Hey great video !!! Did you do a video on the process of asking the USA courts from removing you from their Jury Duty summons if you are now living in Mexico 🇲🇽 or other country ?
Hear, Hear! I'm about to interview for Solutions Architect Apprenticeship with AWS. Requirement is to provide a 3-15min presentation on something I'm passionate about. Why would I go anywhere else but this channel? My biggest issue now is condensing Paul's fantastic work into 15min! Types of residency, Income requirements, can I live on SS in Mexico, and I'll probably round it off with his top ten tips for moving to Mexico.
This is a great channel but there are more channels aptly describing how to go about living in Mexico and be current with the legal matters like Tangerine Travels,Retire in Mexico, Two travelers in Mexico and many more... However I really like this channel
Paul, as someone who has informally advised and assisted foreigners in Michoacán about all of these subjects, I wish I could do it as concisely, correctly and completely as you did in this video. In the future, I'll just refer them here and not try to explain it myself. Well done, amigo.
I moved to Mexico in 2010. I got my RFC and permanent residency and then started an automotive repair business. The process was very easy, no FM process in Sonora anymore, it's just a one step process. I have never had a problem. Pay my taxes to Hacienda and live a good life. I'll retire in a few years. It has been zero hassle at all. My vehicles are all plated with Sonoran plates. Banking is a bit of a chore, but not difficult at all.
I drove my foreign plated vehicle around QRoo for over 10 years until it died. I was harassed by the police less than 6 times mostly in the Cancun area and nowhere else. I was stopped by the police between Playa and Tulum for doing 120 kmh in a 60 kmh zone. I received a warning in perfect English. There are certain things i love about QROoo.
Thank you for being thorough with everything. I am making a five year plan on moving there, brushing up on Spanish, and leaving all the "stuff" behind. I like how you basically tell people don't drag everything down here or try to. I don't want or want to need a car any more. Thanks for the great videos, keep up the great work. I hope more folks make a plan using your videos and don't just "jump into" moving to Mexico.
I spend summers in Mexico often, but I like having my car with me. The car I take to Mex. is the Suburban - it's huge, but very safe and secure on any road.
Qroo is a fantastic teacher. So well prepared, so very thorough. I'm guessing Qroo was a professor or PhD in his career. His videos are very impressive, informative, and interesting.
My wife and I are seriously thinking of retiring to Mexico. The information about U.S. registered vehicles didn't worry me since we would almost certainly go the "Temporary Resident" route. What I was concerned about was that we are taking a trip to Loreto in May for a scouting trip. As part of that trip, I plan to look at a few sailboats in La Paz; however, if I were to buy one, it would need to "reside" in Loreto for the two years leading up to my retirement (and I would make regular trips to Loreto in the meantime.) Long story short, one can secure a TIP for a pleasure craft that is registered in the U.S. for $60 that is good for 10 years. Panic averted. :) In seeking information on all the varied implications of moving to Mexico, your channel has been a tremendous source of information, including the questions that need to be asked along the way. Thanks.
You've got it right - and on a good track. Read my comments above to reinforce and support your track. Loreto is beautiful, calm, peaceful place to retire.
did you decide where in Mexico you would like to retire? I am also planning my retirement, I hold a dual Citizenship. Mexican/American, let me recommend you the State of Yucatan, considered the safest State in Mexico and 3 of the best and safest places to live in the American Continent. Check it out.
@@dontomas7177 Update on what I said above. Now, a year later, we've taken three trips to Baja - one to Loreto and two to La Paz. We absolutely love La Paz, but are planning on going back one more time to Loreto to see it in the cooler months (our trips have been Summer Loreto, Winter La Paz, and Summer La Paz.) We want to give Loreto a fair shake and see it when the temperatures are cooler. But, we have found several houses along the way that fit our needs and budget exceptionally well. Having said that, yes, we are pretty sure that Baja Sur is our place. We have traveled to the Yucatan and loved Merida. During that trip, we also stayed a couple of days in Progreso, which was also very pleasant (this was about 20 years ago, so before it started to attract expats.) And while it might be fun to make the occasional visit to the Cancun and Quintana Roo areas, we are not very big on the tourist destinations. And I do love the ruins on the Yucatan. They are endlessly fascinating. My wife and I, at the time of the Merida trip, were teaching at Texas Tech my plane down, then hopped along the coast going back - visiting Campeche, Veracruz, and Tampico. We especially liked Veracruz, but still haven't found a place we like better than La Paz. I think that part of what has influenced us was that our first trip to Baja was about 25 years ago when we did a supported bicycle trip, camping all the way, around southern Baja. It was fabulous visiting all the small towns, camping among locals, eating in small roadside places, etc. It was truly magical. Thanks so much for making the suggestion. I think that if it weren't Baja, it would definitely be the Yucatan. You're right - it's a great place.
