Necessary Documents for Settling in Mexico
Dreaming of a new life under the Mexican sun? Here are the documents you need to make your move a success
Understanding the different types of visas
Before you pack your bags for Mexico, it’s crucial to understand the different types of visa available to expatriates. The main types of visa include tourist visas, temporary resident visas and permanent resident visas. The choice of visa depends on the length of your stay and your planned activities in Mexico.
The tourist visa is generally valid for a maximum stay of 180 days and does not allow you to work. The temporary resident visa is ideal for those wishing to stay between six months and four years, while the permanent resident visa is for those intending to settle permanently.
1. Temporary residence visa
This visa is valid for four years, but must be renewed every year. After four years, you must leave Mexico or apply for permanent residency.
There are several reasons for issuing this visa:
To carry out activities not remunerated by a Mexican institution
To study
To invest in Mexico
Family reunion
Working for a Mexican employer
Invitation from a public or private organization or institution
Holders of diplomatic, official or service passports.
The temporary residence visa authorizes the expatriate’s spouse and children to stay in the country.
Please note that to work in Mexico during your temporary residency, you need a work permit.
How much does it cost to apply for a temporary resident card?
Applying for a temporary resident card is normally subject to a fee. Although some pvtists have apparently not had to make the payment, the temporary resident card does have a cost: as of April 2023, it is set at 5,328 Mexican pesos, or around 290 euros.
2. Permanent residence visa
Expatriates can apply for a permanent residence visa once their temporary residence has expired, i.e. after 4 years.
This visa can also be obtained for family reunification. In this case, permanent residency is for foreign nationals who are related to :
a Mexican national
A temporary or permanent resident of Mexico
The holder of a Mexican visa for these migratory situations.
There is also a permanent resident visa for retirees. To obtain this visa, you must be able to prove that you have stopped working and have sufficient income.
The permanent residence visa confers the same rights on its holder as Mexicans. On the other hand, the right to vote and join the army are not permitted with such a visa. It is, however, possible to apply for Mexican citizenship after five years’ residence.
You can find all the information you need about visas on the website of the consular section of the Mexican Embassy in France.
Steps common to all expatriates
Expatriation to Mexico also involves a number of steps common to any move abroad:
Learning the language
Cancellation of unnecessary bank, energy or insurance contracts
Notifying the authorities, including the tax authorities, of your move.
On this last point, a bilateral agreement exists between France and Mexico to avoid double taxation.
You should also remember to take all relevant documents with you:
Diplomas
Family record book
Health booklet
Birth certificates
Etc.
⚠️⚠️⚠️ All original documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates and marriage contracts, must carry an Apostille (official certification of authenticity, easy to obtain before departure) (Paris Court of Appeal) and be translated into multilingual or Spanish (for Mexico).
⚠️ Don’t forget to have your children’s report cards for the last 2 school years translated, as they will be required for school enrolment! …. (locally, this will cost you around $300 per file).
Visa process: Steps and deadlines
Obtaining a visa for Mexico involves a number of administrative steps. It’s advisable to start the process well in advance, as timescales can vary. First, you need to make an appointment with the Mexican consulate in your home country.
At the appointment, you’ll need to provide various documents such as your passport, passport photos, proof of financial solvency and a letter of invitation if required. It may take a few weeks to process your application, so plan accordingly to avoid unnecessary stress.
Work Permits in Mexico: What you need to know
To work legally in Mexico, you’ll need a work permit. This permit is usually linked to your temporary or permanent resident visa. Mexican employers must obtain authorization from the National Migration Institute (INM) before hiring you.
Obtaining a work permit requires additional documents such as a work contract, proof of qualifications and a completed application form. The process can take from a few weeks to several months, so it’s important to prepare in advance.
“ 1. French nationals, holders of a temporary residence visa issued under this Agreement by the Mexican authorities, may be issued a work permit, once they have obtained their temporary residence permit and after making application to the National Migration Institute of the Ministry of the Interior of the United Mexican States, provided they meet the requirements set out in current Mexican legislation.”
Once you’ve obtained your temporary residence permit, you’ll need a work permit to start working for a Mexican employer. The steps involved in obtaining this work permit for temporary residents in Mexico are explained on this page from the Mexican authorities: Obtención de permiso de trabajo para extranjeros residentes temporales en México.
Documents required to make your request
- Your valid temporary resident card.
Proof of fee payment. Details are given later in this chapter.
A job offer from a natural or legal person indicating the activities you will be carrying out, the dates of your employment, the place of work and employer registration details.
A completed and signed “Formato para solicitar trámite migratorio de estancia” (application form for change of residence conditions). This form must be completed online (see above).
You may also need a photocopy of your Mexican visa.
You’ll also need a letter describing your job as defined by the Mexican equivalent of INSEE: the Sistema Nacional de Clasificación de Ocupaciones (SINCO).
Fees for work permit application
There is normally a fee for applying for a work permit. These cost around 188 euros, depending on the exchange rate, but you shouldn’t have to pay a fee every time you change employer. Some pvtists have been able to obtain their permits without paying any additional fees. If you change employer, you shouldn’t have to go through all these formalities again, but you will still have to notify the INM of your change of situation.
RFC registration: How and why to do it
The RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes) is an essential tax identification number for working and paying taxes in Mexico. All expatriates earning income in Mexico must register with the Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT).
RFC registration can be done online or in person at a SAT office. You will need to provide your passport, visa, proof of address and complete the application form. Once registered, you will receive an RFC code that will be used for all your tax transactions.
The Constancia of Situación Fiscal
From January 1, 2023, a new document will be required to work: the Constancia de Situación Fiscal.
This is a document that contains key information about taxpayers, to identify and validate their economic activity, or about a company, to prove the company’s incorporation and legal registration.It is to be requested once you have obtained your work permit. The document must be sent to the company.
Practical tips for successful installation
Tip: Don’t get lost in the administrative jungle! Migración Riviera Maya,http://www.migracionrivieramaya.com/ is a specialized law firm that can help you with all your administrative formalities: temporary and permanent residency, work permits, and more. Our experienced team guarantees fast, efficient processing of your case, in full compliance with Mexican legislation. Benefit from personalized support and total peace of mind, so you can concentrate on what’s most important: enjoying your new life in Mexico.
For a successful move to Mexico, it’s essential to be well prepared. Learn some basic Spanish to facilitate your integration and administrative procedures. Find out about the different regions so you can choose the one that best suits your lifestyle and needs.
It’s also important to familiarize yourself with the Mexican health care system and take out appropriate health insurance. Finally, don’t hesitate to join expatriate groups for advice and support. Good preparation will help you make the most of your new life in Mexico.
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