Moving to Mexico: FAQ's
Do
I need an FM-3 and if so, how do I obtain one?
Mexican law states: If you sign a contract, rent a house
or condo,
buy a house or condo, or lease property (i.e., campo’s),
you are no longer a "tourist" and therefore,
are required to apply for an FM-3. For further information, please click:
How
soon should I move furniture down?
According to immigration, after obtaining your FM-3, you
have 90 days to move furniture across the border duty
free. Otherwise it is wise to hire an importer.
What
about vehicle registration?
It must be current, check with your insurance agent to
see if you are covered in Mexico, otherwise you must purchase
Mexican insurance before entering the country, either
on-line, or at the border etc.
Is
a vehicle pass required?
The first time into Mexico with the car you only require
a visa. The second time in you must have an FM3, you will
have to register your car with customs, you must have a
letter to let them know that your car
will be in Mexico and the description of the car. There
is no cost for this and the permit is valid for 4 years.
FM3
PROCEDURES
Applying for your FM3
The benefits for foreigners acquiring the FM3 temporary
resident status permit in Mexico as opposed to having
a FMT tourist permit:
-
To keep your foreign car in Mexico indefinitely.
- To
bring your household possessions to Mexico
- To
obtain a local driver’s license
- To
get 50% discount on your property taxes
- To
be eligible for a capital gains exemption on your home
when you sell
- To
work temporarily in Mexico (in some cases)
- To
open a bank account (in some cases)
-
The FM3 permit is available at the local immigration
office.
TO APPLY FOR THE FM3 YOU WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING:
- The
official application (form available)
-
A personal application (form available)
-
Copy of your passport (all pages)
- Your
current tourist visa (FMT)
-
4 picture size 4x4 (2 frontal and 2 right side), must
be black and white, no glossy and no Polaroid
- A
copy of your last three bank statements
- The
copy of a local phone, light or water bill
- The
FM3 immigration form information typed
-
6 tax forms know as SAT #5 to pay the fees
-
$400 pesos for reception fee
-
$1,500 pesos for resident status fee
Once
you have an FM3 you need to renew it once a year. It is
much easier because you don’t need pictures and
the cost is $1,055 pesos. It is really important to re-check
this information before you make your initial application
and each time you renew because the cost and procedure
may change. Also, we recommend getting some help (at least
the first time) if you don’t speak Spanish to avoid
a lot of frustration.
* The holder does not acquire any residency rights for
living in the country and he may only remain in it for
the time and purpose that this Secretaria authorized him/her
for.
The
holder must register with the department or registry or
foreigners in this state department ( Secretaria de Gobernacion
) within 30 days after his/her arrival in the country
