We may decide to obtain permanent resident visas in the future, but the next 2 - 3 years we will be going there for winters and vacations and renting a car long-term is very expensive as compared to taking our vehicle.

It looks like the temporary Resident visa is the only option. For that, you apply for a 1-year visa, and can renew for up to 4 years. Is that the most you can renew?

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Yes, a Residencia Temporal is the answer. A tourist on a FMM can not leave the country without the car on a TIP. That is written on the TIP.

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10abuse

Thanks.

We own a home with a value over the minimum requirement to obtain a Residencia Temporal visa. I have not yet looked at the application form, is there a site that helps complete that form for different situations?

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They are much mre interested in your income over the last year

After year one on Temporal you can apply for 3 years more. 4 total

After 4 you go directly to Perm

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00abuse

Thank you.
So we would need to go Perm after the 4th year and remove the US-plated vehicle from Mexico. For us that would mean shipping it back to Tampa and having it driven back to NY.

So it probably makes much more sense to just go for the Perm visa so we can then buy a Mexican-plated car on our next visit...I don't know of any reasons we would not go that way, whether we continue to spend 6 months a year there, or move full time?

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10abuse

We got our perm visa in 2015 there are several advantages incl discounts on flights within MX, on ferry boats, buses pharmacy, hospitals etc..Google the state you live in and can get a list for your state.

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Just noted u are in Playa, we are in Cozumel..So QRoo to check discounts..The process begins at your home state at MX Consultant..Fairly easy, money requirements, bank statements, retirement info..Perm residency makes more sense and cheaper..We used lawyer in CZM, because easier + faster, worth it IMO..Good Luck.

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00abuse

Thanks! I've visited several blogs on the subject but no specifics there, are you referring to a specific site to look at for discounts?

I know we have to start the process here in the states and travel to the nearest Mexican consulate with the required paperwork and photos to obtain the visa/sticker. We then need to complete the process at the Immigration Institute in Playa within 30 days of getting the visa from the consulate.

I am retiring at the end of the year and want to come down in January, 2018 for a few months. So I will need to visit the consulate just before we come down and just after I retire. But I don't think that creates any problems.

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Please disregard my last sentence above. I see the visa from the consulate is valid for 180 days, and the 30-day requirement for the canje application starts when you arrive in Mexico.

I see the FMM form is given to you at the port of entry, does this include the Cancun airport?

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00abuse

I now remember the FMM form is the form given to you on the flight.

Since my topic is changing I'll start a new thread - thanks all!

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00abuse

Do yourself a favor and sell your american car, and then buy a mexican registered car, to avoid all the possible hassles and problems. The law for foreign vehicles has changed several times over the last 20 odd years I have been here, and will probably change again. What happens down the road if you want to sell it, or trade it? Or if in the future it stops running, and you can't drive it out? It is illegal to sell a foreign plated vehicle in Mexico, and you also have to pay and get permission to even junk it. I have had several american plated cars over the years, and it isn't worth it anymore. Also, police may stop you every now and then to check ALL your paperwork, and see if they can find a discrepancy to shake you down. There are plenty of nice used mexican cars these days, at better than USA prices. New ones too. Once you have a Mexican plated vehicle all you have to worry about is renewing your inexpensive plates every year, and if and when your circumstances change in the future, you can sell it, trade it, or get rid of it easily..One caveat, you will have to establish residency of some kind to own a mexican vehicle., which you should do anyway. You mentioned you already own property, so you're halfway home. Obtaining your temporary residency, and becoming mexican on paper when here will help you in many ways and avoid many future problems for you.

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10abuse

Can anyone tell me how Mexican insurance works?
I was looking at a vehicle to buy and the seller was rather vague about going to the police for registration,.. I did not understand him and so am asking here, anyone?

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00abuse

Can anyone tell me how Mexican insurance works?
I was looking at a vehicle to buy and the seller was rather vague about going to the police for registration,.. I did not understand him and so am asking here, anyone?

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00abuse

Agreed.
As I've researched more I now know that after paying close to $1,000US to ship the vehicle there I would need to remove it from the country in 4 years (one way or another) and also update my temporary residency to the permanent status, So I will forego the temporary resident card and go with the permanent and buy a vehicle there next visit.
Thanks

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10abuse

Hi Bluewater1:
Now you have it figured out. Good move! Permanent Residency and a Mexican car purchased in your state of residence is the way to go.
When you visit INM to complete your immigration process, be sure to ask them to include a CURP on your visa card. With the CURP number and your name, you can go online and print, in color, the official CURP card, which will be required for many things. INM may print one for you; or not. It is used much like the US Social Security number, but the CURP card must be shown. (Ha! I am so old that my SS card still says, “Not to be used for identification“)
Enjoy your move to Mexico, and the fact that you can drive your Mexican car anywhere in Mexico, Canada or the USA, etc., without border permits, fees or deposits. You will also have few transito encounters. Each year, just take your plate number to the nearest Recaudadora office of SAT to renew your Tarjeta de Circulacion. Some states have emissions testing, so check locally. If buying from new car dealers, they will handle everything and deliver the car. Many also have good used cars/fleet cars available.

