Permit

Required :)…

…Sorta

Do you need a permit to live in Mexico?

When you drive or fly in, as a tourist, you are allowed to stay for a period up to  6 months – you fill out papers on the plane to secure the visa that allows that, and you will fill out similar papers if you drive in - Forma Migratoria Multiple, or FMM.

As of April 30, 2010, Passport holders from countries on Mexico’s “no visa required list” do not need to apply for a formal visa to visit Mexico. They may, instead, use a visitor’s permit  – the Forma Migratoria Multiple, or FMM.

If you decide to stay longer…

… you have to leave Mexico, and then re-enter Mexico to secure another permit visa, permitting another stay.  It may be wise, in that case, to secure an FM3, (180 days to one year)  and maybe even eventually an FM2.  The FM3 is what we call a perpetual visitor.  That allows you to stay a year - then that can be renewed another year, for a 5-year period.  Then, you can reapply – again.  That’s what retirees usually secure.  The process may take a day – possibly even two, so, be prepared, and be patient – at least when applying the first time.

By the way – not to do with a permit, but, do something for yourself right now

Place a bottle of aspirin beside your bed table now.  WHY?  If you have chest pain that is sever enough to waken you, all you need to do is immediately chew two aspirins and then swallow them with a bit of water.  It could save your life.  Then, immediately get medical attention – call 911. And while you are waiting on the emergency people to come, DO NOT LIE DOWN.  Sit on a chair or sofa near the front door and wait for their arrival.

Permit and aspirin by Barbie.

Bob has questions

about moving the

household.

He writes:

“My wife and I enjoy reading your info abour Mexico. We are in the process of house hunting in Ensenada and would like to learn how to take our household goods (furniture, etc.) into Mexico when we move there. If you have any particular info about Ensenada and that area, we would appreciate that too.”

That’s a really good question.

HI, Bob:

This is a pretty long answer – but here ’tis:

IMPORT OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS FOR HOLDERS OF FM3 OR FM2
You must use the importation without tax privilege within the first six months of your move to Mexico…AGAIN:  All foreigners to Mexico who apply for and receive an FM3 permanent residence document are carefully instructed by the Mexican officials that the newly documented resident has the one-time right to import his used household furnishings to Mexico without the necessity of paying import duties.
All household goods must be inventoried.   (An inventory should include:   make, model and serial number for ALL electronic devices and electrical devises. You also want to list the estimated value – individually – for EVERYTHING.  You may import a quantity of used items which would be appropriate for a normal household.  WITHIN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF YOUR MOVE TO MEXICO.  New appliances are prohibited.)

The list must be in Spanish, typed in single space on white paper, leaving a space of two inches from the top.

Each household item must be numbered progressively and on a separate line, beginning with the electrical appliances, specifying make, model and serial number (including kitchen appliances).
Small household articles packed in boxes or crates must be described and numbered in the list as one box (crate) containing clothing, kitchen utensils, etc.

Each page of your original list must be signed in blue ink on the bottom, right-hand corner.

The original list, and five copies, must be presented to the Consulate General to obtain your visa.

Take your original FM3 or FM2, and six copies of the page(s) where your personal date is located.

Make sure you take six copies of your valid passport, the page with your personal data, picture and signature.

You will then, pay the consular fee of $127.00 US dollars, either with cash or money order, payable to the Consulate General of Mexico.  Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted.

Once the Mexican gov’t official receives all the requirements, it can take five business days to process your application.
You may either mail the above documents, or bring them in person. (Any thing you can do in person, we’d suggest you do – papers can get lost in the States, let alone in Mexico!)  Make sure you take proof of U.S. residency, for the past two years when you go to the Consulate.
If you decide to mail your documents and want them mailed back, include a self-addressed prepaid envelope, completed FEDERAL EXPRESS or UPS.  The Consulate does not assume any responsibility concerning mailed documents.
Consulate locations and info are listed on pages 67, 68, and 69 of Retire In Luxury.
 
If possible, get a minimum of three written relocation proposals from reputable household goods forwarders. Do this at least 30 days in advance of your planned move-out date. International moving estimates are NOT binding.

Will your household items work here?

