Costa Vallarta Realty

Moving to Mexico: FAQ's

Do I need an FM-3 and if so, how do I obtain one?
Mexican law states: If you sign a contract, rent a house or condo, buy a house or condo, or lease property (i.e., campo’s), you are no longer a "tourist" and therefore, are required to apply for an FM-3.

How soon should I move furniture down?
According to immigration, after obtaining your FM-3, you have 90 days to move furniture across the border duty free. Otherwise it is wise to hire an importer.

What about vehicle registration?
It must be current, check with your insurance agent to see if you are covered in Mexico, otherwise you must purchase Mexican insurance before entering the country, either on-line, or at the border etc.

Is a vehicle pass required?
The first time into Mexico with the car you only require a visa. The second time in you must have an FM3, you will have to register your car with customs, you must have a letter to let them know that your car will be in Mexico and the description of the car. There is no cost for this and the permit is valid for 4 years.

FM3 PROCEDURES

Applying for your FM3
The benefits for foreigners acquiring the FM3 temporary resident status permit in Mexico as opposed to having a FMT tourist permit:

• To keep your foreign car in Mexico indefinitely.
• To bring your household possessions to Mexico
• To obtain a local driver’s license
• To get 50% discount on your property taxes
• To be eligible for a capital gains exemption on your home when you sell
• To work temporarily in Mexico (in some cases)
• To open a bank account (in some cases)
• The FM3 permit is available at the local immigration office.

TO APPLY FOR THE FM3 YOU WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING:

• The official application (form available)
• A personal application (form available)
• Copy of your passport (all pages)
• Your current tourist visa (FMT)
• 4 picture size 4x4 (2 frontal and 2 right side), must be black and white, no glossy and no Polaroid
• A copy of your last three bank statements
• The copy of a local phone, light or water bill
• The FM3 immigration form information typed
• 6 tax forms know as SAT #5 to pay the fees
• $400 pesos for reception fee
• $1,500 pesos for resident status fee

Once you have an FM3 you need to renew it once a year. It is much easier because you don’t need pictures and the cost is $1,055 pesos. It is really important to re-check this information before you make your initial application and each time you renew because the cost and procedure may change. Also, we recommend getting some help (at least the first time) if you don’t speak Spanish to avoid a lot of frustration.

* The holder does not acquire any residency rights for living in the country and he may only remain in it for the time and purpose that this Secretaria authorized him/her for.

The holder must register with the department or registry or foreigners in this state department ( Secretaria de Gobernacion ) within 30 days after his/her arrival in the country

• The holder must notify the above department in the event of the change of class or immigration characteristic, nationality, marital status, address, activity or occupation, with in 30 days after the change has taken place.
• The holder is under the protection of the provision of Art 42, Section III, IV and VII of the general law of population, having the right to multiple admissions and departures.
• At the end of the term or circumstances for which the holder was granted authorization to remain in Mexico, he/she must leave the country, after leaving this document at the immigration office in the place of departure.
• Any infringements to the General Law on population, regulation and provision of this state department with regards to immigration matters, will be punishable, deportation included, in accordance with the provision of said law.

It is really important to re-check this information before you make your initial application and each time you renew because the cost and procedure may change.