Follows are the types of Mexican permits and visas that are available to a foreigner wishing to enter Mexico. Each type of visa explains the objective or nature of the visit to Mexico. Don't forget to bring your passport!
FM-T TURISTA or FM-N NEGOCIOS
This is a permit for tourism or for business. It is not a visa.
It is good for 6 months (1 month for temporary business matters) if enter Mexico by car. If enter by air, it is good for 3 months but that may be extended for an additional three months. If enter by car, the car also is allowed to stay in Mexico for the six months. Only one six-month stay per year is allowed with the FM-T. Should you desire to go back to Mexico before the one-year period has expired, you may do so with the FM-3 visa. See below.
There is no income requirement to show in order to get this permit. However, since you are just visiting Mexico you may not enter your household goods or appliances duty-free.
If for some reason you leave Mexico without your car, make sure that you hire a notarized attorney (notario publico) to draft a letter on your behalf indicating that you have not left your car illegally in Mexico.
FM3 NO-INMIGRANTE
This is a temporary resident visa.
There is no requirement that you leave every six months and you may leave and come back indefinitely.
You are entitled to a one-time duty-free import of your car, appliances and household goods within 3 months of securing your FM-3 visa.
The FM-3 must be renewed each year and you may renew it before an office of the Instituto Nacional de Migracion.
Qualifying for the FM-3 visa:
1. Must prove that your monthly income is at least $1,000.00USD.
2. If have dependents, show an additional $500USD per month per dependent.
3. If you own property in Mexico, you only need to prove monthly income of $500USD.
4. Apply before a Mexican Consulate in your home country or through an office of the Instituto Nacional de Migracion within Mexico.
If you renew your FM-3 every year, then after 5 years you may apply for permanent residency with a FM-2 visa. See below. If you do not wish to become a permanent resident of Mexico, then just continue applying for the FM-3 visa.
FM2 INMIGRANTE
This is a permanent resident visa.
You do not relinquish your citizenship with this visa.
Qualifying for the FM-2 visa:
1. You have obtained an FM-3 visa for the past five years.
2. You prove monthly income of $1,500.00USD per month.
3. If have dependents, show an additional $750USD per month, per dependent.
4. If you already own property in Mexico, you only need to prove monthly income of $750USD per month.
5. You must renew the FM-2 each year for 5 consecutive years.
6. You may not be absent from Mexico for 18 months, either consecutively or cumulatively, within that five-year period.
7. For retirees, show your passport, FM-T, or FM-3; last three months bank statements; last month's utility or phone bill; and the lease agreement or title to your property.
8. Apply fore a Mexican Consualte in your home country or through an office of the Instituto Nacional de Migracion within Mexico.
FM-2 permanent residents are not allowed to own a foreign license plated car in Mexico. You will need to either import the car or return it back to your home country.
INMIGRANTE
Permanent Residence. This is not a visa.
You are a permanent resident of Mexico (no visa) if you have renewed your FM-2 visa for the last five years.
You no longer have to prove financial capability or apply for a FM-2 each year so long as you are not physically absent from Mexico for more than 36 consecutive months; or, more than five
years cumulative within a 10-year period. If you are absent for either of these two periods of time, you will lose your inmigrante status (green card).
You may now buy property in the Restricted Zone without a fideicomiso or property trust.
dtmlaw@gmail.com
