An
FM-3 is a one year permit to reside in Mexico. This document
makes the holder a No Imigrante (Non-Immigrant) like the
tourist card but, unlike the tourist card you are allowed to
live in the country for an extended period of time. The
document must be renewed each year as long as you continue to
reside in Mexico. After your fifth year you can either upgrade
to an FM-2 or simply request a new FM-3. The following
information applies to persons who will be considered
Rentistas, meaning you will not work in Mexico.
You
may apply for an FM-3 at any Mexican Immigration Office within
Mexico, or at any Mexican Consulate.
Step
1
You
will need to submit the following:
-
A
letter in Spanish addressed to the proper immigration
authorities - check with your nearest Mexican Consulate
about this. The body of the letter must include your full
name, current address, a request to change your
immigration status from Tourist to FM-3, and a statement
to the effect that you have annexed all pertinent
paperwork.
-
A
current and original tourist visa
-
Your
passport.
-
Proof
of income. This figure changes constantly. It is based on
minimum wage (250 times the
-
minimum
wage in Mexico City) and fluctuates with the exchange
rate. The current amount is $8,700.00 pesos per month for
the applicant and $4,350.00 pesos per month for each
dependent. This proof could be in the form of a bank
statement showing your investments generate that amount or
more, it could also be a letter from your consulate
stating you receive social security, a pension, etc.
-
The
administrative "Fee" of $680.00 Pesos.
-
Proof
that the required amount of income is being deposited into
a Mexican bank account. Include the last three months'
statements but be prepared to show more if it is
requested. The monthly income requirements are reduced by
50% if you own and reside in your Mexican home. If this is
the case, be sure to include a notarized copy of either
the deed (escritura) or trust.
-
If
you are married and your spouse also wishes to apply for
an FM-3, have your original marriage certificate
authorized and translated at the Mexican Consulate nearest
the place of marriage.
-
Submit
a letter signed by you and two Mexican witnesses stating
that you are an upstanding citizen living harmoniously
within the community. Include with this a copy of each
witnesses' photo ID.
Once
you have all of the above mentioned items, make three copies
of each and submit your package to immigration. Normally,
immigration stamps the original documents plus two sets of the
copies with the date it was received. They keep the originals
and one set of copies, the second set is for your files. It is
habit to make the third set of copies as things can sometimes
get misplaced.
Step
2
Once
you are notified that your application has been accepted, pull
together the following:
-
Black
and white passport size photographs (4 x 4 cm.) - 3 right
profile and 4 front, no jewelry or glasses.
-
Form
SHCP-5. These forms are readily available through
immigration or in Mexican stationery stores. Hint: If you
are doing all of this yourself, the people at immigration
are very nice and can direct you to someone who can help
you fill out the form.
-
Your
letter of authorization for your FM-3 - 1 original and 2
copies.
-
Two
(2) Copies of your passport.
-
Include
the FM-1 form you received with your authorization letter
and two (2) copies. Review this to make sure the
information is correct as this is the information that
will be typed into your FM-3 book.
Submit
all of the above documentation within 45 days of receiving
your authorization letter to the person with whom you are
working at immigration.
An
FM-3 permit is required if you are planning on living in
Mexico more than 180 days per year.
Limitations
As
specified above, you will not be able to work if you are
classified as a rentista. If you are moving to Mexico because
of work, make sure your employer helps you make all the
arrangements necessary to allow you to get working papers or
check with your nearest Mexican Consulate as to what is
required.
If
you obtained your FM-3 through a Mexican Consulate in your
country, you must register it within 45 days of your arriving
in Mexico with the local Immigration office.
Your
FM-3 must be renewed annually for a period of five years.
After five years you may apply for an FM-2 or simply apply for
a new FM-3.
The
FM-3 allows you to bring your vehicle with you across the
border but, its registration must also be renewed every year.
