Nov. 22, 2012 update.
The 2011 INM Law has now taken effect, as of Nov. 9, 2012. The parts of the old INM law are still in effect for existing FMM, FM2, and FM3 (Inmigrante and No Inmigrante) permits until Nov. 8, 2013, so, we are maintaining this article about the FM2/FM3 Terms and Conditions until they expire. No new FM2′s or FM3′s have been issued after Nov. 8, 2012.
This means that people interested in traveling to Mexico or living in Mexico should head on over to our 2 articles that describe
MEXICO’s CURRENT IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS at:
~ New Rules and Procedures for Immigration, Visiting, and Staying in Mexico – Nov. 22, 2012
and our older article on the “New” 2011 INM Law at:
“New Immigration Law Published for Mexico – The Article“
Sept. 7, 2012 update.
This USED TO BE Yucalandia’s most up-to-date information on traveling-to or immigrating to Mexico under the pre May 26, 2011 requirements.
Why is this important? In May 2011, President Calderon signed an entirely new immigration law, setting up new visa categories and new rules, (“New Immigration Law Published for Mexico – The Article”). This law took effect Nov. 8, 2011, so, BEFORE NOVEMBER 8, 2012, the INM offices were operating under the old prior rules and regs. All foreigners residing in Mexico who have existing INM permits are still covered by the old rules, until their existing permit expires. Since the old rules still apply to these old INM permits, we are maintaining this article as a reference.
All readers interested in the requirements for all current new applicants and all renewals should go straight to our main Immigration and Visiting Mexico article at :
New Rules and Procedures for Immigration, Visiting, and Staying in Mexico – Nov. 11, 2012
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Shortcut – Condensed Instructions For Filing for FM3/No Inmigrante or FM2 / Inmigrante Status:
Go online to the INM website, INMs Online Site for Applying for an FM2, FM3, or extensions of them: (http://inami.gob.mx/index.php/page/Solicitud_de_Estancia) and enter your personal information, check the boxes to apply for the status you want, and get a Pieza Number – print the page with the Pieza Number or write down the number. At the end of the on-line application process, there is an option where you can push a button that displays the information you entered. If you print this page and bring it with you to your first INM visit, INM can more quickly verify & confirm your personal information.
Things to take to your local INM office:
1. A letter addressed to your INM office’s delegado requesting the type of visa you want (see below). Note: ” No Inmigrante ” is the official name of the category that corresponds to the old FM3 and ” Inmigrante ” corresponds to the old FM2.
2. Your passport and copies of the first key pages of your passport,
3. A copy of a comprobante (Telmex, JAPAY, CFE etc bill) to prove your address,
4. Copies of the most recent 3 months of bank or financial statements to show deposits or on-going balances that prove your fiscal independence (FM3 = $15,583 pesos & FM2 = $24,932 pesos per month) for 2012.
5. Your current visa document (keep a copy for your personal use while INM processes your app. You may need official proof of an FM2 or FM3 with the police or other Mexican authorities while INM is processing your application). (Hint: it is good to keep a copy of your FM2 or FM3 throughout the year, because it is much easier to replace a lost FM2/FM3 if you have a copy.<9
6. Your Pieza Number (from your INM web application) and possibly your personal info page from the website.
INM will typically accept your submissions and print you a NUT number along with a password. KEEP THESE. Your online application is only for entering information, and it does not qualify as applying for a visa. Your official application date (or renewal date) is the date of when they issue you the NUT & password. The NUT number signifies that you have actually formally started the application process, which is important if you are trying to beat a deadline for an expiring visa.
You then go home and wait, daily checking the INM website, using your NUT & password to monitor the status of your application. INM will notify you to come back into the office to … get your payment document to take to a bank and submit payment, to get the list of ID foto requirements, answer questions, maybe to submit 2 letters from Mexicans certifying that you are not an ax murderer, etc.
The process typically takes no more than 2-3 weeks for first time filers, including the final visit. In the final visit INM asks you a few questions, takes your thumbprints, and laminates a new INM card for you. The specific details of what you do and how it works are described below in: ” FM3 the Long-Term Non-Immigrant “Visa”, “Pros & Cons” and ” FM2 AND FM3 ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESSES: “
Our own 2012 FM2 renewal took only 2 visits and less than 4 hours of time in the INM office, including waiting in lines. sweet
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Visiting or Moving to Mexico: FMM, FM2, FM3 or Inmigrado?
What’s the best immigrant status for you? How does Mexican Immigration work? If you’re reading this, you’ve either chosen-to or are thinking-about moving to Mexico, and changing from 180 day FMMs (“tourist” or “business” visas) by applying for residency: FM2 (Inmigrante) or FM3 (No Inmigrante) status. Good for you! Why? Mexico can be a great place to live, and now is an especially good time to make the change with the latest rule changes, plus, the staff at our local Merida INM office are very helpful, friendly, and easy to deal with.
Note: Since rules change frequently, Yucalandia will use this article on immigration for current requirements, updates, and advice, so, feel free to check back here periodically for updated information.
Background Information for Immigrating to Mexico:
General immigration information can be found in English at this slightly out-of-date (Feb. 2010) but informative INM site: INM: Frequently Asked Questions , but note that this official Mex. Gob. INM website has broken links that lead nowhere. As of Jan. 16, 2010, more detailed information on the latest Government requirements can be found in Spanish at:
- Types of Immigration Requirements: (http://www.inm.gob.mx/index.php/page/Tramites) including student, worker, retiree, etc lists,
- INM Main Page: (http://www.inm.gob.mx/)
- INM Site Map: (http://inami.gob.mx/index.php/page/Mapa_del_Sitio) , and
- INMs Online Site for Applying for an FM2, FM3, or extensions of them: (http://inami.gob.mx/index.php/page/Solicitud_de_Estancia)
- INMs List of Inmigrado Application Requirements: (http://www.inm.gob.mx/static/tramites/Estancia/Residencia_definitiva/DeclaratoriaInmigrado.pdf)
- INM (DOFs) Online Site for the 2010 INM Manual (http://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5129775&fecha=29/01/2010)
INM had English versions of these pages in the past, but due to their merry-go-round of killing-off web-pages w/no forwarding addresses, we can’t currently find any web versions with more detailed versions in English: Please write a comment below if you find them.
* * * * * *
Current Mexican Immigration Categories:
Tourists and temporary businessmen entering Mexico now get an FMM, (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) by filing a Formato Básico. The Formato Básico is also required for entry into Mexico by FM2 and FM3 holders. The FMM replaces the old standby: FMT (Forma Migratoria Turista) for both tourists and business travelers.* In another update, the National Immigration Institute (Instituto Nacional de Migración – INM) dramatically changed immigration rules to simplify and clarify the requirements for immigration to México, effective May 1, 2010. These changes greatly improved the process for DIY folks (Do It Yourself), and they make it relatively easy and faster for people to apply for FM2 or FM3 or Inmigrado status.
Current Immigration Requirements:
FM2 (now called “Inmigrante“) and FM3 (now called “No Inmigrante“) requirements have been reduced and streamlined: INM now issues annual ID cards (replacing the old paper booklets), and they offer on-line registration for both first-time applicants and renewals, which eliminates the need for first-time visits at a Mexican Consulate or INM office. Since August 1, 2010, FM2 and FM3 applications and renewals are only accepted at INM offices within Mexico, so, Consulates have stopped offering these services (as of Aug. 2010), and all applicants must file on-line forms first. “Visitor Visa” requirements are listed below for tourist or temporary business travelers. *
Entry Requirements:
If you’re driving into México (and you have no pre-existing FM2 or FM3), you will be issued an FMM at the border crossing, for about $20US. If you fly in, the charge is built into the cost of your ticket. The only document required to enter México on an FMM is your passport, or passcard, or “trusted traveler” ID such as a SENTRI card. When entering México, you’ll be given a new FMM form to fill-out (Formato Básico = easy), Customs officials will stamp your Formato Básico application, and voila, you have an FMM that is good for 180 days. Hold onto the part they give you, because you definitely need it: to leave the country or to upgrade to FM2 or FM3 status. When the 180 days expires (check your Fecha de Caucidad – expiration date), you must leave México at an approved border crossing (or flight), but you can re-enter immediately under a new FMM.
Entering with Children
Both the US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) and the Canadian government advise bringing a notarized letter from a parent who is not traveling with the children. The letter should certify that the children have their parent(s) permission to travel with the other parent. https://help.cbp.gov/…w/parental%20consent.
CBP advises:
“… There is not a CBP Form letter, however, the parental consent letter should include: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and contact information for the absent parent(s).
Having the letter notarized is not necessary but highly recommended. For frequent border crossers, the letter should not exceed one year. It is recommended to have the letter in English. …” https://help.cbp.gov/…ntal%20consent/sno/1
The Canadian Govt also advises that parents taking children to Mexico:
“…travelers visiting Mexico with children should carry:
a valid passport for each child as required above;
if a child is travelling with only one parent, a notarized authorization signed by the other parent;
if a child is travelling with a person other than a parent, a notarized authorization signed by both parents stating the name of the adult travel companion;
The child’s long-form birth certificate if the name of only one parent appears on it. …”
* Note => No pre-approved visa is needed to enter Mexico as a tourist from the following countries: (Just bring your passport and fill out a Formato Basico at any port of entry.)
If you are a citizen of Andorra, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, The United States of America, Uruguay or Venezuela ~ then you need no pre-approved visa, and just travel to Mexico and get your “visa” (actually it is an INM permit) when you arrive in Mexico.
Citizens of all other countries must get prior Mexican Gobierno approval to enter Mexico. (Prior approval = getting a visa before traveling.)
What Can I Bring Into Mexico:
Take a look at our article on What You Can Bring Into Mexico at: http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/answers-to-common-questions/what-can-i-bring-into-mexico-mexican-customs-rules-the-article/ . The article includes links to official Mex. Gob. websites that describe the process. If you need a government website in English, (but it’s information is a little out of date) check out this joint INM & Aduana webpage pamphlet describing the general rules for entering Mexico – in English: http://www.sectur.gob.mx/work/models/secturing/Resource/14119/ingles.pdf.
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Expired or Expiring FMM’s, FM2′s, & FM3′s:
The cost to return home with an expired FMM is about $200USD and takes time= delays ($$$ always subject to change?). Missing your flight due to delays in processing a lost or expired FMM: distressing & expensive. Leaving Mexico before the 180 day limit with your FMM & making your flight on time: priceless.
If you are outside of Mexico on an FM2 or FM3, and it is about to expire: Mexican Consulates no longer issue nor renew FM2 or FM3 booklets. Instead, now Mexican Consular Posts simply place a visa sticker on the foreign national’s passport, upon receipt of your on-line petition’s approval from the INM. The sticker allows entry into Mexico within 365 days of issuance. Upon entering México, under previous rules, you (the foreign national) must apply at INM for your new FM2 or FM3 migration card within 30 days.
There is an additional more recent requirement that FM3 holders cannot exceed 60 days after their FM3 expires: “6.3.1 En el caso de la FM3 no podrá exceder del plazo de ausencia señalado en la LGP o, de los sesenta días posteriores al vencimiento. ” Only online applications for FM2s & FM3 are now accepted. Such applications can be made by you, your agent, or your attorney, using: http://inami.gob.mx/index.php/page/Solicitud_de_Empresa
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Staying more than 180 days: Should you get an FM3 or an FM2?
There are pros and cons to each type of status, which means each applicant has to decide which category best fits their needs and situation. Here are some of the basics.
FM3 the Long-Term Non-Immigrant “Visa”, Pros & Cons:
The FM3 is a renewable long term permit giving non-immigrant temporary residency status to expats. FM3 holders have the right to live full-time in Mexico, but the FM3 does not lead-to, and cannot be converted-to Permanent Residency or Mexican Citizenship. You can however bring a single USA or Canada plated vehicle under your FM3, (one vehicle per FM3) without nationalizing it (without getting Mexico plates). The car’s permission to stay lasts as long as the FM3 holder’s permission. FM3 holders also get to bring one duty-free load of household goods into Mexico within 6 months of FM3 issuance, (a huge savings of import duties), to set up their household (see Maneje de Casa on the internet).
Some drawbacks to FM3 status are the lack of citizen-types of rights; the necessity to pay for Fideicomisos (a.k.a foreign trusts in US IRS terms = US Taxes owed on any capital gains) for the privilege of owning land within 30 miles of the beach/coast or within 50 miles of the borders; and the requirement to re-apply and re-pay for legal status every year. One other advantage of an FM3 is that you can come and go as you like, staying outside of Mexico as long as you want during the 5 year FM3 period.*
Once granted, the FM3 may be renewed for an additional four years (for a total of five years). After 5 years, a new FM3 may be applied for and, if granted, will serve for another (max) five year period, renewable annually, or you can apply for an FM2. FM3’s cannot automatically exchanged for FM2’s.
FM2 = The Immigrant “Visa” and The Path to Permanent Residency (Inmigrado Status) and/or Citizenship:
FM2 status is a part of the path to becoming either a Mexican Citizen, with all rights and responsibilities. FM2 “status” (not a visa ~ since no pre-approved visa is needed for citizens of the USA or Canada and other approved countries to enter Mexico), is intended for people seeking future Permanent Residency status in Mexico, or those who may seek eventual Mexican Citizenship. FM2’s can lead to Permanent Residency (Inmigrado status) after completion of 4 FM2 renewals, and Inmigrado status can lead to Citizenship. Inmigrados (Permanent Residents) are still required to have Fideicomisos, but the inmigrado status is a direct step to Mexican Citizenship (some lawyers report that it is an easier step than going directly from FM2 to Citizenship). There are special rules for expats who are the spouses of Mexican citizens, where they qualify for Inmigrado or Citizenship after only 2 years of an FM2.
Becoming a Mexican citizen, while maintaining US citizenship, means that such US citizens do not have foreign real estate trusts (Fideicomiso) that must be reported to the US IRS => potential savings on future US taxes if you sell your Mexican property for a profit. For more information on (avoiding/reducing) Mexican Capital Gains taxes, see: Capital Gains Taxes on Mexican Properties
You do not need have an FM3 visa before applying for a FM2, but any years you have accrued in Mexico under an FM3 do not count towards your FM2/Inmigrado/Citizenship qualification period, so, if you are interested in getting Inmigrado or Citizenship rights, then you should apply for an FM2 ASAP (don’t waste time with FM3’s?). Some ex-pats report that some local lawyers have found ways of “working-around” the 5 year FM2 rule, pero lo no se.
Once you become an FM2 holder, following the 5 year qualification period, you may change to full Permanent Residency (Inmigrado) status or apply to become a Naturalized Citizen.* When your Inmigrado status has been approved, you are entitled to full rights (e.g. access to IMSS illness benefits) and responsibilities (e.g. pay income taxes) as any other Mexican citizen, and you can work freely etc. Naturalized citizens are also allowed to vote in Mexican elections.
Notes:
~ FM2 holders are required to stay in Mexico at least 3.5 years out of every 5 year period.
~ Before the end of 5 years on an FM2, the holder is supposed to either:
- Apply for Citizenship during the first 6 months of “Year 4″, or
- Drop back to an FM3 when their FM2 expires, or
- Wait until the 4′th year of the FM2 renewals expires (completing 5 years of the FM2), and then apply for Inmigrado status with INM, or
- If you decide that you still want to keep an FM2 after 5 years, there’s a loophole in the rules that if you leave Mexico, and return under an FMM, then you can apply for a fresh FM2…
Characteristics of Permanent Residency (Inmigrado) Status & Citizenship notes:
Upon receiving Inmigrado (permanent resident) status, you receive a plastic card that looks like a driver’s license. This card enables you to pass through Mexico’s borders as if you were a Mexican national = shorter lines and no hassles. As long as you do not formally renounce your US citizenship, you do not need to surrender your national passport, (under either Mexican or US law), whether you remain a resident-alien or apply for citizenship. You can continue to use your US/Canadian passport when you return to your home country for visits, which allows you to also return to your home country to live there again.
Sidelights/Limits: According to INM’s 2010 Manual: Inmigrado status must be applied-for within the 6 months after the expiration of the 4’th year of the FM2 renewals = after completing all 5 years of the FM2. For application requirements, see: INM’s List of Inmigrado Requirements (http://www.inm.gob.mx/static/tramites/Estancia/Residencia_definitiva/DeclaratoriaInmigrado.pdf) Further, Inmigrados may not leave Mexico for more than 5 years in a 10 year period. Current versions of SRE’s official rules and regs for becoming a naturalized citizen can be found at: http://www.sre.gob.mx and SRE’s Webpage on Citizenship Requirements (http://www.sre.gob.mx/index.php/carta-de-naturalizacion-por-residencia)= Note that citizenship applications are made before the expiration of the Inmigrante (FM2) – with at least 6 months left on the current INM permit.
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FM2 AND FM3 ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESSES:
Most expats who make their home here choose to upgrade to the FM2 or FM3, using INM’s online services to read about INM rules and on-line options at: http://inami.gob.mx/index.php/page/Solicitud_de_Estancia
Here are some keys to making the FM2 & FM3 processes smoooooth:
- Applications made using Mozilla Firefox browsers are now working well – or you can use your computer’s Internet Explorer internet browser.
- Allow or Enable “Pop-Ups” within your browser.
- Make sure your computer has Adobe Acrobat Reader installed.
- If your FM2 and FM3 application also includes dependents, you must make a separate on-line application for every dependent – describing the purpose for application and describing the relationship between the applicant/dependent and the main applicant in the comments box at the bottom of the form.
- Be sure to enter the person’s First and Middle Names or initials in the “Nombre(s)” box – EXACTLY as is listed on the person’s passport.
- Do not include any dashes or spaces in your phone number entry.
- Check all entered information before saving and check again before “approving” on-line.
- Record the official “Pieza” number and your “Clavo” (password), that INM issues for each application – when the number is displayed briefly in a pop-up box.
- When you visit your INM office, note that you need bring some key information (along with documents listed below): your “pieza numero”, and the exact name of each dependent person and their “pieza numeros”. According to Merida’s INM policies, you need this number each visit, or they will send you home.
- After registering on-line, then you must visit your INM office with your “pieza numero” and register your application with the INM office. On this visit, they will give you a list of the current documents you need to bring in to register. Merida’s INM office currently requires the original and 1 copy of the documents.
- When you visit the INM office (with your “pieza numero” and the documents), they will issue you a NUT (Numero Unico de Tramite) and a NIP (Personal Identification Number) to allow you to check application status online.
- As of 5/2012 the FM2′s had two costs per person: $750 for the Inscripcion al Registro Nacional de Extranjeros (fee to register the person with the federal INM office in Distrito Federal) and $3,139 pesos for the Exp FM2 Asimilado.
Note that while INM is processing your application, you may only leave Mexico with prior written permission from INM. You can apply for FM2′s, FM3′s or renewals up to 3o days before your current permit expires. If you plan to travel during that time, check with INM whether they will issue you a letter permitting you to travel outside Mexico while your new INM permit is being processed.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIFIC TYPES OF APPLICATIONS:
If you want to apply to extend your FMM stay beyond 180 days, bring your passport and your FMM to your INM office after filling out the form on the following website, titled “Formato migratorio para trámites de estancia” at: http://www.inm.gob.mx/index.php/page/Solicitud_de_Empresa
If you are getting your first FM2 or FM3, you can enter your personal data at the following website and receive your official “pieza numero”: http://inami.gob.mx/index.php/page/Solicitud_de_Estancia . Notice that the webpage for changing from an FMM to either FM2 or FM3 are the same form, so to be specific enter comments in the comment box at the bottom, writing out either: “Quiero cambiar mi FMM a FM2.” or “Quiero cambiar mi FMM a FM3.”. Also note that you only have to fill-out INM’s on-line form boxes that have a “*” (“* Campos obligatorios”). I.e. If you do not not have a CURP (Mexican Social Security Number), this field does not have a “*”, so, they will issue a CURP with your FM2 or FM3 (note that the author was issued a new/different CURP when changing his from FM3 to an FM2).
GETTING YOUR FIRST FM3
Enter: http://inami.gob.mx/index.php/page/Solicitud_de_Estancia
Under “* ¿Qué desea hacer?”: Choose: “Realizar actividades diferentes al las autorizadas”
Under: “* Especifique”: Choose: “Cambia characteristica migratoria”
GETTING YOUR FIRST FM2
Enter: http://inami.gob.mx/index.php/page/Solicitud_de_Estancia
Under “* ¿Qué desea hacer?”: Choose: “Cumplir con obligaciones migratorias”
Under: “* Especifique”: Choose: “Inscription en el Registro Nacional de Extranjeros”
RENEWING YOUR FM2 (annual – up to 4 renewals)
Enter: http://inami.gob.mx/index.php/page/Solicitud_de_Estancia
Under “* ¿Qué desea hacer?”: Choose: “Extender la estancia”
Under: “* Especifique”: Choose: “Refrendo de inmigrante”
RENEWING YOUR FM3 (annual – up to 4 renewals) Enter: http://inami.gob.mx/index.php/page/Solicitud_de_Estancia
Under “* ¿Qué desea hacer?”: Choose: “Extender la estancia”
Under: “* Especifique”: Choose: “Prórraga de No inmigrante”
CHANGING FM3 TO AN FM2
Enter: http://inami.gob.mx/index.php/page/Solicitud_de_Estancia
Under “* ¿Qué desea hacer?”: Choose: “Obtener residencia definitiva en México”
Under: “* Especifique”: Choose: “Cambia de calidad migratoria de No inmigrante a inmigrante”
Checking on the status of your application:
Use your Numero de Pieza Number and your “contraseña“. The INM website issues you a Pieza Numero when you complete successful entries of your application information, and then when you register at your local INM using the web-generated Pieza Numero and personal information, the INM will give you a paper with your Numero Unico de Tramite (NUT) AND your contraseña for checking the status of your application. The contraseña is slightly buried at the end of the paragraph that follows the NUT number box.
You then use an INM website to check when they have approved your application and have issued you a cita (appointment) to come into their office for the next step: Check http://inm.gob.mx/index.php/page/Seguimiento_de_Tramite .
What happens next? After successfully entering your information into the INM on-line forms (described immediately above), a pop-up window will appear with your “pieza numero”, write it down!
Then, go to your INM office* (opens at 9:00 AM – but come a little early & sign in with the guard) and bring all of the following documents:
- Your FMM or your current visa (FM2, FM3 or the new ID card). Your visa must be current if you are renewing. Your FMM must not be more than 30 days old (maybe? – remember: “TIM”). (This is Mexico = “I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore, Toto”.)
- A letter stating what it is you are trying to accomplish. (See letter(s) below.)
- A copy of the pages of your passport.
- Proof that you have sufficient income to support yourself (and any dependents). (Some INM offices are requiring this, others: not.) This could be 3 months of bank or investment account statements, with your name on them, showing balances equivalent to 250 times (FM3) or 400 times (FM2) the official minimum wage in Yucatan ( $56.7 pesos/day for 2011 Zone C and $62.33 pesos per day for Zone A for 2012). SALARIOS MINIMOS 2011 and SALARIOS MINIMOS 2012 . This translates to 2012 minimum monthly income required for an FM3 (No Inmigrante) will be $15,583 pesos, and for FM2 (Inmigrante), it will be $24,932. (2011 minimum monthly income requirements for a single person: FM3 = $14,175 pesos & FM2 = $22,680 pesos.) Each additional dependent increases the requirement by 50%. Some INM offices are approving reducing the financial requirements by ½ for FM2 applicants and their dependents, if you can show proof of home ownership in México (fideicomiso), but acceptance of this exemption is not universally approved. (Remember, “TIM”: “This is México.”)
- “Comprobante”: Proof that you are living in Mexico i.e. a phone bill, JAPAY, or a CFE (electric) bill with your name and Mexican home address on it, or a bill with your apartment’s address and a letter from your landlord saying that you rent the property at the given address. A letter from your lawyer stating that you are in the process of purchasing property, listing the address, may also be sufficient.
- Your Pieza Number.
Note: **Yucatán’s INM office is in Colonia Garcia Gineres, on the corner of and Calle 8 and Avenida Colon (named after Cristobal Colon the modern discover of the New World = a.k.a the mythical “Christopher Colombus”, where “Columbus” is a British fiction). There is also an INM office in Progreso. After INM approves your initial application, they will post your application (trámite) status changes on their website (use your NUT and NIP to log-on and check your status) at: http://setram.inami.gob.mx:8080/solicitudes-web/seguimiento-tramite.html
INM Website’s Online Status Notifications currently look like this:
Los estatus del trámite son los siguientes:
Fecha (date) - Estatus Trámite (status) – Ubicación (INM location)
15/04/2011 - El trámite ha sido registrado – Delegación Regional en Yucatán
15/04/2011 - El tramite ha sido asignado - Delegación Regional en Yucatán
29/04/2011 - El trámite ha sido clasificado - Delegación Regional en Yucatán
30/05/2011 - Presentarse en una oficina del INM – Delegación Regional en Yucatán
31/05/2011 - Notificado en ventanilla - Delegación Regional en Yucatán
Hmmmm… “Registrado” = application registered = good. “Clasificado” = application has been officially given a classification = good. “Asignado” = someone has been assigned your case = even better. “Oficio en ventanilla” = Documents are ready. “Notificación en ventanilla” = BONUS! Go down to the INM office (window), ‘cause your application has been approved and they are ready for you = a second trip to your INM office! ==================================================
On this 2’nd trip to INM, you can bring:
- Money to pay the fee(s) (at a bank): e.g. $3,000 – $4,000 pesos.
- If you do not have an existing FM2 or FM3 smart card, bring four (5) passport photos (infantil size -three front and two side). You can get ID fotos taken at either Walmart or Fotos Guido. As always: no hair (bangs) falling onto the face and the right ear must fully exposed in the profile picture.
- The “pieza” number is usually sufficient, but some people also recommend bringing a copy of the on-line form you printed during your application procedures = helpful to print your completed on-line form.
Once you complete these processes, you can go online and check your application’s status on their website (again using your NUT and NIP: contraseña: log-on and check using the web address listed above). The subsequent on-line notifications & updates currently look like this:
Fecha (date) – Estatus Trámite (status) – Ubicación (INM location)
31/05/2011 - Registro de alcance - Delegación Regional en Yucatán
31/05/2011 - Un pago ha sido registrado - Delegación Regional en Yucatán
15/06/2011 - Registro de alcance - Delegación Regional en Yucatán
17/06/2011 - Presentarse en una oficina del INM - Delegación Regional en Yucatán
There’s a new message being posted on-line:
10/04/2012 – Se permite el pre registro en línea de su información – Delegación Regional en Yucatán
With this message, go to the bottom of the box and click on the “Aqui” in the:
~ “Para la expedición de su Forma Migratoria, registre o actualice sus datos aquí. ~
This takes you to a personal data form that you fill out as a new first-time filer, or as an old-timer, check the information for errors or changes – and approve – and submit the information to INM by clicking the “Guardar” button at the bottom of the form. Nothing appears to happen… but that’s ok.
Up to a week or 2 weeks later the “Presentarse en una oficina del INM” may appear. Many of us across Mexico have found that after we enter our ~ “Para la expedición de su Forma Migratoria, registre o actualice sus datos aquí. ~ data, then you can go down to your INM office to get an appointment (Cita) to come back with your fotos to get your new ID. If your process is not moving for a week, I would stop by the INM office to see if they need anything – documents etc., because your application can sit in limbo for weeks without the comments changing on your webpage as they wait for you.
Otherwise, wait until you get the “Presentarse…” message. Go down to the INM office and follow their instructions. Once INM has logged in your payment information from the bank, you will see the “Un pago ha sido registrado” message, which means they have registered your payment: H-RAY!
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Continuing:
On your next (final) visit to INM, they accept your fotos (Infantil w/3 front and 2 Rt. profile for Yucatan), they will take your thumbprints = TOTALLY EXCELLENT! (‘cause it means you are on the “home stretch”), and have you sign your new Inmigrante or No Inmigrante card. You’re good to go until next year, when they implement the new Residente Temporal or Residente Permanente system!
A Yucalandia reader offered the following Nov. 13, 2010 update to INM’s current procedures: “4th message we received was “Favor de presentarse a una oficina del INM“. (Basically, please come to the office.) We went and were told that we had to pay before they would set up an appointment. They provided the papers with the amounts and told us to pay at any bank. 4 blocks from INM on Reforma at Av. Colón is a BankNorte and we went there. When we returned, they set up our final appointment, which was when they accepted our photographs. Appointments are currently running about 2 weeks after payment.”
