The Relocation Process: Preparing a Visa

Think About Your Visa

While the research process continues, the most important step is to figure out the legal requirements of your move. This means knowing what sort of visa you will need and how you will go about getting it. There are basically three visas to consider: the FMT tourist visa, the FM3 working visa, and the FM2 residency visa.

There are also different ways of going about the acquisition of a visa. For example, the most recommended way is to simply acquire a tourist (FMT) visa and take care of the process of acquiring the more complicated working visa (FM3) while you're in the country, and preferably with the help of an immigration lawyer who will be more effective and will know the ins and outs of the whole business. What money you spend will be worth the time and hassle you'll save.

Keep in mind, however, that unless you are from what is considered by Mexican authorities to be an "unrestricted" country (European countries, Canada, the United States, Japan, Australia, for example), this process is not recommended. In fact, if this is the case, you will be required to obtain your FM3 or FM2 visa through a Mexican consulate in your country of origin before you can actually enter the country. If you are relocating with your company, your company should take full responsibility for your FM3 process, using its own company lawyer for the task. If you are not relocating with a company, yet enter the country and find employment, the company will be responsible for acquiring your FM3. For more information check our Mexico visa section.

Put Your Documents In Order

Considering this process, make sure you know what documents you will need beforehand. This may include your university diploma(s) that should be apostilled from the institution from whence it/they were issued. This diploma with its apostille then needs to be translated and verified by a notary. Of course, a valid passport is crucial. As obvious as it sounds, be sure to check its expiration date.

You should also make sure you know the documents that will be needed for other eventualities, such as for the transfer of your children to a new school (again, you'll need an official apostille from the relevant public office for education in the country where the child was last studying). Don’t forget the documents you’ll need for health insurance (a recent medical report), pets (a vaccination certificate stating that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies, hepatitis, pip and leptospirosis, and an official health certificate that must be issued by a veterinarian no more than 72 hours before entering Mexico), auto (valid driver's license, international credit card, birth certificate, passport, visa, original and copies of the vehicle state registration certificate, auto insurance to be obtained at customs and a permit that will be valid for 6 months). Thus make sure you know all the documents you will need for every eventuality, otherwise it could be a terrible hassle once you're in Mexico.

Return to top