MexConnect.com Forums: General: Living, Working, Retiring: FM-3

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Ol' Gringo

Jan 30, 2004, 5:04 PM

Post #1 of 5 (473 views)

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FM-3	Can't Post \| Private Reply

It's 7:03 P.M. (central time) Jan, 30, 2003---Question; does anybody know what the requirements are at this time to obtain an FM-3?

tonyburton / Moderator

Jan 30, 2004, 7:25 PM

Post #2 of 5 (453 views)

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Re: [warrior] FM-3

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The same as they were at 7:01 P.M. Central Time...

You'll find all the information very quickly if you put FM-3 into the "search posts" and "site search" functions.

(This post was edited by tonyburton on Jan 30, 2004, 7:26 PM)

PBGollaz

Feb 2, 2004, 1:07 PM

Post #3 of 5 (381 views)

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Re: [Ol' Gringo] FM-3

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As is often mentioned on this website, some of the details involved in any official contact with Mexican Government entities will vary from office to office and location to location. For that reason, it's always advisable to make personal contact with the office that will actually be processing your application. However, the general requirements for an FM-3 for a retiree are as follows (the FM-3 requirements for other classes of immigrants are slightly different):

If you wish to retire in Mexico, and your expenses will be covered by income brought to Mexico from a foreign country or income resulting from investments (either in Mexico or abroad) you can apply for a Nonimmigrant Visa (FM-3) for retirees. Mexican Consulates throughout the U.S are empowered to issue the FM-3 to persons who want to make trips of limited duration (up to one year -- renewable). The general requirements for a Nonimmigrant Visa (FM-3) for multiple entries are:

1) Fill out the Visa Application form, available at the Consulate. Appear in person at the Consulate with that form and other required documents.

2) Valid passport in original and one photocopy of the pages containing personal information, photograph of the bearer and expiration date/extensions.

3) Two (2) front view passport size photos.

4) Proof of economic solvency: As of February 2004, the applicant must prove a monthly income of 1,000.00 U.S. dollars, or the equivalent in Mexican currency. If the applicant will be accompanied by immediate family members, the minimum income required will be US$500.00 additional per month for each member 15 years of age or older. Some documents recently accepted as a proof of economic solvency are: Bank statement, Social Security or Pension Receipts.

4) Payment of the Consular Fee (about US$95) and visa fee (about US$35).

Your FM-3 will usually be ready next business day after applying for it.

CAUTION: Once again, you should make direct contact with the consulate that will be processing your application in order to make yourself aware of any differences in their specific requirements.

Patrick
Zapopan, Jalisco, México

thfarrell

Feb 3, 2004, 9:18 AM

Post #4 of 5 (324 views)

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Re: [pbgollaz] FM-3

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Hi...

For those making 3 to 8 week visits several times a year, are there reasons to get an FM-3 rather than the simple tourist visa one gets, for example, on an airplane? Conversely, other than length of stay, does the FM-3 offer benefits?

tom
---
"Beauty is in the i of the Beholder"
(Julia Mandelbrot)

PBGollaz

Feb 3, 2004, 3:01 PM

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Re: [thfarrell] FM-3

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Hi! Tom,

Just as "beauty is in the I of the beholder," to some extent "utility is in the eye of the holder." As is the case with many of the subjects found on this forum, you may hear different answers from different sources. My view of the situation is that you do not need and would probably gain little or no benefit from having an FM-3 in the situation that you outlined. You are basically a tourist, you are staying in Mexico less than 180 days (the maximum time allowed on an FM-T) during each trip and the FM-T is for you. If the situation should change in the future, though, an FM-3 might be of use. Why?

Well, foreigners who retire to Mexico or who want to stay longer than 180 days at a time are not considered tourists and should obtain a Forma Migratoria-3 (FM-3). The FM-3 Rentista status is intended for foreigners who are not part of the local work force but are supported by income from outside Mexico or earned from Mexican-based investments. [There are also other classes of FM-3, but none that apply to the situation you asked about]. Holders of an FM-3 can bring reasonable quantities of household goods and one automobile to Mexico when they arrive and can stay up to one year (longer if renewed).

The Rentista must show proof of minimum income and the FM-3 can be renewed annually four times at immigration offices within Mexico. After five years, a new FM-3 can be obtained, although many foreign residents elect to upgrade it to an FM-2 visa at that time. An FM-2 is an immigrant visa. It must also be renewed annually. The advantage is that after five years the holder of an FM-2 is eligible to apply for "Inmigrado" status, which is permanent residency (or, alternatively, to apply to become a naturalized citizen).

I hope that helps,

Patrick
Zapopan, Jalisco, México