The 12-Month Cabo Relocation Timeline: Your Month-by-Month Countdown to Moving

Moving to Los Cabos is not something you pull off over a long weekend. It is a twelve-month project with hard deadlines, government paperwork, international logistics, and financial decisions that cost real money if you sequence them wrong. I have helped more than forty families execute this exact countdown, and the difference between the ones who arrive relaxed and the ones who arrive in crisis is almost always planning — not budget, not luck, not which community they chose.

This is the month-by-month relocation timeline I give every client the day they say "we're doing this." Follow it in order and you will land in Cabo with your visa in hand, your property closed, your belongings on the way, and your bank accounts open. Skip steps and you will spend your first three months in Mexico fixing things you should have handled from your couch in Denver.

Phase 1: Plan (Months 12–10)

This phase is pure research. You are not buying anything, signing anything, or booking anything except maybe a few calls. The goal is to arrive at your viewing trip with a clear budget, two or three target communities, and a basic understanding of the legal framework.

Month 12: Set the Foundation

• Define your budget. Not just the property price — the total number. Purchase price plus 4-7% closing costs plus $15,000-$40,000 in relocation costs plus 12 months of living expenses in reserve. If you are selling a US property to fund the move, talk to your accountant about capital gains timing now.
• Research communities. Read our guide to the best areas in Los Cabos and narrow to 2-3 that match your lifestyle — beach town, golf community, quiet Pacific side, walkable SJD. Do not fall in love with a single community before seeing it in person.
• Understand the visa landscape. Our temporary resident visa guide covers the requirements. The income threshold for temporary residency is approximately $2,500-$4,700/month (varies by consulate), or $43,000-$74,000 in savings averaged over 12 months.
• Start a cross-border estate plan. If you are buying property in Mexico, your US will does not automatically govern it. You need a Mexican will (testamento) in addition to your US documents. An attorney who handles both jurisdictions costs $2,000-$5,000 for the initial setup.

Month 11: Healthcare and Tax Planning

• Research healthcare. If you are under 65, you will need Mexican private health insurance or an international plan. Premiums run $2,000-$6,000/year per person depending on age and coverage. If you are over 65, Medicare does not cover you in Mexico — period.
• Understand the 183-day rule. Spending more than 183 days in Mexico in a calendar year can trigger Mexican tax residency, which means Mexico taxes your worldwide income. Plan your move date so your first partial year keeps you under this threshold. Our 183-day rule guide explains the details.
• Talk to a cross-border CPA. You need someone who understands both US and Mexican tax obligations. FBAR and FATCA reporting requirements kick in the moment you open a Mexican bank account. Budget $1,500-$3,000/year for cross-border tax preparation.

Month 10: Narrow and Prepare for the Trip

• Narrow to 2-3 communities. By now you should have strong opinions about Pacific side vs Sea of Cortez, gated vs town, golf vs beach. Write down your non-negotiables.
• Connect with an agent. Not a random name from Google — someone who specializes in the communities you are targeting and works with foreign buyers daily. A good agent will pre-screen properties before your trip so you do not waste days looking at things that do not match.
• Book your viewing trip. Four full days on the ground, scheduled for month 9. Our viewing trip planning guide has the framework.

Phase 2: Execute (Months 9–7)

This is the action phase. You are on the ground, looking at properties, making decisions, and signing paperwork. Everything you did in Phase 1 pays off here because you arrive informed instead of overwhelmed.

Month 9: The Viewing Trip

• Four days on the ground. Day 1: orientation drive through your target communities. Day 2-3: focused property tours (8-10 properties max). Day 4: revisit your top 2-3, meet the HOA, walk the neighborhood at different times of day.
• Test the daily reality. Eat at the local restaurants, not the resort ones. Drive the commute to the grocery store. Check cell signal and internet speed. Walk the streets at 9 PM. This is not a vacation — it is due diligence.
• If you find the right property, make an offer. Do not wait. Good inventory in Los Cabos moves fast, especially in the $500K-$1.5M range. Your agent will help structure the offer with appropriate contingencies.

Month 8: Under Contract

• Escrow and earnest money. Typical earnest money deposit is 5-10% of purchase price, held in escrow. Our escrow process guide explains how this works differently from the US.
• Home inspection. Mexico does not require inspections, but you absolutely need one. Hire a qualified inspector — budget $500-$1,500 depending on property size. Focus on structural integrity, plumbing, electrical, and water supply source.
• Fideicomiso application. Your notario will begin the bank trust application. This takes 4-8 weeks to process. The setup fee runs $2,000-$3,500 plus the first year's annual fee of $500-$700.

Month 7: Closing Preparation

• Wire transfer setup. International wire transfers for real estate require advance coordination with your US bank. Some banks flag large international wires and freeze accounts. Alert your bank well in advance and get the wire instructions from the escrow company early. Our wire transfer guide covers the process.
• Title search. The notario conducts the title search and verifies there are no liens, encumbrances, or tax debts on the property. This is not optional — it is legally required.
• Insurance. Arrange Mexican property insurance before closing. Coverage for a $500K-$1M property typically runs $1,500-$4,000/year.

Phase 3: Prepare (Months 6–4)

Your property is under contract or recently closed. Now you are preparing to physically move your life across an international border. This is where most people underestimate the logistics.

Month 6: Close and Begin Visa Process

• Closing. You will likely need to be present in Mexico for the signing at the notario's office, though power of attorney arrangements are possible. Budget 2-3 days for the closing trip. Total closing costs: 4-7% of purchase price.
• Visa appointment. Apply for your temporary resident visa at the Mexican consulate nearest your US home. Appointments can take 3-6 weeks to schedule, so start immediately after closing. Bring proof of income or savings, passport, property purchase documentation, and completed application forms. The consulate fee is approximately $50 for the initial visa.
• Start decluttering. You are moving to a smaller space in a different country. Start selling, donating, or storing everything that is not coming with you. The less you ship, the less you spend.

