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gurley

Feb 22, 2003, 5:27 PM

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My Working "Niche" in Mexico!! (J. Rose PLEASE)

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I have a dream! I am a (master's degree-level) nutrition counselor (RD) and Certified Diabetes Eductor (CDE). I hope to semi-retire in Mexico and work part-time in my field, so that my husband and I can live humbly, without (hopefully) having to draw down our less-than-abundant retirement savings. I work in a field that can benefit many and I believe that my expertise could be of value to expatriates and Mexicans.

Before embarking on this adventure (and daring to leave my current employment), I need to know if I CAN legally obtain a work permit - either a "professional" permit, or a "business" permit for my tiny, solo operation. I'm thinking that since my specific training is not shared by many in Mexico, I would not be taking away a job from a Mexican, and so hopefully this would be legally allowed. I would love to work with clients referred by local physicians; I am not sure if I could hope to be "employed" by a health care facility there? I know there are many decent doctors and other health care practitioners there; I feel I could partner with them to provide the education regarding HOW to achieve the desired lifestyle and health benefits.

I would really appreciate any ideas regarding how to research my chance of obtaining this permit, both here in the States and when we come to Mexico - probably in May and for an unfortunately-short trip of two weeks. I would be willing to pay for some sound and honest advice, if I could find the right contact (lawyer, government person, etc.; Jennifer Rose - could you be or suggest a contact??). We plan to spend time in the Lake Chapala and Guanajuato/San Miguel de Allende areas, and hopefully a couple of days in Morelia/Patzcuaro. We anticipate it would be best to choose an area with a large expatriate community which would hopefully be a main source of clients. I would be very willing to do some pro bono work with the poor and also work with a general Mexican population - and am now working diligently to improve my Spanish skills.

I know I would not be able to charge much for my services, but hopefully enough to minimize the use of monies already put aside. Our previous thoughts had been to move to Mexico when we retire in our 60s. What a grand opportunity it could be to live and work professionally in a foreign culture when we're in our early-to-mid 50s - and to contribute my health knowledge in the community in which we live! I know Mexico well and look forward to becoming part of the Mexican community.

I'm so excited to learn more! Someone mentioned to me the possibility of teaching nutrition at the University level. That seems far-fetched to me? I am really good at passionately working toward dreams that I feel strongly about. And there is none more important to me that this! I would really appreciate any feedback and ideas!

Sincerely,

Rose
God Bless the World - No Exceptions!

jennifer rose

Feb 23, 2003, 8:49 PM

Post #2 of 2 (1758 views)

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Re: [gurley] My Working "Niche" in Mexico!! (J. Rose PLEASE)

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You’ve asked this question several times, and I feel badly that there hasn’t been an answer. And this may not be the answer for which you’re looking.

The prospect of having a work permit and a job nailed down before you move to Mexico in your situation is nil and grim. The prospects for finding a niche for the kind of work you’ve described would be best in an area with a heavy English-speaking expatriate concentration. That would most likely be the Chapala area or San Miguel de Allende. You won’t find it in Morelia or Patzcuaro.

The best advice that I can give you is to settle down in one of those venues, work on your Spanish and learning the lay of the land. Familiarize yourself with the health care resources and medical-business climate here in Mexico before looking for employment or planning to set up your own shop. Once you’re settled in and have your bearings, living here on an FM-3 or better, then contact a lawyer who specializes in immigration-related matters and business law to go about the business of getting a work permit and setting you up with the related permits, tax numbers and accounting systems.