This is a brief description Immigration laws and policies for Mexico.

Articles 30 and 33 of the Mexican Constitution specify that anyone who is not Mexican by birth (being born in Mexico, of at least one Mexican parent or on a Mexican-flagged ship or airplane) or by naturalization is a foreigner. Article 33 stipulates that all foreigners have the same civil rights protections that Mexican nationals do in the country.

There are three basic migratory visas for foreigners who wish to stay in Mexico. This first is a tourist visa called a FMT. For those looking to live in Mexico permanently or temporarily, there are the FM3 and the FM2. The FM3 is for those who wish to live in Mexico, but do not qualify as a long-term immigrant and are classed as no inmigrante visitante (visitor non-immigrant). There are various types of FM3 for professionals working in the country, exchange students and those living in Mexico but not working, such as retirees. The FM2 is for those classed as inmigrante rentista (longer term immigrant) and is similar to a United States Permanent Resident Card. For those carrying either of these visas, economic activities are strictly limited to those authorized by the document.

 

So if you wish to stay in Mexico longer than the 180 days the tourist visa or FMT allows you need to apply for an FM3. If you want to work for a Mexican company in Mexico you need to specify that on the FM3 application. You can go to the immigration office and pick up the application and process your own FM3. But it is a very time consuming process and most people chose to have an attorney process the application for them.

Here at Elementi Developers we have a staff in house just for this procedure. For $500 USD we can process your FM3 for you. This fee includes the Mexican government charges for an FM3

 

Requirements for an fm3 for foreigners wishing to live in Mexico

1.VALID PASSPORT AND ONE PHOTOCOPY.
Passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining. If person is a legal resident of U.S., a copy of the front and back of the alien registration card is also required.

2. LETTER FROM THE BANK that proves a minimum monthly deposit of One Thousand ($1,000) dollars per dependent.
   OR
COPIES OF YOUR BANK STATEMENTS for the last 6 months that proves your monthly deposit covers the amount stated above.

3. TWO (2) PASSPORT FRONT VIEW PHOTOS
no automatic machine photos will be accepted.

 

4. A completed application form

 

Requirements for a FM3 for general business work permit.

 

1.VALID PASSPORT AND ONE PHOTOCOPY OF PASSPORT
Passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining. If the person is a legal resident in the U.S.A., a copy of the front and back of the Alien Registration Card (green card) is required.

2. LETTER ADDRESSED TO THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF MEXICO BY THE AMERICAN COMPANY HE/SHE REPRESENTS, ON THE OFFICIAL COMPANY LETTERHEAD STATING THE FOLLOWING:
A. Specific activities/purpose to be conducted in Mexico.
B. Time requested and length of stay in Mexico.
C. The applicant will receive no salary while in Mexico.

3. PROOF THAT THE COMPANY EXISTS BY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
A. Letter of Credit from the bank.
B. Copy of the Current Business Registration (license)

4. TWO PASSPORT FRONT VIEW PICTURES IN COLOR.
NO AUTOMATIC MACHINE PHOTOS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

5. COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM