JURIMEX INTERNATIONAL INFO !

México-Immigration Law

The purpose of this article is to inform you about the options you have and may wish to consider as a visitor in México. Depending on how long you intend to stay in Mexico can have a bearing on what options you might choose. There are financial consequences to be considered in each case and features and benefits to consider.

When arriving in Mexico foreigners are allowed to enter the country by way of an "FM-T" Tourist Visa. This Tourist Visa form is free and come in two very common varieties. Most common is the one you get when you fly into the country or enter it by land. You get them from travel agents or the airline you fly in with. They can also be obtained from a Mexican Consular Office in your country. Tourist Visas can be granted for a maximum stay of 180 days.

If you have long term plans for living in México you may need to consider your options. Less known to those who have never been to México are the various "FM" series visas. These are longer term visas. The "FM-2" series visas are for people who intend to settle in México with an eye toward permanent migrant or citizen status. The "FM-3" series visas is valid for 5 five years with unlimited in and out privileges, but it must be re-validated each year with a fee. It aids in the importation of items for your boat if you are a cruiser or the keeping of a U.S. or Canada registered vehicule in the country for the time period in which your "FM-3" is valid, as well as obtaining a local drivers license. The "FM-3" visa question comes up because once you arrive in México, your plans might change.

Suppose you really love what you find in México and want to stay, but arrived with a normal tourist card. At the end of the six months, you are going to have to leave the country and then return in order to get another visa. If you are close to the border, this poses no problem and may be a good option. If, however, you have settled in well into the south, a trip to the northern border of México constitutes a substantial cost. It may make more sense to apply for an "FM-3" visa. If you wish to retire aboard your boat or purchase property in México this is the visa you will want. There are different kinds of "FM-3" visas that allow you to simply reside in México, work, invest or develop businesses. There are varying requirements to obtain these visas as regards to proving you have sufficient income. This is a common requirement around the world and can be accomplished by showing copies of bank statements that verify your solvency. Currently, an individual must show income of at least $1,100 U.S. dollars a month for a simple residence (Rentista) "FM-3" visa. Government Fees and requirements are adjusted every fiscal quarter in México and so may change.

You can apply for your "FM-3" or "FM-2" visa at the immigration office that is the closest one to where you are residing in México. The forms are in Spanish and the individuals you deal with are not expected to help you complete the forms or direct you to where you can get the required photos and supporting paperwork. In some cases they may not speak any English. I recommend you engage an agent. In México it is common practice to have an Attorney (Abogado) or someone of proven ability to take care of technical matters.

February 15, 2002; Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

Author: MIGUEL MACEDO MONTES mmontes@jurimex.net