REMINDER:
Within six months of obtaining your FM Visa, you are able to import used household goods and personal effects in quantities which would be considered normal for the number of family members in your household.
Prohibited. Furniture and especially electronics and appliances MUST have been in use for more than 6 months. Items deemed to be new may be subject to confiscation by Mexican customs officials and the owner may not get his furniture back until a substantial fine is paid. (Import taxes)
 In my book, just to review:  After you have decided to move to Mexico as a perpetual tourist, you will probably want to bring your household goods down…or just get rid of your stuff.
However, if you decide to keep your things:
Hire a shipping/moving company (there are several you can locate via internet who offer moving service to Mexico) or have a truck of your own.
Get your items inventoried.
Procure your FM-3.
Give your shipper the stamped inventories and a notarized (by Mexican Consulate) copy of your FM-3.
Then when your household goods show up at your new home, have cold drinks and snacks available to the workers.
It is wise to use someone you have received a personal reference from. Check on the chat sites where you’ve decided to move. Have every detail in black and white – with many copies available. Include price, exact performance such as packing, loading, unloading at your new home, dates, etc.

Dick and I felt it easier to sell most of our household stuff in the U.S., and just replace…we planned to downsize a lot anyway – who wants to clean and dust “stuff” during retirement?!

Best to you,
Barbie

Household article by Barbie

2010

Passport

Regulations

Due to Mexico’s and the increased security at the border crossings, new Federal regulations now require that U.S. and Canadian visitors must present their passport when entering Mexico by land, sea or air.  

Exceptions: 
1.  Cruise passengers debarking at Ensenada. 
2.  If you are a cruise ship passenger.  
3.  Visitors to border regions planning to remain in Mexico less than 72 hours.
 (not 72 hours and 5 minutes – 72 hours…period.) 

Border area is defined – usually – as 20 kilometers, 12 ½ miles from the border. 

Authorities are claiming that the area extends as far as Ensenada – but, my husband, Dick, and I would never attempt to travel that far into Mexico without our U.S. passport… just in case.  

Entering Mexico from the United States

If you are traveling beyond that point (what is considered the border area) or are remaining for more than 72 hours, you are required to present a passport and obtain a tourist card, or FM-T, which are available at the border and at Mexican consulates. 

What is a passport?

That sounds like a silly question, doesn’t it?!

Yet, you might be surprised to know just how powerful your passport is. It’s an incredible document that gives you many rights — including the right to travel abroad (assuming you have a visa, of course.)

All persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada or Mexico, and some other destinations by land or sea (including ferries) may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.

Here are some things you may (or may not know) about your passport:

• Your passport is internationally recognized. It  verifies your identity and nationality.
• Your passport is valid for air, land and sea crossing, including ferries.
• Your passport is  required to enter and leave most foreign countries.
• Your passport is procured only through the U.S. Department of State. 
• All persons must have their own passports, including infants.

How To Renew a Passport

You can renew by mail if: 

1. Your most recent passport is available to submit and it is not damaged nor altered.
2. You received the passport within the past 15 years.
3. You were over age 16 when it was issued.
4. You still have the same name or can legally document your name change.

You must apply in person for your passport if :

1. You are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time.
2. If your previous U.S. passport has expired.
3. If your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession.
4. If your passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
5. If you were under the age of 16 when you received your previous passport.
6. If your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost or stolen.

Tourist stuff - almost free :)

To procure a U.S. passport you will need: Two photographs of yourself, Proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid photo i.d., such as your driver’s license.

So, go ahead – get your passport taken care of – they are good for ten years. Then, when you travel, you’ll be prepared.

And remember: Be as protective of your passport as your wallet or purse. Your valid passport is worth big bucks to unscrupulous people.

Passport article by Barbie.

VISA

When you travel abroad

you’re going to need

two things:

1) Your passport.

2) Your visa or permit.

Mexico’s General Law of Population sets forth the rights and obligations of foreigners, as well as different statuses associated with foreign immigration.

Mexico welcomes most foreign nationals for a specific period of time to take part in non-money-making activities, such as a vacation. Recurring visits or stays over 180 days require special permits from the Mexican Consulate.

There are two kinds of visa/permits, Non-immigrant and Immigrant.

Non-immigrant visa/permits are for people who want to visit Mexico for a specific purpose and length of time and then depart. Immigrant visa/permits are for people who wish to live in Mexico, short or long-term.

You do not have to surrender your natural citizenship to be granted full-resident status in Mexico. Full resident status entitles you to all the rights and benefits of a Mexican National – to live, work, claim state benefits, and pay taxes. But you are not permitted to vote in Mexican elections.

