The following information is for those of you
who have decided that Mexico really is the place to be and
applies both to people coming down for a short visit as well as
people desiring to become permanent residents.
Please keep in mind that requirements and $ amounts are
constantly changing, and the information in this page should be
used as a useful guide rather than absolutely accurate and
current.
What is it?
An FMT is a tourist visa for people traveling to Mexico.
Although this Visa can potentially be valid for 180 days, it is
at the discretion of the Immigration officer. Normally the time
period is related to the purposes of your journey. Usually the
visa is approved for a maximum period of 90 days if you arrive
in Mexico by plane for a vacation, after which it can be renewed
for an additional 90 days at any Mexican Immigration office. If
you are crossing the border in an automobile you can request the
full 180 days. There is no guarantee that the full 180 days will
be given.
What do I need to get one?
Proof of citizenship - this can be either a passport or a
certified copy of your birth certificate accompanied by a photo
ID. A passport is the document of preference.
Be prepared to fill out the information requested which
includes your place of birth, your destination and the reason
for your visit.
Where do I get one?
You can pick up a blank FMT form at any Mexican Consulate or
at the travel agency issuing your plane ticket. If they do not
provide you with one or you simply forget to ask for it, you can
pick one up at the check in counter at the airport or on the
plane while en route to your destination. If you are coming to
Mexico via automobile, you can request an FMT form at the
border.
Do I need it?
Yes! You will not be allowed into the country without it and,
since you will have to turn it in upon returning home its
strongly recommended that you don't lose it. Should it get
stolen, report it immediately to the nearest Mexican Immigration
office and be prepared to show proof of citizenship as well as
your airline ticket, if you came to Mexico by plane.
Limitations
A tourist visa is simply a permit to enter the country as a
visitor. While you are here you may not work and the amount of
"stuff" you can bring with you will be limited to just
about what you would need for a 15 to 30 day stay. If you are
planning on being in Mexico longer than the time allowed by the
FMT, you will want to consider the other alternatives listed
below.
What is it?
An FM-3 is a one year permit to reside in Mexico. This
document makes the holder a No Imigrante (Non-Immigrant) like
the tourist card but, unlike the tourist card you are allowed to
live in the country for an extended period of time. The document
must be renewed each year as long as you continue to reside in
Mexico. After your fifth year you can either upgrade to an FM-2
or simply request a new FM-3.
The following information applies to persons who will be
considered Rentistas meaning you will not work in Mexico.
Where do I get one?
You may apply for an FM-3 at any Mexican Immigration office
within Mexico or at any Mexican Consulate.
What do I need to get one?
Follow this two step process.
Step 1
You will need to submit the following:
- A letter in Spanish addressed to the proper immigration
authorities - check with your nearest Mexican Consulate
about this.
- The body of the letter must include your full name*,
current address, a request to change your immigration status
from Tourist to FM-3, and a statement to the effect that you
have annexed all pertinent paperwork.
- A current and original tourist visa.
- Your passport.
- Proof of income. This figure changes constantly. It is
based on minimum wage (250 times the minimum wage in Mexico
City) and fluctuates with the exchange rate. The current
amount is $8,700.00 pesos per month for the applicant and
$4,350.00 pesos per month for each dependent. This proof
could be in the form of a bank statement showing your
investments generate that amount or more, it could also be a
letter from your consulate stating you receive social
security, a pension, etc.
The administrative "Fee" is $680.00 Pesos.
- The monthly income requirements are reduced by 50% if you
own and reside in your Mexican home. If this is the case, be
sure to include a notarized copy of either the deed (escritura)
or trust.
- All that is required is proof that the minimum income is
deposited in any financial institution, anywhere with
credibility, be it the US, Europe, or offshore institution.
Even a stock brokerage account, showing the requisite
income, has proved sufficient, both in obtaining an original
FM-3, both within Mexico at the local immigration office and
at an overseas Mexican Consulate.
- If you are married and your spouse also wishes to apply
for an FM-3, have your original marriage certificate
authorized and translated at the Mexican Consulate nearest
the place of marriage.
- Submit a letter signed by you and two Mexican witnesses
stating that you are an upstanding citizen living
harmoniously within the community. Include with this a copy
of each witnesses' photo ID.
Once you have all of the above mentioned items, make three
copies of each and submit your package to immigration.
Normally, immigration stamps the original documents plus two
sets of the copies with the date it was received. They keep the
originals and one set of copies, the second set is for your
files. It is habit to make the third set of copies as things can
sometimes get misplaced.
Step 2
Once you are notified that your application has been
accepted, pull together the following:
- Black and white passport size photographs (4 x 4 cm.) - 3
right profile and 4 front, no jewelry or glasses, hair off
the forehead.
- Form SHCP-5. These forms are readily available through
immigration or in Mexican stationery stores. Hint: If you
are doing all of this yourself, the people at immigration
are very nice and can direct you to someone who can help you
fill out the form.
- Your letter of authorization for your FM-3 - 1 original
and 2 copies.
- 2 Copies of your entire passport.
- Include the FM-1 form you received with you authorization
letter and 2 copies. Review this to make sure the
information is correct as this is the information that will
be typed into your FM-3 book.
Submit all of the above documentation within 45 days of
receiving your authorization letter to the person with whom you
are working at immigration.
Do I need it?
Yes, if you are planning on living in Mexico more than 180
days per year.
Limitations
As specified above, you will not be able to work if you are
classified as a rentista. If you are moving to Mexico because of
work, make sure your employer helps you make all the
arrangements necessary to allow you to get working papers or
check with your nearest Mexican Consulate as to what is
required.
Things to Remember:
If our obtained your FM-3 through a Mexican Consulate in your
country, you must register it within 45 days of your arriving in
Mexico with the local Immigration office.
Your FM-3 is to be renewed annually for a period of five
years. After five years you may apply for an FM-2 or simply
apply for a new FM-3.
The FM-3 allows you to bring your vehicle with you across the
border. As long as your FM-3 is valid, so is your car legal
within Mexico.
What is it?
An FM-2 is a one year permit to reside in Mexico. Unlike the
FM-3, however, this document makes the holder an Imigrante
(Immigrant). The document must be renewed each year as long as
you continue to reside in Mexico. After your fifth year you can
apply to become an imigrado - immigrate into the country.
Where do I get one?
You may apply for an FM-2 at any Mexican Immigration office
within Mexico.
What do I need to get one?
For the moment, it is recommended that you find a good
Mexican attorney to help you through the process. An FM-2 is
harder to obtain than an FM-3 because it is meant for people who
desire to make Mexico their permanent residence.
