INM La Paz
Instituto Nacional de Migración — La Paz, BCS
Mexico's federal immigration office serving La Paz, BCS — residency, FMM, and visa services
Note: A February 2026 proposal in Mexico's legislature would rename INM to 'Instituto de Movilidad Humana.' As of March 2026, the office still operates under the INM name. Monitor for updates.
Important update — 2026-01
Trámite fees increased significantly — some residency fees rose by up to 100%, approved via Ley Federal de Derechos in late 2025. Effective January 2026.
The Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) office in La Paz is the federal immigration authority for Baja California Sur's capital. It handles all immigration matters for the La Paz area: tourist card (FMM) processing, temporary and permanent residency applications and renewals, visa services, and document regularization for foreign nationals.
The La Paz office operates as a Subrepresentación Federal — a regional suboffice under the broader Baja California Sur delegation, which is headquartered in Cabo San Lucas. For most immigration matters in La Paz, this office is your point of contact.
Appointments are required. Walk-ins are not the standard — the INM transitioned to an appointment-based system available through the official online portal at citas.inm.gob.mx. Book your appointment well in advance, particularly during peak snowbird season (November–April) when demand from expats and long-term visitors is highest.
Important 2026 update on fees: Trámite costs increased significantly effective 2026 — some residency-related fees rose by up to 100%, approved through the Ley Federal de Derechos in late 2025. Do not rely on fee information from 2024 or earlier. Always confirm current fees at inm.gob.mx or at your appointment.
Appointments
Appointments are booked through the official INM portal at citas.inm.gob.mx — available 24/7 online. The appointment system was expanded statewide in 2025–2026. Walk-ins are not standard and are rarely accommodated.
Book as early as possible, especially November through April when demand peaks with the arrival of snowbirds and sailors. Some trámites (particularly residency renewals) can book out weeks in advance during peak season.
If you cannot get an appointment online, call the office directly at 612-122-0429 to ask about availability or cancellations. WhatsApp communication has become increasingly common with Mexican government offices — it is worth asking if they use it when you call.
Services Offered
- Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) — tourist card processing and replacement
- Temporary Residency (Residente Temporal) applications and renewals
- Permanent Residency (Residente Permanente) applications and renewals
- Visa renewals and extensions
- Document regularization for foreign nationals
- CURP (Clave Única de Registro de Población) assistance for residents
- Exit permission processing
- Family-based stay documentation
- Payment proof and certificate issuance
- Lost FMM replacement
Common Expat Tasks
- Annual temporary residency (FM2 / Residente Temporal) renewal
- Upgrading from temporary to permanent residency
- Adding a dependent to a residency permit
- Replacing a lost or damaged residency card
- CURP registration and certificate issuance
- Regularizing visa status after overstay (seek legal advice first)
Common Tourist Tasks
- Replacing a lost FMM (tourist card)
- Extending a tourist stay beyond 180 days (requires residency application — walk-in extension not available)
- Exit permission processing
- FMM validation for overland crossings
Typical Documents Required
- Valid passport — original and photocopy
- Current FMM (tourist card) if applicable
- Payment receipts (derechos de trámite — pay at bank or online before appointment)
- Recent passport-size photographs (typically 2–3, white background)
- Proof of economic solvency (bank statements, pension letters, etc.) for residency applications
- Marriage certificate (apostilled and translated if applicable) for family-based applications
- Proof of address in Mexico for residency renewals
- RFC (tax ID) for some permanent residency applications
- NOTE: Document requirements can change — always verify the current checklist at inm.gob.mx before your appointment
Other Recent Updates
FYI — 2026-02
Legislative proposal to rename INM to 'Instituto de Movilidad Humana' introduced in February 2026. Core functions and office locations remain unchanged. Name change not yet enacted as of March 2026.
Update — 2025-12
Online appointment system (citas.inm.gob.mx) expanded statewide. All BCS INM offices now using centralized online booking.
Satellite Offices & Points
Pichilingue
Pichilingue port area, north of La Paz
Satellite point overseen by the La Paz INM office. Primarily handles port of entry matters. Not a full-service office — contact La Paz main office for appointment guidance.
Punta Prieta
Punta Prieta, BCS
Satellite point. Contact main La Paz office for services.
San Juan de la Costa
San Juan de la Costa, BCS
Satellite point. Contact main La Paz office for services.
INM Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas, BCS
The Baja California Sur representation office is in Cabo San Lucas. For matters that cannot be handled in La Paz, the Cabo San Lucas office is the next option.