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Table of Contents
Introduction .................................................................. 4
Visiting and Living in Mexico Legally .............................. 6
Tourist Cards (FM-Ts) ........................................................................ 6
Working on an FM-T ............................................................................... 13
Car and Personal Property ...................................................................... 13
Cost of an FM-T ..................................................................................... 15
Extending Your FM-T .............................................................................. 16
Turning in the FM-T When Your Leave Mexico ............................................ 16
Lost FM-T ............................................................................................. 16
Expired FM-T ........................................................................................ 17
Multiple Entries ..................................................................................... 17
Tourist Visa ...................................................................................... 18
NAFTA Visa (FM-N) .......................................................................... 18
Car and Personal Property ..................................................................... 19
Cost of an FM-N ................................................................................... 19
Extending Your FM-N ........................................................................... 19
Turning in the FM-N When Your Leave Mexico .......................................... 19
Expired FM-N ...................................................................................... 19
Multiple Entries ................................................................................... 20
Temporary Visitors (FM-3s) .......................................................... 20
FM-3 Rentista ................................................................................... 21
Application ...................................................................................... 21
Working on an FM-3 Rentista ............................................................... 25
Car and Personal Property .................................................................. 26
Cost of an FM-3 .................................................................................. 28
Renewal of Your FM-3 ........................................................................... 28
Lost FM-3 .......................................................................................... 29
Expired FM-3 ..................................................................................... 30
Multiple Entries and Travel Outside Mexico ............................................ 31
Tourist Card (FM-T) Versus FM-3 .................................................. 31
Resident Status (FM-2s) ................................................................ 33
Application ..................................................................................... 34
Working on an FM-2 ....................................................................... 35
Car and Personal Property ................................................................. 35
Cost of an FM-2 .............................................................................. 36
Renewal of Your FM-2 ..................................................................... 36
Lost FM-2 ...................................................................................... 36
Expired FM-2 ..................................................................................... 37
Multiple Entries ................................................................................ 37
Other Considerations ................................................................ 38
What Constitutes “Legal Residency” in Mexico? ........................................ 38
Can I Appeal a Decision By the Immigration Office? ................................... 38
Mexican Citizenship ..................................................... 39
How to Gain Mexican Nationality ................................ 40
Born in Mexico ................................................................................. 40
Naturalization .................................................................................. 42
Application ....................................................................................... 44
US Citizenship vis-à-vis Naturalizing ...................................................... 45
Advantages of Mexican Citizenship ........................................................ 47
Summary .................................................................... 48

Introduction
Since Spain began the conquest of the Aztec empire in 1519 people from all over the world have been attracted to the country which today is known as Mexico. Many came during the last 500 years to seek out fortunes while others found refuge from the horrors of war, poverty or persecution. By and large, Mexico has extended a welcoming hand to immigrants. Today, citizens of Jewish, Lebanese and Spanish descent, just to name a few of the many nationalities, are important contributors to Mexican society.

Americans also have a long history of coming to Mexico. In the early 1800s significant numbers settled in Texas, then a part of Spain and later claimed by Mexico. The Mormons petitioned Mexico to allow them to settle in the Salt Lake area before the territory was lost to the US in the 1840s. In the 1950’s several hundred families sought asylum in Mexico due mostly to the infamous McCarthy hearings.

Today a new wave of North Americans is seeking to move to Mexico. This group of mostly retired Americans is coming for many reasons. Some come for the great weather and some for the less expensive lifestyle. Many baby-boomers discover there is a lot more living to do after reaching 60 or 65. They often seek more stimulus and adventure in their lives and they look for it abroad.

There are some specific areas of concern shared by all those contemplating a potential move to Mexico. One is the legality of immigration. The purpose of this guide is to provide answers to the most common questions that we have received and have helped people resolve. In Mexico there are often no clear answers to common questions. Everywhere you turn you seem to get a different answer. This is especially true in matters related to immigration.

One reason that you will find different answers about entering Mexico is the discretionary power of consulates and immigration officers. Each immigration office in Mexico works as a decentralized entity, as does each consulate. Just as in the US, immigration officers have full discretion to allow entry or deny visas if they feel you are an undesirable alien.

Another important reason is that Mexican immigration officials are notoriously corrupt. It is not unusual for them to invent requirements or delay processing in order to hint at a bribe. This is one reason that we usually suggest you get your immigration documents at Mexican consulates. I have never heard of corruption in these offices; poor service perhaps but not corruption.

The following information should answer most of your common questions. I will provide some resources to cross reference information as well as some valuable tips on what to do in certain circumstances.


Summary
For quite a long time Mexico has encouraged immigration into the country. At different points in its history, this has been due to the need to populate areas of the country that were sparsely inhabited or as part of an open door policy for certain nationalities. More recently Mexico sees immigration, especially from developed countries such as the US and Canada, as a way to encourage development of certain areas of the country and generate income for the national treasury.

There are several ways that you can achieve the goal of living in Mexico. Which way is best for you will depend on your goals and circumstances. The simplest way to live in Mexico would be to come and go on an FM-T. If you want a more permanent status you can apply for a temporary permit which will allow you to live in the country for up to one year with unlimited renewals. The most typical one year permit is the FM-3 Rentista, designed for those who want to retire to Mexico.

If you plan to make Mexico your permanent home you can eventually obtain a permanent legal residence document known as an FM-2 Imigrado and eventually apply for Mexican nationality.

The authorities involved with immigration have a lot of discretionary power. The requirements for applications, fees and fines can change, as do the laws, so it is not unusual to get different answers to your questions from time-to-time. Always check with the proper authorities where you will be making your application.

It is my hope that this guide will provide you with the resources to make an informed decision that will save you time and money. If you would like to schedule an appointment for a private consultation regarding any of these important subjects, please go to our Contact page to set up time to talk with one of our representatives.








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