Month 5: Shipping and Banking

• Hire an international mover. Get quotes from at least three companies that specialize in US-to-Mexico relocations. A full household container (20-foot) from the western US to Los Cabos runs $5,000-$12,000. A partial load or consolidated shipment runs $2,500-$6,000. Door-to-door transit time: 6-10 weeks. Our shipping guide covers customs requirements and prohibited items.
• Open a Mexican bank account. You can open an account at BBVA, Santander, or Banorte with your passport, proof of address (your new property), and temporary resident visa (or tourist visa in some cases). Our banking guide walks through the process. Remember: opening any foreign financial account triggers FBAR reporting requirements.
• Set up utilities. If your property is in a development, the HOA may handle water and some services. For standalone properties, you will need to register with CFE (electricity), OOMSAPAS (water), and an internet provider (Telmex, TotalPlay, or Starlink). Our post-closing checklist has the details.

Month 4: Final Preparations

• Ship your belongings. The mover picks up your container. You should have a detailed inventory list for Mexican customs. Certain items are restricted or prohibited — no firearms, no prescription medications without documentation, limits on alcohol and tobacco.
• Vehicle decision. Importing a US vehicle to Mexico permanently requires a temporary resident visa, a pedimento (customs form), and payment of import duties (can be 25-40% of the vehicle's value for vehicles older than certain model years). Many expats find it more cost-effective to sell their US car and buy locally. Our car import guide has the math.
• Health insurance activation. Lock in your Mexican health insurance or international plan. If choosing Mexican coverage, the major providers are GNP, AXA, and Seguros Monterrey. Pre-existing condition waiting periods typically run 12-24 months, so starting early matters.

Phase 4: Arrive (Months 3–0)

The final stretch. You are wrapping up US logistics and preparing for your actual move. The property is closed, the visa is in hand, and your belongings are in transit.

Month 3: US Wind-Down

• Mail forwarding. Set up a US mail scanning service (Earth Class Mail, Traveling Mailbox) that scans your mail and forwards what you need. You will still receive US tax documents, bank statements, and legal notices. Cost: $15-$30/month.
• Tax address. Decide whether to maintain a US state tax domicile. Some expats keep a mailing address in a no-income-tax state (Florida, Texas, Nevada) to avoid state taxes while living abroad. Discuss with your CPA.
• Storage. If you are keeping furniture or items in the US, book a climate-controlled storage unit. A 10x10 unit runs $100-$200/month depending on location.
• Notify institutions. Banks, investment accounts, insurance companies, Social Security (if receiving benefits), and the IRS all need your updated contact information.

Month 1: Final Sprint

• Cancel or transfer US utilities. Electric, gas, water, internet, trash — cancel everything. Forward your phone number to a VoIP service that works in Mexico (Google Voice, MagicJack, or keep your US cell plan with international coverage).
• Pack your essentials bag. The container will not arrive for weeks after you do. Pack two large suitcases with everything you need for the first 30-60 days: clothes, medications, important documents (originals), electronics, and personal items you cannot replace.
• Coordinate arrival logistics. Your agent or property manager can meet you at SJD airport, hand you keys, and walk you through the property systems. If you are arriving with a pet, confirm airline requirements and have your pet's health certificate ready.

First Weeks in Cabo

• INM canje. Within 30 days of entering Mexico on your temporary resident visa, you must visit the local INM (immigration) office in San Jose del Cabo to exchange your consulate visa for a resident card. Bring your passport, the visa document, proof of address, and passport photos. Processing takes 2-4 weeks.
• RFC tax ID. Visit the SAT office in San Jose del Cabo to obtain your RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes) — your Mexican tax identification number. You will need this for banking, property tax payments, and any rental income reporting. Bring your passport, CURP (if you have one), proof of address, and your temporary resident card.
• Driver's license. BCS issues driver's licenses to temporary and permanent residents. Bring your passport, residency card, proof of address, and current US license. The test is straightforward and the license is valid for 3-5 years.
• Community integration. Join the local expat groups (Facebook groups for Los Cabos Expats, Baja Expats), sign up for Spanish classes at one of SJD's language schools, and attend community events. The expat community is welcoming but you have to show up. Our expat social life guide covers the landscape.

Total Relocation Budget Beyond the Property

The range is wide because it depends on whether you ship a container or two suitcases, import a car or buy locally, and furnish from scratch or buy a turnkey property. Most of my clients land between $20,000 and $40,000 in total relocation costs beyond the property itself.

The Three Mistakes I See Every Year

Mistake 1: Skipping the visa. Entering on a tourist permit and trying to sort out residency from inside Mexico is technically possible but practically miserable. INM offices are crowded, the process takes longer from inside the country, and you have no legal standing if something goes wrong. Do it at the consulate before you move.

Mistake 2: Moving before closing. I have seen families arrive in Cabo with their belongings in transit only to have the closing delayed by three weeks because of a fideicomiso processing issue. Do not physically move until the property is legally yours and the keys are in your hand.

Mistake 3: Underestimating the tax implications. The 183-day rule, FBAR reporting, FATCA compliance, Mexican rental income obligations — the tax landscape for US citizens living in Mexico is complex. The $3,000 you spend on a cross-border CPA in year one saves you $30,000 in penalties and back taxes later. Our US tax obligations guide covers the basics.