Mexico does not market a full-blown pensionado program to entice foreign retirees to its shores, but it is nevertheless a friendly haven for retirees from the United States, Canada, and beyond.
As a foreign retiree on one of two types of retiree visas, you can bring in your household goods duty free.
If you plan to spend just a small portion of the year in Mexico and plan to rent a furnished house or apartment, you may not even want to bother getting a retiree visa. The FM-T tourist card is good for six months. However, if you do plan to live in Mexico full time, or for six months a year, you may want to investigate other options.
Get Your Free Mexico Report
If you’d like to learn more about why you might want to live in Mexico, we have a special Report just for you. Called “Why Millions of Americans are Moving to Mexico,” it provides the facts and information about Mexico the mainstream media won’t tell you.
You’ll learn all about the economy, visa requirements, how to get your pet into Mexico, and more. Learn about the top cities for expats in Mexico and decide which Mexico city is right for you. You’ll read the truth about safety and security in Mexico…and learn just how much it will cost you to live there. And…you’ll get the inside scoop on how to buy Mexico real estate – including five things to do before you sign anything.
Get your FREE Special Report, full of Mexico information, right now -- just by signing up for our free daily International Living e-letter below.
Mexican Residency
FM3 Nonimmigrant Visa: There are nearly a dozen different types of FM3 visas, including business designations that have been created since the passing of NAFTA. Retirees will want a rentista FM3. Basically, this is a one-year permit to reside in Mexico. Requirements include that you show proof of income, the amount of which changes constantly, but you can expect it to be less than $1,000 per month, and half that for dependents. The monthly income requirement is reduced by 50% if you own and reside in your Mexican home.The document must be renewed each year as long as you continue to reside in Mexico. Basically, the FM3 is designed for those who wish to live in Mexico at least part time. The specifics change from time to time, so be sure to check with your nearest Mexican consulate.
FM2 Immigrant Visa: The FM2 (immigrante rentista) visa is designed for those who intend to permanently reside in Mexico. Qualifications are only slightly more stringent than FM3 requirements. For instance, you must show a higher monthly income, although, again, if you own property in Mexico, that amount is halved. Essentially, the FM2 is like a green card, or resident alien visa. It entitles you to many of the rights of a Mexican citizen (except voting) and entitles you to work. (You may also work on an FM3 visa.) Officially, after five years of living in Mexico and successfully meeting the requirements of FM2 status (including restricted time out of Mexico), you may make a declaratoria de inmigrado.
Inmigrado status does not require you give up your native citizenship, but holders may freely work and remain in Mexico without annual renewals of immigration papers.
Mexico Visa and Residency Information
Information on Visas and Residency in Mexico
Visas in Mexico
Mexico does not market a full-blown pensionado program to entice foreign retirees to its shores, but it is nevertheless a friendly haven for retirees from the United States, Canada, and beyond.
As a foreign retiree on one of two types of retiree visas, you can bring in your household goods duty free.
If you plan to spend just a small portion of the year in Mexico and plan to rent a furnished house or apartment, you may not even want to bother getting a retiree visa. The FM-T tourist card is good for six months. However, if you do plan to live in Mexico full time, or for six months a year, you may want to investigate other options.
Get Your Free Mexico Report
If you’d like to learn more about why you might want to live in Mexico, we have a special Report just for you. Called “Why Millions of Americans are Moving to Mexico,” it provides the facts and information about Mexico the mainstream media won’t tell you.
You’ll learn all about the economy, visa requirements, how to get your pet into Mexico, and more. Learn about the top cities for expats in Mexico and decide which Mexico city is right for you. You’ll read the truth about safety and security in Mexico…and learn just how much it will cost you to live there. And…you’ll get the inside scoop on how to buy Mexico real estate – including five things to do before you sign anything.
Get your FREE Special Report, full of Mexico information, right now -- just by signing up for our free daily International Living e-letter below.
Mexican Residency
FM3 Nonimmigrant Visa: There are nearly a dozen different types of FM3 visas, including business designations that have been created since the passing of NAFTA. Retirees will want a rentista FM3. Basically, this is a one-year permit to reside in Mexico. Requirements include that you show proof of income, the amount of which changes constantly, but you can expect it to be less than $1,000 per month, and half that for dependents. The monthly income requirement is reduced by 50% if you own and reside in your Mexican home.The document must be renewed each year as long as you continue to reside in Mexico. Basically, the FM3 is designed for those who wish to live in Mexico at least part time. The specifics change from time to time, so be sure to check with your nearest Mexican consulate.
FM2 Immigrant Visa: The FM2 (immigrante rentista) visa is designed for those who intend to permanently reside in Mexico. Qualifications are only slightly more stringent than FM3 requirements. For instance, you must show a higher monthly income, although, again, if you own property in Mexico, that amount is halved. Essentially, the FM2 is like a green card, or resident alien visa. It entitles you to many of the rights of a Mexican citizen (except voting) and entitles you to work. (You may also work on an FM3 visa.) Officially, after five years of living in Mexico and successfully meeting the requirements of FM2 status (including restricted time out of Mexico), you may make a declaratoria de inmigrado.
Inmigrado status does not require you give up your native citizenship, but holders may freely work and remain in Mexico without annual renewals of immigration papers.
Read related IL Postcards:
- Which Mexican City Should We Move to?
- Mexico: The World's Best Retirement Haven
- Your Passport to a New Life Overseas