What Do You Need to Move to Mexico from the US?

Thinking of emigrating to Mexico? Even if you visit is long term but temporary, you will need the correct documentation. Here are the facts on what you need to move from the US to Mexico, alongside suggestions on how to make your move simpler. 

If you are thinking of emigrating to warmer, southern climes, then you need to have your paperwork in order. It’s not just the paperwork, either. There are multiple things you ought to do before you leave, which will make your new life abroad easier when you get there. If you move from the US to Mexico, you are building your whole life back from the ground up. You need to integrate into the community and find expat friends before you sink out there. 

Can an American just move to Mexico?

There are conditions you must meet if you want to move from the US to Mexico. You can visit any time you like, but if you want to stay for longer than a few weeks, you will need the correct visa. You must also make a certain amount of income each month before they will allow your temporary residence. You must also take care of your career, new residence, and deal with schools. Before you do any of this, you need to protect your family during the move.

Does moving to Mexico invalidate your health insurance?

You may find that your current health insurance company won’t provide for you when you migrate south of the border. When you and your family move abroad, your healthcare needs change. You may find your standard policy does not cover you when you travel, or if you are out of the country or extended periods. 

Do you get free healthcare in Mexico as an expat?

Mexico has a no-cost healthcare system for each Mexican citizen. If you apply for residency, you can then use this healthcare system. However, residency can take years to achieve and you cannot access this as a tourist. You will need your own health insurance policy until you get it. If you are a legal expat, you can get free healthcare in Mexico. 

You might even decide to stay in Mexico for half the year and come home for the other 6 months. This would mean you needed an adaptive health insurance policy that covers you in both places. You can compare health insurance in Mexico for U.S. citizens if you want to get the best rate. You will need private health insurance until you become resident.

What type of visa do you need as a US Citizen in Mexico?

A visitor’s permit lasts 180 days. If you plan to stay longer than this, you must apply for residence. You must do whatever the Border Patrol force ask you to do. They may ask to see your permits and passport at any time. Asides from your passport, border officials will expect you to have the following forms.

The FMM

When you first travel down to the border, or within 12 miles / 20 km of the border, you must visit one of the National Migration Institutes. They will issue you with an FMM. This stands for Forma Migratoria Multiple. This is the document that details when you arrived and how long you plan to stay. The office may follow up with you at any point during the 180 days limit this tourist pass has on your stay.

Vehicle Import Permit

You need permission to drive a foreign vehicle while you are in Mexico. This amounts to a vehicle import permit which you may be asked to display at any time.

Finance requirements

You cannot enter or leave Mexico with more than $10,000 in cash. You must also prove your income if you wish to remain in the country with a visa. You must prove 6 months (or 12 months in some areas) of a steady income above $2,400 – $2,700. If you don’t have an income, the Mexican government will also accept savings or investments with a balance greater than $45k/year, for at least one year. This allows those travelling on inheritance or personal wealth to gain entry.

Staying in Mexico longer than 180 days

If you stay in Mexico longer than 180 days but you still intend the visit to be temporary, then you must apply for a different visa. The Temporary Resident Visa grants you freedom to stay in Mexico for a period of between 180 days and 4 years. This allows you to move to Mexico without becoming a full resident, to stay long enough to see if you want to become one. After four years you can apply for residency. 

Finding somewhere to live

Lastly, a word of warning for families moving abroad. Hotel stays will eat through your savings quickly. Instead, try to secure somewhere to live before you leave the US. You can research areas online and even contact expat forums for advice.