And now for the third part of the visa story … don’t miss the email at the end –  you’ll want to read that too!  Enjoy…

FM2 Visa

Similar to the FM3, but this visa declares you an Immigrant – a permanent resident.  The FM3 if good for one year and can be renewed yearly for five years, as long as you reside in Mexico.  Then, after the fifth year, you may apply to become an immigrant of the country and a permanent resident.

While the FM2 visa has a higher monetary limit than an FM3 visa, if you finally do become an immigrant, you don’t have to bother about the forms and fees any more.  The fee for an FM2 is a bit more than for an FM3 too.

Grey skies from a hurricane

With an FM2 visa, the monetary requirement is reduced by 50%, if you own and live in your property in Mexico.

There are limits as to the length of time you can stay out of Mexico with an FM2.   2010, it is two years absence, in total, in any five years.  No more than three consecutive years absence, and no more than five years in any ten years.  You are expected to live in Mexico, be a tax payer, and plan to immigrate.

You may want to consider hiring an attorney to help if you choose this option.  You apply for an FM2 visa at a Mexican Immigration office in Mexico.

You need:

• Proof of income – and the required amount fluctuates constantly.  As of now, it is set at approximately 250 X’s the minimum wage in Mexico City, per person – approximately the same for the partner.
• Bank statements showing your investments (anywhere that is credible – Europe, offshore, stock brokerage, etc.) generate a sufficient amount, and/or a letter from your consulate, stating your receive pension, S.S., etc.
• A notarized copy of your deed or trust showing you own real estate in Mexico.  If you own property in Mexico and reside there, the monthly requirement is reduced by 50%.

Auto repair shop

There are many, many other types of visas other than the three I have presented – but, for most of my readers, these should suffice.

Just a couple of others are:  FM3 visa for General Business, FM3 visa for Technicians and Engineers, Students, etc.

Mexico pictures, 2006, sept 11-18 Mazatlan trip named, beach scene and buildings of Mazatlan

I am not offering legal advice in this series – my writings are my personal perception and my own opinion and my limited knowledge.  Seek legal advice with any questions.

I do make a disclaimer here – I’m no lawyer – this info is offered to you in an attempt to make things run a bit smoother for you in transition.

Mazatlan in the distance

And here’s an email from someone already enjoying his retirement:

Barbie, Hola from playa sur en Mazatlan.

I try to stay indoors a lot during the hot season (July to Oct. ) here, with A/C going constantly.
It does rain a lot, but mostly at night. Electric bills are LOW compared to the US.

My American neighbors went to Lago Chapala for a couple of months (July and Aug.) and they claim it really is a little cheaper there for food and to go to a restaurant, in comparison to Mazatlan. Mazatlan is a popular tourist site for Americans and Mexicans. Much cooler there than Mazatlan, at night they even needed blankets!

I can still get a delicious shrimp dinner at a seaside restaurant for 65 pesos ( about $5 US). And yes, Mexico Jerry is right you can buy tacos for much less. I try to stay away from the small street vendor tacos though, and only buy them from taco restauarants.

With the street vendors, sometimes the hygiene is questionable.
Tacos al Trompo restaurant  in Mazatlan is very delicious and very low priced.

 I really don’t know what the level of pesticide use is here by the farmers, but I can say that I never bought better vegetables in the US, except directly from farmers markets and only in the summertime. The US corn tastes better to me, but all other veggies here are fresh, and very inexpensive. The fruits are amazing in variety, quality, and price. The seafood in Mazatlan is great. Dorado (a type of deep sea fish) is truly delicious.

Beautiful fresh foods

Last night we had a breaded shrimp dinner at the house, which was a medio-kilo amount, about a pound, and cost 40 pesos (about three dollars). Smaller than the jumbo shrimp
but still delicious with a chipotle-mayonnaise-ketchup-lime salsa. A fresh garden salad was also part of our meal, and a German white wine (50 p). Very nice indeed.

I do not know of ANY retirees here (Barbie – In Mazatlan) living on $350/month. But for double that, say $750-800 a month, you can live very well here.

Take care,
Dave

So what do you think about retiring to Mexico?