Exceptions: If you want to work or have your own business, the associated immigration processes involve completely other balls o’ wax, which typically require the aid of an attorney and/or accountant.
There is a comment below that includes a letter and explanations of their experiences of applying to INM, when you have your own business. If you have a Mexican Spouse, you will need to have proof a registered marriage in Mexico (issued by the Yucatan Municipality Office in Merida), and likely a letter from your spouse, which brings us to letters. * *
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EXAMPLES OF CURRENT APPROVED APPLICATION LETTERS Letter for applying for an extension (Prorrogacion) of an FM3:
Mérida Yucatán a (ENTER YOUR DATE HERE) Asunto: Prorrogación de FM3
Delegado Benito Fernando Rosel Issac (OR SUBSTITUTE NAME & ADDRESS OF YOUR INM OFFICIAL)
Instituto Nacional de Migración Delegación Regional en Yucatán
Av. Colón Núm 507 por calle 8 Mérida,
Yucatán, México C.P. 97070 Distinguido Delegado,
Por medio de la presente, yo, NAME OF MAIN APPLICANT, solicito prorroga de mi documento migratorio FM3 y manifiesto que soy NO INMIGRANTE VISITANTE RENTISTA, para lo cual acredito mi solvencia económica. Adjunto copias de los documentos solicitados para este trámite. Le agradezco por anticipado la atención prestada a la presente solicitud, esperando contar con el otorgamiento del cambio calidad migratoria lo ántes posible.
Bajo protesta de decir verdad.
Atentamente MAIN APPLICANT NAME AND APPLICANT SIGNATURE APPLICANT’S ADDRESS
Calle (ENTER ADDRESS)
Col. (ENTER NEIGHBORHOOD)
Mérida, Yucatán, México C.P. 97000
Tel. domicilio (ENTER HOME PHONE) Cel. (ENTER CELL PHONE) ====================================================
Letter for applying for an extension of an FM2:
Mérida Yucatán a (ENTER YOUR DATE HERE)
Asunto: Prorrogación de FM2
Delegado Benito Fernando Rosel Issac (OR SUBSTITUTE NAME & ADDRESS OF YOUR INM OFFICIAL)
Instituto Nacional de Migración Delegación Regional en Yucatán
Av. Colón Núm 507 por calle 8
Mérida, Yucatán, México C.P. 97070
Distinguido Delegado,
Por medio de la presente, yo, NAME OF MAIN APPLICANT, solicito prorroga de mi documento migratorio FM2 y manifiesto que soy RESIDENTE RENTISTA, para lo cual acredito mi solvencia económica. Adjunto copias de los documentos solicitados para este trámite. Le agradezco por anticipado la atención prestada a la presente solicitud, esperando contar con el otorgamiento del cambio calidad migratoria lo ántes posible. Bajo protesta de decir verdad.
Atentamente
MAIN APPLICANT NAME AND APPLICANT SIGNATURE
APPLICANT’S ADDRESS Calle (ENTER ADDRESS)
Col. (ENTER NEIGHBORHOOD)
Mérida, Yucatán, México C.P. 97000
Tel. domicilio (ENTER HOME PHONE) Cel. (ENTER CELL PHONE) =====================================================
Letter for main applicant for changing from an FM3 to an FM2:
Mérida, Yucatán a (ENTER DATE HERE)
Asunto: Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria
Delegado Benito Fernando Rosel Issac (OR SUBSTITUTE NAME & ADDRESS OF YOUR INM OFFICIAL)
Instituto Nacional de Migración Delegación Regional en Yucatán
Av. Colón Núm 507 por calle 8
Mérida, Yucatán, México C.P. 97070
Distinguido Delegado,
Por medio de la presente, yo NAME OF APPLICANT AS SHOWN ON PASSPORT, solicito el cambio de mi calidad migratoria de FM3 a FM2. Mi condición no ha cambiado. Solicito a su vez, continuar residiendo en México como “Residente rentista”, durante este proceso. Adjunto copias de los documentos solicitados para este trámite. Le agradezco por anticipado la atención prestada a la presente solicitud, esperando contar con el otorgamiento del cambio calidad migratoria. Bajo protesta de decir verdad.
Atentamente
MAIN APPLICANT NAME AND APPLICANT SIGNATURE
APPLICANT’S ADDRESS Calle (ENTER ADDRESS) Col. (ENTER NEIGHBORHOOD)
Mérida, Yucatán, México C.P. 97000
Tel. domicilio (ENTER HOME PHONE) Cel. (ENTER CELL PHONE) =====================================================
Letter for WIFE OF main applicant for changing from an FM3 to an FM2:
Mérida Yucatán a (ENTER YOUR DATE HERE)
Asunto: Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria
Delegado Benito Fernando Rosel Issac (OR SUBSTITUTE NAME & ADDRESS OF YOUR INM OFFICIAL)
Instituto Nacional de Migración Delegación Regional en Yucatán
Av. Colón Núm 507 por calle 8
Mérida, Yucatán, México C.P. 97070
Distinguido Delegado,
Por medio de la presente, yo ENTER WIFE’S NAME solicito el cambio de mi calidad migratoria de FM3 a FM2. Yo soy la esposa y dependiente de ENTER HUSBAND’S NAME. Mi condición no ha cambiado. Solicito a su vez, continuar como residente rentista, durante este proceso. Adjunto copias de los documentos solicitados para este trámite. Le agradezco por anticipado la atención prestada a la presente solicitud, esperando contar con el otorgamiento del cambio calidad migratoria. Bajo protesta de decir verdad.
Atentamente
SIGNATURE AND NAME OF WIFE ADDRESS OF WIFE
Calle (ENTER ADDRESS) Col. (ENTER NEIGHBORHOOD)
Mérida, Yucatán, México C.P. 97000
Tel. domicilio (ENTER HOME PHONE) Cel. (ENTER CELL PHONE) =====================================================
Letter for CHILD OF main applicant for changing from an FM3 to FM2:
Mérida Yucatán a (ENTER YOUR DATE HERE)
Asunto: Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria Delegado Benito Fernando Rosel Issac (OR SUBSTITUTE NAME & ADDRESS OF YOUR INM OFFICIAL)
Instituto Nacional de Migración Delegación Regional en Yucatán
Av. Colón Núm 507 por calle 8
Mérida, Yucatán, México C.P. 97070
Distinguido Delegado,
Por medio de la presente, yo, NAME OF MAIN APPLICANT, solicito el cambio de calidad migratoria de FM3 a FM2 para mi hija menor y dependiente, NAME OF CHILD. Solicito a su véz, que mi hijja menor continúe radicando en México durante éste proceso. Adjunto copias de los documentos solicitados para este trámite. Le agradezco por anticipado la atención prestada a la presente solicitud, esperando contar con el otorgamiento del cambio calidad migratoria lo ántes posible. Bajo protesta de decir verdad.
Atentamente
MAIN APPLICANT NAME AND APPLICANT SIGNATURE
APPLICANT’S ADDRESS Calle (ENTER ADDRESS) Col. (ENTER NEIGHBORHOOD)
Mérida, Yucatán, México C.P. 97000
Tel. domicilio (ENTER HOME PHONE) Cel. (ENTER CELL PHONE) =====================================================
Our gentle readers may note that it takes roughly 3-5 business days for INM’s part of each of the steps listed above, so, it has recently been taking 2 – 3 weeks to complete the FM2 or FM3 processes, but “TIM”, which means that each individual’s experience will be different and procedures will likely change over time. A few ex-pats around the web report completing the process in under 10 days.
If getting an FM3 or FM2 on your own is not your idea of fun, you can hire a local immigration lawyer or a local agent for a fee. Yucatan Living has an article describing one ex-pat’s experiences using YES (Yucatan Expatriate Services) at: http://www.yucatanliving.com/yucatan-survivor/renewing-my-mexican-visa.htm Various expats have recommended the following immigration lawyers: Alvaro R. Baqueiro Rodríguez & Enna Baqueiro Rodríguez Calle 16 No. 110 Col. México Tel. 99-926-6668 Cell 999-968-2745 David Rejon Canabal Tel. 999-944-9728 Cell 999-163-5290 davidrejon@hotmail.com ====================================================================
*One disadvantage to having an FM2 is that you may not be outside of Mexico for more than a combined total of 18 months during your FM2 period. Based on Articulo 47 of the GLP, there are no annual stipulations/requirements for how long you must be in Mexico in individual years:
“Para el cómputo de ausencias que el artículo 47 de la Ley autoriza a los inmigrantes, se aplicarán las reglas siguientes: I. Podrán ausentarse del país hasta dieciocho meses en forma continua o con intermitencias dentro de sus cinco años de estancia; II. El Inmigrante que permanezca fuera del país más de dieciocho meses, no podrá solicitar su calidad de Inmigrado, hasta en tanto no transcurra de nuevo íntegramente el plazo que exige el artículo 53 de la Ley; …” (according to the Instituto Nacional de Migracion website) FM2 “Rentista” status holders are allowed to have cars with foreign plates, but if you change to full working FM2, “Lucrativa” status, you lose the right to keep a foreign plated car.
There are some Mexican jobs allowed under FM2 “Rentista” status, but please check with an employment lawyer for details. If you are coming into Mexico to do business, the new FMM requirements are described at: Mexican FMMs, FM2s, FM3s: DIY? ====================================================================
Added Rules for Keeping A Foreign Vehicle in Mexico:
It is worth noting that you may keep your US or Canadian licensed vehicle here if you have a Rentista FM2, which is an FM2 does not allow you to work in Mexico. If your FM2 includes a work permit, or is a Familiar FM2 (Family member), then you may not keep a foreign plated vehicle here. FM3′s with work permits are allowed to keep foreign plated vehicles here in Mexico. In another twist of the regulations, you must notify Aduana with a simple letter, formally notifying Aduana of your change in visa status (“prórroga”) from FMM to FM2 or FM2, so, Aduana can change the temporary status of your vehicle in their computer records, per: “Obligación de registrar y retornar el vehículo Si usted no retorna el vehículo, su garantía se hará efectiva y Banjército transferirá el monto a la Tesorería de la Federación, a más tardar al segundo día hábil bancario siguiente a aquel en que haya vencido el plazo de la importación temporal. Si usted dejó una garantía y obtiene prórroga, ampliación o refrendo a su calidad o cambio en la calidad migratoria de no inmigrante a inmigrante rentista, siempre que exista continuidad en las calidades migratorias, para que la misma no se haga efectiva deberá presentar de forma personal en cualquiera de las 49 aduanas del país un escrito en formato libre, dando aviso de dicha circunstancia, dentro de los 15 días hábiles siguientes a aquel en que le hubiere sido otorgada la prórroga, ampliación, refrendo o cambio en la calidad migratoria de inmigrante a inmigrante rentista, debiendo anexar copia del comprobante de dicho trámite, así como del permiso de importación temporal del vehículo y, en su caso, la tarjeta de internación. ” http://www.aduanas.gob.mx/aduana_mexico/2008/vehiculos/141_10028.html
From Rolly Brook’s excellent site: Here is the form of the letter and address you should send it to:
Administración General de Aduanas Administración Central de Planeación Aduanera Av. Hidalgo No. 77, Módulo IV, primer piso Col. Guerrero, Delegación Cuauhtemoc Código Postal 06300, México, D.F.
Por medio de la presente me permito informarle a used que El Instituto Nacional de Migración de este país me ha concedido prorroga en mi calidad migratoria por el tiempo de __*__ días para permanecer en México, con vencimiento del día __**____. [*= number of days of your FM3 renewal – usually 365] [**= expiration date of your renewal] Lo que estoy avisando a esta autoridad para los efectos del Articulo 106, fracción IV, inciso a de la Ley Aduanera, con respecto a la importación temporal de mi vehículo: Marca:_____________________ [Make of car] Modelo: ___________________ [Model of car] No de serie_________________ [VIN] Efectuada por la Aduana de _______________________ [where you got the permit] Amparo del Permiso de Importación Temporal No. _______ [hologram number] Fecha de Entrada del vehículo: _______________ [date of entry with vehicle] Fecha de Vencimiento del Permiso: ___________ [expiration date of permit] Para que pueda prolongarse el plazo del vehículo mientras dure mi calidad migratoria. Atentamente, [Your signature] [Your name] ==========================================================
Short Term Visitor Exemptions:
There are special exemptions for short term visitors entering from cruise ships and those entering briefly & staying close to the border. The regulations will not be applied to short-term visitors ( < 3 days) along México’s northern border (20 km frontier zone) nor to cruise ship passengers who briefly disembark at various approved locations. As before, these folks will not need a Mexican tourist card to visit for 72 hours or less under these special circumstances. ==============================================================
Non-Commercial Tourists are typically allowed to bring in up to $300 household items and other items with an FMM, but you will possibly have to pay import duties. The amount of the duties depends on how and when you cross into Mexico. According to the General Rules on Matters of Foreign Trade for 2008 that were published officially in the Mexican federal official gazette on April 30, 2008, passengers who come into the country by land, air, or sea may import up to US$3,000 in merchandise without having to use the services of a customs broker and without paying an overall tax rate of 15 percent.
According to the Rules, this importation ceiling is in addition to the ordinary duty-free importation allowance of US$75, or US$300 during tax holidays. The Rules, which came into force on May 1, 2008, clarify that computer equipment may be imported without having to go through a customs broker for a maximum value of US$4,000, the total sum of merchandise. (US Library of Congress: http://www.loc.gov/lawweb/servlet/lloc_news?disp3_l20540560_text ) The amount of duty free imports by tourists depends on the items you are bringing in. The general rules are that tourists w/FMMs are allowed to bring in their personal effects duty-free. According to customs regulations, in addition to clothing, personal effects may include one camera, one video cassette player, one personal computer, one CD player, 5 DVDs, 20 music CDs or audiocassettes, 12 rolls of unused film, and one cellular phone. (US Department of State & CIS: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html ) There are different rules for flying than for driving.
If you are flying, IATA describes the rules: ( http://www.iatatravelcentre.com/MX-Mexico-customs-currency-airport-tax-regulations-details.htm ) Items for free import when flying: 1. (only for persons over 18 years of age:) 400 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250 grammes of pipe tobacco; 2. (only for persons over 18 years of age:) 3 litres of wine or liquor (alcoholic beverages); 3. a reasonable quantity of perfume, eau-de-cologne and lotions for personal use; 4. a photo or movie or video camera. One additional camera for passengers residing outside Mexico; 5. 12 rolls of film or video cassettes; 6. goods up to USD $300.-. If you are driving into Mexico, using an arrival point in the international border area (US, Guatemala, Belize), then the duty free limit is $50.00 USDs. worth of merchandise.
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Cancelling, Abandoning, Surrendering an FM3
Take a letter to INM describing and documenting who you are (FM3 number, passport number, name, etc) and state that you want to abandon your FM3. The old FM3 booklets used to say:
“At the termination of the circumstances for which residency in the country of the owner was authorized, he/she should abandon the country within 30 days, relinquishing this document at the migration office where he/she exits (the country).”
This gives you 30 days to leave the country and maybe go get an FMM?
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FM2 Subcategory Note
As of November 18, 2010 La LEY Federal de Derechos (Artitículo 9º de la LFD), the last line of Article 9 says:
“No pagarán los derechos a que se refiere este artículo, los científicos en actividades no lucrativas.“
This means that those of us who work as unpaid scientists in Mexico are exempt from paying the current $2,801 peso FM2 fee. (Makes me glad that I’ve donated time doing scientific translating for several Mexican publications.) Still, there is one(?) hidden surprise in the process: While people who qualify as unpaid scientific residents (Residente Cientifico) do not have to pay annual FM2 renewal fees, they still must pay the normal FM2 fee for changing their status. This means that if you are changing from an FM3 to an FM2, or are extending your FM2, you must pay the $2,801 peso fee one time to change status to FM2 Residente Cientifico. http://www.aduanas-mexico.com.mx/claa/ctar/leyes/lfd.html#art9
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Useful INM Websites:
Master INM Page for Immigrants to Mexico: http://www.inm.gob.mx/ INM’s Manual for 2010: (en Español) http://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5129775&fecha=29/01/2010 http://www.inm.gob.mx/index.php/page/Tramites http://www.inm.gob.mx/index.php/page/Solicitud_de_Empresa http://www.inm.gob.mx/index.php/page/Solicitud_de_Internacion
Please Continue to Make Comments and Replies to Help Keep This Information Current!
Disclaimer: This information is not meant as legal advice. It is for educational and informational purposes only. Government policies vary between States and offices, and Mexican Government officials have broad discretion in how they individually enforce policies, so, your personal experiences may vary. See a professional for advice on important issues.
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Feel free to copy while giving proper attribution: YucaLandia/Surviving Yucatan. © Steven M. Fry Read-on MacDuff . . .
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Steven,
Many thanks for a thoroughly comprehensive look at the paths to residency!
~eric.
As always – Excellent work!
Khacki & Eric: thanks!
I cleaned-up a few small bogeys today in the inmigrado section, a section of particular interest to me, since I’ll likely be filing for Inmigrado status in 1½ years.
This is wonderful. Special thanks for the approved letters! So if we don’t have to be citizens to get rid of our fideicomiso? Just become a resident alien? cool.
regards,
Theresa
Theresa,
Initial reports from around the web (and from one local real-estate source) proposed this finding, but I later posed the question to a lawyer and some other experts, and the lawyer and experts disagreed with the original posting. They explain that we must become citizens to get rid of the fideicomisos… *sigh* I’ve re-written that section. steve
Hey Steven,
I’m living in Valladolid and need to renew my FM3. I followed your instructions to the T and submitted my form. Thank you for your excellent explanation and directions. And don’t let me forget to thank you for the letter!
Awesome work!
Barbara
PS Are you the author Steven Fry?
Steve, thanks so much for posting this. We found it very helpful. If I may add a few things…
Our FM3s say we are owners of our Mexican corporation. So our letters were different. Luckily the woman at INM helped guide us to write it properly. Here it is:
Por medio de la presente manifiesto bajo protesta de decir verada, que subsisten las condiciones bajo las cuales fue expedid la caracteristica migratoria. Asi mismo manifiesto que actualmente me desempeno como (Accionista y Gerente General) (Accionista y Operadora) de la empresa (Insert your Corporation Name).
The Accionista y Gerente General/Operadora were taken from our old FM3 booklets where it says exactly what our roles in our corporation are. Just put the appropriate wording in your letter.
We also had to get a copy from our accountant that showed our company is up to date with the Mexican tax department. It is on SAT letterhead, one page. Our accountant got it to us the next day. We did not have to show bank statements or any proof that we have sufficient income. We also did not have to show a utility bill. The hardest part was writing the letter correctly. We had just written that we were here under the same terms as had been previously outlined in our FM3, but they wanted it written out as you see it, specifying exactly what it is we do. We do run a business here but I would assume that any foreigner who is here having established a corporation (rather than a fideicomiso) for the purpose of owning property (rather than running an active business) would have to write a similar letter and get the same tax accounting.
Again, thanks! You helped make the whole process easy.
Joanne & Chuck
Hi Joanne,
Thank you so much for the additional letter!
steve
We too are registered as a corporation for the purpose of owning land in the restricted zone …. but we are listed as a ” sociadad anonimo ” ( non-profit )
While we have the right to run any business ( except a bar or a brothel ), if we choose not to, and remain a non profit corporation, ( i.e…. no income ) we do not have to file with the Mexican taxing authority. ….. we hold a general meeting every year which says no business was conducted and the brief minutes of this meeting are filed with our notario publico in case we ever have to prove anything
The only small disadvantage to this situation is that we still have to show proof of income for the previous 3 months, when we renew our FM-3 status BUT, they accept our solicitud under the old wording and we do not have to specify what we do or divulge any other information.
Also if you own land ( or a house ) you can show your predial ( catastro ) receipt as
proof of domicile instead of a CFE …. we have solar + generator ( no CFE ) so this
helped us.
Are you sure you have to file an annual assembly meeting if no business was conducted? I am in the same situation and my accountant advised me i did not have to hold an annual assembly meeting, but neither he or my professional real estate accountant really are sur neither.
Hi Gerhard,
I can only report what I have copied from official IRS publications. ???
steve
I am living here in MX with my husband….My FMM will expire soon and I am very concerned as to what I have to do to renew it. When I received my FMM, I asked what I needed to do to renew it and they told me all I had to do was to go back to the border line and that was it! Now I have been told I have to actually cross over into the USA and stay for 24 hours and then today I read online that as of May of 2010, there is only one issued per year, is this true? I am totally confused! I was also told I could go to the mexican embassy and ask for an extension…do you have any info that might help me know what I have to do? Thanks.
Hi Tammy,
I have asked 3 different INM employees this exact pair of questions at our Merida INM office, including 1 senior agent and a supervisor. All three independently said if you wanted to continue visiting Mexico using FMMs that:
1. You could renew your FMM as many times as you like, by exiting Mexico and returning.
2. You are allowed to leave Mexico (where our closest approved crossing and re-entry point is Chetumal/Belize) and return back into Mexico that same day. I asked the 3 different people on 3 separate occasions in May, 2010, and they all answered with exactly the same answers. or
3. You could apply for an FM2 or an FM3 if you choose to, and not leave Mexico until they issue you your new change of status to FM2 or FM3.
The online reports that Mexico is issuing only 1 FMM per year are incorrect, though one (flawed) interpretation could be that you are not allowed more than 180 days in a calendar year, but again, 3 of our local INM agents all definitely said that the 180 day rule applies only to each FMM, not to multiple FMMs per year.
Rolly Brook has reported similar findings on his website, but as always in Mexico, other INM offices in other cities and individual officers in these other offices may decide to be difficult, and they may interpret the rules differently, and it may take a local Notario or maybe a lawyer to get the knot out of the cat’s tail.
Where are you living and what INM office have you visited?
I think I have answered your questions, yes?
You also stated:
“I was also told I could go to the mexican embassy and ask for an extension”
This statement leaves me confused. There are no Mexican Embassies in Mexico, so, you would have to leave Mexico, which ends your current FMM.
So when you leave Mexico legally at an official border crossing, you turn in your old FMM, and INM cancels it out, and if you have a vehicle in Mexico under that FMM, you also have them remove the sticker from your windshield, so they also close out your record of that vehicle under that old FMM. You are then eligible to re-enter and receive a new FMM, and if you want to bring the vehicle back in, they issue you a new sticker (along with the fees), under your new FMM.
Can you please write us with an update of what happens in the future with your case?
Other items?
steve
What happens if my vehicle is not in operating conditions and I cannot take it back to the US? I know I´m not supposed to sell it, but if it is no longer any good to me and I sell it for parts, what happens? Would there be a problem renewing my personal FMM in this case? Thanks for your help and courtesy.
Hi Tammy,
There is no problem with getting a new FMM, but since there will be a vehicle shown as registered under your old FMM, you will not be allowed to bring in any other vehicles in the future into Mexico, because your current car uses up your allotment of 1 vehicle. Is the vehicle in such bad shape that it could not be driven or towed to Progreso or Belize? There are attorneys in Progreso that handle nationalizing vehicles at the Port of Entry, and you could nationalize the vehicle, and then sell it. Or take it to Belize, and sell it there?
steve
Hi Steve, thank you so much for taking time to help me with all these questions! In regards to the vehicle, I didnt have the money to do the repairs it needed so I had no other choice except to sell it. I have learned since then that the new owner has repaired it and legalized it here in MX. I understand that this goes against the terms of the permit, but like I said I had no other choice. So, what happens when they see that the truck is now registered in MX? Am I still gonna be safe? Would it help me to take the sticker off the windshield with me and turn it in? I am just trying to a void any big problems because of this. I am close to the border line of TX, a bit far from Yucatan..LOL Thanks again…you are such a big help!!
Hi Tammy,
Well, the circumstances with the vehicle have gone beyond our experience, and I think you need to talk with a lawyer or notario with experience in these areas on how to resolve the problems. The last person I heard from about a similar issue needed over a year to un-knot the problems.
Much Luck!
steve
Steve, Thank you so much for providing this information. My husband and I just obtained our FM3, 32 days after applying and followed your steps with just a few hitches.
Your letter above for requesting an FM3 is for requesting a renewal. We used your FM2 letter requesting a change in status, from FMM to FM3.
At our initial interview, the only document missing from your list above was a copy of our passport. They were very kind and made a copy of it, but said it was required.
After the first 3 messages from INM, the 4th message we received was Favor de presentarse a una oficina del INM. (Basically, please come to the office.) We went and were told that we had to pay before they would set up an appointment. They provided the papers with the amounts and told us to pay at any bank. 4 blocks from INM on Reforma at Av. Colón is a BankNorte and we went there. When we returned, they set up our final appointment, which was when they took the five photographs. (a front and profile for 2 copies of an office form and a front for the actual FM3 card). Appointments are currently running about 2 weeks after payment.
Overall, we found the process really simple in spite of the fact that we do not speak Spanish. Everyone we encountered was very helpful.
One question: Several websites we have read said there are fines incurred if you do not notify INM within 30 days of moving. We asked when we were there, because we are moving December 1st, how to notify them of a change of address. 3 different clerks told us it was not necessary. Is this an old rule, or do we need to notify them and if so, how do we “officially” do that? Thank you again for a great website.
Hi Susan,
We’re glad things went well for you. Thank you so much for the updates. We’ll update the text of the article to include your information (in case other readers don’t read all the comments.)
Re fines for not notifying INM of moves: We have insights on this issue, but it sounds like one of the frequent variations across Mexico in application and enforcement of rules: what works in one State may not work at all in a different Mexican State. Since the notification process seems pretty easy, why not register changes in address, and avoid potential “gotcha” hassles later? If you have to bring in a comprabante in your next renewal, then INM could easily cross check your old address vs. your current address, and the ensuing after effects may be more of a hassle than the effort to file the address change report.
steve
Steve, thanks for your quick response. The question is how do we do that (change our address)? Is there a place on INM’s website, is it a form we pick up somewhere? Do we just send them a certified notice and leave it at that? I have spent about 20 hours searching on the web, and while numerous sites say there is a fine, none says how to change the address.
Hi,
I have been here in the Cancun Area for 4 months. My FMM runs out Jan 17, 2011.
I have a truck I brought in through Matamoros. When I was in line there, in July, I recall a few Americans were a little more than unhappy that they were told they had to go to the port of entry they originally came in to get their car sticker removed and it had to be done by one of the immigration personnel.
I am going for an FM3 through an attorney and the Belize border is closer. Not only that, Tamaulipas is not as safe as it was 4 months ago and I am not driving back there (ever).
I can’t import it, it’s a 2005.
I thought I would sell it in Belize. They will allow it to be imported but they tax very high for it.
Can you comment on any or all of the above?
Thanks in advance.
Kevin (Puerto Morelos) Q-Roo
Hey Kevin,
I don’t believe there are any rules that force you to return to the border crossing that issued your FMM to take your vehicle out of Mexico. Mexican rules do require that you leave the sticker on your windshield, and that only the Aduanas people remove it. I don’t know if there is a Port of Entry in Quintana Roo, but we are allowed to use the Port of Entry at Progreso to shift vehicles from FMM status to a new FM3. Is there an equivalent opportunity at an international port in Qunitana Roo(? – we don’t know Q. Roo), or you can simply cross the border at Chetumal into Belize, and return into Mexico that same day. Why are you thinking you must import or sell the vehicle in Q.. Roo (or if it is less than 10 years old, then the import taxes would be too high? – or is it a non-NAFTA vehicle?)
Here’s another take on how to do it:
After you renew your FM3 or after you convert from FMM to FM3, you must notify Aduana within 10 days to continue your vehicle’s registration. You can do this by mail, or stop by one of Mexico’s 42 cities that have an Aduana office, for no fee. Aduana does not issue new stickers nor registration papers. It is good to keep a copy of your registration letter in your vehicle along with a copy of the registration form. It is not good to carry the original in your car, as a friend of ours just accidently left theirs with a Q Roo officer during the stress of a traffic stop last week. The original registration papers can be critical if anything happens to your car.
Here is an example letter (from Rollybrook.com) and and address you can send it to:
Administración General de Aduanas
Administración Central de Planeación Aduanera
Av. Hidalgo No. 77, Módulo IV, primer piso
Col. Guerrero, Delegación Cuauhtemoc
Código Postal 06300, México, D.F.
