Immigration, Residency Permits and Visas in Mexico
A visa is among the most important things you’ll want to consider when you’re planning your move to Mexico. The type of visa you choose is going to be important so we’ve put this page together as a general guide.
The FM-T Visa
An FM-T Visa, or Tourist Visa, allows you to remain in Mexico for up to six months at a time. If you intend to keep a home in the United States or Canada and visit Mexico for less than six months at a time, this may be the best option for you.
FM-T Visas are extremely easy to get and are free. You’ll receive the form on your flight to Mexico and will have it stamped at the immigration office at the airport. If you cross the border in a car, you should stop at the immigration kiosk and have them stamp the form. It’s important to remember that extending an FMT visa can be more difficult and costly. You might want to consider an FM3 visa if you plan to stay longer in Mexico
If you plan on staying in Mexico for longer then 6 months at a time, or if you wish to work in Mexico, you should obtain a “resident” visa, either an FM2 or FM3 (see below).
The FM3 Visa
An FM3 Visa allows you to remain in Mexico for up to one year at a time. At the end of each year the FM3 Visa may be renewed (renewals should be requested 30 days before the expiration date of the visa). With an FM3 Visa you may leave and enter Mexico freely, at any time, and you are allowed to work in Mexico. Getting an FM3 makes bringing your household items (including one car) into Mexico very easy.
The FM2 Visa
An FM2 Visa might be a good option for those who wish to become Inmigrados (Permanent Residents who are not required to renew their visas every year. See the Inmigrado section for information on Inmigrado status).
As an FM2 holder, you are considered an Immigrant and may apply for Mexican citizenship after 5 years. FM2 Visa holders may not leave the country for more than 18 months during any five-year period or they will lose their eligibility to apply for Inmigrado status. If an FM2 Visa holder leaves the country for longer than two years at a time, they will lose their status as an Immigrant.
As an FM2 Visa holder, you may work in Mexico if you also apply for a work permit from Immigration so long as the work is legal. You must also show proof of a certain amount of income when applying for an FM2 Rentista (Rentista Immigrante) Visa (see the Rentista section for information regarding Rentista Visas). The income required is less if you own your own home in Mexico.
If you wish, you may also settle as a retiree, provided you can prove to the Mexican government that you can live on your savings or on income from your investments, without needing additional income. While an FM2 removes the pain of having to renew your visa each year, it is more expensive and harder to receive than an FM3 and it is not recommended for retirees who intend to go back and forth to the US more then once a year.
Rentista
Rentista status may be accorded to those who are 51 years of age or older and who intend to settle in Mexico without working. Applications for Rentista status must be accompanied by a letter from either: 1. a bank or other financial institution, or 2. a government Social Security or pension agency.
The letter must certify the amount of money that the applicant receives each month. Those over 51 who intend to retire in Mexico are encouraged to apply for a Rentista type of FM2 or FM3 Visa.
“Inmigrado” (Permanent Resident Status)
After living in Mexico for five years on an FM2 Visa, you may make a “Declaratoria de Inmigrado,” and apply for Inmigrado status. As an Inmigrado, you may qualify to receive Mexican nationality and you do not need to give up your home country citizenship.
I am marrying my mexican girlfriend next year. Can I apply for an FM2 visa and work in Mexico? Or do I need to hold an FM3 visa first?
I am British and basically, we could move to England but we would prefer to live in Mexico but it depends on my ability to find work there. Do I have to have a company sponsor me once we are married or do I have the freedom to look around for work like a Mexican national would, once I get a visa (FM2?). Finding a good job will obviosly be easier if companies do not have to go to the effort of applying for a visa for me, so can I get this “right to work” myself once we are married? If so, how?
Thanks
Jae
Jae –
Did you see our post at http://expmexico.com/2009/08/legal-immigration-mexico/ ?
The short answer is yes, you may apply for an FM-2 before you are married and before you enter the country, but you’ll need to go through the process at your consulate in England first and they may encourage you to wait to begin the process once you are in Mexico with your FM-T. Actually receiving the FM-2 may require meeting the minimum investment or income requirement – sometimes as much as 26000 x the minimum monthly wage. Probably – proving marriage is going to be a lot easier.
On the bright side though, most Mexican employers – just from my own experience – will not consider too heavily your work elegibility when considering you for a job. If they want you, they will see to it that you are made legal and though this may take a few months – Mexico is not like a lot of other stricter countries. They likely want someone who speaks good english or is otherwise of appropriate qualifications and will wait or even expedite the process.
Having a Mexican lawyer, on this side, whether supplied by a sponsoring company, or paid out of your own pocket is worth every penny as the navigation process is much, much easier.
Good luck, and I will post again if we find out new information after the new year. (Everyone is traveling right now).