you're amazing. Can't believe the level of detail you can remember and set out for us in these videos. Thank you. I can't even remember all the stuff you say unfortunately
Great video with a wealth of information 🙂 Something we found out by chance: as a permanent resident, my husband was inform that he must go to the immigration office to file a form of "change of home address" every time we move of a house or to another city/state; otherwise, you get into possible trouble. Something small, but important to know.
I'm considering going MX citizen by marriage but it has completely changed in the past 10 years. I must take the test now. And it's in Spanish, which my Spanish is not quite as good as what's necessary. So... being a "perm res" is sufficient until I learn my Spanish and learn test material. I'm an American citizen, an Italian citizen (Jure Sanguinis) and soon... maybe 2 years... I'll be a Mexican citizen too. I've spoken with all the immigration offices of all 3 countries and there are no restrictions on my keeping all 3 citizenships imposed by any of the three countries I'll be a citizen of, once I add Mexico to the list. Looking forward to being able to own land in the "restricted zone." But that's not my goal. My goal is, if I die, to leave my considerably younger wife with citizenship in 3 countries and the financial ability to enjoy all 3 countries. And... to enjoy all 3 as citizen, myself. Paul this (your) info is the best on TH-cam. Keep it coming.
It's so great that you did the research on why people were actually turned away from coming back to Mexico while using the tourist card. Love that homework. Thanks for the report. Very informative! :)
This is a great topic, after 4 years of living in Mexico with my wife and playing the 6 month visa thing, then Covid hit and it wasn't even necessary to leave the country. So, as a tourist, you don't have an inch of rights as we learned living close to the border. It was a great experience, been there done that.
Great video. We're planning on retiring in Mexico 🇲🇽 within the next two years. I will be watching for when you do your video about permanent retirement residency and finance amounts.
Thank you for your enlightening video. I am moving to San Miguel de allende in a few months. I enjoyed your delivery and I look forward to more of your talks. Sharon LCSW.
This was a great overview! Please consider making a video with the step-by-step process of correctly leaving and re-entering Mexico as a temporary / permanent resident so that your resident visa is not revoked.
im only 13 minutes into this video. it is so cool. im trying to move to mexico so it is an absolute jackpot. what a golden post. best post ive ever watched on oooootube. thanks two expats mexico. appreciate!
@@qroo th-cam.com/video/hAWacVMa22w/w-d-xo.html just watched this one. thanks so much for your channel. ive shared it with 3 people who immigrated to south america and they have all started watching your channel. its a jackpot for us immigrants, even if we arent in mexico!!!!!!!!
We sold our cars before we moved here. We used Uber or took buses for longer trips, for a year. Once we got temporary status, we bought a new Volks Vento from the dealer for about $12k and we love it. It helps us blend in when we travel around Mexico. Driving it in the States will require that we buy temporary insurance, but it's far cheaper than renting a car in the US without having a U.S. car insured already.
I have a Mexican car as well and our Mexican policy includes coverage in the US. We live in northern Mexico so the policies here might be different. Not all of the companies here provide that coverage though. You may want to check with a few - I know it saves us money.
Don't forget that if you become a Mexican citizen (passport holder, not resident) you will lose the protections afforded to you as a foreign citizen and open yourself up to a brand new range of tax liabilities that you need to prepare for. Solid video!
