From The Association of Professionals of Migratory Consultants, A.C. in Rosarito, B.C. Mexico.
The Association of Professional Migratory Consultants, A.C., (APTM) was conformed in August 2001. Before this date, Members of this Association worked individually to assist and serve all foreigners that wish to legalize their stay in Mexico as residents or investors. Since all Members have the experience and knowledge and after conforming this Association our main commitment is to be current and well informed in Migratory Laws and maintain all ties and communications open with government offices that allow us to serve and work as Professional Consultants providing quality service.
What is INAMI ?
It is a Government Agency of Secretaria de Gobernacion, it`s purpose is to plan, execute, control, supervise and evaluate migratory services, also exercising the coordination with different Agencies of the Public Administration, that requires attention and solutions related to all foreigners that wishes to live legally in Mexico. .
The following are the different migratory statuses:
•NON IMMIGRANT
•IMMIGRANT
•PERMANENT RESIDENCE (INMIGRADO)
•FMT, FMN, FM3, FM2
*** FM2 ***
NON IMMIGRANT
Foreigner that enter legally with no intention of living a long term in the country. Under some Statuses that are indicated in article 42 of the General Law of population.
Article 42
of the General Law of Population
Non immigrant is the foreigner that with the permission of the Secretaria de Gobernacion enters temporarily the country, under one of the following statuses:
According to Mexican Law, foreigner may only perform those activities expressly authorized by the Ministry. You are allowed to perform any activity as long it is legal and honest. This includes the ability to work in the country.
§Tourist
§Visitor
§Renting Visitor
§Business Visitor or Investor
TOURIST VISA
What do I need to get one?
Proof of citizenship - this can be either a passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate accompanied by a photo ID. A passport is the document of preference. Be prepared to fill out the information requested, which includes your place of birth, your destination and the reason for your visit. The administrative fee for the FMT is currently $237.00 pesos and it is issued for 180 days.
Where to get this Visa.
If you are coming to Mexico you can obtain a Visa at any port of entry. If you are entering via automobile, you can request an FMT form at the border.
If you decide to stay for a longer period than 72 hrs. or you are thinking on IMMIGRATING to Mexico you should start the process with the IMMIGRATION authorities.
*** FM3 ***
The FM3 is issued by immigration authorities or Mexican Consulates and must present seal and signature of authority that issued. If our obtained your FM-3 through a Mexican Consulate in your home country, you have 90 days from the date of issuance of this FM3 to have it stamped by the Mexican Immigration authorities at any port of entry, otherwise it will be automatically VOID and also you must register at the local Immigration office within 45 days upon arriving to the city or town where you are going to live in Mexico.
As a FM3 holder you are allowed to stay in the country as a NON IMMIGRANT for a period of one year. This permit or FM3 visa must be renewed annually. After renewing the FM3 for five years you may be interested in acquiring the next immigration status (FM2 IMMIGRANT ) or simply continue as a FM3 holder.
*** FM2 ***
This migratory document is given to those foreigners who intend to reside permanently in Mexico. The FM2 qualifications, income, requirements and restrictions are more than the FM3. The FM2 also must be renewed every year. After five years with an FM2 visa you may apply for permanent residence (INMIGRADO STATUS).
The 1917 Mexican constitution imposed restrictions on the purchase of land on those without Mexican citizenship. In particular, it prohibits direct ownership of real estate in what is known as the "restricted zone". This zone encompasses all land within 100 km of either Mexican land border and within 50 km of any Mexican coastline.
Land `purchases` in these areas can only be done via a mechanism called a fideicomiso, which roughly is a real estate trust, with a Mexican bank designated as the trustee and having possession of the land title. This mechanism was created to allow for foreign investment in these areas without violating the constitutional principle. The beneficiary of the trust, the foreigner, has all the rights to use, build and sell the property at its market buyer to any eligible buyer. These trusts have a term of 50 years and are renewable
PERMANENT RESIDENCE (INMIGRADO)
Who have legally resided for a period of 10 years (5 years with FM3 and 5 years with FM2) in Mexico, may obtain INMIGRADO STATUS (PERMANENT RESIDENCE). And when said IMMIGRANT has upheld the laws and regulations of Immigration, and that their activities and deeds have been those of a positive nature to the community. In case of an application for Immigrant is denied by the authorities, the interested party will maintain his Immigrant Status (F.M.2).
Need Working Visas for Mexico?
You will need a permit granted by the Ministry of Interior (Secretaría de Gobernación). To obtain it this status you will need to comply with certain requirements.
You will need to present general requirements, and the foreigner must present a letter with letterhead stationary from a private or public institution explaining to INAMI (Immigration Office) the needs to hire a foreigner, declaring type of established business, address, the nature of the project or activity to be performed, position, salary and the estimated time the foreigner will be staying as well where in Mexico and type of activity.
According to Mexican Law, foreigners may only perform those activities expressly authorized by INAMI (Immigration Office). You are allowed to perform any activity as long as it`s legal and honest and have the abilities to work in the country.
Both as an FM2 or FM3 holder, you may be authorized to perform several activities.
BUSINESS OR INVESTOR
(FM3 OR FM2)
You may have considered investing in Mexico and therefore you wish to learn about possible investment options. Or, you might just come down to invest, supervise an investment, represent a foreign company or perform certain commercial activities.
As an INVESTOR: You must note that there is an obligation to demonstrate that the investment is beneficial to the country`s development.
TECHINICIANS
In these categories you will have to provide all the documentation that proves to the satisfaction of the authorities that you have the skills and knowledge to perform these activities.
HIGH LEVEL MANAGEMENT
If you were appointed as a director to a company or to assume a key position you will need to obtain this immigration permit.
PROFESSIONALS
FM3 OR FM2
You will have to provide the authorities all the documents that can prove you have the knowledge and skills to perform the specific professional activities. The applicant must demonstrate that the skills are not met in the workforce in Mexico.
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
When you need to attend to a board meeting of one or more corporations, this is the migration status you request to the Mexican authorities.
You may try doing it yourself. Yet, if you are not familiar with the paperwork, the Mexican Governmental offices, the bureaucracy and especially the language, it would be wise to ask for help.
The following are members of APTM:
International Mail Center
Escritorio Publico “ROMERO”
FastTrack
Jorge Cuadros y Asociados
Juanita’s Services
Mail Express & Xtras
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