Immigration Home Page Printable Page
There are 3 different types of visas for Mexico, and they are explained below:
While we try to have updated information, please keep in mind that requirements change, and the information on these pages should be used as a guide rather than absolutely accurate and current!
FM-T Visas An FM-T is a tourist visa for people traveling to
Mexico. They can be valid for 30, 60, 90 or 180 days.
You will need the following: Proof of citizenship. This can be either a
passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate accompanied by a
photo ID. A passport is the document of preference. Be prepared to fill out
the information requested, which includes your place of birth, your
destination, and the reason for your visit.
You can obtain a blank FM-T form at any Mexican Consulate, at the travel
agency issuing your plane ticket, at the airline counter, or even on the
plane while en route. If you come across the border by car or bus, you can
obtain one at the border office or at the bus station immigration office.
You will not be allowed in the country without it, and since you will have
to turn it in when you leave the country, be sure to keep it absolutely
safe. Should it be stolen, report it immediately to the nearest Mexican
Immigration office, and be prepared to show proof of citizenship as well as
your airline ticket, if you came by plane.
A tourist visa is just a permit to enter the country as a visitor. While you
are in Mexico you cannot work, and the amount of personal belongings you can
bring with you is limited. If you plan on being in Mexico longer than the
time allotted, you may consider applying for a different type of visa,
listed below.
FM-3 Visas If you have decided to stay longer than the 6 months allowed on
your FM-T (tourist visa) you can upgrade to an FM-3, or FM-2 status. An FM-3
is a one-year permit to reside in Mexico, and must be renewed each year. You
are still a non-immigrant. If you have been hired by a company to work and
live in Mexico, they will assist you in application of your FM3. If you have
not applied for an FM-3 at a Mexican Consulate office in the US, you may do
so in some larger cities in Mexico.
You will need the following:
A letter in Spanish addressed to the immigration authorities, which states
your full name, current address, a request to change from tourist status to
FM-3, and that you have annexed all pertinent paperwork. (the immigration
officer will most likely give you the letter already written, for you to
copy)
Your current original tourist visa (not a copy)
2 copies of your entire passport (even blank pages)
An original certified copy of your marriage certificate, if you are married
Black and white passport size photos (4x4 cm) - 3 right profile and 4 front,
no jewelry or glasses, hair off the forehead.
Proof of income. This figure changes from time to time, and is based on
Mexico's minimum wage, and fluctuates with the exchange rate. At this
writing, you will need to show an income of approximately $1,000 U.S. for
the head of household, and $500 for each dependent. You will need bank
statements, and you may need them to be translated into Spanish and
certified to be correct. You could also use statements from Social Security,
your pension plan, etc. All that is required is proof that the minimum
income is deposited in any financial institution, anywhere with credibility,
be it in the US, Europe, or offshore institution. Even a stock brokerage
account, showing the requisite income, has proved sufficient, both in
obtaining an original FM-3, both within Mexico, at the local immigration
office, and at an overseas Mexican Consulate.
The monthly income requirements are reduced by 50% if you own and reside in
your Mexican home. If this is the case, be sure to include a notarized copy
of either the deed (escritura) or trust.
Once you have all of the above mentioned items, make 3 copies of each, and
submit your package. Normally, immigration will stamp the original
documents, plus 2 sets of the copies with the date it was received. They
keep the originals and one set of copies. The second set is for your files.
The third set is to have, in case things get misplaced!
You will be asked to return in a week to 10 days to pick up your completed
FM3. You will then take the paperwork given to you to the nearest bank and
pay the fee (perhaps around $100 per FM3)
Remember:
If you obtained your FM-3 through a Mexican Consulate in your country, you
must register within 45 days of your arriving in Mexico, with the local
immigration office.
Your FM-3 must be renewed annually for a period of 5 years. After 5 years
you may apply for permanent residency, if you desire.
Your FM-3 allows you to bring your car and household goods into Mexico. As
long as your FM-3 is valid, so is your car legal within Mexico.
With an FM-3 you can leave and enter the country freely.
Traveling with children:
If you are traveling with children, you need their birth certificates or
passports. If both parents are not traveling with the child, a notarized
letter of permission from the absent parents or notarized guardianship
papers will be necessary. Each child needs an FM-T tourist permission for
immigration.
FM-2 Visas An FM-2 Visa applies to having Immigrant status. If you have had
an FM-3 for 5 years, and wish to apply for an FM-2 be ready to show your
previous 5 years of renewals of your FM-3. As an immigrant you're not a
permanent resident but you are eligible to apply to become a permanent
resident in Mexico (called an Inmigrado). As a holder of an FM2 you have a
restricted number of exits from the country. In the case that you leave the
country for more than 18 months in a period of 5 years, you will not be able
to apply for the Inmigrado (permanent resident) status. In case you stay
outside the country for more than 2 years you will lose the immigration
status of an immigrant.
Disclaimer: While we try to have updated information, please keep in mind that requirements change, and the information on these pages should be used as a guide rather than absolutely accurate and current!