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Mexican Visas and Immigration
Like many industrialized nations, Mexico has a comprehensive legal and statutory Immigration Policy affecting Mexicans and foreign nationals.
This guide gives a comprehensive overview of the Mexican immigration system and outlines the principal visas and options open to persons seeking to visit Mexico for leisure, for retirement, for living, working as well as those seeking permanent residence in Mexico or Mexican Citizenship.
What is Mexico's Immigration Policy?
Mexico's General Law of Population sets out the rights and obligations of foreigners, as well as the different statuses associated with foreign immigration.
This guide describes the different types of Non-Immigrant an Immigrant Permits, and also discusses the issue of attaining Mexican Citizenship.
Types of Immigrant Permits
There are two kinds of permit: Non-Immigrant and Immigrant:
- Non Immigrant Permits are for people who intend to visit Mexico for a specific purpose and then depart;
- Immigrant Permits are for people who wish to gain permanent residence in Mexico.
No Surrender of Citizenship
You do not have to surrender your natural citizenship to be granted full resident status in Mexico, nor to become a naturalized Mexican. Full resident status or naturalization entitles you to all rights and benefits of a Mexican National (live, work, claim state benefits and to pay taxes) but you cannot vote in Mexican elections.
Applying for Mexican Visas
You may apply for your visa(s) in person, or you may hire a representative to advise you, make the application on your behalf and do all of the paperwork. See Immigration Lawyers for more details.
Please Note: The information on this page is intended as a guide only, and you should seek professional advice in regard to Immigration matters.
What are the Non-Immigrant Visas?
There are various classifications of Non-Immigrant visitors to Mexico - the main ones are listed below. For a description of the type, click on the title. Your local Mexican Consulate will be able to give you full details about how to apply (and in some cases, pay) for permits that are required in advance.
FMT - The Short-Term Non-Immigrant Visa
Short term visas are intended for visitors to Mexico on short term (6 months or less) visits; usually tourists and short-term business trips. For trips of longer than 6 months, a non-immigrant or immigrant visa should be considered -- see the sections below for details. FMT visas are issued by airlines and are also available at ports of entry* Also See: Entry Requirements for Tourists
FM3 - The Long-Term Non-Immigrant Visa
Mexico operates what is known as a FM3 Visa. The FM3 visa is a renewable long term (more than 6 months) permit which gives non-immigrant temporary residency status to the holder. This means that it gives a person the right to live in Mexico (under the terms set out in the visa) but it does not lead to, and cannot be converted to, a visa leading to permanent residency.
There are various categories under which FM3 visas are granted, and these relate to the activities you intend to undertake while in Mexico. Under the terms of the FM3, you are authorized to only undertake certain, specific activities which may be lucrative or non-lucrative, depending on the visa's classification.
One of the criteria that the Mexican authorities require for the issuance of a FM3 Visa is that the applicant prove that they have 'sufficient funds to sustain themselves while in Mexico' and/or a proven steady income. There is no official minimum or maximum amount -- every application is dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Proof of fund and/or income is usually requested by means of bank account statements, proof of investment income, credit cards, or a combination of these.
Once applied for and granted, the FM3 may be renewed for an additional four years (for a total of five years). After this period, a new FM3 may be applied for and, if granted, will serve for another (max) five year period, renewable annually.
The FM3 visa may not be exchanged automatically for a visa leading to permanent residency (FM2); a FM2 must be applied for separately. Any years accrued under a FM3 visa are not transferable towards FM2-residency status (see below).
You may apply for a FM3 visa while in Mexico and in possession of a short-term FMT (Tourist/Business Visitors Visa), or directly from your home country via a Mexican Consulate.
*To holders of passports from specific countries only.
See Mexico Entry Requirements for details.
If you are in doubt, contact your nearest Mexican Consulate
Types of Non-Immigrant Visas (Short and Long Term)
Tourist Permits (Also used for Temporary Business Visits)
These are the equivalent of the "Landing Card" in the EU or "Visa Waiver" in the US that non-nationals need to fill out and have stamped when they enter to visit. Also See: Entry Requirements for Tourists
Tourist Permits
The Mexican Tourist permit is known at the "FMT" (see above); it is very simple to fill out, and available from airlines and ports of entry.
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This permit allows visitors to remain in Mexico for a maximum period of 180 days*. If the officer at the port of entry does not assign 180 days leave of stay at your point of entry, this permit can be extended to the maximum permitted stay if the original term granted (written on the form at the port of entry) was less than 180 days, by visiting one of the local immigration offices in Mexico, completing the paperwork and paying the administration fee.
You can use a FMT permit to enter Mexico for leisure and also if you plan to scout for and/or invest in Mexican real estate. When you are closing a real estate deal, you will need to show evidence to the Notary Public that your stay in Mexico is legal and a FMT is a valid document for this purpose. In recent years, real estate developers, for example, El Dorado Ranch in San Felipe, have been providing assistance and advice for their clients who need help with acquiring their Mexican residency visas.
