Visas for Mexico
Expats planning to work for Mexican companies must obtain a work permit by having their employer fill out necessary immigration papers.
Most expat workers usually come as non-residents, and will have defined employment with a certain company. It is necessary to prove that no other Mexican citizen is adequately qualified for the position.
If this job changes, or if expats find employment elsewhere in Mexico, it is necessary to get permission from the National Institute of Immigration. Immigrant residents of Mexico can work with no barriers in Mexico, and change employment and districts as they like.
Those wishing to live in Mexico with money accrued from outside the country, such as retirees, should apply as a Visiting Pensioner. In order to satisfy this status, the individual must prove with bank statements that they can receive at least US$1,000 a month and an additional US$500 for any dependants. Families can be brought to Mexico with accepted expats as economic dependants. Rules regarding length of stay and different types of visas vary depending on home country, and it is a good idea to check with the Mexican embassy in your country or origin.
The first type of visa is a FM-T visa, which is a tourist visa for stays of up to six months of the year. For retired expats who winter in Mexico, this is often the first choice. Retirees should add a 'Rentista' qualification to their visa, meant for retired expats 51 years or older, which gives certain privileges.
Alternatively, the FM3 visa lets expats stay in Mexico for one year and continually re-apply for one-year extensions. This is the common visa for those finding employment in Mexico.
An FM2 visa is for permanent immigrants and allows for an application for citizenship after 5 years. Expats with this visa have no work restrictions and do not need to re-apply for visa extensions.
There are different types of each visa classification and loopholes, such as buying Mexican property, that halve the minimum bank account balances required.
Most expat workers usually come as non-residents, and will have defined employment with a certain company. It is necessary to prove that no other Mexican citizen is adequately qualified for the position.
If this job changes, or if expats find employment elsewhere in Mexico, it is necessary to get permission from the National Institute of Immigration. Immigrant residents of Mexico can work with no barriers in Mexico, and change employment and districts as they like.
Visas for pensioners in Mexico
Those wishing to live in Mexico with money accrued from outside the country, such as retirees, should apply as a Visiting Pensioner. In order to satisfy this status, the individual must prove with bank statements that they can receive at least US$1,000 a month and an additional US$500 for any dependants. Families can be brought to Mexico with accepted expats as economic dependants. Rules regarding length of stay and different types of visas vary depending on home country, and it is a good idea to check with the Mexican embassy in your country or origin.
Visa types
The first type of visa is a FM-T visa, which is a tourist visa for stays of up to six months of the year. For retired expats who winter in Mexico, this is often the first choice. Retirees should add a 'Rentista' qualification to their visa, meant for retired expats 51 years or older, which gives certain privileges.
Alternatively, the FM3 visa lets expats stay in Mexico for one year and continually re-apply for one-year extensions. This is the common visa for those finding employment in Mexico.
An FM2 visa is for permanent immigrants and allows for an application for citizenship after 5 years. Expats with this visa have no work restrictions and do not need to re-apply for visa extensions.
There are different types of each visa classification and loopholes, such as buying Mexican property, that halve the minimum bank account balances required.
