Menaje de Casa: What It Is and How to Get It for Mexico

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.

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 resident 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 US$195 fee you must pay when receiving your Menaje de Casa at a Mexican Consulate in the US, payable in cash or money order. The exact amount can vary slightly by consulate, so 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. If you haven’t chosen a mover yet, see our list of recommended shipping companies.

Sample Letter

Here is a sample letter for you to follow:

Sample of Inventory of Household Goods

Here is a sample of what your Inventory of Household Goods should look like:

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.

Expats who have filed it say the same in forums: the bilingual inventory list, with model and serial numbers, is the tedious part, so they start it early and pick the consulate that processes Menaje de Casa fastest, since turnaround and exact document demands vary by location.

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 Mexican 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. For everything else, follow our moving to Mexico checklist. When in doubt, contact your shipping company.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Menaje de Casa?

A Menaje de Casa is an official certificate issued by a Mexican consulate that lets you import your used household goods, such as furniture, appliances, and clothing, into Mexico without paying customs duty.

Who qualifies for a Menaje de Casa?

You qualify if you hold a Mexican temporary or permanent resident visa or card, are a student on a temporary resident visa, a diplomat, or a returning Mexican national who has lived abroad for at least six months. Tourists on a visitor visa or FMM tourist card do not qualify.

How do you apply for a Menaje de Casa?

You apply in person at the Mexican consulate nearest your current US address. You’ll need an appointment, your resident visa or card, your passport, a signed letter in Spanish, and your household goods inventory list. Once your application is accepted, the certificate is usually ready for pickup the next business day.

What is the bilingual inventory list requirement?

Your Inventory of Household Goods list must be typed, signed, and written in Spanish, with a detailed description of each box and item. Electronics and appliances need their brand, model, and serial number, and any furniture or equipment that can’t be boxed must be tagged with a number matching the list.

How much does a Menaje de Casa cost?

As of the current consular fee schedule, the Menaje de Casa certificate costs US$195, payable in cash or money order. The exact amount can vary slightly by consulate, so confirm it with your nearest consulate before your appointment.

Is the Menaje de Casa a one-time benefit?

Yes. Mexican law lets you import your household goods duty-free through a Menaje de Casa only once.

What household goods are allowed, and what’s excluded?

The certificate covers used household items you’ve owned, such as furniture, clothing, kitchen utensils, and personal electronics. It doesn’t cover new or unused goods still in original packaging, and it doesn’t cover vehicles: cars, motorcycles, and boats go through a separate import process.

How long does it take to get a Menaje de Casa?

The consulate visit itself is quick once your documents are in order, and the certificate is typically ready for pickup the next business day. Most of the time goes into preparing the bilingual inventory list beforehand, so start that early.