The warm climate, low prices, national flavor and the proximity of the American border annually attract hundreds of labor migrants to Mexico from all over the world.
The economic situation today
Mexico, along with Argentina and Brazil, is one of the three most economically developed countries in Latin America. There is a significant decrease in the unemployment rate for 2021 - from 6.1% to 4.9% excluding illegally employed citizens (about 30% of the population). Average salary - 52-69 pesos per day (3.6 euros).
Despite such high growth rates, Mexico still remains a rather poor country in comparison with developed countries. High competition in the labor market dictates a decrease in demand for low-skilled specialists. Therefore, it is difficult for citizens of Russia and Ukraine who specialize in manual labor to find a vacancy. The situation is completely different with professionals in intellectual work - in Mexico there is a shortage of such personnel.
Advantages of working in Mexico:
- relatively high salary in comparison with some regions of the CIS countries;
- low prices for food, clothing, services;
- good economic prospects for the country.
Among the shortcomings, one should single out a high crime rate and a wary attitude of local residents towards Europeans.
Most in-demand professions in 2021
Over the past decades, in the wake of the economic recovery, the salaries of Mexicans have increased significantly.
The most demanded professions in 2021:
| Position | Salary (in pesos) / month | Salary (in USD) / month |
| Doctor | 16 300 | 870 |
| Dentist | 17 500 | 950 |
| Teacher | 8 900-12 400 | 500–700 |
| Engineer | 21 300-26 600 | 1200–1500 |
| Oil industry workers | 35 500 | 2000 |
| An electrician | 26 600 | 1500 |
| Foreman | 10 300 | 550 |
| Builder | 10 300 | 550 |
| Banking employees | 17 700 | 1000 |
| Taxi drivers | 13 345 | 720 |
| Driver | 12 000 | 647 |
| Chefs | 8 600-14 000 | 460–750 |
| Waiters, bartenders | 5 000–8 000 | 260–400 |
| Sellers | 6 600-8 900 | 350–480 |
Wage level
The average salary in Mexico is approximately 15,500 pesos (just under $ 1,000)... At the same time, it should be borne in mind that in many provinces the indicators are much lower, and the competition in the labor exchange is higher. The minimum wage level in Mexico is not legally established, on average across regions it does not exceed 2,520 pesos ($ 140).
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The highest pay among Mexicans is observed in the areas of energy supply, finance, industry, private business (income up to 40,000-45,000 pesos). Cultural workers, doctors and managers receive less (up to 25,000 pesos). The lowest salaries in the field of manual low-skilled labor (from 10,000 to 40,000 pesos).
How to find a job without intermediaries
An independent job search is usually understood as direct communication with an employer or a representative of personnel structures. Given this fact, it is impossible for an applicant to do without knowledge of Spanish or English.
Popular job search sites
You can start looking for work abroad from the following English and Russian-language sites:
- rospersonal.ru - the portal provides a wide range of various vacancies in Mexico in Russian;
- https://www.indeed.com/local/Mexico-ME-jobs English-language job search site around the world.
Specialized resources
Many foreign job seekers entrust the search process to specialized agencies. Such organizations have well-established connections in the international business environment and are able to very quickly select a vacancy for any criterion.
Groups for finding work abroad:
- Russians in Mexico ® (Cancun, Playa Del Carmen)
Employment types
Not all migrants know Spanish or English, and many do not plan to move to the country, but only go to work. Therefore, each category of citizens can choose a vacancy to their liking.
Working without knowledge of Spanish
Working in Mexico in the service sector without knowing the language is almost impossible. But for professionals looking for work in large international companies, this will not be a problem - in such companies they prefer to communicate in English, which is indispensable abroad.
Seasonal work
Seasonal earnings in Mexico are especially relevant in the warm season, when there is an influx of tourists, and the need for labor increases several times. This period lasts from April to October. The exception is the coastal region - it is warm there even in winter, so seasonal work in these areas can be found at any time of the year.
Most often, this type of employment includes work on agricultural land and private farms - processing, collecting and sorting crops.
This work attracts labor migrants from the CIS countries to Mexico for several reasons:
- decent wages;
- payment by the employer of travel to the place of work;
- provision of housing.
It is not uncommon to find vacancies in the tourism industry that are great for professionals who speak English and have knowledge of Mexican history and culture.
Temporary job
Temporary earnings are mainly popular among young job seekers who want to build a career in a Latin American state, but rather to secure a small part-time job and vivid impressions of their stay in Mexico.
