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kaymicao
  12/10/2017 12:00 EST

i am retired and single- can anyone tell me what the dollar amount is so as to obtain residency in Mexico- thxs- [email protected]

Cozumeldeb
  12/10/2017 12:31 EST

It's best to contact the MX consultant in the state u will be using. Believe it or not there seems to a slight varieties among states. We got ours Dec 2015, were retired.. makes it go faster. Bring your social security award letter or pension letter, with 6 mos bank statements showing mo amount deposited into your bank. I think for 1 person it was around $1800 usd, but they will tell u exactly. We got ours in Chicago, they don't take appts, but told us that fastest way to get through was to come at 9AM, beat the rush. Go on your state's website for further info. Took us 2 trips less than a week. Make copies of your bank statements, passport etc..they keep your passport till you are finished.

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kaymicao
  12/10/2017 14:58 EST

thxs for the response

triciadmn
  12/10/2017 15:35 EST

Google “éxito consulate” in the largest city near you. Phoenix at $2200 is the lowest I’ve see, but they are all different. Some are 2500.most are no appointment. Just show up with your stuff. Good luck

triciadmn
  12/10/2017 15:48 EST

Just looked, Phoenix now requires appointment. Nice checklist at nsulmex.sre.gob.mx

harddazeknight
  12/10/2017 16:01 EST

For a single individual to qualify for the temporary vis you must show a monthly income of 300 times the minimum daily wage in Mexico. The new minimum wage (effective Dec. 1, 2017) is 88.36 pesos or 26,508 pesos per month. That is US $1,399 per month, using the current official exchange rate of 18.94 pesos to the dollar. To qualify for the permanent visa, you must show a monthly income of 500 times the 88.36 pesos minimum wage, which is 44,180 pesos or US $2,332 monthly

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harddazeknight
  12/10/2017 16:02 EST

*visa

katheryn
  12/10/2017 16:25 EST

I just recently spoke to the Mexican Consulate and was told you may obtain a temporary (six months) visa with a proven income of $1,800 USD and once you are there, if you have established yourself but don't have the incomes discussed here, you still may obtain a permanent visa. Caution here, information from one source to the next can be different, but that is what I was told.

kaymicao
  12/10/2017 21:27 EST

thxs you ms k- what state was the mx consulate in plse- it was suggested to me that consulates my give different answeres to the same question.
ths kaye1

larryoinpdx
  12/11/2017 00:11 EST

Harddazeknight is correct. - I just went through the process in June and moved to Mexico two months ago.

katheryn
  12/11/2017 06:25 EST

I can't remember which one I called but I kept my notes on what I was told the income requirements were and what happens after the six months visa expires. As it nears time for my move, I will be making more calls to try and ascertain the actual facts. You may want to call and confirm from any agency that pertains and see what they tell you. All this ratio stuff makes not sense to me nor do I understand it or want to understand it, I just want the facts on what I have to prove for income to live in Mexico even if for six months, that way I can determine if it is the place for me.

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Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
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kaymicao
  12/11/2017 08:31 EST

great explanation- thxs

Cozumeldeb
  12/11/2017 10:46 EST

Tourist visa, is 180 days/6mos. You do not have to prove any income. Get a passport if u haven't, pick some areas you want to investigate for living, buy a ticket and go. I would recommend you do some research online, Google expat communities in Mexico. One of the biggest is Ajijic-Lake Chapla, about 45 minutes from Guadalajara...Loads of Americans & Canadians, very organized, near perfect climate..While you are on Google do a search, Mexican visas, there are 2 types, temporary and permanent visas. We are retired, and got permanent visas..so review which works for you, go to the closest MX consultant and they can help u, also Google their website..But 1st of all visit Mexico on a tourist 6 mo visa and see if it's for u.