Here's a tidbit for and from naturalized Mexicans (In our case, Americans living in Baja) regarding drivers licenses/cars plates, and the rest of it: Long story short: We obtained permanent residence after 4 years of temp. residency. Three years after that we had our third (biological) child, this time in TJ instead of San Diego. Thanks to the 3 year residency and moreover, our son who was born in TJ, MEX : my wife, our other 2 kids and yours truly made Mexican citizenship. Back to the cars/licenses etc: My oldest sons ( US citizens/ recently Mex Citizens) drive Mexican cars with Mexican plates, binational Insurance ($1200 pesos a year about $60 USD. And no Commiefornia, err, California smog checks!!) and current/up to date car registrations "tarjeta de circulacion" and cross into the US on a daily basis to go to work using their US passport cards declaring to the CBP officer: "US Citizens. Nothing to declare. Going to work. We live in Mexico". The only question out of the ordinary one CBP official has asked of one of the boys was: "Is this car registered under your name?" My son answered: "Yes sir. It is." The officer's reply was (just as Star Wars): "Move along." We probably could have saved four years of temp res. by having a child in Mexico sooner, but well, he took 7 years (4 temp res and 3 Perm) to come to fruition. LoL. Caveat: We're very close to the U.S. border. I guess two miles as the crows flies.
Glad you even know about Baja, but that generally applies to all the border areas - they like to encourage economic activity from the USA, because that contributes to their growth.
Hello Paul, Do not forget if you have temporary or permanent resident status in Mexico the airlines normally automatically charge you for the Mexican tourist card. You have to request a refund (at least with Delta Airlines) after you purchase the airline ticket and show proof you have the correct status. Just my two cents.
Thank you for your information. I now live in Mazatlan Mexico for 4 months now. I moved here from Florida USA. There is a bank here that does open accounts for Expats that are here on visitor visa's. The bank is called Intercam Bank. They are very good and encourage Expat's to open accounts with them. They are very secure and reliable. There are at least two branches here in Mazatlan. I would imagine they must have branches in other areas of Mexico as well. I know you can if your visitors pass is stamped for the 180 days. I am not sure about if it is stamped for less than the 180 days. They will tell you all the info you need to give them in order to open up the account and they will help you all through the process. I have an account with them and it is all good.
There can be a big difference in banks in Mexico. Some banks have zero fees for exchanging money, but that isn't something that's always available and it can change, too. Santander and HSBC were banks with good service for tourists and expats.
"Just FYI: they do sell cars in Mexico." and other remarks kind of make it seems he's not a big fan of importing. And as a European, importing (a car) would seem kind of crazy, even if you don't think about it. Liked this smooth & informative video a lot.
No, I was a law enforcement officer but I did develop legal trainings for multiple agencies. When I moved to Mexico, I made an effort to learn the law there as well. Thansk for sharing the videos.
Hi! a new subscriber I am Mexican living in the US for 31 years i been thinking to retire somewhere down in Mexico not on my home town too expensive also is on the hills it might take me a while because I have two kids in school an americano citizen. But watching your videos gives me some new dreams.
Thanks Paul! One thing that I'd also be concerned about getting Mexican residency is that I think you become subject to Mexican income taxes, which are generally higher than those in the US. My understanding is that many expats in Mexico don't pay it based on a belief that income from the US/Canada is not taxable in Mexico, but technically I do not believe that is actually correct. Eventually they could crack down on that, so something to be aware of.
Your videos Paul, are always so informative. And if I might add (please don't shoot me) I find the information shared is a teeny tiny bit like drinking from a hose......it's A LOT to take in. I assume you are just a really good guy who wants to help, and share his knowledge. For me, I have a hard time keeping up with the content shared. I am trying to educate myself and my plan is to relocate to Mexico. Thank you for all you and Linda do to help the subscribers of your channel.
Thanks for watching, Lisa. I have often been accused of causing information overload for some folks. My approach does not always work well in a classroom setting, but via this fornat, people can watch the videos as many times as needed. I have a lot more planned for this channel too. It really comes down to just finding the time to make the videos. Take care and thanks again for watching.
Fantastic information. Detailed but all efficiently presented. So, thank you. I had heard they tightened the rules starting Jan '23. Do those change temporary residency conditions?
As the saying goes Mexico is a country where everybody does what ever they want. Miss living in Mexico lived in Taxco guerrero and in Cancún near mercado 28. Currently living In Los Ángeles two incomes and Barely making it. It’s expensive here our apartment is 3 thousand dollars that takes a big chunk out of our income
Great information.. thanks. Question 1: I plan to apply for permanent residency but not sure yet how many months per year I will reside in Mexico. My wife is a Mexican national and wants to maintain her US job and not sure how much time her company will allow her to work remotely per year outside the USA. There is no physical presence requirement of permanent residents correct? Question 2: My wife can get a TIP to drive our USA plated vehicle into Mexico correct? can she be allowed to keep it in Mexico longer like a temporary resident?
