Immigration
It's not necessary to have a special Immigration Visa at the time of purchase of real estate but there are advantages to having a Visitor Visa, a Temporary Resident Visa or Permanent Resident Visa, such as importing household goods and vehicles, creating residency status, and being entitled to leave and enter the country freely. You can obtain the application forms at your local US Mexican Consulate or Immigration office in Mexico. Be prepared to wait at least 30 days for the application approval.
On September 28, 2012, the new set of Regulations for the Immigration Laws of Mexico were officially published and went into effect on November 11, 2012. Below are some key points in regards to visiting, investing and living in Mexico.
On September 28, 2012, the new set of Regulations for the Immigration Laws of Mexico were officially published and went into effect on November 11, 2012. Below are some key points in regards to visiting, investing and living in Mexico.
1. FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple):
As a U.S. and Canadian citizen, you are not required to get a traditional visa to travel to Mexico. You are required to complete a FMM tourist card form (formerly know as Tourist Visa), however, if you are traveling past the border zone or staying anywhere in the country for more than 72 hours, a FMM will serve as your temporary visa for up to 180 days.
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The Migratory status of “Non-Immigrant” (previously known as FM3), “Immigrant” (previously known as FM2) and Immigrated (Inmigrado) no longer exist and have been replaced by visas that pertain to the "conditions of stay". The visa cards or booklets designating FM2 or FM3 status will cease to be valid and will be replaced the following new designations:
2. Visitor Visa (Visa de Visitante):
a) Visitor Visa without Permission to Engage in Lucrative Activities (Visa de visitante sin permiso para realizar actividades remuneradas). This visa is solely for leisure purposes. This visa may be granted for up to 10 years.
b) Visitor Visa with permission to engage in lucrative activities (Visa de visitante con permiso para realizar actividades remuneradas). This visa will be issued non-Mexicans interested in doing business in Mexico for no more than 180 days. |
3. Temporary Resident Visa (Visa de Residente temporal):
The temporary resident visa is issued to a non-Mexican who declares his/her intention to remain in Mexico for a period exceeding one hundred and eighty days and up to four years. The applicant must demonstrate one of the following:
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4. Permanent Resident Visa (Visa de Residente Permanente):
This visa will be issued to a non-Mexican who intends to enter the country in order to reside indefinitely. The applicant must demonstrate one of the following situations:
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International Animal Export Regulations
Last but not least are Man's best friends, our pets. Please visit the USDA - APHIS Regulations and Assessments website for the latest requirement on traveling with pets and other animals.
Here is the PDF file specifically for Dogs and Cats
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Disclaimer: * The immigration information here is only an interpretation and opinion of the author and is not the actual laws and regulations in it's entirety. Mexico's immigration laws have changed substantially and as with any changes it may take some time for the rules and the way they are applied to be ironed out. Please always check with your legal experts for the most current laws and regulations.
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