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Tourist Visa - FMT

If you plan to enter as a tourist from a country other than the USA, or enter from the USA and intend to travel farther than the twenty mile free zone area, then you will need to get a tourist visa (FMT). These are good for six months, and can be obtained as you enter. You will be given a form to fill-in on the plane. You need your Passport. There is no fee.

An FM3 is a one year permit to reside in Mexico. This document makes the holder a No Imigrante (Non-Immigrant) like the tourist visa but, unlike the tourist visa you are allowed to live in the country for an extended period of time. The document must be renewed each year as long as you continue to reside in Mexico. After your fifth year you can either upgrade to an FM2 or simply request a new FM3.

Immigrant Visa - FM2

An FM-2 is a one year permit to reside in Mexico. Unlike the FM-3, however, this document makes the holder an Imigrante (Immigrant). The document must be renewed each year as long as you continue to reside in Mexico. After your fifth year you can apply to become a permanent resident (inmigrado).

Citizenship

To obtain citizenship you must go the Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores and apply for naturalization. You must prove five years of legal residency, which can be FM2 or FM3, and may also have to take exams in Spanish and Mexican history. You also have to provide colour photos and anything else that the licenciado asks for. This application is examined in great detail at the office where the application is made. It is then sent to Mexico City for a year or more for a decision. You must continue with the annual renewal of the FM2 or FM3 while this is being done. Once approval is received from Mexico City you pay another fee and wait another few months and hopefully then you will receive your naturalization card. With it you become a full citizen.

BUYING PROPERTY IN MEXICO

The first question people usually ask about buying Mexican real estate is whether they can actually do it.   The answer is yes... many Non-Mexicans have purchased property here.  While it is true that in years past the Mexican government have not allowed foreigners to buy property, this is no longer the case.  Although there are restrictions, foreigners can buy property, and they will receive either a simple-fee title or a trust deed allowing them to sell the property or will it to their heirs if they so choose

In years past, buying real estate was always a cash transaction, but now home mortgages are available to qualified buyers; some of these mortgages are offered by Mexican companies, but some are offered by American companies.  Interest rates are generally higher than for loans on U.S. or UK property, and there are other fees attached, but mortgages do allow people without a large lump of cash to buy property. Anyone considering buying property in Mexico should keep in mind that he will need a reputable notary (lawyer) and that it is important to work with a reputable real estate agent. We will provide you with a list of agents that have trustworthy reputations.

Buying property in Mexico is not like buying property in the U.S. or the UK

However, buying south of the border is not like buying property in the U.S. or the UK and purchasers must always remember that they are not at home! The Mexican legal system is not the same but that is not to say that real estate transactions (operaciones) in Mexico are totally different or more complicated, but common sense should always be exercised. The worst a purchaser can do is to remain ignorant of the law and procedures involved in the conveyance of real estate in a foreign country. Mexico is not the "wild west" as some may perceive where anything goes and the prevailing Mexican attitude is "trust me, no problema." It is inherently important for non-Mexican buyers to understand that Mexico has formality of law with authorized regulation of real estate development procedures at all levels and this formality is coupled with a statutory government framework for the legal conveyance of real property.

THE RESTRICTED ZONE AND "FIDEICOMISOS"

The law declares that the Mexican nation has original ownership to all land and water in Mexico, as well as minerals, salts, ore deposits, natural gas and oil; but that such ownership may be assigned to individuals.

The Mexican Constitution prohibits direct ownership of real estate by foreigners in what has come to be known as the "restricted zone." The restricted zone encompasses all land located within 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) of any Mexican border, and within 50 kilometers (about 31 miles) of any Mexican coastline. However, in order to permit foreign investment in these areas, the Mexican government created the "fideicomiso," (FEE-DAY-E-CO-ME-SO) which is, roughly translated, a real estate trust. Essentially, this type of trust is similar to trusts set up in the United States, but a Mexican bank must be designated as the trustee and, as such, has title to the property and is the owner of record. The Mexican Government created the "fideicomiso" to reconcile the problems involved in developing the restricted zone and to attract foreign capital. This enabled foreigners, as beneficiaries of the trusts, to enjoy unrestricted use of land located in the restricted zone without violating the law.

A "fideicomiso" is a trust agreement created for the benefit of a foreign buyer, executed between a Mexican bank and the seller of property in the restricted zone. Foreign buyers cannot own real estate in the restricted zone due to Constitutional restrictions. The bank acts on behalf of the foreign buyer, taking title to real property. The bank, as trustee, buys the property for the foreigner, then has a fiduciary obligation to follow instructions given by the foreigner who is the trust beneficiary. The trust beneficiary retains and enjoys all the rights of ownership while the bank holds title to the property. The foreigner is entitled to use, enjoy, and even sell the property that is held in trust at its market value to any eligible buyer.