The reason I bring small items to Mexico, is I go to an Eljido in Michoacan, about 30 minutes from town. It is sometimes a pain looking for certain thing is a small town.
Awesome video I have my temporary visa application appointment at the Mexican Consulate here in Ottawa on April 14th. I’ll be down there at the end of May and I’ll definitely be looking to hire a company to help with the second part of the visa process. What are those costs and how hard is it to find those service providers? Thanks for the very valuable content.
You won't have any trouble finding someone. There are a lot of folks in the business of handling immigration paperwork. The cost is typically around $200-$250 USD.
Your videos are fantastic!! You have no idea how happy I am that I found you! My wife and I are having a condo built in Ciudad Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen. It should be completed by the end of this year and we will be leaving Tampa and living there full time. We are applying for permanent residency and I was wondering if you could recommend a Facilitator in Playa that we could use to secure our permanent residency. Thanks!
Trying to bring an American plated car is really difficult if you are a permanent resident so do what Mexico wants you to do and that is buy your car in Mexico, they have plenty.
You need an FMM or Tourist Permit, or what you inappropriately called a "Tourist Visa" if you travel south of Ensenada or are staying more than 72 hours. You'll often hear if you travel 25 km south of the border you need an FMM even though Mexican law requires that tourists from the US and Canada have an FMM Tourist Permit for any trip into Baja. Also, if you get into an accident in Mexico and you don't have an FMM tourist permit, you are not considered in accordence with Mexican law and therefore your Mexican auto insurance can be rendered invalid. Spend the $40.00us and get one just to be safe, laws in Mexico can "change" per that particular official's discretion....BTW I live here with a Resident Visa.
I would appreciate your advice. My wife and I relocated to Morelia, Michoacan, in July of 2022. I had a 180 day visa. We're going to stay, permanently. My wife is a Mexican citizen, so I don't think there's any issue with citizenship. My visa has expired. I suffered a stroke, in July 2022. After being in a coma fur a month, and all the rehab involved, I'm looking to start the process of getting my residency. Can you give me any help or advice? Your channel was instrumental in our move. Thanks in advance.
Excellent video and very well researched, thank you. Do you have a video for a Temporary Resident who needs to transfer to Permanent Resident in Mexico please?
From my experience, your question depends on the multa for staying over your visa. In Costa 🇨🇷 Rica up until 1995 it cost $1.00 for each month you were over visa.
The cost is not much. The problem is that if you are discovered out and about without an expired visa, you will be arrested and taken to a detention center. That's not an ideal way to spend your vacation. Here's a case of that happening to a German tourist: th-cam.com/video/w1d2ubvWBkg/w-d-xo.html
Thanks Paul for all the help. Our situation may be similar to Linda and yourself in that my wife holds Canadian and El Salvadoran citizenship, and I only Canadian. We are here on TR visas and both applied as Canadians. Will my wife be able to still do the 2 year fast track to citizenship?
In short-You will have to pay taxes in the US on income from the US according tax laws, you don't have to pay any taxes on that money to Mexico. If you get a job in Mexico you will have to pay an income tax on that to the Mexican government. Pretty simple.
I look back to the day in January 1990. We were traveling across the states and had stopped in El Paso for a few days, parked our motorhome on the American side and walked across the bridge into Mexico. We got across the bridge and all that was there was a kiosk, unmanned, no door on it, just an empty counter top, no person in sight. So we stood there for a few minutes, nobody came out from anywhere, so we shrugged our shoulders and figured well I guess we can go and just walked into the country unchallenged. Couldn’t believe it! So coming back there was a line up of cars and pedestrians. Mexican people were just walking past a border guard flashing some sort of card at him and kept walking by. I thought crap, all I have is my Canadian birth certificate! (No passport needed back then) and o thought oh great, this guy has probably never seen Canadian birth certificates before and we’re going to get hassled! Nope! We stopped in anticipation of being scrutinized and he’s like ok...you can go now! He never even gave our certificates a second glance! Whew! So all in all I guess we were actually in Mexico illegally! Illegal immigrants in Mexico!
Maryna thanks, I have intended to do this trip again but haven’t. I wanted to visit places I missed and places I hadn’t heard of back then. Now that I don’t drive do to eyesight it won’t happen. I would be ok on the open highways but around town or in the cities forget it, just too many obstacles and diversions. It may happen again but with my wife behind the wheel which we were going to try until covid locked our borders down this past year. Cheers
the crossing in tiajuana is never manned..... nor is the return... only the american side is there to collect taxes on just about everything you cant prove you took into mexico. corporations protecting their monopolies.
