When moving your household goods to Mexico, the Menaje de Casa is one of the most important documents.
It’s essentially an import certificate from the Mexican Consulate that allows you to bring used household items into Mexico without having to pay customs duty.
In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to obtain a Menaje de Casa on your own, including paperwork, sample letters, and more.
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Contents
What is Menaje de Casa?
A Menaje de Casa allows you to import used household goods from the US to Mexico without paying import tax.
Under Mexican law, you’re allowed to import your household goods one time for free.
There are two main requirements:
- It must include allowed items such as used household goods, clothes, and kitchen utensils.
- You must have a minimum of 15 items. The item count includes boxes and other items like pieces of furniture, gym equipment, and golf clubs, which are generally not boxed.
Who Can Get a Menaje de Casa?
A Menaje de Casa can be obtained if you are:
- A temporary or permanent resident in Mexico
- Temporary resident for students
- A diplomat
- Transferring or taking a job offer in Mexico
You cannot obtain a Menaje de Casa with a tourist visa.
Required Documents
The following documents are needed:
- Complete an application form here.
- Four photocopies of your current Temporary/Permanent Resident Card issued by the National Migration Institute (INM) and your original resident card.
- Four photocopies of your valid passport (main page) and your original valid passport.
- *Four original signed letters, in Spanish, addressed to the Consulate General of Mexico, requesting the certification of the list of household goods being imported. The letter should include:
Your last address in the US- The duration of your residence
- The address of your new residence in Mexico
- The port of entry in Mexico
- The date of travel
- *Four original, signed, typed lists of household goods, in Spanish. The list must provide a detailed description of the contents of each box and item you’re importing into Mexico.
- If you’re being relocated by your current company or accepting a job offer from a new employer, you’ll need a letter from your employer.
*See example below
Your Inventory of Household Goods list is the most important part of your Menaje de Casa application. You’ll need this list approved at your Mexican Consulate when applying for your Menaje de Casa.
You can check the required documents here.
Application Process
The application process is straightforward as long as you have the correct documents.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Make an appointment: Schedule an appointment with the nearest Mexican Consulate office in your area. You can find the closest office here.
- Pay the fee: Once your application is accepted, pay the required fee.
- Pick up: Your Certificado de Lista de Menaje de Casa will be ready for pickup at the Mexican Consulate the next day.
During the application process, you may be asked for additional documentation, such as a Letter of Empowerment, which authorizes a customs broker to handle and transport your household goods.
Menaje de Casa Fee
There is a $185 fee you must pay when receiving your Menaje de Casa at a Mexican Consulate in the US. You can check for updated fee prices here.
Menaje de Casa During Shipment
The original certificate from the Mexican Consulate must accompany your shipment.
If the original certificate does not accompany your shipment, it will be rejected by Mexican customs officials.
What If I Use an International Moving Company?
An international moving company may assist with preparing documentation, translation, and other forms needed in Spanish, but you will need to apply for the Menaje de Casa in person.
Sample Letter
Here is a sample letter for you to follow:
Al Consulado General de México
El Sr. Jonathon Patrick desea solicitar un Certificado de Lista de Menaje de Casa. He adjuntado mi solicitud y todos los documentos necesarios, incluido mi inventario de enseres domésticos.
Mi fecha de viaje a México es el 27 de agosto de 2024. Mi puerto de entrada será Eagle Pass/Piedras Negras a lo largo de la frontera entre México y Estados Unidos.
Mi residencia actual durante los últimos siete años ha sido en:
300 Boardwalk Avenue, Apt. 5, Denver, CO USA 80202
Mi nueva residencia en México se encuentra en:
Turibio Guzman 35, entre Mariano Abasolo y Aquiles Serdan, Xogoyo Colonia, Ciudad de México, CDMX México, C.P. 15620
Agradezco su ayuda con la certificación de mis enseres domésticos para obtener un Menaje de Casa.
Cordialmente
Signature
29 Julio 2024
Sample of Inventory of Household Goods
Here is a sample of what your Inventory of Household Goods should look like:
Inventory of Household Goods
Mr. Jonathon Patrick
Pick Up address:
300 Boardwalk Avenue, Apt. 5, Denver, CO 80202 USA
+1 (303) 555-5555
Destination address:
Mexican address: Turibio Guzman 35, entre Mariano Abasolo y Aquiles Serdan, Xogoyo Colonia, Ciudad de México, CDMX México, C.P. 15620
+52 (284) 999-9999
| Box/Item Number | Description of Goods | Descripción de bienes | Condition of Goods |
| 1 | Men’s Clothing | Ropa de Hombre | Used – Usados |
| 2 | Ladies’ Clothing | Ropa de Dama | Used |
| 3 | Red Chair | Silla Roja | Used |
| 4 | Moulinex Blender Model 2454, Serial Number 55-P883 | Licuadora Moulinex Modelo 2454, No. Serie 55-P883 | Used |
| 5 | Whirlpool Refrigerator Model 2999, Serial Number 2W00-OLL3 | Refrigerador Whirlpool Modelo 2999, No. Serie 2W00-OLL3 | Used |
| 6 | Children’s Clothing | Ropa de Niño | Used |
| 7 | White Outdoor Furniture | Muebles de Jardín Blancos | Used |
Notice that you need to be specific about the contents of each box. Include the model and serial number for all electronic equipment or household appliances.
It is important that your Inventory of Household Goods list is sequentially numbered. Furniture, electronics, appliances, and gym equipment that cannot be placed in boxes must be tagged with the correct corresponding number.
You can find another sample Inventory of Household Goods here.
What to Do If I Leave Mexico?
If you’re a temporary resident or temporary resident student, you are expected to remove your household goods from Mexico when your immigration status expires or if you decide to leave the country permanently.
If you are a permanent resident, you do not need to take your household goods out of the country when departing.
Now, on to You
If you are moving to Mexico and want to bring your belongings, it’s always recommended to get a Menaje de Casa. In addition to the import tax exemption, it helps you avoid dealing with customs tax, which can be a hassle.
The process of obtaining a Menaje de Casa is very straightforward. As long as you have the right paperwork, you should be able to get it easily. When in doubt, contact your shipping company.
