Lake Chapala Ajijic Mexico Information

Getting Legal at Chapala Mexico

The Lake Chapala Society has been an effective group meeting place in for retirees to Ajijic for 50 years. Here is their compilation on getting legal in Mexico:

There are four immigration status options, FMT, FM-3, FM-2 and Inmigrado.

FMT is a temporary tourist visa, good for from three to six months. Renewing it requires a trip to the border. It is recommended only for initial trips to Mexico to determine if you might want to settle here.

FM-3 is good for five years, renewable yearly. It allows you to bring in one motor vehicle and one shipment of household goods. The FM-3 has a minimum income requirement of $1000 dollars per month for an individual and $500 dollars per month for a dependent. These income requirements are cut in half for those who own their home in Mexico. There is no limitation on how much time can be spent outside Mexico, as with the FM-2. FM-3 holders may drive foreign-plated cars. If the FM-3 is obtained outside Mexico it MUST be activated upon arrival.

FM-2 is good for five years, renewable yearly. It allows importation of one motor vehicle and a household goods shipment. It is intended for those who are considering permanent residence in Mexico. Minimum monthly income is 1300 US dollars or equivalent, and 650 dollars per dependent. These are cut in half for those owning their own home in Mexico. Holders of an FM-2 cannot leave Mexico for more than three months a year. Holders of an FM-2 may legally drive foreign-plated cars. After holding FM-2 status for five years, you may apply for Inmigrado status.

Inmigrado gives all the privileges of a Mexican citizen except voting or holding political office. For example, an Inmigrado may hold a job without getting permission from the Mexican government as is required for FM-2 and FM-3. Inmigrado status may be applied for after having FM-2 status for five years. Inmigrados may not legally drive foreign-plated cars. No fees are required after initial granting of Inmigrado since there is no renewal.

You may import one car duty-free and drive it in Mexico as long as your FM-2 or FM-3 is valid. A Mexican or someone in Inmigrado status may not drive a foreign-plated car.

Mexican wills are good in the US or Canada, and American/Canadian wills are good in Mexico, but only after being probated in the country of origin. This can result in a considerable delay in disposing of property. If you have significant property in Mexico, including household goods, you should have a Mexican will made. Disposition of your house depends on how it is held, by direct ownership or by a trust (fideicomiso). Generally, houses held by direct deed go first to the surviving spouse or if no surviving spouse it is evenly divided among the children. A trust allows more flexible disposition but involves a substantial yearly payment to the holder of the trust. Check with your realtor and/or lawyer for the details.

Buying a house usually means paying for it in full at closing. There are almost no mortgages in Mexico; however, there is the possibility of financing under very limited circumstances.

Employees often come with the house, if you are buying one that has been lived in. The new owner incurs legal obligations if he/she keeps the existing maid or gardener. The result may be a substantial payment, according to Mexican law, if later on you want to let the employee go.

Post Life Planning is a program available at LCS to assist you to legally specify how you want your remains disposed of e.g., by cremation or burial. Having this specified in writing can make things much easier for your survivors.

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