Getting a Mexican Visa Is Easy—Here’s How

Friday, Oct. 10, 2008

Read more about Mexico in International Living Postcards—your daily escape

Dear International Living Reader,

As you know by now, Mexico topped the poll in this year’s Global Retirement Index. One reason for this is that there aren’t any stringent requirements to get a visa in Mexico.

In Mexico, tourist visas are valid for 180 days (compared with the much shorter 90-day visa in Panama), and if you wish to apply for a resident visa, it’s a straightforward and inexpensive process.

Typically, to obtain a non-immigrant visa that can be renewed indefinitely (an FM3 or Forma Migratoria 3), you need to show that you have enough money to support yourself while you are here. It is commonly considered to be about $1,000 per month for the applicant and $500 per month for each dependent. This amount is halved if you buy real estate in Mexico.

This is all completely arbitrary, though, depending on the immigration office or official you deal with. Proof of funds and/or income can usually be satisfied with bank account statements, proof of investment income, credit cards, or a combination of these. And your investment income can be held in any recognized financial institution anywhere in the world…it doesn’t have to be in Mexico.

The FM3 visa is for people who don’t necessarily want to make their permanent home in Mexico but do want to reside here full- or part-time. If you intend to live in Mexico permanently or are on a path to Mexican citizenship you’ll need a FM2 visa. Neither of theses visas have terribly strict or complicated requirements.

And if you want to apply for Mexican citizenship? That’s pretty straightforward, too. You will first need to hold an FM2 visa for five years. You don’t have to surrender your natural citizenship to be granted full resident status in Mexico or to become a naturalized Mexican citizen. Full resident status entitles you to all rights and benefits of a Mexican national, except one. You can live, work, claim state benefits, and are subject to relevant taxes, but you can’t vote in Mexican elections.

Obviously I am simplifying things here…you’ll need to determine which visa path is right for you and then make sure you can accommodate the requirements of the immigration office you work with. In Mexico this really is a straightforward process, but if you want to make it even easier, hire an immigration attorney to help you. To learn more about the Mexican visa process, see our recently updated Mexico: The Owner’s Manual.

Regards,

Suzan Haskins
Your Latin America Insider, International Living

Editor’s Note: There must be a reason why more than 1 million Americans already call Mexico home. It could be that life is more relaxed, simple, and affordable; you can still get quality health care without spending a fortune each month; and your money buys more south of the border—this includes real estate. To learn everything you need to know about living in Mexico, from visas to buying real estate, click here.

Read related IL Postcards:

- How to Be Happy, Stress-free, and Retired at 55

- A Tip of the Sombrero to…Mexico

- Which Mexican City Should We Move to?