Do you have any questions? What are your biggest concerns? What do you think it will be like living in a new, yet familiar land? I’m always here to answer your questions. Each and every day I get email from dozens of people just like you who are curious about making the leap. People who yearn for a better, cheaper, more enjoyable way of life.

I’m ready to help you. If you don’t see the comment form below, click on READ FULL ARTICLE and let me know what you think. I am always ready to help you!

Sincerely,
Barbie

Visa article by Barbie Parks

Part 2

FM3

Hi everyone – are you ready for part two that I promised You?  Here we go… 

About FM3 Visa ‘s

The FM3 visa card, (temporary resident) is good for up to one year.  

You can apply for an FM3 card at any Mexican Immigration office in Mexico. 

An FM3 is a one-year permit allowing you to reside in Mexico.  Just like the Tourist Card, the FMM, the FM3 classifies you as a non-immigrant. 

An FM3 must be renewed each year, as long as you continue to reside in Mexico. After your fifth year with an FM3, you can either opt to change to an FM2 status or simply request a new FM3…and renew again for 5 years…forever. 

narrow streets of San Filipe

When you enter and exit Mexico, if you have an FM3 or FM2 visa, they stamp that instead of your passport. 

An FM3 allows you to take your vehicle into Mexico.  This privilege is confirmed as long as your FM3 is valid. 

An FM3 does not allow you to work – there has to be a work visa attached to an FM3 if you wish to work in Mexico. 

You probably will want an FM3 for Retirees, (doing no work for money) depending on your desired length of stay in Mexico, and whether you want to eventually live full time in Mexico. 

An FM3 card is now gray in color.  The text is in both Spanish and English, and states on the back “The holder of this document is a temporary resident of Mexico”. 

To procure an FM3 visa you need three copies each of:

• A letter in Spanish addressed to the proper immigration authorities, that contains:
  • your full name;
  • current address;
  • a request to change your immigration status from Tourist to FM3 visa;
  • a statement to the effect that you have annexed all pertinent paperwork.
• Passport;
• Your current FMM visa;       
• A copy of your main passport page with photo and details;
• Your most recent bank statement (online printout is accepted);
• An original + one copy of one of your most recent utility bills – which confirms your name and address;
• Five required photographs;
• a letter you write stating you are an upstanding citizen, witnessed by two Mexicans.

The fee is approximately $120. USD 

There is no longer, as of 2010, a reduction in the monthly required income for owning and occupying a home in Mexico. 

FM3 visas are no longer available from consulates outside of Mexico. If you apply there, you will receive a sticker in your passport. With that, you can apply for an FMM when you enter Mexico, then you have 30 days to exchange that for an FM3 (or an FM2), as stated in my prior article under “FMM”. 

Now, you have submitted all you requirements, the immigration office keeps the originals, and two sets of copies.  The third set of copies is for your file – just in case. 

Then, you supposedly have been notified that your application has been accepted, there is still another step: 

You will need:

• Photographs – 3 of the right profile, 4 from the front, black and white…no glasses, no jewelry, hair back from the face.
• Secure from the immigration office, or a stationery store, Form SHCP-5.  If you need help filling it out, ask the immigration office for the name of someone who can help – there will be a small charge for that help.
• Your Letter of Authorization for your FM3 – original and two copies.
• Two copies of each and every page of your Passport book.
• With your authorization letter, you will receive an FM1 form – make sure all information is correct, and then make two copies.
• You then have 45 days (from receiving your authorization letter) to submit this documentation to your local immigration office.

Another resort in Mexico

I do make a disclaimer here – I’m no lawyer – this info is offered to you in an attempt to make things run a bit smoother for you in transition – contact an attorney if you have questions.

Do you have a question about retiring to Mexico? 

 You can do a search with the search box at the top-right of my site.  Type in the subject you are curious about, and you’ll find my articles involving that subject.  In fact, it will probably bring up multiple articles (1,2,3, etc.) which appear toward the bottom of the articles. 

You can also just scroll down, and on the right hand side of my site you will see “Things I Write About” …it’s a long list – and you can just click on what you’re interested in – or better yet, make it a plan to read everyone of my articles – from start to finish – like I always say, research, research, research – it’s a great way to start. 