Cozumeldeb
  12/11/2017 10:46 EST

Tourist visa, is 180 days/6mos. You do not have to prove any income. Get a passport if u haven't, pick some areas you want to investigate for living, buy a ticket and go. I would recommend you do some research online, Google expat communities in Mexico. One of the biggest is Ajijic-Lake Chapla, about 45 minutes from Guadalajara...Loads of Americans & Canadians, very organized, near perfect climate..While you are on Google do a search, Mexican visas, there are 2 types, temporary and permanent visas. We are retired, and got permanent visas..so review which works for you, go to the closest MX consultant and they can help u, also Google their website..But 1st of all visit Mexico on a tourist 6 mo visa and see if it's for u.

Cozumeldeb
  12/11/2017 10:52 EST

Kathryn, you misunderstood, only temporary + permanent visas require u to prove income. 6 mo is a TOURIST VISA..and that is what anyone who has a passport comes down on vacationing or visiting. It has nothing to do with residency temporary or permanent. Hope that helps..

Cozumeldeb
  12/11/2017 10:55 EST

Chicago consultant says that no longer applies due to peso fluctuations.

katheryn
  12/11/2017 11:04 EST

It is very confusing with the information from different sources and a lot of it conflicts. I was told I may come for six months with provable income of $1,800 per month and then after there apply for a permanent visa with that income. Thanks for replying and I will keep checking with the Embassy and other government sources for more info. All that post helpful info is greatly appreciated for those of us making plans!

katheryn
  12/11/2017 11:07 EST

I have a passport and that is exactly what I plan to do. I'll stay somewhere central to Lake Chapala and surrounding areas. My house is on the market and I'm hoping that by March I'll be packed and ready to go. I have one tiny issue that may make it a little more difficult to find accommodations; my 9lb Maltese: Sophie :)

katheryn
  12/11/2017 11:09 EST

Yes, I have a passport. That is what I will do but I was trying to find out if once there I can apply for permanent residency without going back to the US.

RVGRINGO
  12/11/2017 12:10 EST

Katheryn remains very confused and should not go to Mexico until the situation is better understood:
1: The tourist permit is for a maximum of 180 days and is not renewable. No income requirements. You cannot change to another immigration status within Mexico.

2: Residence visas, Temporary or Permanent, must be applied for in a Mexican Consulate. Go to the one nearest your home and get the details handed to you. You must prove income/resources, etc., and be approved before going to Mexico. Once there, you have 30 days to report to Immigration (INM) to start the process of actually getting the visa processed, which may take a couple of months. Temporary visas must be renewed for up to 4 years, then you transition to Permanent, or leave Mexico.
3: Permanent Resident Visa holders may not have a foreign car, or drive one in Mexico.

katheryn
  12/11/2017 14:09 EST

Thank you. It is very confusing and a very confusing time for me right now. I appreciate the time you took for your response. I have saved and printed it so I will be more specific with any agency I speak with. Happy Holidays.

katheryn
  12/11/2017 14:13 EST

Thanks for all the helpful information. I have been on other sites where the intent of the site seems to be a few people who just want to tear people apart. Nice to find a site of truly helpful people.

RVGRINGO
  12/12/2017 12:04 EST

You mention, “any agency“. Please note that a Mexican Consulate is part of SRE (Secretariat de Relaciones Exteriores - like our State Department. They can approve a recommendation for you to get a Mexican residence visa, if you meet the qualifications. Beyond that, they may be a bit short on immigration details, so do not depend upon them for that kind of information, or for customs information, etc.
INM is the immigration authority you will deal with when you arrive at your Mexican destination.
Aduana, another separate agency, is in charge of importations of vehicles and goods. Payment is made to their Banjercito at the border.
If you are approved for a residence visa, be careful to NEVER check “tourist“ or “visitor“ on any FMM document on an airplane or at the border. If you do, you will void all previous approvals or visas and have to start all over again.....no refunds!

promobabe
  12/12/2017 13:00 EST

As always, great, practical advice, RVGRINGO. Thanks!

katheryn
  12/12/2017 13:00 EST

Thank you so much for the information you share. I'm sure there are many who you are helping by taking the time to post. Many Blessings. I have printed the info so I don't get too overwhelmed.

