Contents

[ hide ]

1. 1 FMT (Short-Term Visa)
2. 2 FM3 (Long-Term Non-Immigrant Visa)
3. 3 FM2 (Becoming a Mexican Immigrant)
4. 4 Permanent Residency & Mexican Citizenship

There are 3 classes of visas for visiting or living in Mexico: FMT, FM2 and FM3.

FMT (Short-Term Visa)

FMT or Forma Migratoria de Turista is a tourist visa, specifically for people traveling to Mexico. It can be valid for a maximum of 180 days and is renewable once a year.
This visa must be picked up at Immigration office as you enter Mexico via automobile. If you are traveling via airplane or boat you may acquire one at the point of entry.
What you will need:

• Proof of citizenship ( passport or certified copy of birth certificate with a photo ID).
• Fill out a form that request information such as place of birth, destination and reason you visit.
• An administrative fee (about $20 USD)

A FMT is simply a permit to enter the country as a visitor. If you wish to work or stay a longer time you will need a FM3 or FM2.

FM3 (Long-Term Non-Immigrant Visa)

This is the migratory form with the Non-immigrant Status with multiple entries and exits of the country. It is a Legal form granted by the National Institute of Immigration that allows to the foreigners Live in Mexico temporally with non-working permit or Working Permit.

An FMT does not allow the advantage of multiple entries and exits into the Country and is good just for 180 days maximum renewable on a yearly basis according with the National Institute of Immigration. In the other hand FM3 gives you the Status of VISITOR with multiple entries and exits; you can live in Mexico with non-working permit or Working Permit. This Status means that you have no intention to live full time in Mexico, just own property or Make Lucrative Activities in the country for a period of time. If you own property in Mexico you are not longer a Tourist.

You must have an FM3 to enter into any binding legal contract in Mexico (like signing a contract to buy a house or to lease property).

FM3 visas are granted for one year and are renewable for an additional 4 years (up to 5 years), after your fifth year you can upgrade to an FM2. To be granted an FM3 you need to prove that you have sufficient funds and/or a steady income to cover your cost of living in Mexico.

There are various types of FM3 for profressionals working in the country, exchange students and those living in Mexico but not working, such as retirees. FM3 visas are granted for various categories that define the purpose of you stay in Mexico. You are only allowed to undertake the activities stated in your visa classification.
FM3 visa categories:

• Tourist
• Business Person
• Work
• Renter (this is when the foreigner lives out of its own incomes.)
• Associate Minister of Worship and Religious
• Student
• Correspondent (Journalist)
• Family
• Other Visitors

In summary, if you will be visiting Mexico more than 180 days per year, you need an FM3.

FM2 (Becoming a Mexican Immigrant)

An FM2 makes the holder an Immigrant, its similar to a United States Permanent Card. Like the FM3, an FM2 must be renewed each year (up to 5 years). After the fifth year you can apply to become an immigrant to the country.

It is a document for those who intend to permanently reside in Mexico.

FM2 visa categories:

• Work
• Family
• Renter

After the FM2 you can either move ahead to Permanent Residence Status, with this you won’t need to pay any more for renewals.

Permanent Residency & Mexican Citizenship

After 5 years with an FM2 you can apply for DECLARATORIA DE INMIGRADO (Permanent Residency) but this does not gives the status of Mexican Citizenship, but you can work at most jobs, and do almost everything except vote. This status does not require you to give up your native citizenship.

For a Mexican Citizenship you will need to have at least 2 years with the FM2 and this has nothing to do with Immigration Services but with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores) for more information you can visit www.sre.gob.mx

It is important to mention that this process can take a long period of time and your Immigration Document (FM2) should be current at the time of getting the citizenship. Once you have your Mexican Citizenship, it necessary to appear before Immigration office to return the FM2 and show your naturalization documents. Mexican Citizenship lets you remain in Mexico without annual renewals of immigration paper, but if you change your address you must update this information with Immigration office.

More Information Links

Click on the markers of the map to see where, after crossing the border, you can get your FMT, where in Rocky Point is the immigration office and Sun Valley Services for help with your FM3 & FM2

©2010 Rocky Point Assist. All Rights Reserved.

No related posts.