.17% in June from 5.31% in May (the highest rate since 1996). The automotive industry generates most of the employment in Mexico.

Prior to applying for permission to work, you must have an offer letter (with the company letter head). Once all the necessary paperwork has been arranged, you can check the status of your employment with a Mexican company by visiting the immigration website - National Migration Institute (Instituto Nacional de Migración).

"Getting a work permit was not difficult, but it can be time consuming if you try and go at it alone without the help of a lawyer or gestor." - Elizabeth Helsley, Expat in Mexico

For the most part, English is used in business and is a requirement for Mexicans to be qualified in the business world.

Expats move to Mexico to set up small businesses like commercial establishments (bars or restaurants), consulting services, IT and internet related services.

A good number of positions for teaching English as a foreign language are available in urban cities like Monterrey, Mexico City, and Guadalajara as well as rural areas in Mexico. A TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate is required to work for private language centers.

How to Find a Job in Mexico

Priority is given to Mexican nationals who graduated and trained in their own country or abroad.

The majority of expats working in Mexico are employed through overseas postings or assigned to work in Mexico by multinational companies. Making use of your contacts whilst in Mexico gives you an advantage, as will registering with your respective embassy or chamber of commerce. Networking not only boosts your social circle, but may also land you a job. You may opt to use headhunters or recruitment agencies to help find a managerial post or other high ranking positions. These agencies deal with executives with top salaries and their rate is approximately US$1000.

"These days, with this economy, you pretty much need to have your own business or work remotely, which is increasingly popular."- Laura Wilkinson, Expat in Cozumel, Mexico

Proof of your professional qualifications needs to be authenticated by the Mexican Consulate in your home country.

Working Condition, Salary and Taxes

Regular working hours for those who have "blue collar jobs" are an average of 48 hours or six days per week. On the other hand, work hours for white-collar jobs are 40 per week but it can differ. Compared to the United States, wages are low.

English teaching jobs earn from 15 to 20 dollars in the city (or more for private tutoring), while small town earnings offer less (4 to 5 dollars).

Workers are automatically covered by the Mexican Institute of Social Security (Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social, IMSS) or the public health care system.

All residents are subject to Mexican tax regardless of nationality. Every type of income must be included in personal income tax returns.