Por medio de la presente me permito informarle a used que El Instituto Nacional de Migración de este país me ha concedido prorroga en mi calidad migratoria por el tiempo de __*__ días para permanecer en México, con vencimiento del día __**____.
[*= number of days of your FM3 renewal – usually 365]
[**= expiration date of your renewal]
Lo que estoy avisando a esta autoridad para los efectos del Articulo 106, fracción IV, inciso a de la Ley Aduanera, con respecto a la importación temporal de mi vehículo:
Marca:_____________________ [Make of car]
Modelo: ___________________ [Model of car]
No de serie_________________ [VIN]
Efectuada por la Aduana de _______________________ [where you got the permit]
Amparo del Permiso de Importación Temporal No. _______ [hologram number]
Fecha de Entrada del vehículo: _______________ [date of entry with vehicle]
Fecha de Vencimiento del Permiso: ___________ [expiration date of permit]
Para que pueda prolongarse el plazo del vehículo mientras dure mi calidad migratoria.
Atentamente,
[Your signature]
[Your name]
Many thanks to Rolly Brook for his continued good help to expats!
Tell us how it worked out.
steve
Steve,
When is the last time you verified the requirement that after you renew your FM3 or after you convert from FMM to FM3, you must notify Aduana within 10 days to continue your vehicle’s registration? I called Aduana about this just a couple of weeks ago. They told me that there is no requirement to notify them once the FM3 is issued. The valid FM3 itself authorizes the validity of the temporary vehicle importation permit. I then asked the agent to show me on their website the rules that indicate this (so that I could print it out and carry it in my vehicle at all times). They sent me to section 4.2.7 (fourth to last paragraph) of the “Reglas Comercio Exterior 2010″ at the following address: http://www.aduanas.gob.mx/aduana_mexico/2008/normatividad/143_18899.html. Below is the sentence I was interested with: “La vigencia del permiso de importación temporal del vehículo se acreditará con el documento oficial que emita la autoridad migratoria, sin que se requiera autorización de las autoridades aduaneras.” This indicates to me that Aduana does not have to be notified in order to maintain your temp import permit valid. Any thoughts? This was definitely a concern of mine when applying for my FM3. Thanks
Marcos,
“La vigencia del permiso de importación temporal del vehículo se acreditará con el documento oficial que emita la autoridad migratoria, sin que se requiera autorización de las autoridades aduaneras.” is an interesting variation / reply.
My Yucatecan wife interprets this to say (somewhat ambiguously) that Aduana does NOT have to certify nor approve your right to drive the imported vehicle (still with USA tags) when you change visa status out of FMM, but this statement does not formally relieve you from the separate Aduana requirement to notify Aduana of your change in visa status (“prórroga“).
This is legalese to say that Inmigracion approves the prórroga, and that you have the right to drive the car without further approval from Aduana (a separate gob. agency), but this does not relieve you of the separate responsibility of notifying Aduana of your change in status (prórroga) for the affected vehicle, per the following Aduana rules:
“Obligación de registrar y retornar el vehículo
Si usted no retorna el vehículo, su garantía se hará efectiva y Banjército transferirá el monto a la Tesorería de la Federación, a más tardar al segundo día hábil bancario siguiente a aquel en que haya vencido el plazo de la importación temporal. Si usted dejó una garantía y obtiene prórroga, ampliación o refrendo a su calidad o cambio en la calidad migratoria de no inmigrante a inmigrante rentista, siempre que exista continuidad en las calidades migratorias, para que la misma no se haga efectiva deberá presentar de forma personal en cualquiera de las 49 aduanas del país un escrito en formato libre, dando aviso de dicha circunstancia, dentro de los 15 días hábiles siguientes a aquel en que le hubiere sido otorgada la prórroga, ampliación, refrendo o cambio en la calidad migratoria de inmigrante a inmigrante rentista, debiendo anexar copia del comprobante de dicho trámite, así como del permiso de importación temporal del vehículo y, en su caso, la tarjeta de internación. ”
http://www.aduanas.gob.mx/aduana_mexico/2008/vehiculos/141_10028.html
So, there is a legal hair here to be split, which is likely beyond the knowlege of typical Aduana’s clerks: Aduana’s does not have to certify or approve your vehicle’s approval status when Inmigracion approves your change in visa status from FMM to FM3 or M2, but this does not relieve you of the requirement under a separate Aduana statute that you notify Aduana of the status change withing 15 days.
Gotta love Govt. Doublespeak…
One final thought: I suspect 90% of the Aduana folks do not know the subtlties of the regs and rules, but as an “Obligacion” I personally would not like to see my vehicle go into regulatory hell, and be confiscated by the 10% that do know the rules, because I did not write a simple letter.
Which is better? Rely on the interpretation of one Aduana clerk and hope you can explain the regs to a different one later, or simply write a letter.
Some people enjoy working the niches and edges of the law on narrow paths, running minor risks, while other people choose wider easier but less-exciting paths.
I look forward to hearing how it works out, especially if you ever attempt to leave Mexico with the vehicle, (having them remove the sticker), and you find that your vehicle’s status has not been updated in Aduana’s computer system, and you then are required to produce lots of paper documents on-the-spot to try to prove your case that your vehicle is still legitimate, when their systems instead show that you exceeded the vehicle’s approved time limit of your FMM – as they point to the clearly worded statute requiring notification of visa status change within 15 days of Inmigracion approval.
Me? I’d avoid all the potential hassles, and send the letter, to have my vehicle’s status properly logged into Aduana’s computers.
Marco, what do you think?
Best of Luck, steve
I have a question. If my FMM is about to expire and I crossed the border at Reynosa and am currently in Merida can I go to Belize to renew or get a new 180 day visa? Or do I have to do this in the United States?
Thank you so much for any info.
Hi Michael,
Yes, Belize is the closest official border crossing to leave Mexico from Merida when your FMM is expiring. It’s a pleasant bus ride down to Chetumal, and you could even fit in some shopping in the big Duty Free Zone just inside Belize. If you are driving a US or Canadian plated car, be sure to take it there, and have the Aduana folks remove their sticker, so, you can re-enter that same day and get a new FMM and a new sticker.
Enjoy!
steve
Thank you Steve for the quick reply to my email. The information will help us if we come down that way. You have an interesting and informative site….I have spent a bit of time looking it over and absorbing all I can.
-Michael
Steve,
I have another question if you don’t mind. My wife and I would like to come down to Campeche for an extended visit. I would assume that you have been there. Most everything I read about this city is positive. What are your impressions of it? Do you know if it has a Scotiabank or Santander Bank? These apparently are the only two banks that have a agreement with Bank of America so one does not get hit with fees. Once again any info you can supply we would surely appreciate.
Michael and Patty Kane
Michael,
Campeche is lovely, with a long malecon and terrific seafood (hint: we find the seafood there – on average – is notably better than in Yucatan state or Merida). The pace in Campeche is also much more leisurely, and the people are lovely = a good place to go and relax.
Merida tends to get much more focus from expats and others because we are the medical center, educational center, commercial center, and industrial center for 500 miles. This means that Campechanos can enjoy their less-hurried lives, because they have realatively easy access (a 2 hour drive) to excellent services that are typically not needed on a daily basis.
Hope you enjoy your stay there!
steve
Do you know what fines are incurred for an expired FMM? My girlfriends FMM will expire 30 or so days prior to our leaving Mexico and we are currently in Mazatlan with plans to head south on our boat so it is quite a trek to get to a border crossing. For financial reasons a FM3 is not doable for her at this time. Any info is appreciated
Hi Jerry,
There have been various personal web-reports on expired or lost FMM’s and FMT’s. In the past, people report airport INM fees/fines ranging from $45 USD to $200 USD, depending on their circumstances – along with hours of delays = missed flights. There can also be $70 peso per day fines assessed for expired FMMs.
If you leave the country by ground transport and do not turn in your old FMM, there are reports of fines ranging up to $2,000 for some individuals receiving $600 MXN pesos per month for expired FMTs. Since these personal web-posts and reports typically leave out a lot of key details, and the fines can vary from State to State and vary between border crossings depending on individual circumstances, I don’t know that there is a single universal fine charged by all INM offices every time.
Are there closer – non-border – INM offices that you could visit to resolve the problem, to avoid additional daily or monthly fees for expired FMMs?
When you resolve this, can you please post some comments describing the specifics of how things worked out for you?
Hope you get by with just the “old” $45 USD expired FMT fine,
steve
Steve,
I had not read the web page that you sent me. Both statements seem to contradict each other. I wonder if the normatividad document that the aduana agent sent me supersedes their own web page. That document seems to be more “official” than the web page. I am including the entire paragraph since it does lead me to believe that I am relieved of any obligation to notify them. Here it is:
“El plazo para retornar los vehículos que hubieran sido importados temporalmente al amparo de las calidades migratorias señaladas en el artículo 106, fracción IV, inciso a) de la Ley, será el de la vigencia de la calidad migratoria, sus prórrogas, ampliaciones o refrendos otorgados a dichas calidades migratorias conforme a la ley de la materia. Para estos efectos la vigencia del permiso de importación temporal del vehículo se acreditará con el documento oficial que emita la autoridad migratoria, sin que se requiera autorización de las autoridades aduaneras. En este caso el permiso de importación temporal se mantendrá vigente aun cuando el importador haya obtenido cambio en la calidad migratoria de no inmigrante a inmigrante rentista, siempre que exista continuidad en las calidades migratorias.”
With that said, had I seen the web page you sent me then I would have notified aduana just to avoid any potential problems. I don’t plan on going back to the border with my vehicle for maybe another year but when I do I will definitely post my experience to this website. Thanks for your reply.
Marco
Hey Marco,
Good update!
My crude reading and my wife’s reading of the passage you quote does not necessarily make it directly and completely conflict-with or overturn the “Obligation” section I reported. Notifying Aduana of the change in status (so they can update their computer system information on you and your vehicle) does not mean that Aduana has to approve the change. (???)
In the world of conflicting Govt. regulations and conflicting Govt. rules, if people don’t send in the letter, don’t they also run the risk of having other future different Aduana agents quoting the regulation that requires a notification letter – leaving the vehicle owner stuck, trying to prove their case on-the-spot, with limited paper documentation of their claim?
It’s difficult to change a bureaucrat’s mind – particularly when the bureaucrat has a valid clear-cut regulation/rule that they can cite and stand on. Do ordinary citizens typically “win” when arguing “dueling-regulations” with an obstinate clerk and their supportive boss? (where it doesn’t help to appeal to the boss, because bureaucrats, like others, close ranks during conflicts)
Did I miss the mark when I proposed sending the letter to Aduana (a simple act) to avoid potential future problems, only triggered if you attempt to leave the country with the vehicle? – Why not send the letter? – It might save you paying a fine or bribe, or save time and money by having to pay a lawyer to push your case.
Best of Luck!
steve
Questions moved from another thread:
Gabrielle V. Canal wrote:
we know what it took to change from the booklet to the fm3 card last year .
what is one suppose to bring this year ?and does the process go that fast (5 days )at the INM in Guadalajara .Do we need another foto ?how much grace period before or after the expiration date is allowed ?
thank’s for your input .
Gabrielle,
We’ve shifted all the content to the updated and revised version of “Moving to Mexico: FMM, FM2, or FM3?” ( http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/living-in-yucatan-mexico/moving-to-mexico-fmm-fm2-or-fm3/ ). This article has been left here to maintain the past questions and answers, so, please refer to the other article:
“If you are outside of Mexico on an FM2 or FM3, and it is about to expire: Mexican Consulates no longer issue nor renew FM2 or FM3 booklets. Instead, now Mexican Consular Posts simply place a visa sticker on the foreign national’s passport, upon receipt of your on-line petition’s approval from the INM. The sticker allows entry into Mexico within 365 days of issuance. Upon entering México, you (the foreign national) must apply at INM for your new FM2 or FM3 migration card within 30 days. Only online applications for FM2s & FM3 are now accepted. Such applications can be made by you, your agent, or your attorney, using: http://inami.gob.mx/index.php/page/Solicitud_de_Empresa ”
I am assuming that you are outside Mexico, otherwise, why not just log-in to the Govt’s website and get the process started before your FM3 expires, because we understand that there is no grace period for late applicants when you are in Mexico – just fees, fines, & penalties.
Re INM requirements: We understand that you will need new fotos, as they are re-issuing new FM3 cards every year. The “Moving to Mexico: FMM, FM2, or FM3?” article lists INM’s current documentation requirements, but each individual office can add additional requirements. I understand from some national websites for Mexican expats that Gudalajara’s INM is taking 2 weeks to process applications, (but that may have changed in the meantime). You will apply online to update your FM3, receive a Pieza Numero, and then take that Pieza Numero to your INM office to start the paper part of the process. Since you do not need fotos for this year’s first INM visit, you can find out from your INM agents exactly what new fotos are needed during that visit.
Pingback: New INM FM2 FM3 Procedures Jan 2′nd 2010 Update | Surviving Yucatan
INM is the only agency which can renew (Prórroga) your FM-3 or extend
(Refrendo) your FM-2. If you are out of the country when it expires, you
have up to 30 days upon your return to renew it without penalty. You must
provide proof that you were not in Mexico when it expired as well as actual
date of your return.
One caveat is that you must apply within 60 days of the expiration date of
the FM-2/3 or you’ll have to apply for a new one. Quote paragraph 6.3 as
the authority.
If you have a pending renewal, you may use chapter 12. TRAMITE PARA QUE LOS
EXTRANJEROS TITULARES DE UNA FM3 O FM2 OBTENGAN PERMISO DE SALIDA Y REGRESO
to apply for an exit and reentry form to be used while your renewal is in
process. You may apply for renewal no earlier than 30 days prior to
expiration.
You can find this manual online at the INM site or DOF site (290110 ACUERDO
por el que se expide el Manual de Criterios y Trámites Migratorios del
Instituto Nacional de Migración)
The requirement to notify Aduana after obtaining a FM-2 or 3 from FMM only applies if you paid a CASH deposit insteaed of using a credit or debit card for you tempoary import sticker.
6.3 Si el extranjero se encuentra ausente del país al vencimiento de su FM3 o FM2, podrá solicitar su prórroga o refrendo, según corresponda, dentro de los treinta días siguientes a su reinternación, siempre y cuando no se haya ausentado del país más tiempo del que la Ley le autoriza. 6.3.1 En el caso de la FM3 no podrá exceder del plazo de ausencia señalado en la LGP o, de los sesenta días posteriores al vencimiento.
Any advise on additional items needed to renew a working FM3? I have had to bring copies of our trust in the past, are there also additional letters needed?
Thanks
The Web address given in the article for the inline form is incorrect. The correct address for individual applications is
http://inami.gob.mx/index.php/page/Solicitud_de_Estancia
Hi Jerry on SOMF, glad you made it south thus obviating your FMM problem!
So we have a similar issue – 4 people on one boat with FMMs set to expire May 4th, only need to stay another 30-60 days before heading up north. I have seen posts elsewhere that one can get such a renewal for $27 at an immigration office without leaving the country, do you have any updates on that? And if so, does one fill out the tramites de estancia form on the INM website first as well, for each of us?
Is there any Economic Citizenship program of Mexican Government as claimed here: ntralamericacitizenship dot com
Great help as I’ve been searching the net for days now with the hope of getting what could be the meaning of: ‘el trámite ha sido clasificado’, after being ‘registrado’ and ‘asignado’.
My dates so far are 29/04 and 18/05 in Delegatión Regional Puebla.
Thanks
Thanks
gosh, I feel so stupid. I have been traveling to Mexico for 5 years now on a tourist visa, FMM. and we have a home there. Have not applied for either FM2 or FM3 as I thought we couldn’t leave the country while it was being processed, as we were told this by an attorney. Also that we had to personally go to the government office every year to renew, and since we have plans to go to south america on an assignment for a year and a half we thought this would create a problem in renewing it as we will be gone when the year renewal date would come around, (thus never applied for it, just getting FMM). MY QUESTION/DILLEMA is: We have never turned any of the FMMs, just always get a new one when the 6 months is up. Now, I see on here there could be some kind of fines. They have never mentioned anything to us in the aduana, do they have a way of knowing that we have never returned the prior FMM’s (we’ve had numerous ones)? What can happen now? I really feel stupid about this, should have read the fine print I guess. By the way we live near the border, San Carlos, near Guaymas, very laid back here so far as regulations go, we don’t need a car permit, it’s a Free Zone. Many come to San Carlos without even getting the Tourist Permit. I know that Puerto Penasco, near the border doesn’t require either a car or Tourist Permit, but this area requieres only a tourist permit (why the difference I don’t know, maybe because San Carlos is 250 miles from the border while Puerto Penasco (which the Americans call Rocky Point) is about 100 miles I think. Any advice for this stupid american on not turning in the FMM? How do they know and how will they come after me???? What sort of fine could we get????
Pamela,
First, your lawyer could have told you to request a Permiso de Salida y Regreso from INM to leave the country while your INM application was in process. The rules also allow you to have the FM2/FM3 expire while you are out of the country, as long as you return within 60 days of the expiration date, and then apply at INM within 30 days of re-entry. Maybe time to get a different attorney.
Second, Aduana (Customs) has nothing to do with Inmigracion (INM), so, Aduana would not be expected to tell you about INM’s FMT or FMM requirements. Other readers might note that some border crossings make it really difficult to get to the INM office to turn in your FMM.
There are various reports from around the web about what happens to people who leave Mexico without turning in their FMT’s or FMM’s. Many people report that they had re-entered Mexico with no problems. Others report $40 – $200 – $400 fines. If the old FMT’s were logged into paper-only systems, INM may not be able to easily track the old violations. Your most recent newer FMM’s may have been logged into INM’s computers, and re-entry may trigger some fines. Based on the last 2 years of people’s web reports on this issue, it seems worth trying to enter Mexico at your liberal INM crossing point, ask them for an FMM, and see if they issue you one with no fines. When you leave Mexico, turn in the FMM, and be glad that you are back to being legal.
There is another legal option, where you mail your old FMTs and FMMs in to your Mexican Consulate: http://www.sre.gob.mx/ = Beg for mercy???
steve
Ok I have a question for you. My situation is that I entered Mexico by plane on Sept. 10, 2010 and have an FMM. Which is now way expired. Will there be any problems if I try to apply for an FM3? or any extra fees? About how long is this process to get a FM3? I am now 7 months pregnant and one of the requirements to get the baby papers when she is born is that I need to have an FM3, FM2, INM tourist card, or a mexican passport. Which I am thinking that an FM3 will be the easiest of the four to obtain. The only thing that is bad is that our nearest INM office is about 2 hours away. Also my mexican husband and I just bought property here in Michoacan and our lawyer stated that I am legal here because I own land. Which doesn’t sound right because I have no paperwork stating my status. Just because I own land here with my husband does that mean I am legal? thank you in advance
You are indeed facing problems. You need to apply for “REGULARIZAR SU SITUACIÓN MIGRATORIA EN MÉXICO” from the online form at this site: http://www.inm.gob.mx/index.php/page/Solicitud_de_Estancia Check in with the nearest INM for processing. Have a simple letter of request in spanish outlining your situation and your intentions. Chances are you will pay a fine as well as the current processing fees. You will need addtional information, but I would start now and have your husband in tow.
The process for getting an FM3 is taking about 3 weeks here in Yucatan, as long as you can document that you meet the requirements. but your office may be taking longer. Owning a residence in Mexico may be used by INM to adjust the Inmigrante income requirements, but this is a discretionary item that is up to each INM office.
Past reports from around web have quoted $2,000 – $4,000 peso fines for badly overstaying an FMM. We don’t know the citizenship rules for babies born in Mexico to foreigners, but I would expect a good Immigration atty. would be a better advisor. I would hustle into your INM office, since one reading of the new law is that INM could force you to leave the country under expired FMM and then re-enter to reapply, but not all aspects of the new law are being applied by individual INM offices. I read one report on an ex-oat bulletin board yesterday that their local INM office was requiring them to temporarily leave Mexico and pay fines with their expired FMM, before they could apply for an FM3.
These issues are also complicated by the current situation where the INM offices are trying to figure out how they will cope with implementing the new law, creating a layered set of problems in your case. This seem like an ideal time to contact an immigration attorney.
In my personal opinion, I would apply for the Inmigrante (FM2) status, because as the spouse of a Mexican Citizen, you would then qualify to apply for Mexican Citizenship with just 1 additional year as a Residente Permanente under the new law. I would also think that a baby born to a Mexican citizen (your husband, the father), would qualify for either or both US and Mexican citizenship, but these are simply an opinions, not legal advice.
Best of Luck,
steve
I’ve been living in Mexico fulltime about 3 years now and I’ve owned property under a trust for 6 years. I’ve always opted for the FM3 because of taxation related issues with the FM2. I’ve been in a common law marriage for two years with a mexican citizen and I’m considering taking the next step. I was curious about taxation when I move to a FM2 and then onto becoming a full blown citizen. I’m self employeed owning a corporation out of Nevis by US standards I own 100% of the corp and even though I don’t live in the US any longer it’s treated as a US corporation come tax time. I’m wondering if the same rules apply in mexico to foreign earned income. So for instance let’s fast track a few years down the road, I’m a mexican citizen and I’ve decided to expatriate does Mexico have the right to treat my foreign owned corp as a mexican corp and for me to pay taxes on it or do I only pay taxes on personal income that corp pays me or do I not even pay taxes on the personal income at all since it wasn’t originated from a mexican corp and I’m working for an offshore entity (i.e. myself)?
BajaGringo,
We have not read the Mexican tax codes, and only have direct advice from Mexican accountant on the paying of income taxes on our consulting and service activities. (We do not have a corporation.) We are an information and education site, and do not certify that any of our advice should be used for legal purposes. Contact a legal professional for trhe final word, particularly since law and regulations are updated and change, and there can be loopholes and execptions to the general principles of our understandings.
Is it possible that you don’t understand what it means to become a Mexican citizen, keeping your US citizenship and holding 2 passports?
As an American citizen, you still owe income tax on the income generated in the USA, and you pay it there. We do not know the details of Mexican tax law for US earned income. Some general principles described on other websites that would seem to apply: Income earned and received in the USA does not seem to be tracked by the Mexican Government; and income earned in Mexico as a person holding both citizenships (this is not “Dual Citizenship”) should have income taxes and SSI etc withheld in Mexico. e.g. As a citizen of 2 countries, you pay the taxes on the income earned and paid in the country where it is earned & paid.
A friend who has worked overseas much of his life reports that if US income taxes are higher than the foreign taxes on foreign income, you pay the foreign taxes first, and these foreign tax payments are then credited back against any taxes owed to the US (so you pay the US only the difference of the higher US taxes). Since your income is US derived, and paid in the US, then your main tax burden is paid to the USA.
If you contact a Mexican tax accountant on this, give us a shout and tell us their legal opinion.
steve
I am going to renew my inmigrante card next week. It used to be called the FM2. I am taking 3 bank statements from my bank here in Mexico and 3 bank statements from the U S, 3 months of paid electric bills and telephone bills, or 2 copies of each of the above, 2 copies of the inmigrante card, 2 copies of my U S passport and 4 pictures. I am going 30 days before my inmigrante card expires. Is there any thing else that I may need?
Hi Richard,
Have you printed up your “Inmigrante” application letter? (The one that requests the renewal request – including the statement about promising to only tell the truth?)
Have you logged online to the INM website, entered your personal information, and have you printed out the page that confirms your information, (and Pieza Number), to take with you and submit to the INM office?
Some people find it useful to keep a personal foto-copy of their current FM2 / Inmigrante card, in case they get stopped and asked for it.
Are you applying for an Inmigrante Rentista renewal, or for a working (Lucrativo) Inmigrante or a Familiar Inmigrante renewal? The Lucrativo and Familiar FM2′s also require letters from the employer or spouse.
Do you have any international travel planned for the next month?
steve
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Hi Steve-
It’s FM renewal time again and while reviewing your excellent info here I noticed a possible correction or addition you might want to make.
Last year when we were changing from FM3 to FM2 the INM office (in La Paz, Baja Sur) corrected our applications. It didn’t make sense at the time but of course we went along with it. I’ve since read that your first FM2 application is treated differently and you are registering with the Registro Nacional de Extranjeros so you choose different options on the online form. She changed ours to the following:
Box 1 Qué desea hacer?
Compir con obligaciones migratorias.
Box 2 * Especifique
Inscripción en el Registro Nacional de Extranjeros.
I’m assuming this year we’ll choose: “Extender la estancia” and “Refrendo de inmigrante”. We’ll see how it goes- it’s always an adventure.
Cindy,
Good points. I’ll check on the current options, and update the article.
steve
Silly question, perhaps, but where does the clock start on not leaving the country during the visa process?
We are building a home in Todos Santos BCS and are visiting for a week at a whack during the construction phase. FMM with the plane ticket is normal, but I want to take a car down later in the year to get away from rental fees.
I filled out the online form as described above for the new FM3 and have the numbers (pieza and clave), but now I am concerned that if we fly in next Tuesday and go to the INM in La Paz on Wednesday that we will get stuck in that “can’t leave” area.
BTW, I went to the Consulate in Santa Ana today to see about getting everything checked and paid (I hadn’t found this site yet) and was informed that they no longer have anything to do with FM2, FM3 or FMM visa matters, at all, period, full stop. INM only.
Thanks for any enlightenment…
Jim
Jim,
The official process does not start until you go to the INM office, and they accept and log in your pieza number and take your current immigration permit (your FMM in this case). I don’t know how quickly the La Paz INM office is processing new FM3 applications, but if they are like our office, you might have to hang around for a month after giving them your FMM, unless they are willing to give you a letter permitting you to travel internationally while they process your application.
steve
-
Thanks for the reply, Steve. I may go to the INM office in La Paz next week and ask before we start the process, or just wait until next year when we will be down for a longer stay.
Jim
Jim,
Please give us a shout when you find out how the La Paz INM office handles these requests. If your La Paz office is processing FM3′s in under 2 weeks like our Progreso office, then it may work out. If La Paz is processing FM3 in a month or more like our Merida office, then …
steve
I have had an FM3 for 12 years and finally have decided to apply for an FM2.
I own a condo on the coast in a Bank Trust. Will I eventually be able to cancel the Trust, get a direct deed and not have to pay the Bank Trust charges?
Thanks
Hey Ron,
You can only cancel the Trust (Fidei Comiso) after you become a naturalized Mexican Citizen. Does citizenship interest you? You can carry 2 passports, and get other benefits, without renouncing your Canadian or US citizenship.
steve
Thanks Steve. Well I might try for Citizenship. I’ll see. My big problem is speaking Spanish.
Actually speaking it is not a problem.
The problem is understanding Mexican conversations. They speak so fast.
Steve, we are about to renew our FM3 – right in the middle of the new law implementation.
We have the “new” card (received Oct 6, 2010) – do you know if we need to take new pictures?
Thanks,
Jaime
Hi Jaime,
Yes, you will need new pictures. Right side and front views, infantil, no ear-rings, no hair on the ears, hair pulled back from the forehead, etc as always.
People from around the web report slightly varying requirements for the numbers of each type of foto (front or side), so, you might check with your INM office on the number(s) of fotos they require. Since all the requirements are less than 6 fotos: 3 frontal and 3 right-side, then you could bring in extras, and they will keep what they need?
steve
Hi Steve,
I wanted to follow up on my comment from January 2, 2011 regarding the need to notify aduana of your temporary vehicle permit when you receive an FM3.
I crossed the border two days ago and canceled my permit in Nuevo Laredo (International Bridge II). The agent did not mention anything to me about the permit even being expired. He did not ask me for my FM3 either. He simply asked me for the original permit, took some pictures of the inside of the driver-side door (I presume it was for the VIN) and then asked me to remove the sticker from the windshield. I hope this helps others who have similar concerns as I did.
Marco
Hey Marco,
Good report.
Your experience fits with other expat reports on turning in their expired Temporary Import permits, This should be good news for some of the people who have posted on this subject below.
steve
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First, thank you for your incredible effort to research and respond about FM2/3.. I have shared your blog with five people recently and received thank you notes for doing so! Hopefully they will thank you as well!
My question is simple in that while renewing FM3 and having paid and received acknowledgement, when I click “aqui” to provide personal information, the INM website returns me to the status page of my FM3 renewal. It’s a Groundhog Day cycle of entering pieza, password, verifying NUT, and then status page.When I clck ‘aqui’, nothing shows up on that page except the right side column with 3 categories. When I click on SEGUIMIENTO DE TRAMITE, I receive the status page. Do you have any suggestions on how I may reach that final questionnaire to receive my appointment? Or I have misunderstood the process?
