My Temporary Resident Card was set to expire, so I needed to come back to Puerto Vallarta and renew it. I was hoping the process would be more straightforward this time since it was just a renewal, so I tried to do it all myself. Unfortunately, it wasn’t so simple.
What I Learned
The following applies only to the main Puerto Vallarta office near the Marina. I think every INM office is different.
- To fill out the paperwork, follow this link and then and click on the ‘Trámite en linea’ (online processing) button. You have to print the paperwork, you cannot submit it online.
- Last year I had to come to the office and get an appointment first. That is no longer the case. Now you just need to come to the office early and wait in line to get your turn.
- Unfortunately, there are only about 32 open slots a day. Since January is high season and so many people are here trying to do the same thing, people are getting line anywhere from 6 PM to 9 PM the day before.
- There are people who will wait in line for you, for a price. I found a great guy who waited overnight for me and put my name on the list.
- You can pay your fees in the office. Last year I went to a bank to pay, but this was much easier.
- There is a very helpful Facebook group in PV: Puerto Vallarta: Everything You Need Or Want To Know. They answered some questions and gave me several referrals.
Recommendations
- If you are just starting the process of getting your residency, I would think carefully about where you plan to get your card initially, because you have to renew it in the same place. Popular places and times like Puerto Vallarta in the winter are probably going to be more difficult.
- Consider a facilitator. If you have the money, it can be worth the investment to have someone take care of the paperwork, get you a place in line, and help you cross all your Ts at the office. Especially if you are coming in the busy season, and/or your Spanish isn’t that great.
