Hi Leighann,
Please accept my apologies for the delay. I've been ill on top of
dealing with school things. I appreciate your patience.
So, where did we leave off?
Since you're planning to engage in artistic activities independent of
an employer, you'll be required to submit proof that you'll be
supporting yourself entirely with funds brought in from outside of
Mexico. Typically, you'll be required to prove that you have at least
or more than four times the daily Mexican minimum wage for the
duration of your stay (between $1500 and $2000 per month).
Your first step towards moving to Mexico to engage in artistic
activities (such as write a book) will be to contact the Mexican
Consulate or Consular Office nearest you to obtain the proper forms:
Mexican Consulates and Embassies
http://www.move-to-mexico.com/consulates.html
You can see what some of the forms look like here:
Forms
http://www.ajijiclaw.com/Forms.htm
I cannot stress enough how important it is that you work with the
Consulate to ensure that your visa is granted. There is no charge for
the help of the Consulate, and the representatives will be more up to
date on the frequent changes to the procedures and costs involved.
In order to apply for an Immigrant permit, you need to start with a
Tourist (FMT) visa. The application for a Mexican visa is fairly
straightforward:
Application for Mexican Visa
http://portal.sre.gob.mx/washington/pdf/solvisa.pdf
...but when you cross the border to move, you'll also need to have the
following documents on hand to upgrade to an FM2:
*Passport
*Copy of Visa
*Four original sets of inventories
*Declaration that items are used and no prohibited items are included
*Letter of guarantee (showing source of income)
*Birth Certificate
*Marriage License (if married)
*Photo ID (drivers license)
Tips for Moving to Mexico
http://www.move-to-mexico.com/tips.html
The FM2 visa is renewable annually for five years, after which time
you may apply for permanent residency. Permanent residency gives you
all the rights of Mexican citizenship except the right to vote. As a
permanent resident, you are eligible to seek Mexican employment, as
well. If you intend to renew your visa and eventually apply for
residency, it is absolutely VITAL that you do not allow your visa to
expire. Be certain to apply for renewal at least thirty days prior to
your expiration date.
Staying for More Than 6 Months
http://www.solutionsabroad.com/a_immigrationmexico.asp#more
Migratory Information
http://www.ajijiclaw.com/Immigration.htm
You mentioned that you're looking to get out of your current
profession and pursue something else while living in Mexico. If you
find that living on your savings for five years is a bit more than you
can manage, you can search for a job prior to moving to Mexico.
SolutionsAbroad, a community for expatriates living in Mexico, offers
job search assistance:
Finding a Job in Mexico
http://www.solutionsabroad.com/d_findjob.asp
It might be helpful to note that it's a little bit easier to move to
Mexico if you've already secured employment, as most Mexican employers
will take care of much of your immigration paperwork.
The rest of the site is incredibly informative, explaining how to open
a bank account, get utilities connected, acquiring insurance and
paying taxes. The site is laid out by category, I would strongly
advise you read it all and participate in the forums for a while
before applying for your visa and making the big move:
SolutionsAbroad
http://www.solutionsabroad.com/index.asp
Registration is free, and the information provided is well organized
and comprehensive.
You may find the following additional resources helpful:
How To Move To Mexico - One man's explanation of how he moved to
Mexico. Mr. Brook notes that he required an FM3 visa, which
contradicts the information that I've found. This only serves to
emphasize the need to work with your nearest Consulate. Mr. Brook
also points out the importance of this, because information and costs
change frequently.
How To Move To Mexico
http://www.rollybrook.com/how_to_move_to_mexico.htm
MexicoConnect - Lots of free information, but the important things
about moving to Mexico are only available to subscribers.
Subscriptions are $5/month and a one week free trial is available.
MexicoConnect
http://mexconnect.com/
Expat Focus - A collection of information about emigrating to and
living in Mexico. Covers taxation, visas, utilities, public transport
and more. Forums are available and registration is free.
Expat Focus - Mexico
http://www.expatfocus.com/expatriate-mexico
Head For Mexico - A collection of articles, links and book excerpts
about moving from the US to Mexico.
Head For Mexico
http://www.headformexico.com/index.htm
Books:
On Mexican Time: A New Life in San Miguel - Tony Cohan
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0767903196/qid=1125026059
Live Better South of the Border in Mexico: Practical Advice for Living
and Working - Mike Nelson
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1555913946/104-9920585-2931163
Choose Mexico, 8th: Travel, Investment, and Living Opportunities for
Every Budget - John Howells and Don Merwin
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0762726032/104-9920585-2931163
Adapter Kit: Mexico: A Traveler's Tools for Living Like a Local - Ken Luboff
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1566913519/104-9920585-2931163
The People's Guide to Mexico - Carl Franz, Lorena Havens (Editor),
Steve Rogers (Editor)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1566914345/104-9920585-2931163
I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor. As one who lived abroad
for a year and a half, I can tell you that in addition to being
challenging, it's also incredibly rewarding and educational. I hope
the experience is everything you want it to be.
If I can be of further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask for
clarification. I'll be glad to help.
-- Missy
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