Thanks for your insight.
Cheerio!
Cherie,
After confirming your NUT, the INM website should take you to your status page. This page shows at what point your application is currently – e.g. payment registered. What are you trying to accomplish after reading about your current status? After your application has been accepted at your INM office, there is nothing else to do online, except to look for notifications like: “payment has been registered”.
Or do I misunderstand?
steve
Hola Steve,
The following info is an excerpt from your blog and where I thought I had to enter additional data:
“ Se permite el pre registro en línea de su información” : Click on the “aqui” button on the bottom of webpage to proceed to an INM web page where you enter various personal data.”
My status is what you’ve written on your blog. So I thought I had to click on “aqui” per the written instructions to enter more personal data than what I completed online when I received the pieza number. Payment was made. I’m waitng on an appointment. And clicking that “aqui” button as suggested above takes me again to the status page.
I was confused by the above statement. So now I understand there is no other data to be entered? I’ll just wait for the online appointment to appear.
Cheerio!
Cherie,
Thanks for your correction. In creating this article, I combined the information from previous Yucalandia visa articles, and I made an error in the editing process with this item. I’ve removed the confusing item & the mistaken instructions.
Yes, you now wait for them to tell you that it is time to return to their office.
Thanks! steve
Cherie,
I think we got to the bottom(s) of the issue: There’s a HICCUP in INM’s website.
It appears that if the applicant’s application process with INM takes long enough that it goes past the applicant’s visa’s previous expiration date, the INM system incorrectly sends out a notice asking the applicant to (re)enter their personal data – but since their personal data is already in the system with that year’s application, the website just sends the person to a non-functioning page with no place to enter data.
Our Merida INM personnel agreed (this morning) that the website was incorrect, and was not working properly when it sends out the notice asking entry of personal information.
Just continue your process as normal, ignore the website notification, and go to your office to check the status of your application.
Sorry that it took a bit of time to resolve what was going on, but I could not find out what was actually happening, because I can’t start an application to check for new errors.
steve
hi i hAVE A QUESTION. I REQUESTED A PERMIT TO GET MARRIED HERE IN MEXICO. I AM A AMERICAN CITIZEN. I WAS TOLD IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT 4 TO 5 DAY. I HAVE BEEN CHECKING ON THE WEBSITE EVERYDAY. SO FAR IT SAYS CLASIFICADO , ASIGNADO, PRESENTARSE EN LUGAR DE INM, UN PAGO A SIDO REGISTRADO, BUT THE PRESENT YOUSELF ONE WAS PUT THE DAY AFTER I WAS THERE SO THAT COULD NOT HAVE BEEN IT, DO I HAVE TI WAIT FOR SOMETHING THAT SAYS ITS READY OR WHAT. ITS BEEN EXACTLY A WEEK?? I WOULD REally APPRECIATE A RESPONCE
THANK YOU
Jorge,
We have not gone through the application process with Registro Civil and INM to get the approval for a foreigner to marry a Mexican, so, we don’t know how INM’s sytem works for getting their approval.
Maybe someone else can offer an answer from their experiences?
steve
Steven,
Without valid permission to stay in Mexico, and without provable minimum income or minimum cash or investments, it seems like you currently have few legal options. This seems like a case for an attorney experienced in Immigration to handle.
Best of luck,
steve
Thank you for telling me im in a deep hole as politely as possible haha
Great information! I’m not sure if you’ll have the answer to this, but maybe you can point me in the right direction. I am a FM3 holder, and I’m interested in information on nationalizing my car. It is a non-NAFTA 2001 VW (hecho en Germany). Is this possible? I’m curious as I am contemplating citizenship (eventually) and getting rid of my fidecomiso. Thanks for any information you can provide, and keep up the good work!
Hi Gringa Erin,
Private individuals may only nationalize cars that are manufactured or assembled in a NAFTA country. To shift to a permanent resident category, like Inmigrado or citizenship. you would have to either take the car outside of Mexico or donate it to the Mexican government.
steve
You wouldn’t happen to have any tips/suggestions for selling a car in Belize, would you? You also mention that “private individuals” can’t nationalize non-NAFTA cars, what about corporations? Again, thank you so much for the great information and friendly advice!
Erin,
I described “private individuals”, because car companies are allowed to bring in VWs, BMW,s, etc etc.
I know of a person here in Merida who works part-time with car sales people in Belize. There is a dance that is done in between the borders of Mexico and Belize, where you exit Mexico, but make a U turn into the Banjercito/Aduana office to return the Temporary Import sticker off your windshield, and to get a document proving that you turned in the sticker (so you can bring another vehicle back into Mexico in the future), and then you take the car into Belize for sale. Many people use a broker to get the car into Belize for sale, where they use some procedure to import the car into Belize without paying $1,000′s in taxes. It all works more smoothly if you have a buyer lined-up before you get there.
steve
Hi, I have successfully changed my status to INMIGRANTE with your assistance and Rolly’s. Thank you again for the streamlined service.
I don’t need the amount of income that I had to prove to get the change and have decided to put the excess funds in to savings NOB. But will I need to prove the income again next year upon renewal with 3 months Bank Statements? Or is that only on initial changes or when in 5 years I go to CItizenship? Thanks
Ron,
In theory, they could ask you to supply the proof of assets/support/income again next year, but I did not have to, 2 other friends here in Merida did not have to, and there are varying reports from across Mexico that most offices are not requiring it for recent renewals. Having said all that, there will be entirely new categories (no more Inmigrante or No Inmigrante), just Residente Temporal and Residente Permanente – so, who knows what each INM office will require under the new law and new regulations.
steve
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I figured that would be your response. I will be prepared. Thanks again
Hi, We purchased a home in Patzcuaro last year 2010 and are planning to move there sometime in 2012.We are planning to come to Patzcuaro next March 2012 to get our FM3.We don’t have a specific moving date as it all depends on the sale our home. Under the headling FM3 the long term Non- Immigant Visa,Pros,Cons–It states that we have to move within 6months from the date of issue of the FM3.My Question is,what happens if we cannot move within the 6 month period?
Any information will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Wyn
wyn,
If you don’t move within 6 months, you only lose the chance to bring in a load of furniture & household goods duty free. By missing the 6 month window, you may have to pay duties on the things you bring in. The amounts of duty charged on a load of furniture and household goods can vary widely. Sometimes Aduana gives the load a quick glance and estimates a figure like $300 – $600. Other times they make the owner take out every item of the load for inventory. Other times they accept the owner’s list of items (Maneje de Casa) to determine valuation. Other times, they wave people through with no charge?
Happy Trails,
steve
Hi Steve,
Thanks for the info. It looks like a roll of the dice.Hopefully we will be be able to sell our home before the 6mth dealine, then I wont have to play with the dice.
Thanks again,
Wyn.
Great info site you have here.
Steve… thanks or the great website.
I thought I read that in the past to get FM3 status one had to provide a clear police report from their home… is that required anymore?
Also, does the bank statement that you have to show for three (?) months just have to show the amount of ~$1200 being deposited every month… ? eg I have rental income that exceeds this amount, so will that suffice? or do they look at the overall balance?
CeCe,
No police reports are needed when you apply here. The old police report requirement occurred most recently for people who applied at Mexican Consulates outside of Mexico.
The 3 bank statements are supposed to show deposits of $1,200 per month. I would highlight and circle the deposits and the dates to make it easy for them to find them.
steve.
Thanks so much for the info Steve…
Hi! Thanks for all of the useful info on your site! I am renewing my FM3 for the 3rd time but I have moved since last year. I didn’t realize that I needed to notify them of my move. I anticipate needeing a letter or something explaining my new information, what doo you think? Any ideas on what the letter should say? Aditionally, I plan on bringing my new rental contract, cFE bill in my landlords name and a copy of his Identification. I don’t know if it will all be necessary but I want to cover any bases. Can you think of anything I may be missing? Will they charge me a fee for not changing my address with them before now? Thanks so muc for any info you can give.
Hi Kiki,
Identify: “Notification of Change of Address” in the subject line. List your name exactly as printed on your No Inmigrante card, cite your NUE, and say that “effective this date, my new address is: ” Note that you have included a comprabante, and the landlord’s name and copies of both sides of his ID ( IFE card ). It should all be fine.
steve
THANK YOU!!!! =)
hi steve,
thanks for all the great info. i will be starting my FM3 process soon. but my question is; do you know how long you can get a FMM extended for?
thanks, danette
Danette,
FMMs are issued for a fixed number of days, typically 180, and there are no extensions granted. If your FMM is near expiring, you need to do one of 2 things: leave Mexico before it expires, or go into an INM office (not at an airport) and apply for your No Inmigrante / FM3 or for an Inmigrante / FM2.
steve
I am an American currently working for an American co. in plants that we have in Mexico. I typically come for two week stays throughout the year. Each time I enter Mexico by plane I am given an FMM with a 180 day visa. My question is, if I exceed the 180 days in total in a one year period will I be subjected to paying taxes in Mexico? How closely does Mexico monitor the total days I have in the country?
Thanks for your attention
George,
I asked this question of our local INM agents, and they said that a person can leave (even drive out of) Mexico, and re-enter immediately under a new FMM. as many times as they like per year. The 180 default period that INM currently uses for FMMs is a result of a decree by President Calderon. Before Calderon’s decree, INM agents would give visitors more limited numbers of days for their FMM/FMT’s.
steve
Hello Steve,
Thanks for the response. I am not worried about overstaying the days but the tax implications. I have been told that if I physically spend more than 180 days (working) in any one year period I would be subject to paying taxes to Mexico on my earnings. I am not living in Mexico but leaving and reentering approx. twice per month. I don’t even know if they have a way of tracking all on my days since they would have to match up the entrance date with the exit date of that particular FMM.
Thanks again,
George
George,
Employment law and tax law have many quirks, so, you should find a good attorney who knows tax law and employment law and immigration law to analyze your work situation and status. Since INM and Aduana track our data by passport numbers, they do have the means to determine the number of days you spend in Mexico per year. Taxes are collected and monitored by Hacienda, a separate branch of the Mexican Government. Their degree of tracking your entrances and exits and your activities likely depend on how you categorize your stays and your status on the form you submit to INM everytime you enter.
This is not been meant as advice, just as factual observations of some aspects of the INM and Aduana systems.
steve
It looks like the income requirement for an FM3 equivalent is about the same at US$1,200 for the first person and 1/2 that for the second of US$600.
The FM2 equivalent is a lot more at US$1,920 plus 1/2 for each additional person. Is this what it was before? I’m trying to determine whether MX is making it easier or more difficult to get a green-card equivalent.
Thanks,
mg
Marygwen,
If you are trying to determine whether MX is making it easier to get residency, read the article on the new immigration law http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/living-in-yucatan-mexico/new-immigration-law-published-for-mexico-the-article/ and keep an eye open for the new regulations coming out in the next 2 weeks. The new law seems to consistently reduce most of the requirements for residency , except for cost.
steve
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Steve, thank you for the incredible wealth of information. We have built a house in Baja(long way to Yucatan) and our now adult family uses it regularly throughout the year. I got my FM3 on the advise of some friends and have had my FM3 for 3 years. I am wondering why I have bothered with it in lieu of simply renewing a tourist permit. The explanations for the necessity of the FM3 have always been vague and I am still unclear on its value. The current renewal process is just like registering for the first time each year and you must be available for the 10 day window for completion each year. I there a clear advantage of FM3 status over the tourist permit? We have no intention of permanently living in Mexico.
Additionally, we keep a US registered car in storage for use when we arrive. Do I need to register the car with INS as a requirement of the FM3? If I gave up my FM3 status what, if anything, would I have to do for the vehicle?
Thanks in advance.
Dennis
Dennis,
An FM3-No Inmigrante Rentista or FM2-Inmigrante Rentista permit would allow you to keep the Temporary Import permitted car in Mexico for more than 6 months, as long as you keep your FM3 current. If you bring the car in on a Visitante/Turista INM visa, and do not get an FM3, then you must take the car out of Mexico before the Tourist Visa expires (no more than 6 months), or risk having the car confiscated.
None of us know what exactly how the new Residente Temporal status (your most likely option) will work under the new INM law, until they release the new Reglamento that describes how things will work in a month or 2. You register the car with Aduana (Customs) and every time you get your FM3 renewed, or change visa status, you notify Aduana (in person) of your new INM FM3 or FM2 visa expiration date.
steve
Thanks muchisimo! I will check back on the Residente Temporal in a couple of months & see if that makes any more sense than where we’re at now.
One other question….I am the only one in the family with an FM3. My wife & kids get tourist visas because of the annual renewal hurdle. I assume that is not an issue.
I have asked around and have been told that a driver other than myself requires a permission letter from me to legally drive the vehicle.
Any input?
Thank you again. Dennis
Dennis,
Read Articulo 106, section IV of La Ley Aduanera at: http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/driving-in-mexico-issues-fun/importing-driving-a-car-in-mexico/ . It is worth keeping a copy of Article 106 in your car, Spanish & English – as published in the Yucalandia article on driving in Mexico, because many Mexican police do not know the law:
“….Such vehicles may be driven within the national territory by a foreigner –the importer holding one of the migratory status referred to in this paragraph, by his or hers spouse, parents or descendants, even when the latter are not foreigners: and by a Mexican as long as one of the persons authorized to drive the vehicle travels with him or her in the car.”
There is nothing in the law about the requirement to have a letter, but a letter that describes your family relationship with family drivers: wife’s name, and any children-drivers names would make sense and possibly reduce future hassles.
steve
Rubiks cube! I’m not sure “I got it” except to say I would doubt if two people in Mexico understand it either! Currently I have a car that is just there, registered Caliofornia but no Mexican import permit. We sometimes fly in & use it or sometimes drive down in a different vehicle. It sounds as though the FM3 is a good call for the vehicle stored and I will go to the authorties in La Paz to seek the necessary permit for that car.
Seems that when we drive down in a separate vehicle it is an advantage to have my wife maintain a tourist permit since that car is her name too. Yes, No??
I will keep the articles you forwarded and recommended in the car in any case.
Thanks agian and any input is always welcome!
Sincerely
Dennis
Hi Dennis,
Yes, your wife can import a foreign plated car under her INM permit, by getting a Temporary Import permit from Aduana.
I think I understand that you already have a foreign plated (California USA?) car in Mexico. If you have not nationalized the car, then it is also supposed to be in Mexico under a Temporary Import permit. If you have no Temporary Import permit (as you wrote above), then the foreign plated car is in Mexico illegally, and could be confiscated permanently, unless there is some special zone in Baja California Sur. Seems like you’ve got something to resolve there: either find the Temporary Import permit (based on the Aduana sticker on the windshield?) or consider using the “Safe Returns” program mentioned in the Driving in Mexico article.
steve
Thanks Steve.
An eye opener.
Dennis
Dear Mr. Fry:
Your generous information is quite remarkable.
I am planning to move to Merida, as a retired US citizen.
and briefly scanning your “how to”
though daunting, was an invaluable experience.
Thank you for all you have done to assist us, in our plan to
live in Yucatan, one of the loveliest places in the world.
Sincerely admiring your work,
Anne Oliver
Steve, I asked last year about changing our address and no one seemed to know the answer. My research showed you had to provide a change of address within 30 days of moving, but I could find no procedure for doing so, so I just typed a letter. When we went there, INM was reluctant to take our letter, but after consultation, they did take it. This year when we renewed our FM3 in October, I noticed they now have a form in the boxes outside the office for Cambio de domicilio. Since our lease is up and we always seem to move in December, we just finished this process. Here’s the info on the procedure to change your address:
http://www.inm.gob.mx/index.php/page/Solicitud_de_Estancia
The link will take you to a page which says:
Formato migratorio para tramites de estancia
* ¿Qué desea hacer?
Choose: cumplir con obligaciones migratorias
* Especifique
Choose: Notificación de cambio de domicilio
* Conozco mi NUE
If you check the box a pop up window appears and asks
NUE type the number (You should have this on your previous approval for your FM3 or FM2)
* Fecha de nacimiento date of birth dd/mm/yyyy
* Escriba el código de verificación que se muestra en la imagen Type the verification code shown in the image
Press Buscar and it will ask if you are your name, i.e. john doe.
It will then complete part of the information for you.
Deberá anotar el nuevo domicilio en esta sección You must write down your new home in this section
*Calle: Your Street
*Número exterior: Your house###
*Número interior: any letter part of your address
*Colonia: Your neighborhood
*Estado: Use the drop down to find Yucatán
*Delegación o municipio: Use the drop down to find Mérida
*Código Postal: 97XXX
*teléfono particular (incluir clave de larga distancia) Telephone particular (include long distance code) – type in your phone do NOT put any dashes or spaces.
*En su caso, persona autorizada para tramitar, oír o recibir notificaciones. Si usted quiere agregar personas autorizadas es necesario que lo efectúe con el botón ‘Agregar persona’ In your case, the authorized person to deal with, hear or receive notifications is your name. If you want to add authorized persons it is necessary that you use the button “Add person.”
*Comentarios – Si lo desea, puede agregar algún comentario a la solicitud. Comments – If you want, you can add some commentary to the request.
You will see the following disclaimer at the bottom of the page:
*IMPORTANTE: La autoridad migratoria no puede modificar la información proporcionada por el usuario, por lo que los trámites que contengan datos erróneos serán negados. Los errores en la resolución y expedición de formas migratorias que resulten de errores en la solicitud son responsabilidad del usuario. IMPORTANT: The immigration authority cannot alter the information provided by the user, so that the procedures that contain erroneous data will be denied. Errors in the resolution and issuance of migratory forms resulting from errors in the application are the responsibility of the user.
*GUARDAR/LIMPIAR buttons Guardar = save / Limpiar = clear
Press Guardar when you are ready and it will ask you to proof the information.
*¿Es correcta la información capturada? Is this the correct information? Si / No When you press Si it will give you a número de pieza and su clave. Print or write these down if you are unable to print immediately. If you wish to print, press Imprimir ahora, which will open a PDF file you can save for printing later or print.
We took this form with the following letter to INM:
Mérida, Yucatán a INSERT THE DATE
Asunto: Solicitud de una notificación de una nueva domicilio
Delegado Benito Fernando Rosel Issac
Instituto Nacional de Migración
Delegación Regional en Yucatán
Av. Colón núm. 507 por calle 8
Mérida, Yucatán, México C.P. 97070
Distinguido Delegado,
Por medio de la presente, yo, INSERT YOUR NAME, solicito el cambio mi de domicilio de conformidad con lo dispuesto en el MANUAL DE CRITERIOS Y TRÁMITES MIGRATORIOS DEL INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE MIGRACIÓN, SECCIÓN 5.2 NOTIFICACIÓN DE CAMBIO DE DOMICILIO, ACTIVIDAD, ESTADO CIVIL O NACIONALIDAD, y por la presente oferta de la siguiente notificación de mi cambio permanente de domicilio:
Calle XX No. XX-E, entre Calle XX y Calle XX, Colonia XX, Mérida, Yucatán, MX C.P. 97XXX
Bajo protesta de decir verdad, que esta cambio de domicilio es efectiva a partir del INSERT THE EFFECTIVE DATE AT THIS ADDRESS.
Atentamente:
Your name and signature
Good Update!!!
What is the proper wording of the letter (Solicitud) for applying to become an inmigrado at the end of your 5 years of FM2 status?
J Eagle,
That letter goes to SRE, and we’re only familiar with INM requirements.
steve
This was so helpful. Thanks to you and Rolly, my life at Migracion is much easier.
HI–
I came into Mexico with my truck through Tijuana, and have been staying in Oaxaca. My FMM visa and permit for my vehicle expire January 21, 2012. I know I need to leave in order to turn around and get a new visa for both me and my vehicle, but do I need to go back to Tijuana, or can I go to Guatemala to do this? Also, and info on what that is like, in terms of easiness or difficulty as an American traveling with my Mexican husband into Guatemala?
Thanks for any info you can give. I am really grateful for your site.
Gwen,
You can drive to any border to renew your FMM and your vehicle Temporary Import permit. I don’t know about Guatemala.
Since you have a Mexican husband, why not apply for an FM2 or FM3 Rentista – or likely the new INM law will be in force, and apply for a Residente Temporal Rentista? That would give you up to 5 years in Mexico for both you and the vehicle.
steve
Thanks so much for your help. I hope you don’t mind my asking, but I have been given conflicting info about where I am supposed to leave the country (in terms of driving out!). Is there any official Mexican site where I can see about their policies regarding this? Just like you said, many of their links are gone or moved to who knows where. It is so dang confusing!
I don’t think there is time to apply for an FM3 now (about a month before my current visa expires). If I were to apply for that now, and I don’t get any response before my visa expires, then I am in trouble, right? Probably it’s best to leave and return and then apply for the visa, do you think?
Again, thanks for your help.
Gwen
Gwen,
One month is plenty of time to apply for an FM3 Rentista – or what will likely be the new Residente Temporal Rentista after Jan. 1, 2012. They typically take 2 weeks or occasionally 3 weeks to process the application. If you go to Progreso, INM, they are processing them fairly quickly – though the INM offices are now closed until Jan. 2, 2012.
If you do not qualify as a Rentista, then you do need to take the car out of Mexico, and re-enter, at any border.
If you live close to a border, then it might be easiest to make a quick run to the border.
steve
Thanks again, Steve–
I will get all my things ready and go to their offices after the 2nd, and see what they say.
Again, I appreciate your help!
Gwen
Hi,
I got a huge problem with the mexican ambassy in France because I didn’t have the original french attestation to get my student visa.While my fly is on sunday I do not have time to get this paper and to go back to the ambassy.That is why I am wondering the different possibilities I have.
Is it possible for me to come into the mexican territory with a touristic visa and to obtain the student visa when I will be there ?
I hope you could answer as soon as possible.
Thank you very much,
Solène.
Good Morning Solène,
I don’t know the details of how the applications and approvals for a student visa work, and INM MAY be rolling-out entirely new procedures on Jan. 2, 2012 – with many changes to student visa regulations, so, right now, I don’t think there is anyone who can give you a definitive answer.
If you had all of your appropriate documents, then you could enter under the current INM regulations, but because you are entering at the supposed possible initiation of an entirely new system, I can’t give any definitive advice or make any promises.
steve
Hi again Steve.. thanks for the 12-22 update… I thought I posted a question last night… but it did not show up… so here goes again.
I fantastically have sold my home in 3 weeks… !! So now I am on a tighter timeframe to move from Santa Fe to San Miguel… I would like to move by the end of January. AND I would like to move my household good in when I move so I don’t have to unload and store them for a couple of weeks and then load them again…
I know no one really knows what will happen this Tuesday, but based on your update it seems like soon we will not be able to enter on an FMM and then upgrade to the FM3 (which I will call the FMx for the Residente Temporal)…
It also seems like all FMx’s will be issued at the border, based on your latest info.
So, do you think I would be able to go to Juarez (or Santa Teresa) to get an FMx starting next week? I thought I read that US consulates do not issue FM3′s anymore?
There is a consulate in ABQ but they never answer the phone… and I am an hour and a half away. Perhaps I’ll just have to drive down and ask?
I have an address in SMA and could get a copy of a utility bill probably… don’t know if copies will work to show residency or not. It seems so weird that you can come in on a tourist visa, but then have to go to the border to get the Temporal Residente status… but I figure border computers will be the ones who have access to the more comprehensive database that they are upgrading too… maybe it’s too expensive to have all the offices have access to the DB.
Worst case scenario, I’ll move my stuff to a storage place in Laredo… but sure would like to get an FMx asap to avoid that.
Thanks so much for any input!
Feliz ano nuevo!! Thanks for your great site…
Does anybody know what the monthly income requirements will be for a married couple renewing their No Inmigrante ( FM-3 ) plastic cards for the year 2012.
1) i.e. how much for the husband, and how much for the wife.?
In our case we own a corporation and the corporation owns property within the restricted 50 km from the beach zone,
2) so 2nd question ….. Does this give us a reduction in the requirements from the normal amounts required in 1) above ?
We understand that this year ( 2012 ) they will change the No Inmigrante ( FM-3) status to something else …. what are they going to call it now ?, and along with completing the renewal application …Solicitud de Estancia on line first, we will still be required to write a letter ” prorraga ” to present to immigration.
3) We always get confused about the wording of these letters …. anybody know what the required wording will be for 2012 ……. separate letters for husband and wife.
Many thanks for input
Dave
Hi David,
The answer to your question is in the article above: http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/living-in-yucatan-mexico/moving-to-mexico-fmm-fm2-or-fm3/
“~~ Proof that you have sufficient income to support yourself (and any dependents). (Some INM offices are requiring this, others: not.) This could be 3 months of bank or investment account statements, with your name on them, showing balances equivalent to 250 times (FM3) or 400 times (FM2) the official minimum wage in Yucatan ( $56.7 pesos/day for 2011 Zone C and $62.33 pesos per day for Zone A for 2012). SALARIOS MINIMOS 2011 and SALARIOS MINIMOS 2012 . This translates to 2012 minimum monthly income required for an FM3 (No Inmigrante) will be $15,583 pesos, and for FM2 (Inmigrante), it will be $24,932. (2011 minimum monthly income requirements for a single person: FM3 = $14,175 pesos & FM2 = $22,680 pesos.) Each additional dependent increases the requirement by 50%.
Some INM offices are approving reducing the financial requirements by ½ for FM2 applicants and their dependents, if you can show proof of home ownership in México (fideicomiso), but acceptance of this exemption is not universally approved. (Remember, “TIM”: “This is México.”)”
As we noted above, if you have an FM2, you might be given a reduction in the requirements if you own property.
Each INM office has slightly different requirements for what they want in letters for multiple family members, and those requirements sometimes change every 6 months or so. There are example letters in the article above.
steve
Hi Folks,
I have three questions(1) On the FM3 registration form under Birthplace they have “Nacionalidad Actual” and “Nacionalidad Nueva”. As I was born in the UK would I enter British in the Nacionalidad Actual ? I am now a Canadian citizen so would I enter Canadian under the Nacionalidad Nueva. 2) Once I receive my numero pieza is there a time limit on when I have to report to the local INM office? 3) “Domicilio del extranjero en México”, under this heading in the application, do they want your Mexican address or my address in Canada?i am finding the translation difficult.
Thank you
WynB
WynB,
1. You have 30 days after entering Mexico to initiate your FM3 process at your local INM office.
2. I think you should ask INM how to handle the issues of your nationality and citizenship.
3. “Domicilio del extranjero en México” translates as you address in Mexico, as shown on your Comprabante.
steve
Thanks Steve!
Hola!
Help me make “FM3 or not” decision.
I am living off of dividends from US stocks, and considering showing it to the Mexican authority as the proof of income for FM3 application. Because the tax on dividend is withheld in USA, and I do not have other income, I am hoping I have no duty to pay any tax, or to file any tax return, to Mexico, even after the FM3 approval.
If that is not the case, it is cheaper for me to stay here without FM3, with frequent flights to USA (though I really want to own a car in Mexico).
Please help!
Hiro
Hiro,
INM only checks on the size of your monthly deposits to your account. Rentista in Spanish = rentier in English. If you have monthly deposits that meet the income requirements, or you have enough $$$ in the account to meet 12 months of their requirements, then they accept that you are fiscally independent. If the new law and new Reglamento allow you to pay for more than one year of the new “Residente Temporal“, then the price per year will be quite low.
steve
If they only check the bank balance, and do not ask the source of income,
I should not worry too much about the taxes.
Thank you, Steve!
(I may ask some follow-up questions after more study…)
The current LGP law states monthly income generated from outside of Mexico for FM3/2 Rentistas using a formula of 250 or 400 times the daily wage as listed for DF. No law, regulation or manual use account balance as proof of income under the current system.
Hi Ric,
Can you cite which INM offices that interpret and follow the rule the way you have translated/interpreted it, rejecting investment account statements from outside Mexico for retired people? It would be helpful if you could also list the approximate dates of when these INM offices rejected statements showing such sufficient existing funds as proof of fiscal independence.
By law, the regional INM offices have a lot of independence and discretion in how they interpret and enforce the law.
Our local Merida INM office and the Cancun INM office have accepted written proof of existing funds for demonstrating fiscal independence for 100′s of expats over recent years, and in 8 years of following these issues on the internet, we have not seen a single report of INM offices rejecting current accounts with sufficient balances.
