Thinking of living and working in Mexico? The country’s growing economy and demand for skilled professionals make it a top choice for expats. Read on to learn about the job market, the work permit process, and for tips on landing your ideal role.
If you're someone who's looking for a big career change and you’re considering a move to Mexico, this could turn out to be a very smart choice. With its growing economy, thriving industries, and increasing demand for skilled professionals, Mexico offers a range of job opportunities across sectors like tech, tourism, education, and more. The only trick would be in navigating the Mexican job market as a foreigner. This requires planning, patience, and a clear understanding of how things work.
Mexico’s economy has shown resilience and momentum in 2025, with continued growth driven by foreign investment, infrastructure development, and new trade agreements. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), for example, has expanded job openings in manufacturing and agriculture, while the government’s investment in education and digital infrastructure is creating a hiring wave in tech and training.
Industries experiencing the most demand include:
Before accepting a job role in Mexico, it’s crucial to have the appropriate legal documentation. Most expats need a temporary resident visa with work authorization, which is often sponsored by the hiring company. While the process is straightforward in principle, it can take several weeks or even months, so it’s best to start early.
You’ll typically need:
Be prepared to submit translations of documents and keep hard copies handy. Once you receive your visa, you can apply for your CURP (a Mexican identification number), which is essential for payroll and tax purposes.
In Mexico, relationships matter. Many job openings are never publicly advertised but filled through referrals and personal connections instead. As an expat, joining online and local networking groups can help you build contacts fast.
Try:
These relationships can open doors while providing valuable insight into cultural norms and workplace expectations.
Mexican CVs tend to be more personal and detailed than resumes in Canada or the U.S. Employers may expect information such as:
Alongside your personal details, include a clear summary of your work experience, education, and any relevant certifications or language skills. Your cover letter should be concise, polite, and tailored to the position. When preparing for interviews, show enthusiasm, arrive early, and expect questions about how you’ll integrate into the team and company culture.
Unlike North America, where salary expectations are often discussed up front, salary negotiations in Mexico usually come after the interview process. Employers may offer a figure first, so it helps to research average salaries for the role beforehand to set a baseline and have your goals in mind.
In addition to salary, be prepared to discuss:
While it’s okay to negotiate, be polite and collaborative. Showing flexibility and professionalism will go a long way.
as an expat is completely possible and can be highly rewarding. From getting the right visa to understanding the local hiring culture, the more prepared you are, the smoother the process will be. With the right mix of professional skills, adaptability, and strategic networking, your next career chapter in Mexico might be closer than you think.
