Mexico Visa and Residency Information

Learn more about visas in Mexico in IL Postcards.

Visas in Mexico

Mexico does not market a full-blown "pensionado" program to entice foreign retirees to its shores, but it is nevertheless a friendly haven for retirees from the United States, Canada, and beyond.

As a foreign retiree on one of two types of retiree visas, you can bring in your household goods duty-free.

If you plan to spend just a small portion of the year in Mexico and plan to rent a furnished house or apartment, you may not even want to bother getting a retiree visa.  The FM-T tourist card is good for six months.  However, if you do plan to live in Mexico full time, or for six months a year, you may want to investigate other options.

Residency in Mexico

FM-3 Non Immigrant Visa: There are nearly a dozen different types of FM-3 visas, including business designations that have been created since the passing of NAFTA. Retirees will want a rentista FM-3. Basically, this is a one-year permit to reside in Mexico. Requirements include that you show proof of income, the amount of which changes constantly, but you can expect it to be less than $1,000/month and half that for dependents. The monthly income requirement is reduced by 50% if you own and reside in your Mexican home.The document must be renewed each year as long as you continue to reside in Mexico. Basically, the FM-3 is designed for those who wish to live at least part time in Mexico. The specifics change from time to time so be sure to check with your nearest Mexican consulate (a good web site:  http://www.consulmexny.org/eng/visas_fm3.htm for the most up-to-date information.

FM-2 Immigrant Visa: The FM-2 (immigrante rentista) visa is designed for those who intend to permanently reside in Mexico. Qualifications are only slightly more stringent than FM-3 requirements. For instance, you must show a higher monthly income, although again, if you own property in Mexico, that amount is halved. Essentially, the FM-2 is like a green card, or resident alien visa. It entitles you to many of the rights of a Mexican citizen (except voting) and entitles you to work. (You may also work on an FM-3 visa.) Officially, after five years of living in Mexico and successfully meeting the requirements of FM-2 status (including restricted time out of Mexico), you may make a declaratoria de inmigrado.

Inmigrado status does not require you give up your native citizenship, but holders may freely work and remain in Mexico without annual renewals of immigration papers.

Learn more about visas in Mexico in IL Postcards.