PP interesting 👍 but I wonder what would happen if an authority was to ask for documentation? Guess you’d just pull your wallet out and hope to have enough pesos to make them happy.
@The Taco Kawaii that trip I spoke of was many years ago. For the sake of Mexico I do hope that the border is watched a lot closer than back then but with so many people passing through lately from countries south of Mexico and from some of the Caribbean islands I do have to wonder.
Your videos are fantastic--thorough and easy to follow. Are you able to recommend an immigration facilitator or lawyer in Mexico? I scheduled what I thought was a Visa interview appointment at the Laredo Consular, but it turned out to be a Civil appointment instead. So I need to cancel it online, and that is far above my abilities. Keep up your fine work!
Paul, I just got around to watching this video and wanted to let you know what happened to us. When we drove into Mexico in Dec of 2019 we got our FMM and TIP but I didn't look at the TIP until we were in Mazatlán. And to my surprise the TIP for only good for 3 months not the 180 days like our FMM. We then took the ferry across to La Paz and I went in the office there figuring they could fix the date on the TIP but they told me I had to go back to the border by the expiration date on the TIP. So you might want to let people know to make sure the TIP is for 180 days.
@@tcb1017 Realizing this is the internet and there is information all over the place, here is what I used “ Applicants proving solvency with a savings account are required to show a balance of USD 32,426 over the last 12 months.“ and when I spoke with the gentlemen and got my approval he calculated in the exchange rate and I had to demonstrate a balance of $35k USD for each of the last 12 months.
Another fast way to get the Mexican permanent residency is having a baby in the country. I know... that's kind of cheat but is a perfect constitutional way to do it if you are pregnant... just saying 😁 As far as I know if you get the Mexican citizenship the only job you can't have is President of the Republic. I will wait for the video about the topic to learn more. Great video. Saludos desde Yucatán
Mexico is a great place to call home. Great people, food, culture....we have loved it. You could always try it out for awhile to see if it's a good fit for you before diving in with both feet.
I have looked everywhere on the internet and find plenty of examples of Citizenship History test questions, but I am over 60 and would like to see some examples of the Language test. Do you know of any?
If you are talking about renewing your Residente Temporal it really dedends on where you go to do it. Some cities are notorious for taking their time with some requiring appointments along with other delays. I did both processes in Endsenada with no appointment, I just got there early and within less than an hour and a half I walked out with my new card. I suspect it would be same for transitioning to Permanente. There isn't many immigrant expats coming through Ensenada, It's a working town without a whole lot of tourists or immigrants seeking residency like other cities. Buena suerte!
You do post great videos, thank you so much! If I got a permanent residency as a retiree, could I still be an investor, meaning renting out a condo or getting dividends from a persona moral?
One can leave the border with the US without turning in your tourist card and reenter again with the same one. This does not normally work at the Guatemalan border nor at airports. Mexico now has 32 states. Mexico DF became the state of Mexico City several years ago.
Mexico City is still not considered a state. Mexico has 32 Federated entities, 31 states and the capital -- which I did refer to as a federal district out of habit. :)
Can we open bank accounts in Mexico as Canadians on a tourist visa? The main issue is sending money to yourself. Many people online have said they opened accounts with proof of their utility bills and rent.
Hmmm I was born in Mexico; raised in US and became a US citizen. Now thinking I might want to retire there. I was told that i should be able to buy land there?
Ready to Move to Mexico? Check out the COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide bit.ly/3SICdD0
Boost Your Spanish th-cam.com/video/Nzc1oRSAPQ0/w-d-xo.html
Hey great video !!! Did you do a video on the process of asking the USA courts from removing you from their Jury Duty summons if you are now living in Mexico 🇲🇽 or other country ?
Is there a separate guide for moving to Baja Mexico? Or can I pay a fee to talk to someone over the phone about moving to Tijuana/Ensenada?
This is actually the only TH-cam channel I’ve found on Mexico that methodically covers the main issues of being an expat. Keep up the good work!!
I appreciate that!
