How to Legally Live and Work in Mexico

Living and working in Mexico is a dream for a lot of people and is one that can be made possible with a little homework. The proper way to live and / or work in Mexico is to go through the appropriate Mexican immigration channel.

It’s important to note, however, that you do not have to go through the immigration system to live in Mexico. Visitors arriving at the border are generally granted a 180-day FMM visa (Forma Migratoria Multiple). This piece of paper means you can stay in the country for up to six months at one time.

You also do not have to go through the Mexican immigration system to buy property — as in a second home or a rental condo, for example. Anyone can buy property in Mexico. What you will need is a licensed real estate agent familiar with the local system and local laws.

If, on the other hand, it is your intention to live (and maybe work) in Mexico, then you will need to go through the appropriate Mexican immigration channels. Subsequently the first step to starting your resident visa is to visit a Mexican consulate. Foreigners living outside Mexico (or inside Mexico on an FMM visitor visa) must go to a Mexican consulate in their home country.

The official list of immigration fees vary depending on the type of visa for which you apply. These fees change every year so it is a good idea to check back.

Mexican consulate offices no longer offer FM3 or FM2 cards, but instead, have replaced them with Residente Temporales — no Inmigrante visa (temporary resident non-immigration visa) and Residente Permanentes (permanent resident) cards for foreigners who qualify. Everyone starts with a temporary visa and after four years, are able to apply for permanent resident status.

If you become a working Residente Temporal visa-holder, you will be required to legalize your car in Mexico or take the car out of Mexico for good. At the moment this does not seem to apply to non-working immigrants.

Foreigners with permanent resident visas do not need to request working permits, nor do they have to renew their visas. A permeant resident visa gives you more rights and allows you to live in the country permanently.

Once you’ve applied for temporary resident status outside the country and are approved, a temporary travel sticker is placed inside your passport. This sticker is valid for 30 days from the time you enter Mexico. Your temporary resident visa is issued in Mexico.

Nevertheless once you enter the country, you have 30 days (as per the travel sticker) to appear at an INM (Instituto Nacional Migracion) office in the city or town in which you will reside.

You can find updates on INM requirements, general immigration news, forms and fees on their website. It is here where you can also check your status and submit forms or any changes you have.