As you noted the law states:
“c) Carta de institución de crédito mexicana o extranjera o institución financiera similar o fideicomiso, en donde se acredite que el solicitante cuenta con recursos suficientes provenientes del exterior y que de éstos, de los rendimientos que produzcan o de sus inversiones en el país, obtendrá durante un año, ingresos mensuales por una cantidad no menor del equivalente a cuatrocientos días el salario mínimo vigente para el Distrito Federal.”
crudely translates as:
c) Statements from a Mexican or foreign credit institution (bank) or similar financial institution or trust, where it is established that the applicant has sufficient resources from abroad and that of these, the income produced or their investments in the country, will for a one year period, demonstrate monthly income that amounts to equal not less than four hundred days of the minimum wage for Mexico City.
The “sufficient resources” and “or their investments” that “demonstrate monthly income that amounts to equal not less than four hundred days of the minimum wage for Mexico City” have been interpreted by every INM office we have heard from to include statements that show a years worth of cash value consistently in the account, including US accounts. The law’s statement about accounts with values equaling at least 400 days of minimum wage income seems to specifically permit showing account statements of such assets.
For 6 years as a Rentista, I personally have submitted exactly these account statements from US investment accounts – with no deposits and no regular income shown – just losses and gain – statements that you explain as prohibited or disallowed by your interpretation of the law. I checked with 5 other friends, and they have also done exactly the same thing using US accounts – one for 15 years.
steve
Not sure what Steve means by saying ” if the new law allows you to pay for more than one year then the price per year will be quite low ”
It was my understanding that you only have to show proof of income to their satisfaction.and that you actually DON’T have ” pay ” anything ? ( or by pay, do you mean the charge for renewing your visa status …. if this is what is meant, then how would you get a new card each year if you have paid in advance for two years … would you still have to do the application for renewal even though you have paid in advance ) Even under the new ” Residente Temporal ” status is it not still, just show proof of income as opposed to actually ” paying ” anything.
Also maybe Steve can clarify ” proof of income ” ? ….. Is showing proof of income satisfied just by showing them bank statements from your account(s) in the U.S. ,or do you actually have to transfer the monthly amount of $15,800 pesos into a ” Mexican ” bank account ?
I know many people who currently have FM-3 status, but who do now have Mexican bank accounts. Has there been a change in the law to where you must actually have a Mexican bank account or physically have the money in your possession in the country ?
Dave
Hey Dave,
Check out our Yucalandia post of updated INM policies & fees at: “Yet More Mexican Immigration Info: Jan 6, 2012 Updates” that shows last years and this years current fees for common INM actions/visas. This post also describes a Mexican immigration attorney’s understandings about the possibility of getting a multiple year visa when they start using the new INM law – with lower net costs per year by paying for multiple years:
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Re INM requirements for proving fiscal independence:
If you choose to supply the most recent 3 months of statements from US or Canadian bank account records or investment account records or pension funds, IRAs, or 401K’s, then “officially” you are supposed to have them translated into Spanish by a professional translator. Our local INM office has accepted brokerage account statements for our US accounts with no translations, since I circle, highlight, and explain the key items like beginning and ending balances, and the statement dates.
Hope the answers help clear things up,
steve
Dave says, change the wording of the last paragraph to read ” but do NOT have Mexican bank accounts “
Thanks for the answer Steve but the fee schedule is still clear as mud.
The first sentence says the fee for renewing an FM-3, ( prorroga ) changed from $1294 pesos last year ( 2011 ) to $1451 pesos this year ( 2012 ) but then it goes on to say that under the new law the fee for renewing for one year will be $3150 pesos
Which is the correct fee for renewing for one year in 2012 ??
p.s. we have been renewing in Tuxpan for the last 6 years and they have always accepted U.S. bank statements ( without asking for Spanish translation )
David
Yes Rick …. I read your post and that’s where I got the figures of $1294 / $1451 for 2011/2012 but that still doesn’t address whether those figures will apply for 2102 or whether the new figures of $3150 for 1 year …. or x for multiple years will apply.
If the new figures apply, then although there would be a savings by buying multiple years the cost of just 1 year would be over a 100% increase ( $1451 to $3051 is a 120% increase )
http://www.mexconnect.com/cgi-bin/forums/gforum.cgi?post=173088#173088
“All Immigration articles deleted from LGP revised May 2011″
Until a new manual, catalog of fees or regulation is published, the current fees are in effect for 2012. The new Ley de Migración gives complete responsibility to INM for setting and enforcing the all criteria for the immigrant. The complete chapter which dealt with immigration requirements and restrictions has been removed under the revision dated 25 May 2011. The corresponding requirements and restrictions have not been published completely as of yet. I would not be surprised to see not only a new regulation but a completely new Manual de Criterios y Trámites Migratorios del Instituto Nacional de Migración as well.
New LGP May 2011
Las derogaciones de las fracciones VII y VIII del artículo 3o. y de los artículos 7 al 75, de la citada ley publicadas en el Diario Oficial de la Federación el 25 de mayo de 2011, entrarán en vigor hasta que se encuentre vigente el Reglamento de la Ley de Migración
Derogations, items VII and VIII of article 3rd. and articles 7 to 75, of the aforementioned Act published in the Official Gazette of the Federation on May 25, 2011, will enter into force until that force is the regulation of the Migration Act.
The following are just an example of what has been deleted from the laws regulating FM2 Rentista holders:
ACUERDO por el que se expide el Manual de Criterios y Trámites Migratorios del Instituto Nacional de Migración. 29-01-2010
2.22 Calidad Inmigrante, característica Rentista
c) Carta de institución de crédito mexicana o extranjera o institución financiera similar o fideicomiso, en donde se acredite que el solicitante cuenta con recursos suficientes provenientes del exterior y que de éstos, de los rendimientos que produzcan o de sus inversiones en el país, obtendrá durante un año, ingresos mensuales por una cantidad no menor del equivalente a cuatrocientos días el salario mínimo vigente para el Distrito Federal.
d) Por cada persona que integre la familia del solicitante, el monto de los mínimos mensuales señalados, aumentará por la cantidad equivalente a doscientos días de dicho salario mínimo.
e) Si el extranjero demuestra la adquisición de un bien inmueble destinado para uso propio como casa habitación, la autoridad migratoria podrá autorizar que el extranjero acredite hasta el equivalente al cincuenta por ciento de dichos montos.
(c) letter of credit institution Mexican foreign or similar financial institution or trust, where proving that the applicant has sufficient resources from abroad and that, income producing or their investments in the country, you will get for a year, monthly income by one amount not less than the equivalent of four hundred days the existing minimum wage for the Federal District.
(d) for each person to integrate the family of the applicant, the amount of the monthly minimums indicated, will increase by the amount equal to two hundred days of the minimum wage.
(e) if abroad demonstrates the acquisition of a property intended for their own use as House room, the immigration authority may authorize that overseas credited up to the equivalent to fifty per cent of these amounts.
REGLAMENTO DE LA LEY GENERAL DE POBLACIÓN 29-11-2006
ARTÍCULO 180.- RENTISTA.- Cuando se trate de los inmigrantes a que se refiere la fracción I del artículo 48 de la Ley, tendrán aplicación, para que se conceda el permiso, las siguientes reglas:
I. El extranjero o extranjera deberá acreditar ante la Secretaría que cuenta con depósitos provenientes del exterior y que de éstos, de los rendimientos que produzcan o de sus inversiones en el país obtiene ingresos mensuales por una cantidad no menor del equivalente a cuatrocientos días el salario mínimo vigente para el Distrito Federal;
Article 180-RENTIER.-In the case of immigrants referred to in section I of article 48 of the law, have application, that is granted the permission, the following rules: i. the foreign or foreign must prove to the Secretariat which counts from deposits from abroad and that, income producing or their investments in the country get monthly income by one amount not less than the equivalent by four hundred days the existing minimum wage for the Federal District;
LEY GENERAL DE POBLACIÓN 17-04-2009
Artículo 48.- Las características de Inmigrante son:
I.- RENTISTA.- Para vivir de sus recursos traídos del extranjero; de los intereses que le produzca la inversión de su capital en certificados, títulos y bonos del Estado o de las instituciones nacionales de
crédito u otras que determine la Secretaría de Gobernación o de cualquier ingreso permanente que proceda del exterior. El monto mínimo requerido será el que se fije en el Reglamento de esta Ley. La
Secretaría de Gobernación podrá autorizar a los rentistas para que presten servicios como profesores, científicos, investigadores científicos o técnicos, cuando estime que dichas actividades resulten benéficas para el país;
Article 48-Immigrant characteristics: I.-RENTIER.-for live brought resources from abroad; of interests produced by its capital investment in certificates, diplomas and bonds of the State or national credit institutions or other as determined by the Ministry of the Interior or any permanent income that comes from abroad. The required minimum amount will be established in the regulation of this law. The Ministry of the Interior may authorize the rentiers that serve as teachers, scientists, researchers, scientific or technical, when it deems that such activities are beneficial to the country;
Ric Hoffman
61609 Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, México
Steve. please insert this subject line to my previous post:
“All Immigration articles deleted from LGP revised May 2011″
Steve, I agree that local offices have the authority to interpret the different rules, regulations and laws. And this may be one of the benefits of the recently passed Ley de Migración once it is implemented; a more uniform compliance between the different regions within Mexico.
You have cited a paragraph from ACUERDO por el que se expide el Manual de Criterios y Trámites Migratorios del Instituto Nacional de Migración. 29-01-2010. All Tramites listed in this manual have the Fundamento jurídico references which cites law and regulations. This paragraph cites Artículos 44, 45 y 48 fracción I de la LGP y 175 y 180 del RLGP. I included the applicable ones in my previous posts.
I have personally witnessed applications refused because of lack of proof of a monthly income cited by LGP and RGLP as recently as October 2011 in the Morelia INM office. However, once they provided bank statements showing monthly income, of any amount, their applications were processed and approved. So, by law you must show monthly income in the required amounts for each category, but by this may be tailored by your local INM office. And when I said “no …. or manual use account balance as proof of income under the current system.” I was incorrect; however the remainder of my statement is correct.
Ric,
Good update.
Note to self: Morelia is not so expat-friendly, compared to Yucatan.
Encourage people to come to Yucatan and avoid Morelia?
“Yes, and if you please, extract every measure of flesh and enforce every detail as you process my application.”
“I love going to the back of the line, and different lines, over and over, to meet every scintilla, jot, and tittle.”
Humor aside, I prefer working with systems and people who work to meet the spirit and basic requirements of the law, versus bureaucrats who mindlessly or brutally exact every last letter-of-the-law details of enmeshed arcane legal requirements. People-friendly and visitor-friendly systems are much easier to work with than rigidly applied detail-ridden bureaucratic machines that require lawyers to navigate.
It sounds like Yucatan’s laid-back and low-stress attitudes better fit most expat’s hopes for smooth sailing in Mexico.
steve
Merida is really friendly, please come to YUCATAN, we love foreigners!!!!!
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.
.
Editor’s note: The original post had many typing errors – and was almost illegible with all the text-talk.
e.g. “pls” = please, etc
Have to agree with Steve …. sounds like the Gulf coast and the Yucatan appear to be much more friendly to tourists and ex-pats.
I wonder though what the powers that be are thinking when they draft these convoluted and somewhat draconian laws. It would seem that given Mexico’s terrible image of late they they would be bending over backwards to get more people to visit and live …. rather than seemingly trying to scare you off with all these rules and roadblocks. The more tourists and ex-pats, the more money spent in Mexico ….. but maybe it’s the ” me only and first syndrome that seems so prevalent ” … the gov’t will get theirs through fees and penalties and they don’t care about the ordinary citizens making any money …. just a thought.
I realized studying the rules by myself is almost pointless… The real experience story of using the US brokerage account statement with highlights is just priceless for me. You guys are awesome!
What is the wording of the letter for applying to become an inmigrado at the end of your 5 years of FM2 status?
Also, what are the current fees in pesos to become an inmigrado?
At the end of your FM2 a person has 3 choices: Continue your FM2, Request to become an Inmigrado through Migracion, or request to become a citizen through SRE. The process through Migracion is to solicit permanent residency through a Declaration of Inmigrado. On the Formato migratorio para trámites de estancia, see the 2nd choice under ¿Qué desea hacer? and then the 2nd choice under Especifique.
I think this is the way the solicitude should be worded, but I’m not sure.
Por medio de la presente, solicito obtener residencia definitiva con declaratoria de inmigrado.
Bajo protesta de decir verdad manifesto que subsisten las condiciones por las cuales se me otorgo la caracteristica migratoria actual.
Agradezco de antemano su valiosa atención a la presente; quedo de ustedes.
hello i was born in mexico migrated to the usa became a united states citizen , and now i want to move back to mexico open a bussiuness thier what are my options or visas that i would need?
thanks.
fernando,
Do you still have your old Mexican passport or other proof of your Mexican citizenship? Mexicans are allowed to carry both passports, as dual nationalities.
steve
Hi! Question: I am leaving Cancun and flying directly to the US but my papers are still tramite I cannot wait for them. I’m leaving in 1 day and can’t get the paper saying I have papers but they aren’t ready yet… How much is the fine at the airport? Ty!
Pinkbeach,
The last fine I heard for leaving without your FMM was $400 pesos (since your FMM was turned in to apply for your FM3/FM2?). How does it work to re-enter without an FM3 or FM3 – where their computer database tracks your INM permits by your passport number? If you re-enter with an FMM, their computers may flag your FM2/FM3 tramite. If you are in the middle of a renewal of an FM2/FM3, then they might not easily let you back into the country… or they could cancel your FM2/FM3??? One of our friends spent 3 hours negotiating and begging to get back into Mexico when they thought he was attempting fraud with his FM2. They were simply going to put him back onto a flight back to US – prohibiting him from ever returning to Mexico – which would be painful, because it would throw his property and home into jeopardy.
Under your proposed plan, INM can also delay your departure, and people we know have reported missing flights and the costs of the changes in travel plans and later problems with INM were more costly than the airport INM fees or airline change fees.
Sidelight: As a citizen of another country, how do you react to immigrants intentionally breaking your laws – trying to sneak into your country using false documents?
Why not follow the law, take a day and get the letter from INM approving you to leave the country? If you have to delay your travel plans and pay change fees, isn’t your honesty worth more than the change fee? Maybe I misunderstand…
Hope it goes smoothly,
steve
Hi
Currently i am in mexico city on FMM visa and my visa expires on 10th Apr. I need to convert my fmm to fm3, currently doing my documentation work. Tentatively i will be applying the fm3 on 19th of mar. I have two questions.
1. In how many days will i get fm3 visa?
2. Suppose issuing of visa extends more than 10th april , should i exit mexico?
Hi Gilfred,
Your plan is fine. As long as you officially start your FM3 application process before your FMM expires, you can stay in Mexico legally. Officially starting means entering your information into the INM website, and then going to your local INM office to formally register your on-line application with INM. When INM gives you a NUT that day at their office, it proves you have officially started the process – and they take your FMM. It can take between 2 weeks and a month to get your FM3, depending on how busy your office is. Once you have your NUT, you do not have to leave Mexico until next year when your FM3 expires.
steve
Thanks yucalandia..your reply was so informative..
Hey,
Im currently living in Mexico (Mexico City) with my common law mexican husband on a FMM. We don’t own our house (We are living in his mom’s house until we can finish building our house on top but even so it will technically be on the property of his parents). I’m currently a stay-at-home wife while he works full time and I sell fruit from our house to the neighborhood and give English lessons for side money. I want to be able to stay here permanently as a resident or citizen or however we can allow me to stay. (Originally we thought I could just have to re-new my FMM but we’ve also been looking up FM2 and FM3.) The thing is while we have enough money to save and support ourselves, I don’t make enough money for the FM2 or FM3′s required 15,000 – 20,000 monthly pesos.
We were told that if we were married I’d be able to stay as a resident or citizen but we were also told that I’d still need the required minimum income.
What would you all suggest we do?
Thanks
Nicole Maria,
You might want to investigate Inmigrante (FM2) Familiar permits. The Familiar status does not have the income requirements of “Rentista” or “Lucrativo” subcategories. If you are married to a Mexican, you could qualify for Familiar status, and Inmigrante (FM2) Familiar status entitles the expat to apply for citizenship after just 2 years.
Both Inmigrante (FM2) and No Inmigrante (FM3) give a person resident status, but being married to your boyfriend would allow you qualify under Familiar status.
If these things do not makes sense, it might be worth consulting a good immigration attorney.
steve
Thanks that did help.
virtually same situation but we don’t want to get married yet. any other suggestions oter than “familar”?
Rachelle,
Try to get them to renew your FMM tourist status??? But working and selling things is illegal as an FMM tourist.
Get a job – then apply for a working FM3 (No Inmigrante Lucrativo)?
steve
Hi Yucalandia,
I am in process of changing my FMM to FM3. Once i submitted the Document in INM office, Its possible to go back to my country for a week and bring my family to mexico.
My Fmm expires on 10th Apr and i will be submitting the document only by 26th Mar
Do i need to submit my passport, while submitting the document in INM office?
your answer will be helpfull
Hi Gilfred,
Did INM take your FMM and issue you a NUT?
If you still have your FMM and NO NUT, then you have not officially started the FM3 process, and you are allowed to travel outside Mexico – turning in your FMM to INM as you leave Mexico.
If INM took your FMM and issued you a NUT, then you may not legally leave Mexico without applying to INM for permission. If you need to leave Mexico during the FM3 approval process, you can submit a letter to INM requesting temporary permission to leave Mexico. If they grant permission, they issue you an official letter that you use to leave and re-enter Mexico.
All the best,
steve
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Thanks for the very detailed information! It is the best I have been able to find in English.
I am a Danish student, 23 years old, right now studying in Mexico City on a student visa, but am planning to find employement in Mexico after this summer, where I will have a bachelor degree in Business and Organizational Communication.
However after reading some short online answers, I got the impression that this could show to be a very difficult task:
“It is nearly impossible for a foreigner to get a job with a Mexican employer and get a work permit.” (http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110420200309AAoVrJx)
I have some questions for you, before I actively begin to pursue a job and work permit in Mexico. Thank you for your help.
- To get a FM3 – although I cannot read it from the information above – I need a letter from an employee. And as I understand from other sources, this letter has to prove that my job task can’t be performed by a Mexican employee – is this correct?
- You mention that the minimum salery acquired is 14,175 pesos. Does this mean that when acquiring a job, it needs to have a salary at or above that level? As far as Mexico goes, finding a job with a payment that is the same or exceeds this amount, could show to be difficult, I guess.
- Your article is very technically detailed and adequate. However, is it possible that you can give me a sense of the difficulty I am facing, when looking to acqire a FM3 work permit in Mexico?
Again, thanks a lot for your help!
Best regards,
Morten
Hi Morten,
I do not advise it, but I hear that some expats work in Mexico using honorario, a Mexican who is listed as the worker and the taxes are withheld in this person’s name – but I certainly do not the details of these arrangements, nor do I know about their legality.
Yes, one requirement of a “working FM3″ ( No Inmigrante Lucrativo ) is to have an employer write a letter vouching that they have work for you, a job for which they can not find any qualified Mexicans.
I just now went and read your link, and I was thinking exactly the same thing I was going to advise: find an international company who needs someone with both Spanish and … English, German, French, or maybe Danish language skills and has business administration training and experience.
I have no idea how many opportunities there are like this, but the good news is that you do not need 4 job offers, just one. Considering jobs that put you head to head competing with Mexican professionals: There are SO many talented Mexican youth graduating from the universities, that there are generally many more applicants than job opportunities – for that reason 10’000′s of talented University grads take jobs as bank tellers etc. – building a resume and experience, while waiting for a chance at a better job.
Similar circumstances are very common in the USA and other countries – so, you may find you need to return to your home country, Denmark,to have better chances to search for a job that might take advantage of your Spanish skills – and ultimately lead back to Latin America.
Times are tough all around,
steve
Thank you very much for the answer, Steve. – That is such a help.
I am not sure what you mean by honorario.. Is it that I have another person, a mexican, receive my payment and at the same time pay my taxes?
From your reply I can understand that getting a job might be difficult, as it of course is in many countries. Maybe I am going outside your field of expertise – and in that case just tell me – but will it be a big barrier to companies to hire me, if they know that I first have to go through a month long work permit application?
I am not sure what your answer was to: Does my salary have to be 14,175 pesos or above to get a work permit? I doubt that, as many forerigners work as English teachers gaining way less that that…
I checked the unemployment numbers: “Other countries, such as Switzerland, the Netherlands and Mexico, have youth unemployment rates below 10%: but they are rising.” (http://www.economist.com/node/21528614)
The big barrier seems to find a job that an mexican employee can’t do. However if this is just a letter from the company stating this, then it might not be such big troubles. So my question is, could it just a matter of getting a company to sign a letter saying that they have been unable to find mexican employees for this job? Also, will most jobs where English is required be accepted as such a job? If I have a span of lets say half a year or a year maybe thats possible then.
My plan is reach a decent level of pay in Mexico, and from there slowly taking my time to learn the business world of Mexico. I think a job as an English teacher could make a fairly good beginning, and then trying to apply for more business relevant jobs over the years.
Thank you for your help,
Morten
Morten,
You have asked enough questions that I think it is easy for me to copy your post, and insert my answers in italics. below
Morten said: I am not sure what you mean by honorario.. Is it that I have another person, a mexican, receive my payment and at the same time pay my taxes?
We have very limited knowledge or understanding of these things. I
think
that some expats with FMM (tourist) permits work – illegally? – using someone-elses name – and the taxes are paid by the employer to the Mexicans account- but the salary is paid to the expat. This allows the expat to show regular deposits into their bank account – qualifying them for an FM3 Rentista – staying in Mexico – while they look for a legitimate position – or get their current employer to hire them as a foreigner with skills they cannot find in the local Mexican job market. Is this approach legal? I do not know.
From your reply I can understand that getting a job might be difficult, as it of course is in many countries. Maybe I am going outside your field of expertise – and in that case just tell me – but will it be a big barrier to companies to hire me, if they know that I first have to go through a month long work permit application?
I am not sure what your answer was to: Does my salary have to be 14,175 pesos or above to get a work permit? I doubt that, as many foreigners work as English teachers gaining way less that that…
We are not experts on these things – and we only offer this information for educational and entertainment purposes – but the INM rules on income proving financial independence to qualify for FM2s or FM3s are based on 3 months of statements of sufficiently large monthly bank deposits as a Rentista.
I checked the unemployment numbers: “Other countries, such as Switzerland, the Netherlands and Mexico, have youth unemployment rates below 10%: but they are rising.” (http://www.economist.com/node/21528614)
If you want to debate – check out some of the other expat forums on the web. Literally, there are 100,000′s of new VERY QUALIFIED new University graduates who as citizens are entitled to jobs before you – As I wrote below, they take low paying, low responsibility jobs as clerks – waiting for a good job to open. If you wish to debate over whether govt. statistics are NOT representative of reality, or argue over the accuracy of the Economist’s reporting on Mexico (NOT accurate) – then please realize that we at Yucalandia are more interested in accurate and representative information that is useful to readers.
e.g. When determining unemployment statistics, the Mexican government reports that the guys who informally help people park their cars for a few pesos propina from each driver – are “employed”. Truly, in Mexico and the US job market – the markets you are considering competing with – the unemployment levels for young people are shocking – at roughly 40% – because we do not consider “living in your parent’s basement and working some part-time job at McDonalds” qualifies as a University grad being employed.
Since you are a Dane, who asks for help finding a job in Mexico – I really don’t see how quoting job statistics for Switzerland & the Netherlands has anything to do with this dialogue. Are you now planning to move to Switzerland or the Netherlands? – places with very low birth rates – very unlike Mexico’s high birth rates?? You seem to be comparing apples and kumquats.
We advise against making your life and work and choices on non-representative and inaccurate reports from far off esoteric reports.
The big barrier seems to find a job that an Mexican employee can’t do. However if this is just a letter from the company stating this, then it might not be such big troubles.
Please re-read the text I wrote on this, and re-read the text from the link you provided. Maybe use a translator to convert it from English into Danish? Two people have given you the same good answer: “Get a letter vouching that they have work for you, a job for which they can not find any qualified Mexicans. ”
You may need this translated in Danish, because there is a subtlety to this phrasing that meets INM and Mexican government standards – a legal subtlety that you seem to be misunderstanding. Maybe a crude(?) Google translation will help: ” Få et brev vouching Det har de arbejdet for dig, et job, som de ikke kan finde nogen kvalificeret mexicanere. “
So my question is, could it just a matter of getting a company to sign a letter saying that they have been unable to find mexican employees for this job?
This is getting close – but the verb “can not” is the key.
Also, will most jobs where English is required be accepted as such a job? If I have a span of lets say half a year or a year maybe thats possible then.
I don’t think English speaking ability alone will create the conditions you need – the conditions will be employer-specific / employer-dependent, and one category of jobs that could meet both the Mex. Gob. requirements and your qualifications, might be technical or business management jobs that ALSO requires English fluency.
My plan is reach a decent level of pay in Mexico, and from there slowly taking my time to learn the business world of Mexico. I think a job as an English teacher could make a fairly good beginning, and then trying to apply for more business relevant jobs over the years.
Have you investigated actual pay rates for teaching English in your area of Mexico? The pay rates for good experienced English teachers are actually well below the INM requirements for monthly income in our area, and years of expat reports from across Mexico say the same thing.
Instead, I think you should seriously consider the advice that the person on your other link and I also gave you:
Focus your efforts on international companies who cannot find any qualified Mexican candidates.
Much luck in your job hunt, but it might be wise to consider and have a back-up plan to return to Denmark to find your first job.
steve
Morton … I think Steve has given you very good and detailed advice and if my following comments are wrong, Steve, step in and say so but I think No 1. you have to realize that unless you apply for and get Mexican citizenship ( a long drawn out process ) the cards are stacked against you. There are virtually NO jobs in Mexico that a Mexican college graduate couldn’t do that you could and they would be willing to work for a lot less than you. No.2 The Mexican govt. really is not interested in promoting immigration to foreigners that takes jobs away from Mexicans …. they want you to immigrate to Mexico and start a business to provide jobs for Mexicans.
No. 3 I don’t believe FM-3 status even allows you to work …. FM-2 might under certain circumstances. No. 4 It’s my understanding that you have to have +/- $14000 pesos per month proven income from outside of Mexico ( not from within Mexico ) when you have FM-3 status.
I personally know a few people who have tried to work in Mexico and have just given up in frustration …. the laws and rules are extremely complex and convoluted and every official seems to have the power to interpret them any way they see fit.
If you don’t want to immigrate and become Mexican you are facing an uphill battle
Hey David,
Your advice is good.
There are some categories of No Inmigrante Lucrativo ( “working FM3′s” ), that allow the person to work. I had one for 2 years – to do scientific projects and instrument repair for our major University here.
We have a number of expats who teach English – but they net about $2 US dollars per hour for their time, when considering their non-contact time. … which means the guys parking 20 cars per hour for $3 pesos a car make more money…
Minimum income to prove fiscal independence – from our article above:
“2012 minimum monthly income required for an FM3 (No Inmigrante) will be $15,583 pesos, and for FM2 (Inmigrante), it will be $24,932.”
steve
Thanks Steve and David,
I hope you did not get offended by the statistics I reffered to from The Economist. Right now I am trying to see possibilities and so thats probably my way of staying a bit positive. I get what you say about the reason for the officially low unemployement data and them being unrepresentative.
David, I think that a FM3 (at leat one of the types) makes it possible for me to work.
Can I ask you once again – just to understand this fully: Do I need to prove that I have enough money on my account to cover the next three months ((14,175 * 3) pesos on my account) or that I get an income from my mexican company that is on that level? This might be a grey area…
Again, thank you for your help both of you.
Morten
Hey Morten,
My understanding is that you have to have NEW deposits coming in every month that meet or exceed the regulation’s amounts – or have at least a total balance for 3 months that is more than the 12 month total – since the INM permit is good for a year – or that you have a documented guaranteed income from a Mexican employer that exceeds the minimum requirements.
Hope that helps,
steve
I just went today for my renewal in Merida and here was my experience:
I got there around 9:15, finally got into the office at around 11:45. Definitely go early. I had my number and pin from the computer so they printed out my info sheet. There is now a computer in the waiting area where you can fill out the info form online which I assume is used by those whose info isn’t already in the system.
Now, rather than write a letter they give you a form letter appropriate for your visa type and you just fill in the blanks. Makes it easier. I also needed: copies of my and my husband’s passports and his financial statement since I’m technically his dependent.
