FM3's (Retirement) Visas in Mexico
The Fm3 (or FM-3) Mexican Visa Is The Mexican Visa For Living In Mexico
Don't rush into getting a Mexican visa. You don't need an FM3 or FM2 to live in Mexico. You should live as a tourist in Mexico on a tourist permit (FMT) for a year or so and then decide whether you want to go through the bureaucratic maze necessary to obtain a more permanent visa. The requirements below are subject to change and they probably will. Do not take them as gospel. An FM3 to conduct business is a different animal.
You will find several different products relating to living, working or driving in Mexico on my shopping cart, as well as a description of my consultation services to help you decide if, and where to live in Mexico.
In the 4th edition of Live Better South of the Border, I have step-by-step instructions on obtaining your FM3 Mexican visas By the way, you will also see this printed as FM-3. That used to be correct, but lately FM3 seems to be the correct way to refer to the Mexican retirement visa. A tourist card is an FMT.
Your pet will also need papers (although my dog snorted and said, I don't need no stinking papers; 90% of the time, you will not be asked for your pet's (dog or cat) Mexican immigration papers. It's only a pet certificate of health issued by a vet, but Fluff thinks they are immigration papers. Other pets are difficult to bring to Mexico.
FM-3 (there are thirteen types, but don't worry about that).
If you decide that living in Mexico is for you, you will want to look into the requirements for an FM-3 visa, known as a no inmigrante visitante. The specifics will change and vary from Mexican consulate to Mexican consulate, Currently you will need a passport, 2 passport-sized pictures. All documents must be notarized. These documents include: a letter from the local police stating that you have good character (I know this would be hard for me to produce), statements from your bank proving that you have income. The figures frequently change, but the differences aren't much. Right now, you need $1,100 a month plus $600 per dependant to get an FM3.
A few years ago the requirements were $1230 per person. Next year, or next week the amounts could change again. Check with the local Mexican consul (not the tourist office) for the current requirements. If you own property in Mexico the dollar amounts are lowered. This Mexican FM3 visa will entitle you to bring a whole lot of household goods with you, and you and you will be freed from the necessity of renewing your car permit every six months like a tourist.
You do not need a lawyer to get your FM-3 In many areas of the country, particularly Guadalajara, the Gobernacion officials speak English. Again, if you are in the Guadalajara area, there is a fellow paisano, Ray Thornberry, who goes to the Lake Chapala Society and helps people with their forms for free.
If you want to consult with Mike, he will be happy to help you, But he gets so many calls from people that he has to charge for his time and knowledge.See Contact page for details.