I agree 100%
Hear, Hear! I'm about to interview for Solutions Architect Apprenticeship with AWS. Requirement is to provide a 3-15min presentation on something I'm passionate about. Why would I go anywhere else but this channel? My biggest issue now is condensing Paul's fantastic work into 15min! Types of residency, Income requirements, can I live on SS in Mexico, and I'll probably round it off with his top ten tips for moving to Mexico.
This is a great channel but there are more channels aptly describing how to go about living in Mexico and be current with the legal matters like Tangerine Travels,Retire in Mexico, Two travelers in Mexico and many more... However I really like this channel
@@petersydow4002 I find that incredibly untrue, but we all have our own opinions and preferences
Paul, as someone who has informally advised and assisted foreigners in Michoacán about all of these subjects, I wish I could do it as concisely, correctly and completely as you did in this video. In the future, I'll just refer them here and not try to explain it myself. Well done, amigo.
Thanks for the complement, Mark!
I moved to Mexico in 2010. I got my RFC and permanent residency and then started an automotive repair business. The process was very easy, no FM process in Sonora anymore, it's just a one step process. I have never had a problem. Pay my taxes to Hacienda and live a good life. I'll retire in a few years. It has been zero hassle at all. My vehicles are all plated with Sonoran plates. Banking is a bit of a chore, but not difficult at all.
I drove my foreign plated vehicle around QRoo for over 10 years until it died. I was harassed by the police less than 6 times mostly in the Cancun area and nowhere else. I was stopped by the police between Playa and Tulum for doing 120 kmh in a 60 kmh zone. I received a warning in perfect English. There are certain things i love about QROoo.
Thank you for being thorough with everything. I am making a five year plan on moving there, brushing up on Spanish, and leaving all the "stuff" behind. I like how you basically tell people don't drag everything down here or try to. I don't want or want to need a car any more. Thanks for the great videos, keep up the great work. I hope more folks make a plan using your videos and don't just "jump into" moving to Mexico.
I spend summers in Mexico often, but I like having my car with me. The car I take to Mex. is the Suburban - it's huge, but very safe and secure on any road.
Qroo is a fantastic teacher. So well prepared, so very thorough. I'm guessing Qroo was a professor or PhD in his career. His videos are very impressive, informative, and interesting.
I think he was in the police work. If he pulls you over, he would explain what you did wrong clearly. :)
You could always open an account at Vector or Intercam as a Tourist. It is not exactly a bank account, but still works fine
Thank you very much for presenting clear, organized and relevant data about living in Mexico. Your channel is truly outstanding!!
My wife and I are seriously thinking of retiring to Mexico. The information about U.S. registered vehicles didn't worry me since we would almost certainly go the "Temporary Resident" route. What I was concerned about was that we are taking a trip to Loreto in May for a scouting trip. As part of that trip, I plan to look at a few sailboats in La Paz; however, if I were to buy one, it would need to "reside" in Loreto for the two years leading up to my retirement (and I would make regular trips to Loreto in the meantime.) Long story short, one can secure a TIP for a pleasure craft that is registered in the U.S. for $60 that is good for 10 years. Panic averted. :)
In seeking information on all the varied implications of moving to Mexico, your channel has been a tremendous source of information, including the questions that need to be asked along the way. Thanks.
You've got it right - and on a good track. Read my comments above to reinforce and support your track. Loreto is beautiful, calm, peaceful place to retire.
did you decide where in Mexico you would like to retire? I am also planning my retirement, I hold a dual Citizenship. Mexican/American, let me recommend you the State of Yucatan, considered the safest State in Mexico and 3 of the best and safest places to live in the American Continent. Check it out.
@@dontomas7177 Update on what I said above. Now, a year later, we've taken three trips to Baja - one to Loreto and two to La Paz. We absolutely love La Paz, but are planning on going back one more time to Loreto to see it in the cooler months (our trips have been Summer Loreto, Winter La Paz, and Summer La Paz.) We want to give Loreto a fair shake and see it when the temperatures are cooler. But, we have found several houses along the way that fit our needs and budget exceptionally well.
Having said that, yes, we are pretty sure that Baja Sur is our place. We have traveled to the Yucatan and loved Merida. During that trip, we also stayed a couple of days in Progreso, which was also very pleasant (this was about 20 years ago, so before it started to attract expats.) And while it might be fun to make the occasional visit to the Cancun and Quintana Roo areas, we are not very big on the tourist destinations. And I do love the ruins on the Yucatan. They are endlessly fascinating.