I unfortunately couldn’t actually file my papers today because I wasn’t aware that when they start the renewal process they take your current visa and I’d booked an international trip. So, I’ll have to return and file for renewal then.
She did give me the bill to pay at the bank and the cost will be $3140 for a FM2 with Inmigrante Familiar status. She said it’ll be about 2 weeks to process when I return. That’ll mean my current visa is expired by the time I get my new one but hopefully that won’t be a problem.
Oh, and we did have some debate about whether I had to go to Progresso or if I could do it in Merida but she was wrong – thank God.
Anyway, hope my experience helps someone else. The most important thing to note is that you can’t travel abroad while your visa is being renewed. This completely screwed me and has cost me several weeks of time and a couple thousand USD because I was unaware of this fact.
Vagabondette,
Thanks for the good update.
Yes, you may travel internationally while they have your application or renewal in process, but you have to ask for INM permission in writing, and then INM needs to approve your travel. There is no guarantee that they will give you approval, but I received approval to travel to the USA 2 years ago. INM gives you a special letter that you use in place of an INM permit to leave Mexico and then use again to return into Mexico.
steve
To each his own and there are multiple reasons as to why one would want an FM-2 instead of an FM-3 …. but I never could understand the advantage of having an FM-2 UNLESS you are trying to start the process of becoming a Mexican citizen ?
With the FM-3 you can come and go as you please, you don’t have to register your vehicles in Mexico and you can renew your status annually and a lot less red tape in general.
What is the advantage, if any, to an FM-2 if you don’t wan to become a Mexican citizen ?
Hey David,
As described above, Inmigrante (FM2) is generally the path to Inmigrado status. While Citizenship is difficult to get, Inmigrado is relatively straight-forward. Inmigrado’s can come and go, in and out of Mexico, as they please, yada, yada, yada.
If you stay or visit 10 more years in Mexico – you’d save roughly $50,000 pesos in renewal fees if you had gotten the FM2 right away and then gotten Inmigrado – plus no annual renewals, no more visits to INM, way less hassles etc. Inmigrado expats also must not stay more than 5 years out of 10 outside of Mexico .
steve
Some good points, but it would cost me at least 15% of the value of my motor home and vehicle and boat to import and register them in Mexico if I were FM-2 …. that’s about $5200 U.S. ($62,000 pesos) plus the annual road use ( tax ) for 10 years would be another $12,000 pesos for 2 vehicles , so unless I am missing something the $50,000 pesos in renewal fees savings is rapidly disappearing.
Seems like maybe I’m wrong but I always though as an FM-2 you had to get permission to leave the country ??
David,
If you have an Inmigrante Rentista, (FM2), you can keep ALL the same vehicles that you have with your No Inmigrante (FM3) You can maintain the Temporary Import permits just the same way as with your FM3. You do NOT have to permanently import them – so, your proposed 15% is not generally applicable for expats moving here under FM2s.
If you choose Inmigrado status later, then you would have to import the toys – but 5 years of depreciation while you have an FM2 might take a lot of the sting out of import fees??? Still, big toys have their costs. *grin*
Also, there are no restrictions or requirements for FM2 holders on leaving Mexico. You cannot be out of Mexico for more than 1.5 years out of 5, though.
steve
Steve
I’m going to have to take another look at the situation and find somewhere to show me a list of pros and cons for FM-2 vs. FM-3
My main reason for nor switching has been and it appears I might be wrong was that there were restrictions on your ability to come and go at will to the U.S. ….. that you had to get permission from the authorities to travel and prove that you don’t have financial liability in Mexico and furnish them proof of actually having money in the country ( as opposed to merely proving financial stability by showing proof of income from “outside ” of the country … i.e. U.S. bank account records )
It appears from your comments that my vehicles ( toys … although the car and R.V. are actually necessities because we have no home to go to in the U.S … yeah, the boat is a toy ) are not a problem and could remain as is ……. so where in the site can a find a list of advantages and disadvantages of switching to FM-2
p.s. we really have no interest in eventually switching to Mexican citizenship and our current Mexican corporation ( non-profit ) ( no need to file taxes ) solves the problem of owning land and working for ourselves. Should we want to start a business later …. we just have to switch to ” for profit ” and file taxes
David
David,
As often happens on the internet, you didn’t mention a key item until your last post. I assumed that you were a Rentista living off investments, outside income, pensions, etc. As we have often written, if you are here on a “working FM2″ then you cannot have foreign plated vehicles. The good news: Case closed.
steve
We are currently FM-3 NO INMIGRANTE/RENTISTA-NO LUCATIVA living off outside income/pensions but own a Mexican Corp. for the ability to own land in the Coastal Zone.
Are you saying that if we switched to FM-2 … Inmigrante/Rentista-No Lucrativa we could continue to keep U.S. plated vehicles and come and go as we please but that if we switched to FM-2…. NO Inmigrante/Rentista-No Lucratuiva then we would have to plate the vehicles in Mexico instead …. I’m still a little confused ?
David,
Inmigrante/Rentista-No Lucrativa – yes! – This is the one & only subcategory of FM2′s that allows the holder to have a Temporarily Imported Vehicle. The common subcategories of No Inmigrante permits all allow the holder to have a Temporarily Imported Vehicle. e.g. Both Lucrativa and No Lucrativa FM3′s can keep foreign plated vehicles.
You seem to understand the rules just fine now.
steve
hi steve
While applying Fm3 we need to show the Bank statement for Income proof. If the Bank statement is from my home country. whether this need to be attested from my home country minister of External affairs(MEA) and Mexico embasy?
Gilfred,
We’ve used US monthly financial reports from investment companies successfully for this.
Our local twist on submitting translations of bank or financial account statements: Identify key items. Circle the statement date, circle the account number, circle the beginning and ending dates., circle the beginning and ending balances, circle any deposits / credits / dividends / gains..
We’ve found if we make it easy for the INM agent to find key data, and not have to decipher all the different formats, they don’t have to be formally translated.
If you are concerned, you can write on the Spanish translations of key terms onto each statement:
Beginning and ending dates: Periodo
Account Number: Número de Cuenta
Beginning balance: Saldo Inicial ~ (del Periodo)
Ending balance: Saldo Final ~ (del Periodo) or “Valor Total de Portafolio” for investment accounts.
Deposits: Depósitos
Payment (that your account received – like a paycheck from an employer): Abono
steve
Thanks steve.. The Information was really good and appreciate your service.
All good. Glad to serve.
Igot my FM3 from the Mexican consulate in San Diego, California in 2000 and purchased a condo in Tijuana the same year. I never renewed the FM3 but needed to traval to Acapulco in 2005 so I went back to the Mexican counselor and they issued me a new FM3. I still have the same FM3 but of course it expired in 2006. Now I would like to get get a FM3 are FM2.Under the new system do I need to tell them about the the other FM’s.Cost wise whick FM be the one to get. If I take a car into Mexico it would be the sane with either one,right? Is the fee for the FM3 a one time charge and no charge for renewal.Is the FM2 charge the same every year with renewal. Here in Tijuana you can crossed the border back and forth without showing any Mexican visa so if you crossed here how would they know that you were out of Mexico when looking at the FM2 requirements. Also I never took any household goods into Tijuana so would I be able to do this with a new FM3 are FM2.Thanks in advance
Hi Boyd,
I think all your questions are answered in the article above.
~ No need to discuss your old FM3′s that you abandoned.
~ You need to renew an FM2 or FM3 every year.
~ FM2′s are the path to Inmigrado or Naturalization – and are hence more restrictive. You may only be outside of Mexico for 1.5 years of every 5 years on an FM2, and only the FM2 Rentista allows you to have a foreign plated car. FM2′s cost more, and current renewal fees go up sometimes every year (inflation).
~ Even though some expats come and go from Mexico without stopping when exiting with their Temporary Import permit, they risk having trouble getting back in. The rules say to get a Multiple Re-Entry and Exit permit to make returns easy and guaranteed for your foreign plated vehicle.
steve
Hi Steve,
You state above If you do not have an existing FM2 or FM3 smart card, bring four (5) passport photos (infantil size) (three front and two side). Does that mean that if I am just renewing my FM-2 smart card I don’t need the photos? I know that my old card that I turned in had an expiration date on it so I know they issue a new card so what do they do? Have a copy of my photo on the computer that they use for the new card? Also I bank with Bancomer and want to pay my fees online but the first thing it asks for is my R.F.C. which I don’t have since I am rentista or a numero de refrecia which I can’t seem to find anywhere. Bancomer is listed as one of the banks that you can pay online with but if I enter the clave de refrencia that the SAT site gives me it says it is not valid. Anyone have any experience with this?
Hi Allen,
Current INM rules require annual renewals which means fresh fotos every year for the new card.
We have no information on Bancomer’s online procedures, so, let’s hope someone else can answer.
steve
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FM3 – Playa:
You can start the FM3 process at your Consulate in Chicago, but you finish the process in Mexico within 30 days of entering Mexico…
S.O.S.! YIKEs
I live in Cozumel. Everything was going very smoothly until I read the part about foreign-plated vehicles.
I have a Mexican corporation and am starting my business in Cozumel. I just applied and was approved for my FM2. It is under a “professional” status and not rentista so I can work here as well.
I was leaving the country to go back to the states to bring back my car (2010) and personal belongings.
I am confused. I do not plan on “importing” my vehicle here, but I would like to drive it here with foreign plates until I get ready to sell it back in the U.S. in about 2 years.
I do wish to keep my car here in Cozumel, until I can take it back, sell it back int he U.S. and then purchase another car in Mexico 2 years or so from now. (My car is financed through Nissan and I have a permission letter from there to bring it) .
I am leaving to go head back to the states in a couple of weeks. So I wold truly appreciate your help!!
J_Coz,
By choosing the FM2, you forfeit the opportunity to temporarily import a foreign-plated car. FM3 was the choice of permit that fits your plans.
If your Nissan and “personal belongings” are more important to you than your FM2 immigration status & a few $$$, then formally abandon the FM2, and re-apply for an FM3 type that allows you to temporarily import your Nissan. Abandoning the FM2 and replacing it with an FM3 would cost you …. $250???
Or… you could wait until the new INM Reglamentos come out – and likely find that you do not qualify for Residente Permanente – which would put you in Residente Temporal status – which MAY let you have a foreign plated car – but you would be waiting for something that might not happen for 2- 6 months (???) – and you would still have to pay to get the new Residente Temporal status.
If you leave for the States in a couple of weeks, I think you would need to hustle to replace your current FM2 with an FM3.
steve
Hello all, I hope you don’t mind, I just wanted to offer my assistance and translation services regarding Visas, Vehicles, etc.. in Merida, Yucatan. Thanks! girlfridaymerida@hotmail.com
Check with Aduana. Only Imigrado forefeits the foreign plated vehicles, one caveat is you may not use the the vehicle in pursuit of any for profit use.
Thank you for the replies. I wish it were that easy, but I own a property here that I need to eventually sell (as soon as I can). Unfortunately it is tied up in a legal battle with the land owner and the developer and we are all stuck in the middle. The court case has been drawn out for three years now. As soon as the case terminates and a favorable decision is reached (it appears to be heading in that direction), I plan on selling the property and purchasing something else. I was told that I would save a significant amount in taxes by holding the FM2 when it came time to sell. That was one of the reasosn for the FM2. Also, I am the officer for my corporation and I am working here. (I will not be using my vehicle for work or income.)
I am not in a position to go out and purchase another vehicle at the moment.(Too much money tied up in my new business) hmmm… It appears I do have a dilemma concerning the car. fooey
Truly appreciate the wealth of knowledge you provide!! Muchas gracias!
Hi,
I have applyed for an extention for my student visa. My documents have been “registrado”, “asignado” and “clasificado”. They told me it would be 15 work days, but it has been a month now (including week days). Do you think this is a problem or can it normally take this long?
Thank you for your help
Geertsen
Morten,
Have you stopped by your INM office to talk with them about when it might be ready, or if more information is needed? Two of our friends have found that their INM offices were waiting for them to come to the office to complete the next step of the process, even though there was no notice listed on the INM website.
Delays may also be due to your INM office being busy. Our Progreso INM office is processing the same FM3 applications roughly 2 times faster than the busy Merida INM office.
steve
Hi yucalandia,
You were right, I need do deliver some papers. They did not notice me about this, so I had to go their office to get that information.
As part of getting my student permit prolonged, I need to change my address. I therefore went to http://www.inm.gob.mx/index.php/page/Solicitud_de_Estancia to do this. However I am not sure which of the first two categories I have to choose when changing my address. Can you inform me about this? Thanks.
Morten
Hi Steve,
As we plan for our move towards the end of 2012 I’m a bit confused about the sequencing of obtaining our FM2s and moving our household goods…One of the staff at YES said not to get the visa until we are in Merida…but then how does that work with importing the goods? Seems like the old chicken and egg question! Do you arrive on a tourist visa, go get your immigrante and then meet the customs broker?
Hi Bettye,
I think you got a bit of confused advice from YES: FM2′s (Inmigrante) permit holders do not get the one time household exemption for bringing in a load of personal goods. No Inmigrante (FM3) is the “visa” category that allows you to bring in 1 load of household goods duty free.
A customs broker is only necessary if your goods have a declared value of more than $3000. One set of good friends regularly cross the border several times a year with their trailer (Nuevo Laredo – Bridge #2 – early morning crosssings) – and she always brings 3 copies of an Excel spread sheet listing the box and trailer contents – with Spanish translations and prices and total & less than $3000. The Aduana agent at the border keeps a copy, and sometimes the agent at the 20km internal Aduana checkpoint keeps a copy, and various state border crossings appreciate reading a nice list.
The friend gets prices from Ebay on key items – printing off the pages that show prices that keep her loads under the $3,000 limit. The soldiers and Aduana officials look over her load for signs of weapons, drugs, medicines, food, and other contraband. She explains that she is a lawyer – which makes them stand up a bit straighter and to treat her with respect (hint: If you are a professional, introduce yourself as such: “Good Morning, I am Doctor Stanislaw Witwiky. Blah, blah, blah….” ) We are not advocating that you lie about the value of things, but Aduana almost always uses Declared values, especially when their is a clean easy-to-follow list with documentation – and garage sale prices or auction prices seem to fit the bill. The only time the friend had any issues crossing was when she left a zip.lock back of her husband’s medications – in official original prescription bottles – sitting out in plain view. Medications require a written prescription for importing – so, it took some explaining and gentle pleading that “the old guy needed his meds” for the trip.
6 years ago: We also brought in a 5×8 trailer, towed by our pickup (bed loaded 4 feet deep with stuff), and the big storage area behind the seats crammed with stuff. Aduana simply urged my wife to declare less than $3,000 of stuff. We used garage sale / Craig’s List prices – and no Customs Broker.
Back to the original question: yes, it generally takes 2 trips. One trip to get your FM3 (No Inmigrante) permit, and the second trip to bring a load of exempt household goods. some people hire an attorney or appoint a legal representative (with Power of Attorney) to make their FM3 application. This allows the process to get all the way to the point at the end of the FM3 process, where the applicant only goes into INM office to get fingerprinted and receive their card – rather than hanging around for a few weeks or a month, waiting for INM to process your application. I understand that the Progreso INM office is processing FM3 applications in under 2 weeks(?)
steve
Steve,
We are basically coming to stay…We sold our house in the states..so does that mean we can’t simply apply for an FM2? We would be shipping via container, not driving so would not be coming with goods in any trailer etc…but as we will no longer have a US address and already own property in Merida we wanted to skip the FM3 process…I guess I am confused!!
Bettye,
You certainly can apply for an Inmigrante “FM2″ INM permit.
Many people who are bringing in a load of household goods, instead choose to get a No Inmigrante “FM3″ first, so they can qualify to bring in one load of household goods duty-free.
With an “FM2″ you can ship in a container of household goods, but you will basically have to pay a minimum of 15% Import Duties. When you import a container of goods, there is basically a flat 15% rate of duties and taxes on your stuff, unless you use a one-time FM3 exemption.
If you have an FM2 and import $10,000 USD ($130,000 pesos) of used furniture and used household goods, then you would pay $19,500 pesos ($1,500 USD) of Aduana duties plus the Custom’s Brokers fees. If you have an FM3, and import your load within 6 months of receiving the FM3, then you would save the $19,500 pesos of duties per $10,000 USD of household goods. Many people find getting an FM3 for just one year worth the savings on Import Duties.
steve
Thanks Steve….seems totally illogical to me that one can’t import their belongings if they are coming to stay! Also, we will need to purchase a car…I thought one needed the FM2 status for that…and then were thinking of selling our house in Merida so will need FM 2 for that as well…so do you have to have the FM3 for an entire year before switching over? We will definitely need a car sooner within a few months. I think I’ve heard of people who have flown down on tourist visas, then gotten their FM3 while goods were in transit and then were able to get them from the customs broker in Progresso…Somehow we need to move in one trip…Will that work to your knowledge? I’m not sure if they will load our belongings without having the proper visa beforehand…
Do yourself a favor and check official sources before making any decisions regarding visas, household goods and vehicles.
(you may have to cut-n-paste these links)
http://tinyurl.com/Aduana-Tramites or http://www.aduanas.sat.gob.mx/aduana_mexico/2008/tramites/140_10413.html
The list of those who qualify for “Menaje de Casa” as published by the revamped web site says:
El menaje de casa comprende el ajuar y utensilios de una casa, que sirvan exclusiva y propiamente para el uso y trato ordinario de una familia y este deberá de ser usado y adquirido con por lo menos seis meses de anticipación a la fecha en que ese pretende ingresar a México.
• Estudiantes o investigadores mexicanos
• Residentes fronterizos
• Mexicanos o inmigrantes repatriados o deportados
• Diplomáticos
• No inmigrantes (ministros de culto o asociados religiosos)
Most visitors entered under the FM3 and were allowed to import household goods duty free in the past. I used the “menaje de casa“in 2005. Now it appears that its use is restricted and the general rule of allowing goods totaling $3000 USD per individual is in force. However, the items imported must be on the allowed list for duties exemption or you will pay at least 16 percent taxes on the declared value. The restriction of removing items brought in under the “menaje de casa” has always been in law and regulation but seldom enforced. Remember all those leaving Mexico garage sales?
As always those seeking visa’s or to bring household goods should contact the Mexican Embassy or Consulates with questions.
Bettye,
This link provides the information I think you want:
http://www.aduanas.gob.mx/aduana_mexico/2008/tramites/140_10427.html Tramites for Immigrants:
“Los mexicanos y los inmigrantes que sean repatriados o deportados podrán introducir su menaje de casa libre de impuestos al comercio exterior y sin la necesidad de presentar facturas comerciales y sin estar inscritos en el padrón de importadores. Se incluyen las siguientes mercancías usadas:
Ajuar y mobiliario de una casa, que sirvan exclusiva y propiamente para el uso y trato ordinario de una familia
Ropa, libros, libreros, obras de arte o científicas que no constituyan colecciones completas para la instalación de exposiciones o galerías de arte
Instrumentos científicos de profesionales, herramientas de obreros y artesanos indispensables para el desarrollo de la profesión, arte u oficio del solicitante. Los instrumentos científicos y las herramientas no podrán constituir equipos completos para la instalación de laboratorios, consultorios o talleres
Las necesarias para el desempeño de las labores de periodismo para prensa, radio o televisión
Se consideran bienes usados aquéllos que se demuestre fueron adquiridos cuando menos seis meses antes de que se pretenda realizar su importación.
”
The first clauses translate as:
Mexicans and immigrants who are repatriated or deported may introduce household goods duty-free trade and without the need to submit commercial invoices and not registered in the list of importers. This includes the following used goods:
Trousseau and furniture of a house, used exclusively and strictly for the use and regular treatment of a family
As an immigrant who is moving to Mexico, this official Aduana’s web page explains that you would be allowed to bring in a load of used household goods. It appears that the old prior 6 month rule for bringing in the load of goods after getting your FM3 may not apply any more (as a survey of Aduana’s pages on these issues says nothing of the requirement).
This means that Aduanas has been allowing US immigrants to bring in a load of used household goods duty free – as you note there is no $3,000 limit noted for these moves on the Aduana page listed above. Since you are bringing you load into a seaport, you would need a Customs Broker, and you need a Menaje de Casa – full list of all items, itemized by box for the shipper. It is our understanding that this Menaje de Casa may not need to prior approval by a Mexican Consulate in the USA, but you should check with your shipper and Customs Broker first to confirm their requirements.
steve
Bettye,
You can buy a car with either an FM2 or FM3. You can sell your house with either an FM2 or FM3. Having an FM2 can lead to applying for Mexican Citizenship or Inmigrado (or Residente Permanente) status after 4 years – but you cannot be outside of Mexico for more than 18 cumulative months during the time of your FM2 (Note that this 18 month travel restriction may go away under the New INM law). If you have a Mexican citizenship application in process, some Notarios will approve a home seller to claim the homeowners exemption on gains taxes on the sale – but you need to have your Notario approve this in advance – because the decision to approve the gains tax waiver makes the Notario financially liable – and as such, many Notarios only approve the waiver for Naturalized Mexican Citizens. See http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/living-in-yucatan-mexico/capital-gains-taxes-on-mexican-properties/ for more information on reducing your gains taxes on selling Mexican properties.
I’ve been reading the Aduana’s updated web pages, and I’m not convinced any more that only FM3s are allowed to bring in a load of household goods duty free. I think you may need a detailed discussion with your Customs Broker on their understandings if an FM2 is allowed a free – and if their delivery schedule is slow enough to allow you to get here, apply for an FM2 (or FM3) and to get your INM permit approved before the load arrives at your delivery port. It may all work, but if your first INM visa takes a month, are you comfortable with the consequences of paying daily storage fees for your goods at the port of entry?
steve
Hi,
Does anyone know if the requirement of 3.5 years cumulative time living in Mexico with 5 years
on an FM-2 has gone away under the new law?
Nadine,
Since FM2′s go away under the new law, and the Reglamento has not been issued, there is no way to know the requirements and limits of the new Residente Permanente and Residente Temporal. One INM regional director thought that the INM leaders in Mexico City might release the Reglamento after the upcoming Presidential election, but no one seems to know for sure.
steve
Here’s an update on renewing an FM-3 card as of April 19th, 2012
It would appear that the new rules are not fully in effect yet as we received new cards still showing status as NO Immigrante…. Rentista No Lucrativa ….INSTEAD OF…. Residente Temporal or Permanente and also you can not yet buy multiple years in advance
> Just a little update which may help others.
> Day before yesterday we went to Tuxpan ( Ver ) and renewed our FM-3 cards. We have a wonderful friend in the INM office and we had our new cards made and back to us in 3 hours ….. instead of the 10 days most people talk about.
> However ,,,, we then went to Aduana in the port of Tuxpan and tried to present the solicitud to extend the vehicle permit to match the new FM-3 and thus avoid losing our $300 deposit, they were quite obnoxious and said ” we are aduana matimo and we don’t know anything about car permits ” Anyway, our friend from INM then took us to the Banjercito ( which is also supposed to be able to accept the solicitud tro extend the permit ) and they too claimed ignorance of the whole procedure.
> End result, we mailed the whole thing direct to Mexico DF Aduana using Mult-Pak which cost us $12
> So my question is,. has anyone else tried to do the solicitud at a regional aduana office and what was their experience ?
> Is there really a difference between Aduana in port cities and those in inland cities and does anyone know where there is an inland city in the state of VeraCruz with an Aduana office.
> Otherwise in the future I guess it’s either a trip to the border or mail directly to D.F. again
> I’m a little nervous with D.F. because they always take so long to respond, so you have no way of knowing whether they have effected the paperwork in time to avoid losing your deposit.
> Any comments are appreciated.
> p.s. our INM office in Tuxpan said that the system is not set up yet to buy multiple years of FM-3 renewals ….. but supposedly it will be in 6 mont6hs or so …. so for now it;s still one year at a time
> Thanks
> David
Comments or info would be appre43cdiated
Since last July, our Aduana office at the Port of Progreso has been issuing official stamped letters in 1 to 3 days, describing that the car’s temporary import is good for another year, listing the new expiration date from the owner’s FM3 or FM2.
steve
Can’t imagine why one port would do this and not others ? Even getting in to the Aduanas Office at the port of Tuxpan was a hassle. The ports are guarded like Fort Knox. They have a small sign outside the gate saying you cannot wear shorts and sandals so I had to go buy some long pants and shoes to even get in and then they were totally obnoxious and feigned total ignorance of what to do.
Progresso is a long way from us so again if anyone knows of an inland Aduanas office in the northern part of Vera Cruz state I would appreciate finding out where it is. I can’t
seem to find an Aduana website that lists where their offices are
Here is an excerpt of an e-mail I received about how Aduana questions can be answered correctly:
They sent me up to Banercito. Banercito wasn’t able to assist. I phoned the Aduana on their toll free number 018004636728, then pressed options 7, then 2, then 2 then 1 then 1 and spoke to a fellow there who spoke English, Sr Azur Bravo. He told me that the Oaxaca Airport was not set up to take my letter and that I had to go to Puebla or Salina Cruz (the 2 closest locations to us that had Customs offices which could deal with this)…… Each state has a central Aduana office not all Aduana operations are allowed to process import sticker extentions.
Again, Ric comes through with a good solution with details on how to do it.
Perfect ….. that’s what we need …. a contact who can speak English and explain where to go.
It does indeed seem that all Aduana oofices and Banjercitos are different and whereas some are helpfull, others are clueless and often downright rude.
Thank you Rick ans Steve
On a slightly different issue. does anyone know for sure what is required for underage kids entering Mexico as tourists ? …. they would be coming by car NOT by plane
Would kids ages 10 and 7 be able to enter Mexico with their mother on her passport alone ( even though they are not listed on her passport ) …. maybe with copies of birth certificates to prove they are her kids………………….or would they have to have their own passports ( or the cheaper passcards )
Dave,
Passports (passcards?) needed. It’s likely easier to bring them into Mexico, than it is to get back into the USA.**
US State Dept Report:
…Since March 1, 2010, all U.S. citizens – including children – have been required to present a valid passport or passport card for travel beyond the “border zone” into the interior of Mexico. The “border zone” is generally defined as an area within 20 to 30 kilometers of the border with the U.S., depending on the location. Regardless of the destination in Mexico; however, all U.S. citizens age 16 or older must present a valid U.S. passport book or passport card to re-enter the U.S. by land. A passport book is required to return to the United States via an international flight. …”
I understand that Mexico’s INM requires a notarized letter from the parent who is not traveling with the children, certifying that the children have their permission to travel with the other parent. The US Customs & Border Patrol recommend the same thing: https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/268/kw/parental%20consent. CBP advises:
“… There is not a CBP Form letter, however, the parental consent letter should include: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and contact information for the absent parent(s).
Having the letter notarized is not necessary but highly recommended. For frequent border crossers, the letter should not exceed one year. It is recommended to have the letter in English. …” https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1254/kw/parental%20consent/sno/1
The Canadian Govt advises that parents taking children to Mexico:
“…travelers visiting Mexico with children should carry:
a valid passport for each child as required above;
if a child is travelling with only one parent, a notarized authorization signed by the other parent;
if a child is travelling with a person other than a parent, a notarized authorization signed by both parents stating the name of the adult travel companion;
The child’s long-form birth certificate if the name of only one parent appears on it. …”
**USA Today evaluated the US and Mexican laws and concluded:
“…Every U.S. citizen must have a passport to travel outside the United States and back. Even border crossings into Canada and Mexico, which once could be done routinely without a passport, now require a passport or passport card, a cheaper option good only for North American border crossings. The passport application process is relatively simple for most Americans, but for minor children ages 15 and under, whose parents are divorced and sharing custody, the process is more complicated.
Family Event
The law calls for anyone under age 16 to apply in person with her parents and sign the DS-11, passport form, in front of an official at a passport acceptance facility, usually a post office or court clerk. Children aged 16 and 17 can appear with just a single parent. …”
http://traveltips.usatoday.com/joint-custody-passports-children-13260.html
We now return you to your regular programming.
steve
Thanks Steve.
Kind of what I thought, but good to have it confirmed.
Guess Grandpa is going to have to spring for three $65 passport cards if I want my grandkids to come visit this summer.
Nice….