alwaysateacher
  12/12/2017 14:13 EST

My personal experience and discussions with other expats here in Mexico reveal that the issuance of Temporary or Permanent residency status seems to be totally dependent upon which Mexico Consulate office handled the matter for you. My personal monthly income is over $4,000. I also have savings, but that apparently did not impress the Mexico Consulate in Los Angeles who issued a Temporary residency for 1 year. I recently renewed that residency for 3 additional years. That's the procedure when you receive a Temporary residency in Mexico. However, I have met people from other California counties and other states who only met the minimum income requirement but were given Permanent residency status by their Mexico Consulate offices. I have not met anyone from Los Angeles county who received a Permanent status from the onset.

katheryn
  12/12/2017 16:38 EST

There does seem to be inconsistencies based on which agency or whomever you speak with.

wanghaozhi
  12/12/2017 16:56 EST

Has anyone gone through the Seattle consulate?

RVGRINGO
  12/13/2017 17:49 EST

Age matters, as some consulates insist that your income flow be from retirement sources/pensions. Others are only concerned with the amount. That does lead to some inconsistencies in their understanding of the INM requirements and does cause inconvenience and confusion among applicants. There is no point in trying to argue the point with them; you lose every time. However, you can try another consulate, if you are turned away at the first one. More driving!

promobabe
  12/13/2017 21:19 EST

RVGRINGO is right again. The San Diego consulate deemed me ineligible for Residente Permanente even though I have years of rental income that exceed their requirements. Because I’m not old enough yet to take Social Security or have a pension, Permanente was a no go for this particular consulate.

longtimelurker
  12/14/2017 07:57 EST

A couple of years ago, I got my RP approved at the San Diego consulate just by showing a bank account. I was 55 and not collecting a pension or SS. In and out in 1 1/2 hours.

I guess it comes down to "how you ask".

promobabe
  12/14/2017 11:53 EST

While HOW you ask for something (in any country) is obviously important...I find in Mexico it comes down to WHO you ask. In dealing with government workers everywhere...it’s the luck of the draw.

tomwins
  12/16/2017 09:56 EST

I applied at the San Diego Consulate and got different answers but was able to work it out. I called and was told one thing and acted upon that information. Then went there and was told something different and adjusted and provided that to be told something different again. None of it was impossible but it seemed whoever I was talking to at the moment was the one making the rules - or better said, making the small additions to the rules.
Here is what I mean: first I was told I could bring both my application and my husbands application and have them reviewed and get an appointment for an interview. We both did not need to be there to drop off the application but both would need to be present for the interview. But when I got there I got a different story and my husband's application would not be accepted. Fortunately I had taken the name of the person who told me over the phone I could do this. So I fought that off but was required to write a letter in Spanish "requesting" immigration with all sorts of details. This was the worst of all the changes in rules and I was able to provide it for us both. The letter has since been added to the list of needed documents.

So keep good notes about what you have been told and by whom. It might help you.

BTW, San Diego has a clearly written website listing the requirements. Temporary: https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/sandiego/index.php/visas?id=499
Permanent: https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/sandiego/index.php/visas?id=459

priceclan
  12/16/2017 12:01 EST

So does the amount that you must "prove" always have to be from a employer defined pension plan or a government plan or would I be able to show say 5 years of rental properties income/leases or other monies as a steady stream of income?

RVGRINGO
  12/16/2017 12:34 EST

If you are not retired, and only have rental income to show, you are unlikely to get a residence visa; at least not a permanent one. However, if your savings and investment balance is long and deep, you might qualify. Only the consulate will be able to answer your question. Even then, it may depend upon who you ask, when you ask and what you look like. :) Good luck.

triciadmn
  12/16/2017 16:49 EST

Did you go through pdx consulat? Any tips. I’’m a huge fan of Mazatlan an mazatlecos so glad to hear you’re enjoying yourselves.

triciadmn
  12/16/2017 16:53 EST

Sorry, was supposed to be a resply to a previous post by larrypdx

Cozumeldeb
  12/16/2017 17:03 EST

Complicated sometimes, fastest way is of retirement age and with pension/ SS..or combo of both..They will work with u. Go to consulate website in your state, see if yours sets appts..if not try aND go when they open .

larryoinpdx
  12/16/2017 20:34 EST

Hi Tricia - we did go through the pdx consulate, and everything went as smooth as glass. The people are friendly, informative and fluent in English. The whole process took about 3 weeks and cost each of us something like $35.00. It is astonishing to read some of the nightmare stories I am reading about what happens in other places

cc532
  12/17/2017 19:51 EST

Hello, I am exploring permanent residency and interested to learn more about the canje process. What are others' experiences in this matter regarding the average days/weeks required for this part of the process?

