Immigration Info

Immigrating to Mexico to retire of just live for a few years is an easy process and will soon have you situated in your new life in Mexico. A variety of Visas are available depending on your situation.

1 Tourist Visa FMT

This visa is for visitors who will be visiting Mexico for up to 180 days. This visa allows you to enter the country as a visitor. The cost is minimal and the paperwork needed can be obtained at the border if you are entering in a car, or at the airport if you are flying. You’ll need proof of citizenship in the form of a passport which is the preferred documentation or a certified birth certificate and a picture ID. If your stay extends pass the visa deadline it is important to have you visa extended.

2 Year Resident FM3

This visa allows you to reside in Mexico for 1 year as a non immigrant and must be renewed on a yearly basis if you continue to live in Mexico. With this visa you are not allowed to work so if you are relocating for a job your employers should help with this paperwork process. The paper work and process needed for this visa in available at an immigration office of a Mexican consulate and must be registered within 45 days of entering Mexico. This visa allows you to bring in your automobile and the car is legal in Mexico as long as your visa is valid.

3 FM2 Visa

The FM2 visa is very similar to the FM3 visa but categorizes you as an immigrant rather than a non immigrant. This visa tells the Mexican government that you wish to make Mexico your permanent home. To apply for a FM2 it’s best to find a Mexican attorney to help with the process. After 5 consecutive years you are then eligible to become a permanent resident.

4 Naturalization

Different requirements for different situations surround naturalization into Mexico. After acquiring an FM3 and updating it for 5 years consecutively you will be eligible for naturalization. Once this has been established, other criteria will also be required including learning the Spanish language and history and living with Mexicans. For the first two requirements a test will provide proof as to the proficiency in speaking Spanish and you knowledge of Mexican history. The third is probably the easiest as anyone living in Mexico is considered to live with Mexicans. Once these criteria have been met along with 5 year residence an immigrant can apply for naturalization.

Applying for naturalization can be a burdensome process that requires a vast amount of paperwork. Hiring a Mexican attorney will save you time and headaches and streamline the process. Make sure you are familiar with the Immigration and Naturalization office as you will be spending a fair amount of time there. Always be sure of the needed documentation so your progress will not be delayed. The naturalization process includes a financial responsibility and is not cheap so be prepared to make several payments throughout the naturalization process.

The naturalization application process can be time consuming so be patience. Once you have completed all the necessary steps and passed all the hurdles you can expect to wait up to two years for the process to be completed and your application to be approved. While you’re waiting enjoy a margarita or two.

5 Embassies and Consulates

The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City and is available 24 hours a day for matters and emergencies concerning American Citizens. Visiting the website and learning the location in Mexico City can be an important part of living in Mexico for a tourist or non immigrant. The Embassy will provide prompt assistance with legal issues and problems that may arise.

A consulate is a branch of that country’s embassy and is there to protect traveling citizens of their country. For people in the US wishing to find out more information about Immigration and Naturalization to Mexico, you can visit a Mexican consulate. There are many through out the United States. When in Mexico American travelers can visit one of several consulates for information and help concerning situations in Mexico. Several American Consulates are situated through out the country.