Temporary Business Visits
The latest version of the FMT also contains a section for business travelers, who are entering Mexico temporarily to conduct business there. If you are traveling on business, complete the second half of the FMT. Business travelers are usually given 30 days entry as standard, although you can ask the immigration officer for more or extend it afterwards to maximum time allowed (180 days).
Read more about the entry procedures on the Travel Essentials section on Mexperience.
*To holders of passports from specific countries only.
See Mexico Entry Requirements for details.
If you are in doubt, contact your nearest Mexican Consulate.
Traveler in Transit
Mexico used to issue 'traveler in transit visas'; however, as of February 17, 2004 foreigners passing through one of Mexico's international airports onto a third country no longer require a visa or any migratory documentation, provided that they remain at the airport and depart Mexico within 24 hours of arrival.
Visitors (Common for Longer Business Visits)
If you plan to visit Mexico on an extended stay for business reasons, then you are likely to be need one of these permits, although the normal FMT entry card (see Tourist Permits, above) now have a business section included for business travelers on temporary visits, so if your stay will only be temporary (see FMT information above) avoid the paperwork and administration charges involved with this permit and use the FMT instead.
For extended stays in Mexico, you must apply for the Visitors permit (usually a FM3) through your company and state what the purpose of the visit is, and how long it is likely to take. There are also some forms to fill out and a handling fee to pay. You can download the forms, and find out the latest fees and process by contacting your local Mexican Consulate. Visitor's Permits are issued for up to one year, and are renewable four times, for a maximum of one year each time - for a total maximum period of five years. After the initial five year period, a new FM3 may be applied for (for use over a consecutive five year period) if necessary.
Students
If you want to study in Mexico, a FM3 non-immigrant permit which enables you to live and study in Mexico can be granted by the Consulate. You must be able to prove your ability to be self-sufficient by showing a certain amount of funds in a bank account. The exact amounts change yearly - check with the Mexican Consulate in your local area, details of Mexican consulates abroad are accessible from the Contacts page.
Artists and Sports People
These people can apply for an non-immigrant FM3 permit. Each case is considered individually and entry is at the Interior Ministry's discretion.
Distinguished Visitors
VIPs, Heads of State, persons on official visits, royalty, et al can be issued with special visitor permits that last for 6 months. Contact your nearest Mexican Consulate for details.
Local Visitors
Special permits for foreigners visiting maritime ports and border cities. The permit allows a maximum stay of 3 days, and you must stay within the 35km 'border zone'.
Provisional Visitors
If you arrive in Mexico without the proper documentation for normal non-immigrant entry (e.g. your passport was lost en-route) you can be issued with a Provisional Visitor Permit that allows you 30 days to get the required documentation together necessary for application of normal entry. A deposit or bond is required to guarantee that you will return to where you came from.
Correspondents / Journalists
If you're involved in journalism or media, you can be issued with a FM3 Correspondent's Visa, that enables you to carry out journalism work. The permit lasts for a year, but can be renewed as many times as required, provided that you are continuing your journalism work.
Religious Ministers
Religious Ministers or Members of Religious Associations can be issued with a FM3 that allows them to undertake religious duties and services, regardless of which religion it is, as well as social services. Persons wanting this permit will need to register and show their Ministry qualifications.
Mexico's Immigrant Visas
Immigrant Visas are issued to foreign nationals who have the intention of living in Mexico for long periods of time (over one year) AND who intend to seek permanent residency in Mexico.
FM2 - The Immigrant Visa
FM2 visas are intended for people seeking permanent residency status in Mexico or those seeking Mexican Citizenship.
There are various categories under which FM2 visas are granted, and these relate to the activities you intend to undertake while in Mexico. Under the terms of the FM2, you are authorized to only undertake certain, specific activities which may be lucrative or non-lucrative.
You must hold an FM2 for a full consecutive five-year period before you may apply for "immigrant" status or Mexican Citizenship.
You do not need to have held an FM3 visa before applying for an FM2, and any years you may have accrued while living in Mexico under an FM3 permit do not count towards your five-year FM2 qualification period.
If your goal is to seek long-term residency in Mexico, or to become a Mexican Citizen, you should apply for FM2 status (or request a change of status from FM3 to FM2) so that your time starts counting towards the qualification period as soon as possible.
You may apply for a FM2 visa while in Mexico and in possession of a FMT (Tourist/Business Visitors Visa) or a FM3. Mexican Consulates abroad do not process requests for FM2 visas.
Following the five-year qualification period, you may apply for full resident status. When this has been accepted you are entitled to full rights and responsibilities as any other Mexican Citizen, with the exception of the right to vote; you may also, at this stage, begin your application for Mexican Citizenship.
Upon receiving immigrated status, you will receive a document that looks like a Mexican Passport (called a "FM2") -- newer versions look like a driver's license -- which enables you pass through Mexico's borders as if you were a Mexican National.