If you still haven’t found your answer,  just ask me!  If you don’t see the “write a comment” section below, click on Read Full Article and scroll down. Share your thoughts and concerns with me. I will always reply to you personally. 

FM3 VISA article by Barbie.

Part I of 3

FMM

for Mexico

Okay – I did warn you in my reminder mailing that my next article would be about Visas…this is important info, albeit a tad dry…maybe it’s time to get that second cup of coffee?  Well, here goes…Each immigration office can, and does, set local requirements, and the final word is theirs on Visas – to their interpretation, apparently – however, no one can or should impose extra charges to secure a visa.

First, in this series, we can easily and quickly cover the visa most of you are already familiar with – it was called the FMT – it’s now called the FMM Visas.

FMM Visas

This is the form you fill out when you fly into Mexico for short visits and vacations – also used on ships, if you are going to be in Mexico for a while, and when you drive into Mexico, and are going further than the “free zone”.  An FMM is required by all individuals entering and exiting Mexico (except Mexican citizens), including holders of FM3 and FM2 visas.

This visa, FMM, covers a maximum time period of 180 days, if you enter Mexico by car. 

FMM visas are only good for a maximum time period of 90 days if you arrive by plane or ship…but then, you can request an additional 90 days through any Mexican Immigration Office.

• This permit comes in two parts, one half is retained by immigration when you enter Mexico, the other half, green, is yours to keep and protect.
• You must return the green half of your FMM form upon exiting Mexico.

 As of 2010, there is no rule that states you can only have one FMM approved per year.

There is not a legal limit stating you can only stay in Mexico 180 days per year.

An FMM is a permit to enter the country as a visitor…period… and is turned back in, when your visit is over.

FMM visa does not give you permission to work.

You are limited to the amount of household items you can bring into the country with an FMM. 

Cruiseline monkey towel art

You must have SOME type of a visa to be allowed into Mexico (past the free zone – The Free Zone, also known as the the Liberated Zone, the Perimeter Zone and/or Free Trade Zone is a customs’ designation for that area located along the Mexican international land borders, and they run inward up to the point at which the Mexican Customs authorities have their first “interior” check point (usually about 20 to 26 kilometers into Mexico from the border towns – exceptions are on the peninsula of Baja California and places like Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point) where it runs to the ocean front, along the main highways.)

To secure FMM visas:

Foreign nationals, (you and I), under an FMM or FM3…

…can visit Mexico for a defined period of time and take part in non-remunerative activities such as vacations, holidays, and/or just visiting.

The Mexican Tourist permit, FMM, allows you to remain in Mexico up to 180 days, and is available from airlines and ports of entry – that’s what you fill out when you’re on the plane – or ship. 

You can use an FMM permit to enter Mexico for leisure or when you think you are ready to look for property you may want to invest in – either for retirement or perhaps recreation while you are still working. 

You will need the FMM if and when you purchase a property, and usually your realtor or developer in Mexico will be able to help you with any questions you may have about your visa. Check with the nearest Mexican Consul (not tourist office) for current requirements, as they do change from time to time, but not a lot.

Requirements for remunerative (you are planning on making money) visits or longer stays (over 180 days) require special permits from the Mexican Consulate.  

Yucca in bloom

It is not necessary to have an attorney for this process.

For extended stays in Mexico, you must apply for a Visitor permit (usually an FM3) and state what the purpose of the visit is.  The latest fee information is available at your local Mexican Consulate.

An FM3…

…entitles you to bring household items with you, if you decide to move to Mexico, and withing the first 6 months of holding that visa, your household items you are importing will not be taxes – there are regulations.

 With an FM3, you no longer need to renew your car permit every 6 months.  An FM3 gives you one year permission to be in Mexico, with four extensions of one year, for a total of five years.

 Full resident status entitles you to all rights and benefits of a Mexican National (live, work, claim state benefits and to pay taxes) but you cannot vote in Mexican elections. These permits may also prohibit work in specific industries.  You do not have to surrender your natural Citizenship to be granted full resident status in Mexico.    

 FM3 and FMM article by Barbie. Updated 7-2011:  http://moneysavingmexico.com/mexico-visas-passports/permit-visa-for-mexico/