Once you decide you want to make San Miguel de Allende your second home, you need to think about what immigration status you would like to obtain and how to go about it in the most efficient way possible. The bureaucratic process here can seem labyrinthine and frustrating, but knowledge is power, and is also the key to your peace of mind.That is why we include fundamental information here about the options and requirements.
FMT – The Short-Term Non-Immigrant Visa
Short term visas are intended for visitors to Mexico on short term (6 months or less) visits. If you are here for longer than six months, you should consider acquiring a non-immigrant or immigrant visa (such as an FM3 or FM2).
FM3 – The Long-Term Non-Immigrant Visa
The FM3 visa is a renewable long-term (more than 6 months) permit which gives non-immigrant temporary residency status to the holder. There are various categories under which FM3 visas are granted, related to your planned activities while living in Mexico. These may be lucrative or non-lucrative, according to your FM3’s classification – the application process and fees for these two categories differ.For non-lucrative status, you must demonstrate you have sufficient funds in the US to “sustain” yourself in Mexico. This amount is not fixed, but is generally required to be around $1200 dollars a month. You can prove this income via bank account statements (from at least 3 months prior to applying), proof of investment income, credit cards, or a combination of the above.Once applied for and granted, the FM3 must be renewed annually. The FM3 visa may not be exchanged automatically for a visa leading to permanent residency (FM2); an FM2 must be applied for separately. You may apply for a FM3 visa while in Mexico and in possession of a short-term FMT (Tourist/Business Visitors Visa), or abroad at the nearest Mexican Consulate.
FM2 – The Immigrant Visa
FM2 visas are for people who want permanent residency status in Mexico or those seeking Mexican citizenship.Like the FM3, this visa can be either lucrative or non-lucrative. You must hold an FM2 for a consecutive five-year period before applying for “immigrant” status or Mexican Citizenship.If your goal is to seek long-term residency in Mexico, or to become a Mexican citizen, you should apply for FM2 status. You may apply for a FM2 visa while in Mexico and in possession of an FMT (Tourist/Business Visitors Visa) or an FM3.If you obtain full residence status, you obtain the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, except for the right to vote. You may also begin your application for Mexican citizenship at this time, although you do not have to do this; you can remain a ‘resident alien’ on an FM2 visa.You do not, under Mexican law, need to surrender your national passport from your home country. If you hold an FM2 visa and live outside of Mexico for more than 2 years, or for 5 years in any 10 year period, you lose your permanent resident status in Mexico.Royalty Real Estate San Miguel will be your guide every step of the way and you can always depend on our integrity, honesty and loyalty.