Moving to Mexico

The cost of moving to Mexico depends primarily on the volume of your shipment, access conditions at origin and destination, and the level of service required. The ranges below are typical estimates based on Orbit’s recent Canada–Mexico relocations and are intended to support early planning

These are rough estimates, not fixed prices. Final pricing is determined after a detailed survey and review of access, services, and custom requirements.

Important Note: Mexico applies import duties and destination charges to most shipments, which may significantly affect total move cost. Because these charges vary by shipment and importer status, they are quoted and billed separately at actual cost.

Orbit reviews all cost components with clients before booking, so expectations are clear and there are no surprises during the move.

When moving household goods to Mexico, imports are handled under a specific household goods (menaje de casa) modality regulated by Mexican Customs. While the process is structured, successful clearance depends on accurate documentation, appropriate residency status, and realistic timelines.

Orbit’s role is to manage the transportation, customs coordination, and documentation related to your shipment. Immigration status and visa eligibility are determined separately by Mexican authorities or the client’s advisors.

Mexican citizens returning to Mexico after living abroad for at least 6 months may qualify to import used household goods duty- and tax-free, subject to customs approval. Non-Mexican citizens must hold an appropriate Mexican residence status prior to importing household goods.

Mexican Customs defines menaje de casa as used household goods and personal belongings intended for the normal, everyday use of a household. Typical items include:

• Clothing and personal effects
• Furniture
• Books and household items
• Kitchenware and linens

• Vehicles
• Items intended for commercial, industrial, or resale purposes

To qualify under the menaje de casa provision, household goods must be:

• Used items, acquired at least six (6) months prior to import, and
• Intended strictly for personal or family use, not for sale or distribution

Mexican Customs reviews eligibility based on the nature, quantity, and declared use of the goods, as well as the supporting documentation submitted.

Mexican Customs (ANAM) allows certain categories of individuals to import menaje de casa duty-free, provided eligibility criteria and timing requirements are met.

In most cases, household goods may be imported up to three (3) months before arrival in Mexico or up to six (6) months after arrival, subject to approval.

Common eligible categories include:

• Mexican citizens returning permanently after living abroad for at least 6 months
• Permanent residents of Mexico
• Mexican nationals repatriated or deported
• Students or academic researchers under qualifying programs
• Certain residents of designated border regions, under specific conditions

Eligibility is assessed individually by customs authorities.

Documentation requirements vary depending on immigration status and import category. In all cases, documents must be complete, accurate, and consistent with the shipment.

Commonly required documents include:

• Passport (copy)
• INM residency document (e.g., Residente Temporal or Residente Permanente, as applicable)
• Inventory in Spanish, with estimated values
• Carta Juramentada (sworn declaration to Customs)
• Carta Compromiso
• AWB or OBL (Air Waybill or Ocean Bill of Lading)
  • For air shipments, the airline ticket is also required
• Employer RFC, when the move is employer-sponsored

For certain categories, such as students or temporary residents, authorization procedures may differ and may be handled through specific ANAM or SAT processes. Inventory certification requirements can vary by case and by consulate.

Mexican citizens returning permanently to Mexico after living abroad for six (6) months or more may import used household goods duty-free under the menaje de casa provision.

This process requires a Declaración Certificada de Menaje de Casa issued by a Mexican consulate prior to shipment. The declaration typically includes:

• Importer’s full name
• Foreign residence address and destination address in Mexico
• Confirmation of time lived abroad
• Detailed inventory in Spanish, with estimated values

The import must be processed through a licensed customs broker using a formal customs entry (pedimento).

Mexican Customs applies strict time limits for presenting documentation and clearing shipments after arrival. If clearance is not completed within the permitted storage period, a shipment may be declared legally abandoned and subject to disposal by customs.

Storage deadlines vary by port of entry, airport, or land border. Orbit reviews timing and documentation requirements with clients in advance to help avoid clearance delays.

The menaje de casa modality applies only to used household goods acquired at least six (6) months prior and intended for personal or family use. Certain items fall outside this regime and require separate customs procedures, permits, or are subject to duties and taxes.

Items commonly excluded from menaje de casa include:

• Pets
  Pets are not considered household goods and are not handled by Orbit. All pet import procedures, permits, and inspections are the sole responsibility of the client and the relevant Mexican authorities.
• New furniture or new household items
  New items are typically treated as commercial imports and require invoices and formal customs processing.
• Inheritance items
  Inheritance shipments are subject to separate authorization and taxation procedures.

Certain personal items may be allowed as part of menaje de casa if they are used, reasonable in quantity, and clearly declared, including:

• Appliances or electronics for personal use (typically limited in number)
• Works of art, antiques, carpets, or rugs intended for personal use
• One used bicycle per person

Items falling outside standard household goods should be declared and reviewed in advance to avoid clearance delays.

Mexican Customs enforces strict controls on items that cannot be imported or that require special authorization. Including restricted or prohibited items may result in delays, penalties, or shipment refusal.

These items are not permitted in household goods shipments under any circumstances:

• Firearms, ammunition, explosives, or corrosive materials
• Controlled drugs or psychotropic substances
• Obscene or pornographic materials

The following items may require permits, inspections, or payment of duties and taxes, and are subject to approval:

• Alcohol (wine or liquor)
• Medications
• Food products, plants, seeds, or agricultural items
• Hazardous chemicals, paints, or varnishes
• Precious metals, archaeological items, or fossils
• Copyright-infringing reproductions

Requirements for restricted items vary and are determined by the relevant Mexican authorities.

Vehicles cannot be included in a household goods (menaje de casa) shipment and must be imported under a separate vehicle customs regime, using their own documentation and customs entry (pedimento).

Many clients consider shipping a vehicle to Mexico for personal reasons. While Orbit can arrange the international transportation of vehicles, it’s important to understand that vehicle import rules are separate from household goods and are governed by Mexican Customs and other authorities.

Vehicle importation into Mexico can be complex and costly, depending on the importer’s status, vehicle specifications, and intended length of stay. For this reason, Orbit reviews feasibility, costs, and logistics in advance and coordinates with customs brokers and destination partners as needed.

In certain situations, temporary vehicle import permits may be available for individuals entering Mexico on a temporary basis. These permits are typically valid only for the duration of the individual’s authorized stay and must be cancelled upon exit from Mexico.

Temporary vehicle import eligibility, documentation requirements, and permit issuance are determined by Mexican authorities and are not handled by Orbit. Clients are responsible for confirming eligibility and compliance with the applicable rules.

Importing a vehicle permanently into Mexico is subject to strict regulations and is permitted only when the vehicle meets specific criteria, which may include:

• Vehicle age and origin requirements
• Compliance with Mexican safety and environmental standards
• Payment of applicable duties, taxes, and fees

Definitive vehicle import procedures are governed by Mexican authorities and typically require coordination through a licensed customs broker. Due to cost and regulatory complexity, permanent vehicle importation is not suitable in many cases, and alternatives should be evaluated carefully.

Vehicle import regulations change frequently and vary by circumstance

• Vehicle import approval is never guaranteed
• Shipping costs are separate from duties, taxes, and government fees
• Orbit’s role is limited to international transport coordination, not immigration or permit issuance

Orbit provides clear, upfront guidance so clients can make informed decisions before committing to vehicle shipment.

Last updated: February 5, 2026
Based on current Mexican customs regulations and Orbit International Moving procedures.