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10abuse

Thank you.
The only question I have is what documents I need to present to the Mexican consulate here at home.

So I plan to retire Dec 31 and my wife and I plan to head down to Playa in Jan, 2018 to spend a few months at our new home. We could just stay on the 180-day tourist visa this trip, except that we will not want to rent a car for the full 3 months (that was the reason I was considering the TIP and temp visa). We need a car so we would have to rent until we bought one.

So as I'm still sifting through the financial requirements of applying for the permanent visa (bank balance and monthly income) and I don't see any reason I can't apply at the consulate before I actually retire so we could have the visa well before we head down to make booking flights easier?
One caveat - Our developer is using our home as a showplace through December and paying all bills except the property tax. So I do not have a stream of utility bills to present.

Is the bank statement and a copy of the fideicomiso statement sufficient documentation to present to the Mexican consulate here?

Thanks for the excellent feedback!

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00abuse

Your nearest consulate will provide the exact document requirements & they can differ from one consulate to another. Check their website, or in person. Basically; you will need passports, a year of bank statements for each person, other proofs of income stream, etc., birth certificates and such. Once approved, you will have 180 days to enter Mexico; after which, you must appear at the INM office serving your area with your approval (canje) in your passport, along with proof of residence address in the form of CFE bills, which you can get from your builder. (They prove the existence of the address; not necessarily in your name). INM will advise of any other details needed, fees, etc. It may take a couple of months to process your canje, so start ASAP, as you must be there for verious steps in the process, fingerprinting and picking up the visa card. Carry it always. You will need it, and a CURP, in order to register a vehicle in most states. So, you may need to rent a car or use public transportation until everything is in hand. Bienvenidos en México..

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10abuse

Your consulate may accept your bank statement and fideicomiso as evidence of your intention to reside in Mexico, and possibly as an asset, but will want income proofs for up to a year and an indication that the income will continue. So, have everything you can think of & hope it is what they want. Keep smiling, as that is important. Never argue, or otherwise confront a Mexican functionary....You will lose every time. It is unwise to tell them what you know or understand. Better to ask for their help in telling you what they need. There is the law; then there is how it is done by the person in front of you. It will not change, or be adaptable. Keep smiling & shake hands.

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10abuse

I came across the statement below in this site -
http://www.yucatanexpatriateservices.com/resident-services/how-to-apply-for-a-mexican-resident-card-for-the-first-time.html

"It is worth mentioning that only pensioners can apply for the Permanent Resident VISA without having the Temporary Resident VISA first."

That seems contradictory to everything else I've read.

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00abuse

Other sites state you need a consistent bank balance, OR a monthly income stream, with the term "pensioners" this sounds like the monthly income is a requirement...

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00abuse

They usually like to see a monthly income, but a large enough nest egg and property ownership can also work. Yes.....it can vary from one consulate to another. Ask them for their requirements. Most will give you a list.

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I agree, not just retired people can get permanent..I know several down here that have permanent.

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00abuse

Thanks. I was going to call the consulate to verify exactly what they need too.

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00abuse

One thing that still confuses me is regarding the need to drive down to the Belize every 5 years to renew something. I know the Temporary Residency expires after 4 years, and with that the TIP as well, correct? And if you are a permanent resident with a Mexican-plated car, what is the reason to drive to the Belize border every 5 years? What does that apply to? Or did I misread something?
Thanks

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00abuse

No need for anyone with a residence permit to drive to Belize, or anywhere else. Beware of confusing information on some of these sites.
By the way; there is no need to ship your car anywhere, if you decide to us an alternative plan: You get the Residente Permanente visa and let your wife get Residente Temporal. Title & register your US car in her name name, in Clay County, SD, (by mail and phone). Then, you may drive it to Mexico and use it for up to 4 years, starting immediately. You buy the Mexican car in Mexico at your convenience & drive the US car to Texas to sell it; also at your convenience. I have no idea why you thought you would have to sell it in NY. You don‘t.
I know it all sounds complicated, but it is not, really. Try to avoid confusion; by making a step-by-step list of the procedures.

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