'Immigration Requirements for Mexico' Expat  

Immigration Requirements for Mexico

Jill (152.163.36.69) -

What are the basic immigration requirements for retired americans to get residency in Mexico?

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Comment #1 D. Groshaw (64.16.52.138) -

As a retired person you may apply for an FM3 for retired persons. You will be required to provide your finger prints, passport photos, proof of a minimum of $10, 000.00 us in your account for the previous 3 months, and a minimum of $1000.00 a month income from an outside source. You will also have to provide two receipts for electricity and telephone service where you reside in mexico. An atorney can do all of this for you for a very modest fee.

Comment #2 witzend from Alberta, Land of Ice and Snow! -

What is acceptable as proof of $1000 monthly income? Is that per person?

I have not read about the $10, 000 in your account for 3 months. Is that recent, or have I just missed it before?

Thanks

Comment #3 H. G. Hjelm (189.162.22.41) -

Groshaw is not correct. You do not need $10, 000 in your bank account for an FM-3. You need only to show that your income is at least $1, 000 monthly for a single person and $500 monthly for each dependent.

Comment #4 scottyta (70.59.129.61) -

what if you cant prove a $1000 a month but you have a savings or check account showing proper funds? is there another way?

Comment #5 GueroPaz from Thialand and soon Mexico -

So, I could just copy off the internet banking website, my last three months of bank statements? Or, could I just present my latest pension statements showing my total pension income?

Could I do this at a consulate in the USA, such as Houston?

Is there any complication if I wish to be a retired person (rentista) and work independently as an English teacher in Puerto Veracruz (independiente)?

Comment #6 frank shattuck from Cordoba, Veracruz -

Gueropaz, Here in Cordoba, at least, I submit internet print-outs of bank acct, and it takes about a week. Many people say it is better to enter Mexico on a regular FMT tourist permit, and then apply here in Mexico at any inmigracion office. frankania

Comment #7 frank shattuck from Cordoba, Veracruz -

Forgot to add, You cannot work for salary under the Pensionista FM3 (unless you are paid under the table of course). With your FMT permit, you can apply at the school where you wish to teach, and with that employment apply for a regular FM3 work permit.

Comment #8 Brian Eller from Cordoba, Veracruz -

We just moved to Mexico and it took me about 6wks to get my FM3 working visa. A bank statement with the $10k, a telephone bill, gas bill and water bill usually do just fine to get the ball rolling. Remember to be gracious and polite during the process as they have a way of either expediting or delaying based on how they are treated. You must renew your visa every year so the process never really stops. I know that after 5 yrs you become eligible for the FM2. Anyway good luck in obtaining your permit and let me know if I can help.

Comment #9 DianaR from USA - Sat Jun 14 19:10:52 2008

It sounds like this is a difficult process, especially the bank balance issues if you have been living on a fixed income before moving.

Are there any problems if your bank account dips below that required $10, 000.00 after you have established a household in Mexico?

Comment #10 EugenS from Europe - Mon Jun 16 05:04:49 2008

Is it hard to buy a house there as a foreigner? How are the people treating you?

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