For many, Tulum, Mexico is synonymous with paradise. With the crystal clear Caribbean waters, the fishing town vibe, and the soft sands, it’s hard to think of anywhere better. Here are all the best jobs in Tulum, Mexico for Expats.
Many US expats are now calling Tulum home. But what jobs can you get in Tulum as an expat? What are the visa rules? Can I move there permanently?
Don’t worry, I’m going to answer all these questions in this short, complete guide.
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What Jobs Can You Get as an Expat in Tulum, Mexico?
With the WiFi and power being pretty unreliable in Tulum, Mexico, it’s not a great idea to rely on online work that isn’t flexible.
Some of the most common jobs that expats can get in Tulum are as English teachers, working in the resorts, or as specialist sports instructors.
The 3 Best Jobs in Tulum, Mexico for Expats
1. Teaching English
This is a classic work abroad job and one that you can secure with either a TEFL or TESOL qualification.
It’s a great way to stay in Tulum as it often comes with accommodation or help finding somewhere that’s affordable – something that’s hard to come by in the high season.
To learn more about Mexico’s program for teaching English, check out this post!
2. Work at a Resort
With Tulum being a tourist hotspot, there are plenty of resorts that are hiring all year round.
As the majority of visitors to Tulum are Americans, it’s always good to be able to speak English to help deal with any guest queries and make everyone’s stay as seamless as possible.
If you’re not a people person, you can choose to work behind the scenes in the kitchen, in housekeeping, or as maintenance.
I‘ve lived abroad for many years and love helping others find work abroad and figure out their “Move Abroad Plan.” Check out my class below to get you started ASAP!
3. Become a Sports Instructor
Do you have a sporty skill and the ability to teach others? Then there might just be a job waiting for you in Tulum.
As a coastal destination, it’s as much a party spot as it is a family-friendly haven.
It’s because of this there are plenty of different types of visitors who might want to learn a new skill such as scuba diving, windsurfing, tennis, golf, and more.
Just make sure to get at least a level 1 or 2 instructor qualification before you apply.
Work Visas in Tulum vs Digital Nomad/ Remote Work in Tulum
Although you can get a six-month visitor visa if you’re traveling on a US, Canadian, UK Australian, New Zealand, or European passport, you cannot work in Mexico with this visa.
Some people do use this visa for remote work, and strictly speaking, that’s not allowed although this is what most expats in Tulum are doing.
However, as you have no intention of getting a physical job in Tulum and won’t be working for a Mexican company, you won’t be able to get a work visa, sponsored by a Mexican employer.
What you’re going to have to do is get a work visa that’s been applied for by your new Mexican employer.
This has to be done before you leave your home country as it’s got to be processed at a consulate outside of Mexico.
Once you’re in Mexico, you’ve got to swap it for a temporary residence card that allows you to stay, study and work in Mexico. It’s initially valid for one year and can be renewed for up to four years.
It’s worth mentioning that although there are some coworking spaces cropping up, the WiFi and power can be pretty sketchy in Tulum, especially during hurricane season.
It’s also not the cheapest place to stay if you’re a digital nomad, particularly in the high season. If you’re a digital nomad, there are plenty of cheaper and more reliable places in Mexico to set up shop.
Temporary or Permanent Residency?
Although four years doesn’t sound particularly temporary, if you’ve got a Mexican work visa, this is how long you can stay in the country.
You can come and go to nearby countries to reissue your work visa, making it pretty easy to stay in Mexico for the full four years. Once your four years are up, you can apply to be a permanent resident.
You can also become a resident if you’ve got immediate family in Mexico, are retired and don’t plan on working, or have lived in Mexico on a Temporary Resident Card that was given due to you being married to a Mexican citizen or permanent resident.
When you arrive back in Mexico after receiving your Permanent Resident Visa, you have 30 days to swap it for a Mexican Permanent Resident Card.
Once you’ve got this, congrats you can live, work, and study in Mexico indefinitely!
Read More Posts About Jobs Abroad:
- How to Travel Around the World While Remote Working
- Jobs Abroad with Accommodation Included and No Experience Needed
- The Best Expat Jobs Available Abroad
- Jobs Abroad With No Experience Required
- Teaching Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree
- How to Find English-Speaking Jobs Abroad with Accommodation
Vanessa Wachtmeister is a travel tech professional and the creator of the wealth & wanderlust platform, Wander Onwards. Vanessa is originally from Los Angeles, California, she is a proud Chicana, and she has been living abroad for the last 9 years. Today, she helps people pursue financial and location independence through her ‘Move Abroad’ Master Class, financial literacy digital products, and career workshops.