Getting the visa would not be that much of a problem as I meet the economic solvency, but don't believe I can wait for up to ~3 -4 weeks for approval letter, CURP process due to professional obligations (work) back in US. I understand one can exit with a letter of permission (good for 60 days) to renter during the process, but again I would need to return and spend additional days there. The key issue for one in my situation is the waiting up to ~3 - 4 weeks (or longer) for approval letter (or oficio) that application is approved, and receipt of temporary ID card (CURP). Does application times vary with IMM offices?

Many thanks -

triciadmn
  12/17/2017 20:56 EST

hanks Larrypdx. i’m Going in the middle of April and hoping for a smooth landing, so glad to hear it went well for you.

triciadmn
  12/17/2017 21:13 EST

http://www.yucatanexpatriateservices.com/resident-services/how-to-apply-for-a-mexican-resident-card-for-the-first-time.html
GO HERE

RVGRINGO
  12/18/2017 11:37 EST

CC:
It appears that you will not have time for the typical 7-10 week tramite process, and that you should just remain as a tourist until you are prepared to actually reside in Mexico on a residence visa. The tramite process will require your presence to visit INM a few times, as the process proceeds, for payments, fingerprints, etc. Even with a facilitator, your physical presence can be required more than once.

tomwins
  12/19/2017 09:26 EST

cc532,
You are correct that you can request permission to leave Mexico while in process. The main complication I see is that you must turn over your passport along with the application. Then you'll get it back while the application is processed.
We worked with a local lawyer who does a lot of these at the Chapala (near Ajijic) INM office. We were concerned about the process taking more than six weeks as we had a trip to Europe planned and he assured us if it took that long we could get permission to leave. As it turned out it took just over two weeks from start to finish.
Working with the lawyer was worth the money as we were more confident all the paperwork would be correct and there would be no miscommunication between us and INM. We completed the application at the lawyer's office, left our passport, and waited about four days before a phone call saying we could come to their office and get our passport. Less than a week later we got a call saying we had an appointment at INM. We got there to find that the lawyer has a special timeslot so the only folks in the room are his clients. We were out of there with our Residencia Permanente in less than an hour as we were one of the last to arrive. The folks who got there first were out in less than 20 minutes.
INM (at least at the Chapala office) has been working on better communication with expats. When some people lost their residency status because they did not leave and re-enter the country using the correct process, Chapala INM had a massive education campaign that has gone on for over a year.
I will also say that we apparently happened upon a slow period at the INM office as it normally does take 3-4 weeks but it took us just over 2 weeks.

tomwins
  12/19/2017 09:36 EST

I thought I might explain my above statement more since it will be very important once you get residency.

Above, I said:
When some people lost their residency status because they did not leave and re-enter the country using the correct process, Chapala INM had a massive education campaign that has gone on for over a year.

The problems people are having is that they come back to Mexico and fill out a new immigration form. That immigration form is being processed by INM as a tourist visa which than causes the person to lose their permanent or temporary residency.

The correct way for us to leave and re-enter Mexico once we receive residency is to fill out an immigration form before leaving. On the form we write "Residence Permenente". We turn the small, bottom portion of the form over as we leave. This is what you would normall keep while you are in Mexico on a tourist visa. But we are keeping the top, larger portion while we are outside Mexico.
Upon re-entry, we give immigration the officer that larger portion of the form with "Residencia Permanente" written on it along with our green card. That is the sign to them that we are not tourist.

So as you can see, it is a simple process. The hardest part is to hang onto that top portion of the form while outside Mexico and have it not get torn or trashed. But some people have not been following it and have had to leave the country and go through the process all over again to regain their residency status.

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