Mexican law requires anyone signing a contract to rent a house, buy a house or lease property (i.e., campo’s), to apply for an FM-3 Visa. Purchasing land through an irrevocable Fideicomiso Trust requires the landowner to have an FM-3 Visa to be legal in Mexico. Once a contract has been signed, you are no longer a tourist and an FM-3 must be obtained. An FM-3 Visa is renewable every 5 years.

To obtain an FM-3 Visa, proof of income must be verified. $1,000 per person or $1,500 per couple must be deposited into either a Mexican or American bank account. If the funds are not deposited into a Mexican Bank, a letter must be obtained from an American bank and translated into Spanish stating the funds are available in that bank. This letter must have an Apostil from the Secretary of State’s office of the purchaser’s home state. The letter must be signed and sealed from a valid notary.

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 (approx. $20 USD). 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.

FM-2: Is a Visa for permanent residents. The requirements for an FM-2 are the same but you must live in Mexico full-time (residing no less than 9 months in Mexico).