My wife and I, at the time of the Merida trip, were teaching at Texas Tech my plane down, then hopped along the coast going back - visiting Campeche, Veracruz, and Tampico. We especially liked Veracruz, but still haven't found a place we like better than La Paz. I think that part of what has influenced us was that our first trip to Baja was about 25 years ago when we did a supported bicycle trip, camping all the way, around southern Baja. It was fabulous visiting all the small towns, camping among locals, eating in small roadside places, etc. It was truly magical.
Thanks so much for making the suggestion. I think that if it weren't Baja, it would definitely be the Yucatan. You're right - it's a great place.
you're amazing. Can't believe the level of detail you can remember and set out for us in these videos. Thank you. I can't even remember all the stuff you say unfortunately
I enjoy helping people. Feel free to watch the videos as many times as you like. That actually helps me earn a bit more beer money. Take care, Peter.
Great video with a wealth of information 🙂
Something we found out by chance: as a permanent resident, my husband was inform that he must go to the immigration office to file a form of "change of home address" every time we move of a house or to another city/state; otherwise, you get into possible trouble. Something small, but important to know.
Yes, you have to notify INM of all address changes.
@@qrooYou also have to notify INM of a change of address as a Temporary Resident.
I'm considering going MX citizen by marriage but it has completely changed in the past 10 years. I must take the test now. And it's in Spanish, which my Spanish is not quite as good as what's necessary. So... being a "perm res" is sufficient until I learn my Spanish and learn test material.
I'm an American citizen, an Italian citizen (Jure Sanguinis) and soon... maybe 2 years... I'll be a Mexican citizen too. I've spoken with all the immigration offices of all 3 countries and there are no restrictions on my keeping all 3 citizenships imposed by any of the three countries I'll be a citizen of, once I add Mexico to the list.
Looking forward to being able to own land in the "restricted zone." But that's not my goal. My goal is, if I die, to leave my considerably younger wife with citizenship in 3 countries and the financial ability to enjoy all 3 countries. And... to enjoy all 3 as citizen, myself.
Paul this (your) info is the best on TH-cam. Keep it coming.
It's so great that you did the research on why people were actually turned away from coming back to Mexico while using the tourist card. Love that homework. Thanks for the report. Very informative! :)
Thanks for watching. :)
This is a great topic, after 4 years of living in Mexico with my wife and playing the 6 month visa thing, then Covid hit and it wasn't even necessary to leave the country. So, as a tourist, you don't have an inch of rights as we learned living close to the border. It was a great experience, been there done that.
Great video. We're planning on retiring in Mexico 🇲🇽 within the next two years. I will be watching for when you do your video about permanent retirement residency and finance amounts.
Hi...
Thank you for your enlightening video. I am moving to San Miguel de allende in a few months. I enjoyed your delivery and I look forward to more of your talks. Sharon LCSW.
OMG loving your vids, they’re exactly what we’ve been looking for since we’ve recently started thinking about what it’s REALLY like living in MEX!
Thanks for taking the time to watch them. :)
This was a great overview! Please consider making a video with the step-by-step process of correctly leaving and re-entering Mexico as a temporary / permanent resident so that your resident visa is not revoked.
That's actually on my short list of video topics.
You really need to write a book. Your information is far more informative than the books I've purchased on Expats to Mexico 🇲🇽
Thanks for that, Michelle. :)
im only 13 minutes into this video. it is so cool. im trying to move to mexico so it is an absolute jackpot. what a golden post. best post ive ever watched on oooootube. thanks two expats mexico. appreciate!
Glad you enjoyed it!
@@qroo th-cam.com/video/hAWacVMa22w/w-d-xo.html just watched this one. thanks so much for your channel. ive shared it with 3 people who immigrated to south america and they have all started watching your channel. its a jackpot for us immigrants, even if we arent in mexico!!!!!!!!
We sold our cars before we moved here. We used Uber or took buses for longer trips, for a year. Once we got temporary status, we bought a new Volks Vento from the dealer for about $12k and we love it. It helps us blend in when we travel around Mexico. Driving it in the States will require that we buy temporary insurance, but it's far cheaper than renting a car in the US without having a U.S. car insured already.
I have a Mexican car as well and our Mexican policy includes coverage in the US. We live in northern Mexico so the policies here might be different. Not all of the companies here provide that coverage though. You may want to check with a few - I know it saves us money.