Temporary jobs for 2021 include offers for both students and workers who choose to work in warehouses or factories. Sometimes employers are willing to provide housing and bear the cost of food.
Other options
In addition to the vacancies mentioned, Mexican employers offer several more ways to earn money:
- Contract job. A common type of employment in which the applicant and the employer conclude an employment contract with a detailed description of all the nuances. This type of work is suitable for women who work as home nurses or babysitters.
- Work on a rotational basis for up to 6 months is often chosen by specialists in the construction industry, as well as welders, electricians, and foremen. Such work pays well, but competition for a vacant position is significant.
Official employment procedure
For official registration in Mexico, a foreigner must first find an employer and conclude an agreement with him, and then apply for a work visa that will allow him to carry out professional activities. This document is issued by the National Institute of Immigration.
Priority of actions
For successful legal employment and smooth crossing of the Mexican border, a foreign citizen should adhere to the following instructions:
- Search for open vacancies at labor exchanges. Passage of an interview and registration of an employment contract.
- Applying for a work permit to the migration authorities.
- Obtaining a migration visa, leaving for the place of work.
Types of work permits
Mexican law establishes two types of work permits:
- Immigrant visa FM2. Issued to foreigners for long-term employment with subsequent registration of permanent residence. Valid for 1 year, renewable for up to 4 years.
- FM3 visa. Suitable for citizens who arrived in Mexico for temporary work, allows them to live and work in the country for 1 year. It can be extended for such a period again.
Categories that do not require a work permit
Citizens from EU countries are allowed to visit Mexico for up to six months without a visa to do business. Europeans only need to fill out a migration form at the entrance. Such benefits do not apply to citizens of the CIS countries (with the exception of students working on an internship program).
List of main documents
In case of a positive consideration of the application for a work visa, a foreign citizen is sent a notification, on the basis of which the applicant can submit the following documents to the Consulate of Mexico:
- a two-sided questionnaire filled out in Latin letters, with a photograph and signature of the applicant;
- originals of the national passport and international passport;
- color photograph 3x4, on a white background, full face, without glasses and headgear;
- notification to the National Institute of Immigration.
The package of documents may differ depending on the specifics of the field of activity of the employee and the requirements of a particular Consulate.
Registration of a work visa
A work visa for CIS citizens is issued in several stages:
- The employer (sponsor) submits an application for a work permit on behalf of the applicant.
- Waiting for a response from the National Institute of Immigration (usually 35-40 days).
- Receive notification of a positive decision. Sending documents for a work visa.
- Obtaining a visa. Moving to Mexico and registering at the place of stay (within 30 days of arrival).
Selection Criteria for Applicants for a Work Visa
To obtain a prestigious vacancy and successful legal registration, foreign citizens will need:
- experience;
- higher education;
- qualifications in their field of activity.
It is important to remember that often foreign diplomas in Mexico require a confirmation procedure. The factor of proficiency in Spanish or English at an advanced level will also be important.
Work visa extension
The most common type of visa (FM-3) is valid for one year with the same extension period. It can be drawn up for a total period of five years, after which the foreigner becomes eligible for permanent residence. Otherwise, the citizen is obliged to leave the territory of Mexico.
Business immigration
Under Mexican law, a foreigner has the right to own a private company without the involvement of local founders. The owner can be both a legal entity and an individual.
Before registering a business, a businessman must obtain a business permit from the Department of Foreign Affairs in Mexico. At the same time, the founder provides not only information about himself, but also detailed information about the planned company. Registration of all documents takes about a month.
In accordance with Mexican regulations, the authorized capital of an enterprise must be at least 50,000 pesos with 3,000 in assets.
Features of internship in the country
Internship programs for international students in Mexican territory involve job openings in the services, tourism, management, education and agriculture sectors. The internship gives you the opportunity to work in Mexico from 3 to 6 months without a visa and accompanying documents.
Trainees work 25-30 hours a week with a salary of $ 50-100 per month. Often, students are provided with accommodation and even meals, so such conditions cover a significant part of the costs.
Consequences for attempting an illegal job placement
Accusations of illegal employment threaten with detention and deportation from the country, which in some cases is accompanied by a life-long ban on crossing the Mexican border.
Thus, it is possible for a foreigner to find a decent job in Mexico only with excellent knowledge of the Spanish language and high professional skills. But despite the fact that the official employment procedure is fraught with some difficulties and paperwork, it is quite easy to obtain a work visa.