Hi, I entered Mexico on foot in November 2008 and got my FM3 aobut 5 months later. This gave me another year from the date in which I recieved the FM3. I worked for most of that year and then returned to the US again on foot but i did not phsyically hand in anything at the border nor did i cancel the FM3 with the state where it was issued. It is now April 2012 and I want to go back.. I’ve heard not handing in / canceling your documents can lead to hectic return trips, is there any truth to this? What can I expect at the border? I’ve heard eveything from: “You’ll have to pay a hefty fine that directly correlates to the the time in which i shoud have canceled it to now” and “That they don’t really keep track of this information, and I’ll be fine when I arrive at the border” that when the Migratory Forms expire you can just go get a new one without anybody giving you any guff, just don’t get caught inside the country woth an expired permit. I’d like to go back and will going from Oregon to Texas and then crossing into Matamoros. I dont want to make all the effort to get a big surprise that far from home. What is the real scoop? Help please.
The “real scoop” is easy. You simply get an FMM when you return – to allow you stay for up to 6 months. If you want to stay longer, then apply for a new FM3. You owe nothing, because you abandoned your old FM3 – which is allowed.
steve
Thanks for the quick reply, the information is comforting. I’ll be crossing over on Wed of next week, I hope to have no problems, thanks a bunch.
Steve, at what point can one purchase a piece of land? Just having an FMM? Or must one be on the path to residency FM2? I am interested in getting married and buying a piece of land to build a house. Getting married doesn’t make any shortcuts in the 5 year citizen process right?
Profe,
INM’s current policy is that expats married to Mexican citizens can apply for citizenship after only 2 years of an FM2. None of us know what the new policy will be under the new law – check out the Mex. Gob. SRE website for more information. You can own land in most of the country, except for within 50 km of the border or coast. In the border and coastal areas, you must have the land held in trust, using a fidei comiso – which typically costs $400 – $600 USD for the bank to handle the real estate trust.
steve
My wife is Mexican and I’m a US citizen. We rent a house in Mazatlan and we’ve been travelling back and forth frequently for the last 2 years (by air). We are crossing the border next month with a 2007 Ford Expedition that I just bought. Please, correct me if I’m wrong on what I have to do.
1. Apply online for a FM3 no immigrant rentista and go to INM as soon as we get to Mazatlan.
2. I’ll need my US passport, a letter from the financing compay allowing me to take the car to Mexico, Mexican car insurance, registration sticker on the windshield, all the purchasing documents, my driver’s license.
3. They will issue me a FMM at the border for $2, which I will turn in at INM in Mazatlan. They will also give us a temporary importation permit good for 180 days.
4. I will have to leave a $400 deposit at the Banjercito Office at the border. BTW, how and when do I get this back when I change to FM3?
5. Notify aduana that I changed from FMM to FM3.
6. And that’s it, right? Now my wife can drive the car even when I’m not present, And we now have a permanent importation permit that is good as long as we keep re-newing my FM3, correct?
Please, tell me what I’m forgetting and correct me on whatever I misunderstood. Thank you.
Hi Miguel,
1. Apply online or not. You can do that either here or there – as it only takes about 15 minutes, and the process is not official until you go into you local INM office and check-in with your pieza number (issued by the INM webpage when you finish your data entry online). Your FM3 process is officially started when the local INM office takes your FMM and issues you a NUT.
2. You do not “need” Mexican car insurance, but it is a very good idea to have. In addition to what you described, you will also need the car registration and the car title, plus foto-copies of each of these key items.
3. The costs of the FMM are ultimately higher than $2. I think you pay roughly $26 when you take the one form to a bank. You can go to INM at any point within 180 days (before the FMM’s expiration date) to start your FM3 process.
4. You do not get the auto temporary import permit (TIP) deposit back until you end the permit by turning in the sticker from the windshield at the border. Your TIP is valid and they keep the deposit, as long as you maintain a valid INM visa and as long as you notify Aduana of every change in your INM visa. If you allow your visa to lapse, or do not notify Aduana of your visa extensions/changes, then you can lose the deposit. You get your $$$ back when you surrender the valid TIP and windshield sticker at the border.
5. Correct! Within 15 days of getting your FM3 or before 15 days of renewing your FM3.
6. All GOOD ! ……….. Keep a copy of Article 106 in the car, do not allow Mexicans to drive your car (unless you are in the vehicle), keep a copy of the Aduana approval of the visa change/renewal in the car, & enjoy living here .
Happy Trails,
steve
Hi Steve, Am I going to have to pay big money in importation fees when I come across the border with the 2007 Ford Expedition? And if so, could I avoid having to pay this if I had an FM3? I’m trying to figure out how much money I need when I cross the border with the car?
As far as the $400 deposit for the TIP, they keep that forever if I never bring the car back to the US? Thank you for you prompt replies. Miguel
Hi Miguel,
Since June 2011, the fees for a temporary importation permits were raised to a modest $44 US dollars + 16% IVA ( = $7.04 USD as a VAT tax ). You can use a credit card to charge the $400 deposit, if you don’t want to carry cash. Aduana/Banjercito requires a real deposit to try to get gringos to abide by their agreement to take the car out of the country before their final INM visa expires – so, yes, Banjercito holds your deposit as long as you keep your INM visa active.
steve
Quick question, I am doing the drive through the border next week. I now have an FM2. Is it necessary to get a letter from the lien holder (in this case Nissan financial)? I was told to just bring copies of my current registration and the vehicle title and as long as my name only is on these documents that is all that is needed. Of course I would be purchasing Mexican car insurance (Full). Could you please post a link to Article 106? Muchas gracias for all the great advice. It’s invaluable!
J_CozDiver,
Everything we have read from the Mex. Gob. on this says that Aduana/Banjercito can require that you show proof that the lienholder approves you taking “their” vehicle into Mexico. Other people might have gotten through the process without the letter, but that is no guarantee that Aduana/Banjercito will let you slide-by too. The consequences of not having the letter include having to go back home to get a letter, or finding a fax machine and then sitting at the border waiting for the auto finance company to draft a letter and fax you a copy.
Article 106 is in our Importing & Driving a Car in Mexico article http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/driving-in-mexico-issues-fun/importing-driving-a-car-in-mexico/ . See “ARTICULO 106 de la Ley Aduanera” near the end of the article for the key clause of Article 106 that affects expats with Temporary Import Permits.
steve
Thank you Steve; you’re awesome! There is one item I want to make sure of… Once I get my FM3, my wife (who is Mexican) can drive the car even if I’m not in it, correct? Thanks in advance. Miguel
Miguel,
Correct, because she is part of your immediate family, she is allowed to drive the car without you being in the car.
steve
Your instructions for 1st time FM-3/2 filers states:
Under “* ¿Qué desea hacer?”: Choose: “Realizar actividades diferentes al las autorizadas”
Under: “* Especifique”: Choose: “Cambia characteristica migratoria”
Using these choices, my FM-2 application (from FMM) at the Subdelegation Cozumel was denied — even though my letter clearly stated my request and IMN checked that the paperwork was correct — and authorized for FM-3 only. The office here told me that I should have selected:
1. Obtener residencia definitiva en Mexico
2. Cambio de calidad migratoria de no inmigrante a inmigrante
Further, I was told that I could come back 6 months after issuance and change the FM-3 to an FM-2. (Or wait for the new reglamentos to take effect…)
Your site has been extremely informational and appreciated.
The FM3 was recommended to me by a friend as the long run approach to take and it appears that information was incorrect.
I am going on my 3rd renewal for an FM3 and concluding it a waste of time & money.
I have a vacation home we built in Baja Sur and while we use it bimontly or so, I do not have plans to live full time in Mexico. In Baja, I am told by the Baja tourist associations, you may keep a car that is US registered. So I cannot find a reason to pursue the FM3 annually.
The renewal process is very cumbersome and expensive in terms of time and money.
I am contemplating going back to the FMM six month permit that is WAY EASIER. After 6 months, you just get a new one and Discover Baja provides them with a phone call.
I cannot figure any pros (for me) to the FM3 unless I wanted to actually stay longer than six months without crossing the border.
Any input to the contrary?
Thanks in advance
Dennis,
Your analysis seems sound.
Outside possibility: The only area I can imagine a benefit of keeping the FM3 is if the Notario that handled your vacation property purchase was willing to sign off on the Homeowners Exemption for capital gains taxes as a “resident”, in case you sell your Mexican property. Most Notarios do not think that FM3 holders qualify for the tax exemption – and you may have no plans to sell the property anyway… If you want details: see our article on taxes on the gains from real estate sales at: http://www.yucalandia.wordpress.com/living-in-yucatan-mexico/capital-gains-taxes-on-mexican-properties/
If the trips to renew the tourist visa are acceptable, then your plan makes sense.
steve
Thank you Steve. Last question….to abandon the FM3, is there a format to follow or just don’t renew? Dennis
Dennis,
Good question. Most people just go out of the country, let it expire, and re-enter Mexico under an FMM. If you were to surrender your FM3 at an inland INM office, I do not think that INM gives them an FMM ~ but it might be worth a trip to INM to ask how your local INM office does things, since as Deb reports above, each office does some things their own way.
steve
FMM can only be issued at a port of entry. Just let the FM3 expire naturally.
Perfect. Thanks again. Dennis
jennifer rose says:
May 11, 2010 at 10:13 am
Regarding INM’s previous reduced monthly income requirements for FM2 or FM3 holders who also own a home/property in Mexico
MANUAL DE CRITERIOS Y TRAMITES MIGRATORIOS DEL INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE MIGRACION
“2.22 Calidad Inmigrante, característica Rentista, under Requisitos:
e) Si el extranjero demuestra la adquisición de un bien inmueble destinado para uso propio como casa habitación, la autoridad migratoria podrá autorizar que el extranjero acredite hasta el equivalente al cincuenta por ciento de dichos montos.”**
http://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5129775&fecha=29/01/2010
The language is discretionary, not mandatory.
jennifer rose
=========================================================
**Google Translation:
“CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES MANUAL OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON MIGRATION MIGRATION
2.22 Quality Immigrant Annuitant feature, under Requirements:
e) If the alien demonstrates the acquisition of real property intended for personal use as household, the immigration authorities may authorize the alien to prove equal to fifty percent of such amount.”
Hi Steve,
I applied Fm3 in mexico city and yet to receive it. when my family approached mexican embassy in my country to apply tourist visa, The same was rejected and they requested my NUT number and Letter from INM mexico to apply visa.
My question his how to approach INM and get this letter for applying tourist visa?
Will INM mexico provide these documents?
Thanks
Gilfred,
Based on the limited details in your comments, I think the Mexican embassy in your country is trying to link your current FM3 application to your family’s visa applications.
Normally, your relatives would get their tourist visas as they enter Mexico, unless they are citizens of a country with no open visa treaties with Mexico.
No pre-approved visa is needed to enter Mexico as a tourist from the following countries: If you are a citizen of Andorra, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, The United States of America, Uruguay or Venezuela ~ then you need no pre-approved visa, and just travel to Mexico and get your “visa” (actually it is an INM permit) when you arrive in Mexico.
Citizens of all other countries must get Mexican Gob. approval to enter Mexico (approval = a visa).
I guess this means that we would need to know from what countries your family members have passports.
steve
Steve thanks for the reply.
My family members passport document from india, so they need a approved visa to enter mexico. They went to mexican embassy in india, but there visa application was put in pending saying they need a letter from INM mexico to apply a visa? ( They ask me to get the letter in mexico and send to my family members in india)
For more information they ask to check inm.gob.mx, but iam not getting any information regarding the letter in the INM site.
FM2/3 applications are still accepted at all embassies and consulates. Once approved, your passport will have the appropriate visa attached stating you will have 30 days from date of entry to “exchange” the temporary visa for a regular annual visa. Since they are applying as your dependents, their files need to be attached to yours. Contact your INM office for assistance,
Ric,
Good assumption of facts that are possible. Some immigrants refer to their wives mothers, adult children, et al, people who are not financial dependents, when they refer to family. Both of us are guessing when trying to answer Gilfred’s questions, since he has written only a small part of details needed to answer his questions. His description of his family being rejected at their Mexican Consulate does not fit your proposal.
Multiple Mexican Embassy websites point out that citizens of approved countries “do not require a visa to travel to Mexico” – which points to the fact that Gilfred says his family “was rejected” by the Mexican Consulate in their country – which indicates that something else going on. Only residents of non-approved countries must get visas approved before coming to Mexico, so the rejection speaks loudly about their position – as to some problem, like coming from a non-approved country or that they might have criminal records, etc.
Finally, our INM officials explained that registering an application for an FM3 or FM2 at a Mexican Consulate is no different than applying online, since neither application is formally accepted until the applicants visit an INM office within Mexico and are issued a NUT.
As I wrote earlier, we need more information and details before we can answer his questions,
steve
Ric,Steve thanks for the reply.
My family members passport document from india, so they need a approved visa to enter mexico. They went to mexican embassy in india, but there visa application was put in pending saying they need a letter from INM mexico to apply a visa? ( They ask me to get the letter in mexico and send to my family members in india)
For more information they ask to check inm.gob.mx, but iam not getting any information regarding the letter in the INM site.
Currently i am on Business visa in mexico and applied for FM3
My family members details are, my wife and 2 year old daughter.
Good updates.
Gilfred,
I think the issue is that the Mexican Consulate in India is the “SRE” part of the Mexican Government, and your FM3 application is with the “INM” part of the Mexican Government – and the 2 different parts of the Mexican government cannot access each other’s records – which would mean that SRE cannot determine if you really do have a valid FM2 application being processed by INM. This means that SRE – the Mexican Consulate in India – needs a letter from INM (printed on INM letterhead) confirming your current status.
There generally are NOT any form letters existing for your special circumstances – which means that your local INM office may not know what to write in the letter to SRE-Mexican Consulate in India – which means if you request a letter that they (INM) do not know how to do, then INM may not be eager to write such a letter. I think that SRE-Mexican Consulate in India may need to put in writing to your family exactly what they need INM-Mexico to write. Then take the SRE request for information to INM to get them to write the letter.
I hope you are not in a big hurry, because we have found that these sorts of special requests can take weeks to process at each end, which means that it may take a while to get SRE to write up their list of information/letter needed, and then INM may take a while to write the letter – and you may have your FM3 by that time anyway – which would mean you then send proof of your FM3 ( No Inmigrante ) status to the Mexican Consulate in India…
Can you come back to Yucalandia and tell us the rest of your story, as things proceed with INM and SRE.
All the best,
steve
Gilfred, I would visit your INM office for assistance in this matter, but I believe you should complete this form: http://www.inm.gob.mx/index.php/page/Solicitud_de_Internacion for you family members. This form would be available via electronic communications for the appropriate agencies use. Since you were admitted under a FM2 (probably through your employer) I would inquire if it was possible to request visas under your current status or add to your FM3 application.
Ric,
Does the INM online form you propose, include an application for an entry visa for use by citizens from countries who are not approved to enter Mexico and who have NO visa – or people who have had their visa application rejected?
INM’s permits are not visas – even though gringos often incorrectly refer to their FMM, FM3, or FM2 as a “visa”.
Since it is SRE that approves and issues visas to these applicants, and you are advising using an INM form, isn’t this is a little like going to the auto/vehicle licensing bureau to apply for a personal drivers license? The people & agency who issue visas (SRE – Embassies and Consulates) to enter Mexico, are not the same people/agency (INM) who issue permits to immigrants to stay in Mexico.
Is there a place on the INM form (you propose) to request the official INM letter that SRE is requiring?
In the world of hurdles: Gilford’s family needs to cross the first hurdle (getting SRE’s approval) => visas to enter Mexico. After they get their visas , then they can consider applying for immigration permits from INM for staying in Mexico.
Or do I misunderstand?
steve
All of my responses to Gilfred have said he needed to contact the INM office he is dealing with for assistance. I am offering suggestions based on my limited experience with INM. Since he is attempting to change his INM status from FM2 to FM3 and bring his family here at the same time, it does present conditions which requires answers not normally found in an online message board or blog. It may be as simple as him filing a new application for an FM3 and completing the additional family members portion.
The INM is the only agency which approves or denies visas. The SRE approves applications for citizenship but has no powers in immigration. It accepts applications for visa only and has not issued visas since the latest agreement was published on January 29, 2010.
But this has been an good exercise for all concerned but I would strongly suggest that Gilfred contract a professional in this instance.
Hey Ric,
SRE is not just for citizenship apps, they also run the embassies and consulates.
If you continue to doubt, you might check out the Mexican Embassy’s for India’s website: http://portal.sre.gob.mx/indiaeng/index.php?option=displaypage&Itemid=54&op=page&SubMenu= It is an SRE website (not INM) and the Mexican Embassy in India is the one who issues the application forms for visas to Indians – on SRE letterhead: http://portal.sre.gob.mx/indiaeng/index.php?option=displaypage&Itemid=54&op=page&SubMenu= . As such, SRE is the gate-keeper for processing Gilford’s family applications for visas.
The SRE website also describes their terms for them issuing visas for Indians who want to enter Mexico.
There is no mention of any applications to INM by Indian citizens wishing to enter Mexico – just to SRE, in India.
A professional may be able to help, especially if Gilfred does not speak Spanish, but the professional would still seem to need to meet the Mexican Embassy’s (SRE required) requirement for a letter from INM documenting Gilfred’s current INM status.
steve
Steve, I did not mean that the SRE is only for citizenship applications. They handle all foreign relations (http://www.sre.gob.mx/index.php). Yes, they have a link to a local form for a visa application processing, but the same or similar form has been used for quite awhile. It is still found on many consulate sites in the USA. But the fact remains that INM is the sole issuer of visas and they fall under SEGOB not SRE. Most sites direct users to the INM site for more information concerning visas. Here is the a similar form from the embassy in Washington D.C., : http://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/washington/images/stories/doc/SolVisaEng.pdf please note the warning in the last paragraph. Although I have not seen the complete INM system, I would bet the information entered at a consulate, from a local form is actually entered into the INM data base just as it is when one uses the INM online forms. The consulate then issues an entry permit in the form of the applied for visa, valid for 30 days from date of entry, in the holders passport. They no longer issue the actual FM2 or FM3 as you pointed out previously.
Gilfred could have his family travel without prior approval for entry into Mexico, unless India has exit requirements or other transit restriction, and accept the FMM 180 day entry. Then apply for FM3 visas under his, chances are it would be approved. He should apply for their visa under either paragraph 2.21 Dependiente Económico de extranjero No Inmigrante or 2.28 Calidad Inmigrante, característica Familiar.
The best advise we can give him is to seek out professional assistance if he wants to have the dependent FM3′s approved prior to their travel.
Ric,
Your misperception that:
…..”… Gilfred could have his family travel without prior approval for entry into Mexico, unless India has exit requirements or other transit restriction, and accept the FMM 180 day entry. …”
is at the heart of the matter. Your proposal simply is not correct.
Indian citizens are NOT allowed to enter Mexico, unless they first apply for a visa, and get approved for a visa. If they travel to Mexico without a visa (as you propose), they will be turned away as they try to enter Mexico – and they will be put on a flight out of Mexico.
Check the list (above) of countries whose citizens are allowed into Mexico without getting a visa before travel. India is NOT on that list of approved countries, which partly explains why SRE – the Mexican Consulate in India – rejected their initial application.
steve
Steve and Ric,
Thanks for all the information. I consulted with my company visa experts, what they said is, since iam on business visa and interchanging to FM3 visa..so mexican embassy in india required a letter from IMN to process tourist visa( This is independent to home country process). To get a letter from INM i need to do document legalization (marriage & birth certificate) from apostila in india. Then with My Fm3, and legalized document i can request for approval letter.
Since this is time taking process, mostly i will not do this. suppose i am going to start the process again, i will update the information in the forum.
Gilfred,
Thanks for the updates.
We ultimately guessed right: You will have your FM3, then the approval letter from INM to SRE to complete all the information that the Mexican Consulate (SRE) in India wants/needs to approve visas for your family to travel to Mexico. When they arrive in Mexico, you can then apply with INM here in the ways that the “Moving to Mexico: FMM, FM2, FM3″ describes (which fits Ric’s advice about applying inside Mexico for FM3s for family members).
All the best in your efforts to re-unite with your family,
steve
I made a mistake when I suggested traveling without approval and I stand corrected. But I stand by all my other statements in this thread. I made an assumption of facts just as Steve has done. That’s why trying to provide advice about such matters without having a complete assessment of all facts is just plain ignorant on our part. I am sure we both assumed Gilfred had submitted all the normal documents needed to support their application for visas in the first round. And in the end Gilfred followed the advice to get professional help in the matter.
Has anyone heard any new information on the status of the new law of migracion and its implementation?
Here’s SEGOB’s latest information update on the Reglamento process. It includes options for public comments until June 29, 2012. (Hint: no Reglamento on the near horizon.)
http://207.248.177.30/mir/formatos/defaultView.aspx?SubmitID=322621
The webpage references a pdf document of Mexico’s 2011 Immigration statistics, which seems more interesting than the main page. e.g. Merida logged about 47,500 entries by foreigners in 2011 (Compared to 4.7 million entering Cancun):
http://207.248.177.30/mir/uploadtests/24817.177.59.1.BoletinEst2011.pdf
hi steve,
I required one more information. Since i submited my FM3 application at INM and the status currently shows “Presentarse en una oficina del INM”. Now i want to cancel the application and get back my FMM(since i am travelling back this week).
Please let me know what is the procedure to get back the FMM card.
Thanks in advance
Gilfred,
I understand that you could go in to your INM office with a letter saying that you are abandoning your application for an FM3, including references to your NUT, your pieza number, and your passport number. Include a clause that says your request to abandon the FM3 is contingent on INM continuing your FMM to the end of the original 180 day period.
We offer no assurances that this will work, as each office has wide discretion in how they handle these things.
Best of luck,
steve
Hi Gilfred,
I just found the answer I was looking for. In addition to taking a letter to INM describing and documenting who you are and that you want to abandon your FM3, the old FM3 booklets used to say:
“At the termination of the circumstances for which residency in the country of the owner was authorized, he/she should abandon the country within 30 days, relinquishing this document at the migration office where he/she exits (the country).”
steve
Steve, HELP please. We have bought land in Isla Mujeres, QR and intend to build a house immediately. We also plan to immediately move to Isla. We want to drive across the border with our household goods and rent a place until our house is built. I need to know what if anything we need in the way of paperwork or forms to enter Mexico with our household goods and my truck. We will not bring furniture, only household items and clothing. I have looked high and low on the internet and just can’t find answers. Thanks so much for your help!
Chunkmb,
Take a look at our web article on What Can I Bring Into Mexico: http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/answers-to-common-questions/what-can-i-bring-into-mexico-mexican-customs-rules-the-article/ . The article includes links to official Mex. Gob. websites that describe the process. If you need a government website in English, (but it’s information is a little out of date) check out this joint INM & Aduana webpage pamphlet describing the general rules for entering Mexico – in English: http://www.sectur.gob.mx/work/models/secturing/Resource/14119/ingles.pdf.
Many people report that bringing a nice neat excel spreadsheet that lists every single item, what box number it is in, any serial numbers (for electronics, computers, etc) and the $$ values of each item ~ makes for a very smooth review by Aduana agents ~ Many people report that Aduana simply reviews their list, does cursory checks for drugs, weapons, or other contraband, and then waves people through. They can assess up to a 15% duty on non-exempt items.
Happy Trails,
steve
Thanks so much, I think I got it, label everything, no new products, make copies, etc. Now I need to know if we need to go to the Mexican consulate for paperwork and fees BEFORE we arrive at the border or can we just show up with our passports and menaje de casa and enter Mexico. I really appreciate your help. Thanks again.
Chunkmb,
No, you do not need to go to the Consulate. We made 3 trips to the consulate to get our Menaje de Casa officially approved, etc. The Aduana agents said the official list was completely unnecessary, and would not accept it. Bring an extra copy or 2 of the list, because some Aduana agents keep a copy, others do not, but at 20km or 25 km as you cross from the border zone, the Aduana agents will also often want to look at your list.
Also note, it is convenient to have extra copies of your car registration and title to give to Banjercito when your get your Temporary Import Permit. There is a little copy place there, but having copies saves you from standing in one line.
Happy Trails,
steve
Chunkmb,
No, you do not need to go to the Consulate. We made 3 trips to the consulate to get our Menaje de Casa officially approved, etc. The Aduana agents said the official list was completely unnecessary, and would not accept it. Bring an extra copy or 2 of the list, because some Aduana agents keep a copy, others do not, but at 20km or 25 km as you cross from the border zone, the Aduana agents will also often want to look at your list.
Also note, it is convenient to have extra copies of your car registration and title to give to Banjercito when your get your Temporary Import Permit. There is a little copy place there, but having copies saves you from standing in one line. As Dave mentions, expect to pay a deposit of $200 – $400 for your temp. import permit. See more details at: http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/driving-in-mexico-issues-fun/importing-driving-a-car-in-mexico/ .
Happy Trails,
steve
Steve is much better equipped to answer your questions, but it is my understanding that you will need to apply for at least FM-3 immigration status and then either do a ” fiedecomisio ” with a bank as your partner, or marry a Mexican or form a Mexican corporation before you can legally purchase/own any land in Mexico that is within 50 km of a beach.( pretty hard to avoid that rule on Isla Mujueres
Without first having the FM-3 in hand I don’t think you can just show up at the border with your possessions and bring them in on a tourist visa ??
Also you will have to pay a fee/deposit on your truck which can run from $200 – $400 depending on the model year
Dave,
Good Advice. Since they have already bought the land on Isla Mujeres, they would already have the fideicomiso. They are allowed to bring in household goods on FMMs – they simply may have to pay up to a 15% duty on their goods. The old rules of using an FM3 to import 1 load of household goods without paying any duties seem not to apply anymore. And yes, they will have to leave a cash deposit or make a charge on their credit card to make the deposit with Banjercito for their Temporary Import Permit for the vehicle. See more details at: http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/driving-in-mexico-issues-fun/importing-driving-a-car-in-mexico/ .
For additional insights on the drive, there is an article on Yucatan Living describing details of crossing the border and various routes for driving from Texas to the Yucatan Peninsula: http://www.yucatanliving.com/destinations/driving-through-mexico-to-yucatan.htm .
steve
Didn’t know you could import household goods on FMM’s
The posts I read never mentioned anything about their immigration status and how they had bought their land.
We recently heard of someone who bought land with just an FMM on the say so of the owner that it was legal to do so and then the owner died and his wife claimed back the land and the judge said the new guy had no claim because the sale was illegal to begin with.
Just a note of caution to prospective buyers ….. make DAMN sure you get a valid notarized title and that you immigration status is correct for the type of land ( and it’s location ) you want to buy
Good Day People……
I need some advice……
I have an FM3 which is due on July the 28th 2012. I want an FM2 or some advice as I am starting a business on which visa best fits me…I think it is an FM2…Do I need the same employer documents as before? quickest way to apply? Thank you in Advance….
I have an FM3…I want to apply for an FM2… I am following your link which say “GETTING YOUR FIRST FM2″ In the menu that says ” QUE DESEA HACER” Which optioin do I select? in the next section that says “especifique” which option do I select? Thank you in advance…..
I found the note……do I enter my own passport or my fm3 as idenfication in the drop down menu?
Resham,
Passport.
steve
Steve, I’ve read through everything and don’t see any thread that applies to my situation. My husband and I own a house in Merida, and have both been getting FM-3′s for years. We each have a vehicle there. Recently I have been spending more time in the U.S. helping my elderly parents, and missed renewing my FM-3 this past February. So now the question is what to do about the car that’s on my old FM-3.
My husband is trying to get Mexican plates for it (it’s a 2003 Honda) which they are eager to do but say that I will need to renew my FM-3 first and then sign the papers. So the car isn’t “legal” at the moment and they said it must be returned to the U.S. at the same border that I brought it in. Is this new? I haven’t always used the same border crossing in the Brownsville/Matamoros area and don’t have a clue which border issued the permit a few years ago. Do you see an alternative to my making a trip down there and, since it’s been more than 60 days since my FM-3 expired, coming in on an FMM and then applying for a new FM-3? I would prefer to somehow get the car off of my now-expired FM-3, preferably by shipping it from Progreso to Panama City, but apparently that isn’t allowed. I’ve read so many reports saying that it’s a bad idea to cross into Tamaulipas these days, and I don’t relish that drive alone at a time when I’m reading so many warnings of the dangers in that area. I’m stymied as to what to do.
Hi Lopo,
First, if you let your FM3 expire, then you have lost the deposit you made on the temporary import permit (TIP), and the TIP expired.
