Household goods: how to move your belongings to Mexico from the U.S.

Household goods: how to move your belongings to Mexico from the U.S. without paying taxes

If you are thinking about returning to Mexico from the United States —whether through voluntary return, deportation, or your own decision— there is an official procedure that allows you to bring your household belongings without paying import taxes. It is called menaje doméstico (household goods exemption), it is completely free, and for several years now it can be completed online. In this guide we explain who can apply, what documents you need, how the process works step by step, and what items you can include.

What is the household goods exemption?

The household goods exemption covers the set of used items that make up a home: furniture, appliances, kitchen utensils, clothing, books, and other personal belongings. The household goods procedure is the legal mechanism that authorizes the entry of those items into Mexican territory through a northern border customs office, free of taxes and at no additional cost to the applicant.

This benefit is jointly regulated by the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE), the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM), and the Agencia Nacional de Aduanas de México (ANAM), with the goal of facilitating the return of Mexican nationals in an efficient and transparent manner.

Who can apply for the household goods exemption from the U.S.?

The procedure is intended for Mexican nationals returning to Mexico from the United States, regardless of their immigration status in that country. It applies both to those returning voluntarily and to those who have been deported or repatriated. A key requirement is having resided outside Mexico for at least the last six months prior to the permanent move.

What items can be included?

• Household furniture (beds, sofas, tables, chairs)
• Appliances (refrigerator, stove, washing machine, television)
• Clothing, footwear, and personal items
• Books, musical instruments, sporting goods
• Personal work tools (not for commercial purposes)

What CANNOT be included?

• Motor vehicles (there is a separate procedure for them)
• Food or beverages of any kind
• New merchandise or items intended for commercial or industrial purposes
• Items purchased less than six months before the move

How to complete the household goods procedure step by step

Mexican consulates in the U.S. have moved toward a digital model. The process no longer requires an in-person visit in most cases. Below are the general steps:

1. Access the official portal

The procedure is completed through the MiConsulado portal of the SRE. You will need to create an account or log in with Llave MX to verify your identity. The official portal for this procedure is www.menajedomestico.gob.mx.

2. Prepare your list of belongings

You must prepare a detailed inventory of all the items you wish to bring. This list must:

• Be written in Spanish and typed on a computer
• Include the applicant's name and, if applicable, those of family members
• List each item on a separate line, specifying quantity, type, and condition
• For major electrical appliances (refrigerator, computer, television), include brand, model, and serial number

3. Gather supporting documents

Although requirements may vary slightly depending on the consulate, the following are generally requested:

• Valid Mexican passport or Matrícula Consular
• Proof of residence in the U.S. for the past six months (lease agreement, utility statements such as water, electricity, gas, telephone, or cable)
• Proof of employment or activity in the country of origin
• Signed list of belongings

4. Submit your documentation

Depending on the consulate in your jurisdiction, submission may be done by email or directly through the online portal. Some consulates also offer limited in-person service. Check with the nearest consulate to confirm the available option in your case.

5. Present the certificate at customs

Once the household goods certificate has been issued, you must present it to the customs officer when crossing Mexico's northern border. Officers will verify that the items match the declared list. If everything is in order, no tax is owed.

Can I lose the right to this benefit?

Yes. If you have already been a legal resident of Mexico for more than six months, or if your permanent residency was issued more than six months ago, you may have lost the right to the tax exemption. In those cases, you can still move your belongings, but you will need to pay the applicable customs duties. We recommend verifying your specific situation with the consulate before starting the process.

Frequently asked questions about the household goods exemption

As a Mexican citizen, do I need the household goods exemption to move from the U.S. to Mexico?

Any Mexican citizen returning permanently to Mexico from the United States who has resided outside the country for at least six months can apply. It applies to both voluntary returns and deportations. The procedure is handled through the Mexican consulate corresponding to your place of residence in the U.S.

How much does it cost to move your belongings to Mexico through this procedure?

The household goods procedure at the consulate is completely free. There are no consular fees or import taxes on the items included in the authorized list. The only costs that may arise are those associated with the physical transport of your belongings (moving company, freight, etc.).

How much is charged to bring items from the U.S. to Mexico without the exemption?

If you move items without the household goods certificate, they will be subject to the applicable customs duties, which vary depending on the type and value of the goods. In that case, it is best to consult directly with the Agencia Nacional de Aduanas de México (ANAM) or a customs broker to calculate the costs applicable to your situation.

How can I move all my belongings to Mexico if I do not qualify for the exemption?

If you have lost the right to the exemption due to length of residency or another reason, you can hire an international moving company that handles customs payments on your behalf. Companies specializing in Mexico-U.S. relocations are familiar with the customs process and can guide you on costs and required procedures.

Can the household goods procedure be completed entirely online?

Yes. Mexican consulates in the U.S. have enabled the online option through the MiConsulado portal and the Llave MX platform. In most cases, an in-person visit is no longer necessary, although some consulates keep both options available. Check with your local consulate.

Can I include work tools in the household goods exemption?

Personal tools that are part of your individual work activity may be included. However, machinery or equipment intended for commercial or industrial use is not permitted. Motor vehicles are also excluded and have a separate procedure.

Do you need guidance or have questions?

At consuladosmexico.us we help you understand the consular procedures available to the Mexican community in the United States. If you have questions about the household goods exemption process, we recommend:

• Visiting the official portal: www.menajedomestico.gob.mx
• Logging into your account at MiConsulado to start your application
• Contacting the Mexican consulate in your jurisdiction directly to resolve specific questions about documentation or deadlines

Remember: the procedure is free, online, and designed to support you on your return to Mexico. You do not need intermediaries or outside agents to complete it.