MOVING TO CABO:

Do I need an FM-3 and if so, how do I obtain one?
Mexican law states: If you sign a contract, rent a house, buy a house, or lease property (i.e., campo’s), you are no longer a "tourist" and therefore, are required to apply for an FM-3.

How soon should I move furniture down?
According to immigration, after obtaining your FM-3, you have 90 days to move furniture across the border duty free.

What about vehicle registration?
It must be current, check with your insurance agent to see if you are covered in Mexico, otherwise you must purchase Mexican insurance before entering the country, either on-line, at the border in the ports of entry, etc.

WHAT'S REQUIRED TO OBTAIN AN FM-3 OR FM-2 VISA?
For those of you who either lease lots, rent houses, or have purchased property through a Fideicomiso Irrevocable, you must have an FM-3 Visa to be legal in Mexico. Once you have signed any sort of contract, you are no longer a tourist. I would like to say at the outset, that if you do not have an FM-3 Visa and you find yourself in a property dispute or other entanglement which puts you in the arms of jurisprudence, you literally have no rights as an "illegal alien". This means your property, bank accounts, vehicles and personal belongings, are in jeopardy. The very minimum you need for owning or leasing property is the FM-3 Visa which is renewable every year for 5 years. The following is a list of items you will need to obtain your FM-3 or FM-2 Visa:

1. PROOF OF INCOME: $1,000.00 per person, or $1,500.00 per couple deposited into either a Mexican or American bank account. If not deposited into a Mexican bank, you must obtain a letter from your bank, translated into Spanish stating you have funds available in that bank. This letter must have an APOSTILLE from the Secretary of State's office and is not the same thing as a notary seal. The letter should be signed and sealed from a valid notary of your state, but in addition, you must have Apostille from your state secretary's office. You can contact the Secretary of State's office of your home state for more information on obtaining the Apostille.

2. PETITION LETTER: Letter from you requesting a change of your characteristic (from tourist to resident);

3. RESIDENT LETTER: Letter from camp or development manager, or copy of current Mexico electric, water or telephone bill verifying your current address in Mexico.

4. FMT TOURIST VISA: Can be purchased at any Immigration Office or local airport in Mexico for a current cost of 250.00 pesos for a period of 6 months.

5. PHOTOS: Three front and two of the side, in black and white. A specific infantile size is required.

 6. The necessary "Form #5" (can be purchased in any stationery store in Mexico). You need three (3) originals for each visa applicant.

7. A current passport.

8. FM-1 APPLICATION: A form which must be carefully typewritten in Spanish. You can obtain this form at any Immigration office. We strongly recommend that the Immigration office or a visa service prepare this form for you (a minimal fee will be charged).
Take all these documents and letters to the Immigration office or visa service. Upon completion of your file, you will be asked to take the "Form # 5" to the bank where the appropriate fees are paid and receipted. They will keep 1 copy, and you will return the rest to the Immigration office. Now you're finished. It will take about 1 month for your file to go to Mexicali and be returned with your new FM-2 or FM-3.

ANNUAL RENEWAL FEES:

FM-3 Visa without working papers is 1,055.00 pesos; FM-3 Visa with working papers is 1,713.00 pesos; FM-2 Visa without working papers is 2,194.00 pesos; FM-2 Visa with working papers is 2,194.00 pesos. The same requirements for money in the bank, etc. are necessary, except for the application and photos.

THERE ARE THREE CLASSES OF PERMITS: FMT, FM-2 and FM-3.

FMT: Is a Tourist Visa. If you stay MORE THAN 7 days in Baja (other regions in Mexico require a tourist visa upon entry) you will need a Tourist Visa. The cost is 205.00 pesos. Passport & I. D. required. This can be picked up at any Immigration office or at the airport.

FM-3: is a Visa for temporary residents up to 5 years or longer if desired. You can get your first FM-3 from your local Mexican Consulate in the United States. It's quicker and you don't need the Apostille, but you must take your visa book to any Immigration Office in Mexico within 60 - 90 days (exact time will be stamped by the Consulate in your book) after the date your visa was received. If you don't do this, your FM-3 isn't valid and you will need to start over from the beginning.

FM-2: is a Visa for permanent residents. Requirements for FM-2 are the same but you must live in Mexico FULL TIME (residing no less than 9 months in Mexico).
Just a helpful hint from long-time returnees: After you get your FM-3, before you leave the country, you may want to get it date stamped at Immigration. This will facilitate the renewal process and late fines if you return later than the one year expiration date.

OWNING/LIVING IN MEXICO:

What is a "Fideicomiso"?
A Fideicomiso is a Mexican Bank Trust which was created in the early 70’s to promote tourist and retirement investments along popular coastlines by Mexican President Echeverria, who authorized the 30-year Bank Trust program. This is the most secure method to hold real estate in Baja California.
Your Fideicomiso must be established at an authorized Mexican Bank in their Trust Department. The property you hold in a Bank Trust is yours to improve, build, sell, leave to your estate, etc. You’ll enjoy all the same rights you have in your U.S. fee simple real estate via the Bank Trust. A Family Trust in the USA can also be the owner of the Bank Trust if you so desire.

If I chose retirement in Mexico, will my Social Security benefits allow me to live comfortably?
Yes, there are a lot of retirees in Baja California who have a great lifestyle on their benefits.

What if I get sick? Is it safe to go to a Mexican hospital?
There are good hospitals with world class doctors. We can help you find the hospital and doctor that will meet your needs.

Is it really expensive to call the US? How can my family call me? Who is the best long distance company?
There have recently been some new companies that provide excellent service. One of the best to use is a Internet Telephone system that gives unlimited calls to anywhere in the US and Canada. When someone calls your number, it rings at your house in Mexico.

What are the property taxes in Baja Mexico?
Your yearly property taxes will run you about ¼% (0.25%) of the total purchase price of Baja California real estate.

What communications are available?
Satellite Television, High-speed Internet and telephone.

How can I insure my property?
There are several options to protect your investment. We will assist you to obtain Title Insurance, medical insurance and automobile and home insurance.

What is a notary in Mexico?
A Notary in Mexico is NOT the same as a Notary in the USA. The Mexican Notaries are held in high esteem and are the only non-government person who has the right to use the Seal of Mexico. All Notaries must be Lawyers and to qualify as a Notary, frequent continuing education courses are required by the Mexican Government.