Our best understanding is that you do not have to take the car to the same border crossing that you entered. That advice seems like an artifact of the old paper systems – where that original office has the copies of your old entry paperwork. With the new nationalized system, you should be able to take the car to any Mexican border crossing. We just helped a friend get a new TIP (since he lost his old one) at the Chetumal border crossing. ( See http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/answers-to-common-questions/updates-to-aduana-inm-banjercito-procedures-for-visas-and-importing-cars-the-article/ ) You could apply for a Safe Returns (Retorno Seguro) permit, as described in our article on Importing and Driving a Car in Mexico ( http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/driving-in-mexico-issues-fun/importing-driving-a-car-in-mexico/ ), which would officially make the car legal to drive to any border during the 3 – 5 days of the permit.
I would get the FM3, get the Safe Returns permit, and then drive to the Chetumal border, and re-import the car there. It’s only a 4 – 5 hour drive to Chetumal, you do not have to leave Mexico, doing everything you need at the Aduana and Banjercito offices at the Subtiniente López border crossing – getting there well before 5:00 PM, because the Banjercito office there closes at 5:00 PM.
Chetumal has decent restaurants, Laguna Bacalar is beautiful, there are Maya ruins in the area, and if you want to see some a very large site of Maya ruins, go west out of Chetumal over to Calakmul. Calakmul is not on the way from most trips out of Merida, and you will be about as close to Calakmul of any route out of Merida. Pretty country down there: big sugar cane fields, pineapple, high jungle canopy etc – nothing like our low dry scrubby jungle here in north Yucatan.
steve
Safe Return is a program which allows your vehicle safe passage to the border: http://tinyurl.com/yjsbt6a or this link:
http://www.aduanas.sat.gob.mx/aduana_mexico/2007/A_Retorno_Seguro.htm
Thanks. I guess there’s no way I can avoid the trip to Merida now, then. In which office do I obtain the Safe Return permit?
El trámite debe realizarse en la Administración Local Jurídica mas cercana al domicilio que se encuentra. Cualquier duda puede comunicarse a la Administración Central de Normatividad de Comercio Exterior y Aduanal dependiente de la Administración General Jurídica. Teléfono 91-57-64-14
Gracias, Ric. Por casualidad sabes por qué el Cotizador de Importación de Vehículos Párrafo Paisanos no funciona para el VIN del vehículo de la Florida?
In reality, there is no such thing as a Florida VIN ( “el VIN del vehículo de la Florida” ). A VIN is a unique ID issued by the vehicle manufacturer for each vehicle, using an internationally agreed-upon format. This means it has nothing to do with an State in the USA, Mexico, Canada, etc.
No se.
I thought that was the case about VIN’s, but when the site gave me error messages when I entered the VIN of my vehicle, I thought perhaps I was wrong. I tried it in two browsers on my Macbook. Perhaps the Cotizador site isn’t Mac compatible. I thought I would check to see how much the duties will be on it if I nationalize it – or whatever it’s called when I get Mexican plates for it.
I would not rely on the program to give you an accurate amount. You should contact a licensed customs broker to assess your fees.
Hi Steve,
I am hoping you can help me with 3 questions…
1) I allowed my FM3 to expire and, on my last trip, entered on an FMM. I am returning to Mexico the first of Aug and I plan to begin my online registration, before leaving the US. I had my FM3 issued when they were still the old booklets and have not applied online before. I know there is a second step, (before my final appt when I submit photos), which requires pmt and delivery of the receipt(proof of pmt) back to the Progreso office before the actual renewal process can begin. Can I have someone else in Mexico take care of that part for me? (My reason being that my Mx placas have expired on my van and I need my FM3 before I can get my new ones, and I want to speed up the process, so that I can get the plates renewed as quickly as possible, upon my return. Because, of course, I will not be able to drive my van without plates and want to minimize the time I will be afoot before I can drive it, I only have one month to be in Mexico this trip and many things to do.)
2) This one is somewhat unrelated, I guess. Would you happen to know if it is possible to do “power of attorney” paperwork (from the US) to set up permission for someone in Mexico to help me take care of issues that arise…like license plate renewals, Profeco filings or appearances, etc.
3) I currently have my fideicomiso with HSBC. It has been with them since I purchased in 2006. It has consistently gone up each year and I am now paying almost 10,000 MXP for my annual renewal. I have heard that Scotia Bank is much cheaper. Do you know approx cost and info on how to go about transferring it from HSBC to another institution?
Thanks so much for any info you may have for me.
Kaye
Hi Kaye,
I have not used a representative to do any of these things, so, I don’t know the route for getting a POA remotely. If you like Yucatan Expat Services, you could contact them, but I don’t know if they work with the Progreso INM office. They used to be able to get things processed up to the last step/appt. of submitting fotos & getting fingerprinted to receive your card. In addition to a POA, you would also need to get your agent copies of your bank statements, comprabante, your passport, etc. The INM office always compares our actual passport to the copy, and signs off – so, I don’t know how the agent w/POA could do it without your passport for the first visit.
The last web reports about Scotia Bank quoted between $5,000 – $6,500 pesos, depending on the value of the property – but those reports are now a year old.
Maybe some other reader can relate their experiences using an agent in Progreso, and the current Scotia bank fidei comiso prices.
steve
Kaye, You could write to Yesenia, who is Girl Friday Merida (girfridaymerida.com), who can help you with the immigration papers and the probably the car stuff. Her address is girlfridaymerida@gmail.com. She told me she would have to have my passport (not just a copy) when she submits the application to immigration. I don’t know if you want to Fed Ex it to her and have her Fed Ex it back; I chose not to so I am going to have to take care of it all when I get there. She might also be able to help you with the fideicomiso issue. Ours is with Banco Bajia which is in Cancun. Not sure how that happened because our last house was with Scotia Bank. Your fees do sound high.
Thanks to both Steve and Lopo…I guess best thing is to just do the initial online form and go to Immigration when I get there to submit the docs for 2nd step. I was in hopes I could shorten time without a car, but may be more expensive and more trouble than that’s worth. I will check out the POA issue when I get there. Since my Spanish isn’t that great, I will get one of my friends to help me contact Banco Bajia for more info on that. Progreso seems to move pretty fast on the FM3 applications, so maybe it won’t take too long.
Good luck, Kaye! Do you think I can use the immigration office in Progreso even though I live in Merida?
Lopo,
There have been reports of both possibilities over the past year: A few Merida gringos have reported getting their FM3s renewed at Progreso, others have reported being turned away… Maybe the Progreso INM policy has changed? When I asked the Merida INM personnel in April 2012, they said I had to do my renewal in Merida.
steve
Hi, I don’t know is you can answer this question but perhaps you can direct me to the right spot to get an answer. We bought a house in Mexico in June 2008, not near the coast so no problems there. My husband has an FM3 and a work permit. When we bought it, we declared the actual price paid. The house has decreased in value so if we sell it, no problems with capital gains. However, we have separated and are now in court in the USA. Husband maintains if I am taken off the deed as part of the settlement (we own property of similar value in the USA and I will get that), then he will have to pay capital gains in Mexico. I know if you die, the surviving spouse doesn’t have to pay any gains. Do you have any knowledge of this?
Thanks for any information,
Diane
Hi Diane,
This sounds like a good (nonroutine) question for your Notario who handled the property sale. Notarios are officially and fiscally responsible for determining what Capital Gains taxes are owed, if any.
steve
unfortunately, I believe my husband has got to him and twisted the facts. That’s why I’d like to hear from a non-biased person.
Pingback: FM2 visa - Playa del Carmen, Mexico forum
here in Guanajuato state they are not accepting bank statement for first FM-3 but rather insist on a letter from stating income deposited into account OR a income confirmation letter from say Social Security, Canadian pension Plans etc. Is this happening elsewhere?
2. Being married to a Mexican with a canadian registered car, she can drive it without me in it?
3. Being married to a Mexican, it requires 2 or 5 years before being able to apply for Inmigrado?
4. In Guanajuato state after 5 years on a FM-3 they require you to get a FM-2, or leave the country and come back in on a FMM and then reapply for a FM-3 or thirdly, let is expire and pay a fine of approx. 1000 p. Does this make sense? I know for sure this is the application locally as we met with Immigration staff today in San Miguel, my wife is Mexican and often works as a facilitator for expats.
Thanks
John Garvin
Hi John,
Good insights & questions>
1. Our Yucatan offices are still accepting bank statements. The law describes deposited income for “Rentista” applicants.
2. Yes, read Article 106 translation in our Driving a Car in Mexico article: http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/driving-in-mexico-issues-fun/importing-driving-a-car-in-mexico/ . It can be good to keep a copy of Article 106 in your car, in case a local policeman does not know the law.
3. 2 years before you can apply for citizenship. 5 years for Inmigrado.
4. Yes, some states apply the law as such. Yucatan allows the FM2 holder to drop back to an FM3 after 5 years of an FM2.
Enjoy the weekend,
steve
Thank you so much. Excellent web site.
Our personal experience in Vera Cruz state ) Tuxpan ) is that they continue to accept copies of U.S. bank statements downloaded from the Internet as long as the downloaded copies have the official banks seals and logos. Even thinking back to the first application for FM-3, copies were all we needed.
Also we are on our second set of 5 years of FM-3′s and have never heard of any requirement to convert to FM-2 after 5 years
Hello
I am an irish citizen hoping to move to mexico from the US. Can i just enter mexico and get a tourist visa and change it to a FM2 in mexico or should i apply online in the US now?
Thank you
Hi Shelly,
Bring your passport, enough cash to pay bills, and have enough income to meet the Mex. Gob. requirements listed above, get a place to live, and you should do fine.
steve
This is so detailed. great job. I was just wondering if there any special exemptions, etc. for someone making a film in Mexico? thanks
???
In our readings of the 2010 INM manual, and the immigration law and rules, we have not seen any special exemptions for filmmakers. Chemists, physicians, professors in public health and professionals in other broadly willing to donate their time in useful fields can get special approvals, but filmmakers … ??? Do you have a career of making public service films???
Mexico welcomes pretty much all people who can prove fiscal independence and who do not have criminal records – so, if you can show that your film-making makes you a decent income, then you would qualify for either an FM2 or FM3 – needing no special expemptions or special treatment. An FM2 or FM3 is not that expensive ( < $300), and Mexican visas are easy to get, so exemptions are not really needed.
steve
Hola yucalandia… what a great resource you are! Thanks for devoting your time and insight.
I live in Baja, Los Cabos to be precise.
Question: Do I have to hold a FM2/3 to obtain a Mexican Drivers license if I purchase an imported car? What if I purchase a car with an ONAPOFA title?
I currently hold an Arizona drivers license.
Juan,
Yes, you would need either an FM2/3 to get a Mexican drivers license, but check with your Baja California dept. of motor vehicles for their specific requirements, because drivers licenses are a state function.
Check out our article on ONAPPAFA at http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/driving-in-mexico-issues-fun/onappafa-an-alternative-to-paying-aduana-import-duties-and-permit-fees-the-article/ . If you read the comments, you will find that even the most ardent ONAPPAFA advocates and leaders are still lobbying with the Mexican government to try to gain legitimacy. If this were a legitimate route, then the ONAPPAFA leaders would not still be meeting with Mexican officials, to try to gain actual legal approval for the home-made ersatz ONAPPAFA permits.
If you can live with the possible consequences, (Govt./police permanent confiscation of your vehicle), then ONAPPAFA may be for you. If you are confident that local Mexican ONAPPAFA supporters will mobilize, and come out en mass & protest to try to get your vehicle back, then ONAPPAFA may be for you. I personally look too much like an Aleman extranjero for locals to mobilize in my defense.
Just our opinion,
steve
Baja requirements for operators licenses can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/baja-details it is a downloadable PDF if you wish to save the information.
Long address: http://www-1.baja.gob.mx/apps/publicacion/spfiso9000.nsf/64a63f9b3c6cd1b488256d1a0053e339/063def3dae3c746e8825748e00031a85/$FILE/001licenciasCCC10.pdf
Later edit: Try http://www.bajacalifornia.gob.mx/portal/site.jsp for other information on Baja California, available online.
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I’ve an FM2. I just use my Mexican immigration attorney. He does everything for me, I just need to go at my appointment once a year where they take my prints and give me a new card. I’m in Yucatan. I’m not sure why everyone living here permanently goes to the hassle of doing everything by themselves unless you’re on a tight budget.
Hi Steve,
I enjoy talking with the INM personnel about how things work. The waits have been short and the people & process has been pleasant. If I can pay myself $500 – $1,000 pesos for reading a book and chatting with people for a few hours, then that is $500 – $1,000 pesos I have for a several nice meals out with family and friends.
You choose to pay an attorney, and others choose to pay themselves.
I enjoy a good dinner out with friends, more than paying an attorney for something that is really really simple to accomplish.
steve
I should have mentioned that I work here, and it can be complicated to justify that you take a Mexican job. You’re right that Fm3 and fm2 for retirees are quite easy to get as long as you have the income. An Working status FM3 or FM2 is another story. In my case my time is more valuable than spending it at the immigration office and filling papers, but I should not have put everyone in the same basket.
But it is so easy to do. I have an FM2 as well. This year I went in with my photos, electrical bill and bank statements. The INM agent checked my information from my online submission and gave me a form to take to the bank. I walked down to bank and back, Upon return she took my finger prints (not sure why), I sat for maybe 15 minutes and then was given my laminated card.
Thanks so much for all your great work! Just a quick question: when were the new regulations for immigration published and that come into effect on October 28th?
Hi Murray,
The law was issued May 2012 and the Reglamento was finally issued about 1 week ago. The INM operations manual that actually describes step-by-step specifics of how the rules will actually be implemented, has not been issued yet – so a number of the new regulations do not yet have adequate descriptions of how they are to be implemented. Based on a Nov. start date for implementing the new policies, we expect that INM personnel will be given the operations manual in the next 3 weeks???
steve
Hi! I’ve been in Mexico just under 1 year, renting a house on the northern border of Rosarito. The house has been sold, and the buyer (doesn’t own it yet), is trying to get me out – my lease expires 11/01/13. The latest evil act was to call Inmigracion out on me! My wife and I have our FMM’s (we had let the first ones expire…didn’t turn them in, and just walked into the INM office at the San Ysidro crossing in Tijuana and renewed). I guess even with the two stamps in our passports, we were OK, as the INM officer gave us paperwork saying we are Legal.
We thought the next step HAD to be FM2 or FM3, but it seems we can continue to live and rent here just by replacing our FMM’s in 180 days?
I’m confused about all I have read in your column about some sticker in a vehicle (we did not receive any), and also that upon leaving Mexico, we’re supposed to turn in our FMM, and then get a new one when we return??? I cross the border several times a week for work and chores – that would get horrendously expensive. What am I missing here?
Thanks a ton for your help!
Chuck
Hi Chuck,
You have a variety of options.
~ Do not leave the free zone near the border with the car, and you can drive the car with impunity.
~ You can replace your FMM every 180 days, but every time you leave Mexico, you will have to get a new FMM when you re-enter.
~ You could wait until November, and take advantage of the new INM Residente Temporal status that is supposed to start then (see http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/living-in-yucatan-mexico/new-immigration-law-published-for-mexico-the-article/ = especially the latest comments at the end of the comments section).
All the best,
steve
Hi Steve,
(Ignore my last post…I just went back and see your response)
I’m clear now on the FMM’s – I can just keep renewing, and renting, and enjoying Mexico. But, I am confused about the turning in of FMM’s. I know dozens of Americans who work in California, and drive back and forth daily – never turning in any documents, or getting new ones. Is all this illegal?
Thanks, Chuck
Hi, I’m Chuck – replying to Chuck…(We’re the same person!) I am new to blogging, and apparently don’t understand how to ASK A QUESTION; it seems I posted a REPLY, and so may not get answers.
I have been reading about importing cars to Mexico, and so a post that Baja is a zone that does not require any special import regulations – in fact, when we got our FMM’s, no mention was made of automobiles.
So, does that mean we can drive all of Baja without any issues? What if we want to drive down the mainland? Does our Baja FMM cover us?
Hopefully someone will gather that I am asking questions, and not posting Comments.
Thanks for any help…
Chuck
MMI Chuck,
The state of Baja California is a special free zone where foreigners with FMMs can drive their cars without any permit from Aduana – but these cars are prohibited from driving into other parts of Mexico and these cars must have valid current licence plates and current registration from back in the Canadian or US home state/province.
steve
Our readers love everything about living and retiring in Mexico. It is one of our top retirement destinations. Retirees love the affordable cost of living, the friendly people, the stunningly beautiful landscape, the superb weather that Mexico has to offer.
Hello Steve,
Thanks for clarifying about Baja being a free zone for cars. You said I would be prohibited from driving on the mainland, however. There must be some way to do so, though…Yes?
Also, if you could look at my previous question, and offer your insights, I’d appreciate it.
By the way – Kudo’s to you on this site, and the information you so freely impart. I wish I had discovered you prior to my move here last year. In retrospect, we did some scary things!
Thanks, Chuck
Steve, 2 questions – (I live in Rosarito, northern Baja)
1) What do I need to do to drive my ‘Free Zone’ car on the mainland?
2) Being in this area near the border, I cross into California 4 to 6 times a month. This blog states that whenever you leave Mexico, your FMM MUST be turned in, and a new one procured upon coming back into Mexico. Obviously, that would be a whacky condition for the 10′s of thousands of Americans who live in Tijuana and Rosarito, but work in California. So – am I misunderstanding that regulation, or must I have some other form of documentation?
Thanks!
Chuck
Hi Chuck,
1. You would have to take the car to an Aduana/Banjercito border crossing office and register the car for a Temporary Import Permit, or permanently import it (if it qualifies). See our article on importing cars at http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/driving-in-mexico-issues-fun/importing-driving-a-car-in-mexico/
2. I think this one is like following speed limits in the USA. Wh-en the posted limit is 55 mph, there are some drivers who drive exactly , or slightly below, never exceeding 55. Some comfortably and safely drive 58-62 mph, the police ignore them, and they never have a problem. Others drive 80…
In other words, the strictest legal interpretation of the law means stopping and turning it in every time and getting a new FMM every time. There have been a decade of expat reports on the internet that they exit and re-enter Mexico regularly, without changing FMMs and without turning in their vehicle Temporary Import Permits…
Happy Trails,
steve
Hi,
Thanks for posting all of the helpful information. I am traveling to Los Barriles to teach kiteboarding with a Mexican owned Kiteboarding school and will need a work visa FM3. I know the application process has changed on 11/9/2012 and am wondering if it will still be possible to take care of this visa once I am in Mexico at the Immigration office in La Paz. Last year I was granted a work visa but, it was stolen just before I left at the end of the season last year. I have viewed the online form at http://www.inm.gob.mx/index.php/page/Solicitud_de_Estancia and have a letter in Spanish from the company I will be working with explaining my pay and I also have a Instructors diploma that has an apostille and has been notarized. Do you see any possible problems?
Thanks,
Justin
Steve , I think Gerhart is referring to the Mexican side of things and not the U.S IRS.
As always …. every accountant or notario you talk to is going to give you a different interpretation of the law.
Ours told us that in lieu of making a report to the Mexican tax authorities, all we had to do was hold a meeting between the owners of the corporation ( that’s us ) each year and record it on paper so that if ever the tax people want to see records , then we have complied. However I have also heard from other sources that you are actually supposed to file a tax return each year
( even though there is no income ) ….. but that no one has ever heard of this requirement being
asked for or enforced …… so there you have it.
Our notario also told us (after the fact ) that in 2008 a new law was passed stating that your corporation is no longer required to have a ” sherrif ” ( a Mexican overseer who really has no authority ) listed on your corporation papers. He didn’t think it was any big deal, but we held a “special ” meeting and voted to remove the sherrif from our articles of incorporation and filed it with the notario. The less Mexican involvement we have with our property we havem the better we like it.
Would like to hear more about your situation … where you live and what you have done
Hey David,
Good clarifications, good updates, and good details.
THANKS!
steve
I am doing my own homework , my wife and I have a corporation that is active but conducts no business all zeroes as it is no longer possible to make the corporation inactive. I am reviewing my papers and the internet postings by expats am finding both my attorney and the accountant-referred to me by the attorney are not advising me well at all. Where can i get a corporate book? Do i have to file it with the SAT? My accountant says I do not need an annual meeting, my lawyer “thinks so too”, which is wrong from what I have read. My wife and I are Americans living in Puerto Vallarta, I have read the annual meetings even can be held outside of mexico as we are both froeigners, , does anyone know if these minutes can be in English as well? Do they have to be notarized? If so is a california public notary with a California Apostille good enough? How much do you pay for a notarized acta de asamblea-general meeting before a notary here in mexico? The laws I found did not seem to go into detail, just mention the rquirement of an annual general meeting. Do they/the minutes have to be presented to the SAT only upon their request or yearly with the annual tax declarations? If not all the annual assembly meetings have to be notarized, could s.o. please scan me /p.m. me a sample of such minutes of an annual general meeting for a S.A., I know they must mention some kind of finances but i need to learn more, we are trying to wing this alone as this is our 3rd inept lawyer and second inept accountant, we have had it, any help is deeply appreciated, Gerhard and Julie
Gerhard y Julie,
I think maybe you are making your situation more complicated that it needs to be.
However, I am not quite sure what you mean when you say your corporation ( sociadad anonimo ) is ” active ” and conducts no business at all. If you were active, then you would be conducting business ? I think what you mean is that your corporation is ” still registered ” but that you are not conducting any business ? Why is it no longer possible to make the corporation ” inactive ” ??
If you are not conducting any business, why do feel the need to get a ” corporate book ” ?
What has happened recently that is making you concerned about this issue ?
Your papers of incorporation that your abogado ( Notario ) drew up for you is all you need to
” own property and build a house ” in the restricted zone. If you are doing something else besides that, then maybe you have reason for concern and would need to find a better attorney.
If you are doing nothing else, then my advice would be to do nothing other than to keep minutes of your annual meeting as a backup if ever you are asked for them by the authorities. I would NOT volunteer any information or contact anyone ( agencies ) unless specifically asked to.
If you are not making any money then you don’t owe any taxes so why do you feel the need to file a return or have a ” book ” or tell anyone about your business ?
I don’t know of any rule that says the minutes of your annual meeting need to be notarized but they would definitely need to be in Spanish ( with copies in English to prove intent if there was ever a problem with translation )
You can make up the minutes anywhere but I would suggest you word them so as to indicate they were made in Mexico and you and your wife sign and date them.
Our minutes are a simple 6 line document stating:
This is the annual meeting of the shareholders of the Sociadad Anonimo ( insert name )
Meeting called to order by Secretary Treasurer ( insert name ) at ( insert time of day )
Old business : None
New Business: None
This corporation has conducted no business during this past year and it’s status remains the same as when it was formed.
Meeting adjourned at ( insert time of day )
Signed ( insert name and signature ) …. Secretary Treasurer
Keep Originals of these minutes in a file for later use if ever needed.
The decision to file copies with anyone else is your decision but I see no need to. The less people know about your business the better.
Also as mentioned earlier every Notario and Abogado and expat is going to give you a different interpretation of what is, or is not required.
If you are doing nothing illegal, don’t make it anymore complicated than absolutely necessary
Great info thanks a lot here a link with a few more details on S.A. http://www.lawmexico.com/articles/Mexican%20Corporations.pdf You probably made your corporation inactive before the law changed around 2009 , this change made it impossible for a S.A. to become inactive requiring monthly and yearly filings even with no business conducted, I am by nature skeptical after encountering lots of problems creating the S.A. and purchasing the house, which was on ejido land thought to be without a title-so the person I bought it from only had a constancia ejidal, during the creation process of the mexican title we found out that a mexican title did already exist and was never transferred to my vendor, so the house really did not belong to my vendor and therefore me at that point. Got it all fixed with money/lawyers all legit tiled now in the name of the S.A., tripled the investment value, but spent some dinero during the process, not for the faint hearted! Prior to the purchase of a house an extraordinary meeting-which always has to be notarized- has to agree on the capital increase of the S.A. -the purchase of the house. This and the house purchase contract / capital increase have to be filed with registro of commerce and foreign affairs dept. My accountant never entered the capital increase/purchase in the books after I just found out, still same numbers as on day one of the S.A. incorporation, needs to be fixed. The extraordinary meeting to approve the house purchase/capital increase was also not done. Now I need to fix this to be in compliance with the law, to be safe. I need to buy a minutebook, did not do any meetings last 3 years, per advice from lawyer and accountant-bad advice! Don’t know if I need a corporate book to at least record the house/land value under assets. Ordinary meetings apparently don’t need to be notarized and must be held within the first 4 months of the year. Does anyone know more about the law change in 2008 that no longer requires s.A. s to have a comisario? This is a great site I just want to warn folks to be careful out there, so they don’t get ripped off like I did. If s.o. says ‘you can trust me” -run!
Did not know where to post this, so you may want to move it. Ferry Service Update
Hello Everyone:
Here is the latest update from Bruce Nierenberg from United Caribbean Lines with regard to the ferry service.
I appreciate that everyone who goes back and forth to the U.S. and Canada from the Yucatan will be very happy when we get the ferry started.
So will I!!
Its taken much longer than I had hoped it would as a result of many thing International that are out of my control.
But I feel we are getting to the finish line and will be establishing the start date soon.
I know you all plan as far in advance as possible so while I wont have the start date for awhile let me give you and your friends down there some info as to what they should be planning.
1. The ferry will not start until 2014.
2. It is being targeted for a winter start hopefully by February.
If you all are planning to travel I would not delay any other travel arrangements in any way before these dates.
I have put together a list of all the people who have contacted us answering our questionnaires etc. That email list will be the first to know our specific plans when we announce them.
Tell the others that if they have not contacted us to send me their email address and I will add them to the list for the latest information and special rates when we start.
We also will have some special rates and deals for all of you that have been so patient.
Yo and your friends who live in the Yucatan and Q.R. will be our most important customers and be assured we will treat you all as special guests everyone you sail with us. We will have special rates for all of you that go frequently that will significantly reduce the cost of travel and of course make it safer as well.
I know you will all miss going to the airport to be abused!!
Thanks again for being so helpful and patient.
Feel free to share this info with you associates in the Yucatan and Q.R.
Best regards
Bruce
Bruce Nierenberg
Chairman CEO
United Caribbean Lines
1369 Lexington Ave
Davenport, Fl 33837
321-427-0332
–
Belated advice for Gerhard and anyone else buying property in Mexico.
NEVER, NEVER under any circumstance, buy or get involved in any way with a purchase of land/house from an “ejido “. This will cause you nothing but grief somewhere down the line.
If you can’t get a clear title approved by the municipality and a Notario, don’t go near it even with a ten foot pole. Titles that are not clear/clean or clouded are often referred to as ” Titulo Suppletorio : ……. avoid them like the plague
Well it is possible to get a hold of a piece of ejido land with a clean mexican title as I have demonstrated, registered in the Puerto Vallarta puplic registro with a notario etc, my S.A., holds the title, it wasn’t supercheap, the legal proceedings and all, I still come out way ahead like I said tripling the investment. You do have to be prepared to lose it all -a very high risk endeavor-and have to be extremely cautious, there was a 50/50 chance on getting it done right and with dinero and weeks of research we made it happen in a legal fashion, it took a few years, and we are quite eager to keep things legit ; never ever do a prestanombre, where your ” mexican friend” holds the constancia ejidal in his name, with or without without a mexican title, forsure!! Research including a title search are the key as well as consulting with more than one lawyer and most of all-doing your own homework as we are doing here with your guy’s help -again thanx for this great site and input
I posted my question on another forum for this site, but I am getting new information that is very confusing. If I am going to Mexico for a working visa, an immigration lawyer told me I have to have my school register with INM and then INM will issue my school a NUT number, which my school has to give to me, to take to the consulate here (in the US). He said I don’t need a letter offering employment from the school, I just need this NUT number. So, if this is true, do you know how long it might take INM to issue this number to my school? Also, my school doesn’t know about these new laws, so do you know the specific application my school needs to register with INM? I am getting worried because I will be going to Mexico in two months and I want all the paperwork to be in order.
Hi Tiffany,
The path we know to working Residente Temporal permits include using an offer-of-employment letter from the employer.
Since you talked with an “immigration lawyer” and want to follow his advice, then have the lawyer resolve your issues with your university. Have the lawyer explain to the university how he wants the university to file an application for a Residente Temporal on your behalf.
Happy Trails,
steve