Jump to: Quick Facts · Practical Info · Why Move Here? · Why NOT Move Here · Visas & Finding Work · Residency & Citizenship · Starting a Business · Links & Resources
Interested in moving to Mexico? Here’s what you need to know:
Mexico: Quick Facts
- The Mexican border with United States of America is 1,954 miles long (3,142 km), making it the tenth-longest in the world.
- Roughly 130 million inhabitants (the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world).
- The first civilization in Mexico were the Olmecs – they flourished from approximately 1500 BCE to 400 BCE. The Aztecs settled in the Valley of Mexico in the 14th century, and their mythological founding involves an eagle on a cactus eating a snake, which is depicted on the Mexican flag.
Practical Information
- Currency: Mexican Peso. The US dollar is accepted in many tourist locations.
- Spoken languages: Primarily Spanish but 6% of the population speak an indigenous language, there are 68 different indigenous languages in total. English is spoken in tourist areas and business centers, but proficiency can vary widely.
- Major religions: 87.2% of the population is Roman Catholic, 8% is Christian, 4.7% don’t have a religion, and the rest make up other or unspecified.
- Major races: Mostly Spanish and Indian mixture known as Mestizos, 56 other indigenous groups, small population of African descendants and Caucasians.
- Largest cities: Mexico City, Tijuana, Leon, and Puebla.
Why move to Mexico
- A warmer climate (for those moving from more Northern countries).
- It’s cheaper to live in Mexico than in most first-world countries (although costs are going up everywhere). Mexico is a popular retirement destination for this reason.
- The country welcomes foreign investments and it is not hard to obtain your residency.
- Many expats find it easy to integrate into Mexican culture, which is known for its warmth and hospitality.
- Flights are cheap and fast connecting to USA and Canada for when you want to visit home or have a visitor from home.
- The health care is very good with many doctors studying in the US and it is also affordable for home doctor visits and dental. Note: many doctors are well-trained, but access to quality healthcare can vary by region.
- Many expats already live in Mexico so it may be easier to make new friends.
- The lifestyle in Mexico is very laid back.
- Despite the negative press, some parts of Mexico are very safe.
Reasons Not to move to Mexico
Note: these are common expat complaints, and may not apply to you.
- Frequently slow service at places like banks and government buildings. If you are a person that likes things done quickly and efficiently, Mexico may frustrate you.
- Many locations are very hot and humid.
- Some expats complain about the lack of garbage collection.
- There are no noise regulations. In busy areas, people could be playing music long into the night – not much you can do.
- In populated areas, you will get poor people begging you for money or to buy their merchandise.
- The streets and sidewalks are narrow and hard to maneuver. Stray dogs are a common sight.
- Traffic congestion and air pollution are common issues in larger cities.
Getting a Visa and Finding Work
- Tourist Visa (FMT): residents of most countries are given a 180 day visitor visa when entering in to the country, also known as an FMT. There is a fee to obtain the FMT and is usually collected by the airline (then paid to the government).
- The FMT is often issued upon arrival for many nationalities, but some countries require a visa prior to entry.
- Note: the FMT does not allow employment in Mexico
- Student Visa: Students must enroll in an accredited institution, and classes must be taught in Spanish
– Note: while students cannot work for money while studying, but there might be exceptions for internships or part-time jobs under specific conditions. - Work Permit visa: the process involves obtaining a temporary resident visa, which requires an employer to file a petition with the National Institute of Migration (INM). The employer, if approved, will then you give a special form which you must take the form to a Mexican Embassy or Mexican Consulate and apply for a temporary residency card.
- 30 day business trip: if you are planning to under 30 days for general business (e.g. meetings, marketing conventions), you are allowed up to 30 days in Mexico with no work permit.
Permanent Residency and Citizenship
- Temporary Resident Visa (FM3 or MTRV): financial requirements for temporary residency typically involve demonstrating a regular income of at least approximately $4,185 USD per month or having sufficient savings/investments.
– The cost of the temporary resident card varies by duration. - Permanent Residency: after four years of temporary residency, one can apply for permanent residency. The financial requirements include a monthly income or investments ($6,975 USD per month or $279,000 USD in savings/investments).
– Note: Permanent residency does not require surrendering one’s home country citizenship and grants access to most Mexican national benefits except voting rights. - Citizenship: Eligibility for citizenship includes being married to a Mexican, having a Mexican child, or being born in another Latin American country, allowing application after two years of temporary residency. Otherwise, it requires five years of permanent residency.
– Note: applicants must pass a history test and demonstrate Spanish proficiency.
Starting a Business in Mexico
- Registering a business in Mexico involves many steps, including:
– registering the corporate name with the Ministry of External Affairs
– legal and tax compliance, including obtaining necessary permits and licenses. - The corporate tax rate is 30% for most businesses.
- Employers must contribute to social security and healthcare for employees, but the exact percentage might vary depending on the specific regulations.
- Business owners must obtain a residency card to work legally in Mexico.
- Depending on the business, you must ensure compliance with zoning, environmental, and health regulations.
Links & Resources
- Visas and migratory documents: the latest visa information from the official Government of Mexico website.
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