There is a common misconception among foreigners investing in Mexico that once the trust expires, the beneficiary loses all rights and benefits of the sale of the property held in trust. This is not the case. On the contrary, the beneficiary has a contractual right under the trust agreement with the Mexican bank to all benefits that may result from the use or sale of that property, even though he does not hold title to the property. Under Mexican Law, the bank, as trustee, has a fiduciary obligation to respect the rights of the beneficiary.

A real estate trust is not a lease. The beneficiary can instruct the bank to sell or lease the property at any time. The beneficiary can develop and use the property to his liking and benefit, within the provisions of the law. Generally, the law allows most activities engaged in by foreigners.

Source: http://insidebaja.com

BANKING

Banking is convenient and easy to do in Mexico. There is a universal ATM network spread out across the country and rarely will you have to search far for one of them (unless you are in rural Mexico.) There are five major banks in Mexico, Bancomer (which is owned by BBVA in Spain), Banamex (which is owned by CitiBank and Group of USA), Banco Santander (which is partially owned by Bank of America), HSBC, and Banorte.

In addition, all major credit cards are accepted in the larger department stores, grocery stores and organizations, while only cash is accepted in the small mom-and-pop stores known as tiendas.

In order to open a bank account in Mexico, you must be able to provide the following; An FM2 or an FM3 (see visa section), your passport, proof of residency (a bill with your address on it) and two references who can vouch for your financial stability. Checking accounts are almost non-existent in Mexico, most people use cash. If you decide to keep your UK bank account, you will be able to use your universal bank card at any of the ATM's, or your major credit card to take out cash advances.

Source: www.expatfocus.com

HEALTHCARE AND MEDICAL TREATMENT

There are good, knowledgeable doctors in Mexico. Equally, there are some doctors in Mexico who are less well informed. It is important to find a good private doctor, even if you sign up for the national health care program, IMSS.

Mexico affords its foreign visitors the chance to enroll in the national health care program (IMSS). The care varies with this service. Depending on what area you are in, you may find a small clinic or a large, modern hospital. Under this plan, you won't be able to choose your physician as you would should you seek private medical care. Most people will retain a private physician, and then ask that physician to refer you to an IMSS clinic or hospital when extensive tests or labs are needed. In addition, if you need a specialist and are referred by a private physician, you will be given an appointment with the best expert in town.

In order to enroll in the program, you will need to apply during the months of January, February, July or August, and pay about $225 per year. You will be subject to an examination that consists of nothing more than a doctor taking your blood pressure, listening to your heart, and possibly be asked to give blood and urine samples. You will also be asked to sign a medical statement. You are eligible for this program regardless of your immigration status.

Finally, once you have been accepted into the program, it will take six to nine months for your membership to become active.

Health care in Mexico is inexpensive and private insurance is unheard of. You can expect to pay anywhere from $2 for a quick consultation, to $10-20 for a more extensive evaluation. This pertains to private doctors as well as a visit to a hospital for a routine or even some emergency visits.

Mediation is also inexpensive in Mexico, and it is possible to purchase items, such as antibiotics, over the counter. It's important to be aware that some "like" medications can be stronger or use different chemicals. Always check with your doctor before taking a Mexican brand medication. 

UTILITIES

Electricity in Mexico is generally affordable, but again that depends on the city you live in, as well as the neighborhood. In lower-income to middle class neighborhoods in an average size city, a good estimate would be anywhere from $10-50 per bill, but some people who live in higher-end areas pay upwards of $200 or more. Electricity is billed every two months.

Water is also billed every two months, and again, the bill will depend on where you live. You can pay as little as $5 every two months or as much as $50. It's wise to ask to see previous bills before deciding to rent or buy a home.

Both electric and water bills can be paid at most banks, major grocery stores, some convenience stores, or the electric and water company.

Gas is brought to houses by trucks that continuously drive the streets, ringing "gas bells" or announcing their presence with a loudspeaker. Generally-unless you are in a very rural area-you can count on at least one of these trucks passing by your home each day. The price of natural gas (which is set by the government) has increased greatly over the past two years and is displayed prominently on the side of the trucks. For a small tank of gas that will last the average household 2-3 weeks, the present price (September 2005) is around $36.