These visa/permits may prohibit work in specific industries such as positions related to bar and waiter/waitress work. Contact a professional for specific advice on immigration. You can also contact the Mexican Consulate of your country.

American Legion in Mexico

Non-Immigrant Visa/Permits:

There are various classifications of Non-Immigrant visitors to Mexico. I’ve listed some Consulates below. They will give you details on how to apply for permits that are required in advance.

Tourist Visa/Permits: The Mexican Tourist permit is known at the “FMT”. It is very simple to fill out and available from airlines and ports of entry. This permit allows visitors to remain in Mexico for a maximum period of 180 days. If the officer at the port of entry does not assign 180 days leave of stay at your point of entry, the permit may be extended to the maximum permitted stay by visiting one of the local foreign immigration offices, completing the paperwork and paying the administration fee.

You can use an FMT permit to enter Mexico for leisure and also if you plan to scout for and/or invest in Mexican real estate. When you are closing a real estate deal, you will need to show evidence to the Notary Public that your stay in Mexico is legal and an FMT is a valid document for this purpose.

Visitors Visa/Permit: For extended stays in Mexico, you must apply for the Visitors permit (usually an FM3) through your company and state what the purpose of the visit is, and how long it is likely to take. There are also some forms to fill out and a handling fee to pay. You can download the forms, and find out the latest fees and process by going to Consulate listed. Visitor’s Permits are issued for up to one year, and are renewable four times, for a maximum of one year each time – for a total maximum period of five years.

Artists: Can apply for an immigration permit. Each case is considered individually and entry is at the Interior Ministry’s discretion.

Local Visitors: Special visa/permits for foreigners visiting maritime ports and border cities. The permit allows a maximum stay of 3 days, and you must stay within the 35km “border zone”.

Resident Alien (Permanent Visitor): If you wish to remain in Mexico as a “resident alien” after five years, you must apply for full residency status, and there is a specific procedure to follow and have accepted. Once your application has been accepted and your “FM2″ has been issued, you are entitled to full rights and responsibilities as any other Mexican Citizen, with the exception of the right to vote. Upon receiving this status, you will receive a document that looks like a Mexican Passport (called a “FM2″) -newer versions look like a driver’s license – which enables you pass through Mexico’s borders as if you were a Mexican National.

You do not need to surrender your national passport, which you’ll use when you return to your home country – either for visits, or when returning home to dwell. If you stay outside of Mexico for longer than two years, or for five years in any 10-year period, you will lose your resident status in Mexico.

Retirees: If you are over 50 years of age, and want to engage in “non remunerative activities” and you are receiving funds from abroad (from a pension or other investments or fixed income) of a specific set amount, set by the Mexican government, plus a specific required amount for each dependent (e.g. spouse, children) , you can apply for a Retiree Immigration Visa/Permit.

Non-Immigrant: When you do NOT want to seek permanent residence in Mexico, for vacations and casual trips toMexico, just fill out and use the tourist permit, available from the airline you travel with or at the port of entry. If you are of retirement age (50+), and have approximately US $1,500 (can vary) or equivalent income per month, then a Retiree permit will be your easiest route. If you are not of a retirement age (below 50) and want to live but not work in Mexico, you will need to contact the Mexican Consulate. Provided that you can prove a permanent steady income in line with the regulations, you may be granted an FM3 permit to live in Mexico, which would be eligible for conversion to an FM2 in 5 years. You will need to state what you intend to do there, e.g. early retirement due to health, etc.

The American Embassy and Consulate in Mexico – Mexico City
Paseo de la Reforma 305
Colonia Cuahtemoc 06500
Mexico DF
Telephone: +52 55 5209 9100

The British Embassy and Consulate in Mexico – Mexico City
Rio Lerma 71
Colonia Cuauhtemoc
Mexico DF
Telephone: +52 55 5242 8500

The Canadian Embassy and Consulate in Mexico -Mexico City

Schiller 529
Colonia Rincon del Bosque
Polanco 11560
Mexico DF
Telephone: +52 52 55 5724 7900

These are only a sampling of the divisions of people immigrating – retirees, visitors, artists, and so many more, but I slant info toward retirees, of course.  Info for other visitors/immigrants/visa can be found though the Consulates.

Visa article by Barbie.