You do not, under Mexican law, need to surrender your national passport, which you'll use when you return to your home country: either for visits, or when returning home to dwell.
If you stay outside of Mexico for longer than 2 years, or for 5 years in any 10 year period, you will lose your permanent resident status in Mexico.
Listed below are the kinds of people who may apply for FM2 visas:
Retirees
If you are over 50 years of age, and want to engage in "non-remunerative activities" and you are receiving funds from abroad (from a pension or other investments or fixed income) at least to the value of 400 times the daily minimum daily wage per month* and a further 200 times daily minimum wage per month for each dependent (e.g. spouse, children) then you can apply for a Retiree Immigration Permit. Read more about Retirement in Mexico on Mexperience.
*Multiples liable to change without notice
Investors
You can receive an immigration permit if you are willing to invest your capital in Mexico. You investment can be directed at industry or services, and must equal a minimum of 26,000 times the minimum daily wage in Mexico City*.
*Multiples liable to change without notice
Professionals
If you are a qualified professional, you can have your certificates validated by the Mexican Consulate and apply for an immigration visa to live in Mexico and seek permanent residence there. You must be sponsored by a company who must satisfy the authorities that you are essential to their operative requirements.
Technical or Scientific Professions
If you are a qualified technician or scientist, Mexico offers a category of visa which enables you to live and work in Mexico under sponsorship from a foreign company. For example, if the company wants to open an office or factory in Mexico, a person or persons representing that company may enter Mexico to manage the commercial operations on a long term basis.
Artists and Sports People
Artists or sports people who seek long term permanent residency in Mexico may apply for a FM2 visa. Each case is considered individually and entry is at the Interior Ministry's discretion.
May I be granted Mexican Citizenship?
Acquiring Mexican Citizenship is an involved process. As a minimum, you must have been living in Mexico for 5 years with an FM2 visa (2 years under special circumstances) and have applied for and been granted permanent resident status. Marriage to a Mexican national may allow Citizenship without the residency requirement. For matters concerning the acquisition of Mexican Citizenship, seek professional advice and contact your local Mexican Consulate
Which Mexican Visa is Right for Me?
Non Immigrant (FM3)
When you do NOT want to seek permanent residence in Mexico
For Vacations and Casual Trips to Mexico: Simply fill out and use the tourist permit (FMT), available from the airline you travel with or the port of entry*
For Work Placements: If you plan to live and work in Mexico, then a Visitor's Permit (FM3 Visa), renewable annually, is probably your best option.
For Other Activities: You should apply for a FM3 permit commensurate with your activity - e.g. Student, Journalist, Professional, et al.
*To holders of passports from specific countries only.
See Mexico Entry Requirements for details.
If you are in doubt, contact your nearest Mexican Consulate.
Immigrant, Economically Active (FM2)
When you want to acquire permanent residency AND you want to work in Mexico:
You will need to satisfy the requirements for entry (e.g. professional, sponsored by a company, etc -- see notes above about FM2), OR be able and prepared to invest at least 26,000* times the minimum daily wage in Mexico City and apply for a FM2 visa.
Immigrant, Not Economically Active (FM2)
When you want to acquire permanent residency but DO NOT want to work in Mexico:
If you are of retirement age (50+), and have at least US$1,000 or equivalent income per month (plus an additional US$500 per month for each dependant, e.g. spouse), then a Retiree FM2 visa will be the most straightforward route. NB: There is no 'official' minimum income, by law, that you need to prove; however the sums mentioned above are a rule-of-thumb and commensurate with the levels of income most retirees are being asked to prove.
If you are not of a retirement age (below 50) and want to live but not work in Mexico, you will need to contact the Mexican Consulate. Provided that you can prove a steady income, you may be granted a FM2 visa to live in Mexico and seek permanent residency. You will need to state what you intend to do there, e.g. early retirement due to health, etc.
*Sums are subject to change. Contact your local Mexican Consulate for the latest policy on investor's visas.
Immigration Lawyers
You may apply for Mexican Visas directly, in person, or you may hire a representative to do the paperwork and administration on your behalf.
How you go about applying for your visa will depend on your circumstances, how much Spanish you speak, and how much time you have to deal with the necessary tasks involved in the application process.
If you are unsure which visa may be right for your circumstances, if you are having trouble with the application you made on your own, or if your Spanish language skills are rusty, then you may do well to hire the services of an immigration lawyer in Mexico.
A good immigration lawyer will be up-to-speed on the latest legislation and be able to assess your individual circumstances and suggest a proper course of action, based on your personal situation, that will lead to a successful application. A good lawyer will also advise you if it is not possible for a person in your circumstance to make a successful application.
Hiring an Immigration Lawyer and representative will also avoid you having to go to the Immigration Office, make lines and deal with the bureaucracy involved in acquiring your immigration documents. This may save you a considerable amount of time, especially if your application is complex.