DRIVING IN MEXICO

Driving in Mexico Today a significant portion of Mexico's roads are in the hands of the private sector. Modern, safe four-lane toll freeways now connect many Mexican cities. While costly to use (tolls average $8-10 U.S. and may be levied several times during a journey), these new super highways are a welcome alternative to driving in Mexico on older roads that often lack maintenance and are bogged down with commercial truck/bus traffic. Puerto Vallarta-Guadalajara: Drive past maguey fields and over coastal mountains on this scenic 3.5 hour drive that covers a total of 359 km; current one-way toll is $225 pesos. Nogales-Mazatlán: this route touches the U.S. border, running south through Sonora State and into Sinaloa State. The route takes 14 hours and covers a total of 1,192 kms; current one-way toll is $445 pesos. Mazatlán-Los Mochis: This busy corridor across the State of Sinaloa allows Copper Canyon visitors easy access to the sunny beach resort of Mazatlán; new highway covers 429 km; one-way toll is currently $232 pesos. The drive takes 4.5 hours. Mexico City-Acapulco: now just a three and a half hour drive (versus previous six); route covers 343 kms and oneway toll is currently $423 pesos. Mexico City-Guadalajara: drive time has been cut in half (from eight to four hours) via this new 495 km road. One-way toll is currently $440 pesos. The highway provides easier access to popular “colonial city” destinations such as Morelia and Guanajuato. Mexico City-Oaxaca: a once grueling 10-hour journey has been cut to a pleasant four hours; the route stretches 456 km and current one-way toll is $258 pesos. Mérida-Cancún: what used to be a six-hour drive has been cut in half, thanks to this new route. Distance is 315 km and current one-way toll is $240 pesos. This route is also the fastest way to Chichén Itzá. CAR RENTAL All major rental companies operate in Mexico. You must be 25 years of age, hold a valid drivers license, and a major credit card. Customers are asked to sign two charge slips- one for the rental and the other to cover any damages. This is a normal procedure and should not be viewed with suspicion. Many U.S. car companies operate in Mexico, along with a number of Mexican companies. ADO car rental in Cancun recommended. I paid 400 pesos with them for a compact 4 door aircon Monza in November 2009. They are based at the Airport in Cancun and in the Hotel Zone. I got the same price with Budget in Merida for the same car. BUYING GAS Look for PEMEX stations (Mexico's nationally owned service station monopoly). Gas is sold in litres “Magna Sin” (green pumps) is unleaded. It is customary to tip your service attendant a peso or two. (There is no self-service.) INSURANCE Mexican auto insurance is mandatory, since your U.S. policy is invalid in Mexico. Note that even when accepting the rental agency's insurance, deductibles are quite high (often as high as 5% of the vehicles replacement cost!) TO THE RESCUE Major Mexican highways are patrolled by the Green Angels (Los Ángeles Verdes). They patrol more than 48,000 km of highway along 254 designated routes. These government-operated pickup trucks are driven by English-speaking, trained mechanics. They have a nationwide, 24-hour hotline that can be reached by calling (01) 800-903-9200. It would be wise to have your cell phone re-programmed to work in Mexico if driving long distances (and don't loose the help number above!). The service is free, except for parts and gas. (In 1999 the Green Angels assisted 588,000 visitors and serviced 143,500 vehicles while patrolling over 21 million km of highways!) TIPS FOR DRIVING IN MEXICO Avoid driving at night unless you’re on a major highway (cows don't come with taillights); watch for speed bumps (topes) and potholes; slow down at all railroad crossings; illegally parked vehicles are not treated lightly by the authorities; always lock your car. Remember, mileage and speed limits are posted in kilometers. Above all else, drive defensively and never under the influence! Finding Addresses & Following Directions Most Mexican streets and addresses are not clearly marked. Maps are frequently of little help, since streets often carry different names or are spelled several different ways, and addresses are sometimes listed as "s/n" (sin número), meaning "without number", or domicilio conocido, meaning "everyone knows the address." And even if there was a street address, many street addresses are in no particular order or sequence. Veteran travelers make one observation about asking directions in Mexico: rather than say they don't know, Mexicans will usually offer guidance, whether or not they have a clue how to get to where you are actually headed! Here are some common, universal terms for finding your way around. Zócalo: the town square, generally distinguished by the city's most important cathedral and government buildings. Malecón: loosely meaning the waterfront. A pedestrian promenade along a beach or harbor. Mercado: the market, usually an open-air array of stalls and stands. Every city has at least one; bigger cities have several, each devoted to different products. El Centro: loosely meaning "downtown," or the city's center. Click to find out Insurance Information in Mexico.