Don't forget that if you become a Mexican citizen (passport holder, not resident) you will lose the protections afforded to you as a foreign citizen and open yourself up to a brand new range of tax liabilities that you need to prepare for. Solid video!
Just starting our journey and will be moving to Puerto Morelos by June of 2022. Grateful for your Channel, blog, FB page etc. Thank you!!
I'm the only mexican who is watching this vídeo so interesting.
I’m the 2nd than, I’m actually half Mexican lol but speak read & write fluently.
Thanks!
3th
Fourth
Five
Paul, you are a master communicator! I am just getting started reading your blog and following your videos.
I'm not sure about the master communicator part but thanks for the compliment. :)
Here's a tidbit for and from naturalized Mexicans (In our case, Americans living in Baja) regarding drivers licenses/cars plates, and the rest of it: Long story short: We obtained permanent residence after 4 years of temp. residency. Three years after that we had our third (biological) child, this time in TJ instead of San Diego. Thanks to the 3 year residency and moreover, our son who was born in TJ, MEX : my wife, our other 2 kids and yours truly made Mexican citizenship. Back to the cars/licenses etc: My oldest sons ( US citizens/ recently Mex Citizens) drive Mexican cars with Mexican plates, binational Insurance ($1200 pesos a year about $60 USD. And no Commiefornia, err, California smog checks!!) and current/up to date car registrations "tarjeta de circulacion" and cross into the US on a daily basis to go to work using their US passport cards declaring to the CBP officer: "US Citizens. Nothing to declare. Going to work. We live in Mexico". The only question out of the ordinary one CBP official has asked of one of the boys was: "Is this car registered under your name?" My son answered: "Yes sir. It is." The officer's reply was (just as Star Wars): "Move along." We probably could have saved four years of temp res. by having a child in Mexico sooner, but well, he took 7 years (4 temp res and 3 Perm) to come to fruition. LoL.
Caveat: We're very close to the U.S. border. I guess two miles as the crows flies.
Don’t naturalized Mexicans have to renounce their previous nationality unless they are married with a Mexican?
@@rawfish6304 Negative.
Glad you even know about Baja, but that generally applies to all the border areas - they like to encourage economic activity from the USA, because that contributes to their growth.
I love u and Your wife soooo much!
You both are helping me and my family a bunch.
Thank you for QUALITY INFORMATION!!!
Just went to Atlanta consulate in Atlanta Ga. and got my Permanent residency in same day. Oaxaca here I come.
Congrats!
Hello Paul, Do not forget if you have temporary or permanent resident status in Mexico the airlines normally automatically charge you for the Mexican tourist card. You have to request a refund (at least with Delta Airlines) after you purchase the airline ticket and show proof you have the correct status. Just my two cents.
Thanks for adding that info. That would make a good video topic.
Good information. I'm a temp resident (I'm married to a Mexican). Thank you!
You are correct about the consistency: Inconsistency! Thank you.
Thanks for watching, Amit. :)
Thank you for your information. I now live in Mazatlan Mexico for 4 months now. I moved here from Florida USA. There is a bank here that does open accounts for Expats that are here on visitor visa's. The bank is called Intercam Bank. They are very good and encourage Expat's to open accounts with them. They are very secure and reliable. There are at least two branches here in Mazatlan. I would imagine they must have branches in other areas of Mexico as well. I know you can if your visitors pass is stamped for the 180 days. I am not sure about if it is stamped for less than the 180 days. They will tell you all the info you need to give them in order to open up the account and they will help you all through the process. I have an account with them and it is all good.
There can be a big difference in banks in Mexico. Some banks have zero fees for exchanging money, but that isn't something that's always available and it can change, too. Santander and HSBC were banks with good service for tourists and expats.
That was concise and to the point. Need to watch a few times to get all that you informed channel about. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Gracias por la información
Gracias por tomarte el tiempo para ver el video. Saludos. :)
"Just FYI: they do sell cars in Mexico." and other remarks kind of make it seems he's not a big fan of importing. And as a European, importing (a car) would seem kind of crazy, even if you don't think about it.
Liked this smooth & informative video a lot.
You’re the best videos available on the topic! So smart too! Love you guys!
Great job. I just found your channel, and found some good info. I subscribed and found myself binge watching. Again, keep up the good work.
Paul, were you a Lawyer in your past life? Love your videos… I’m sending your videos everywhere! Thx
No, I was a law enforcement officer but I did develop legal trainings for multiple agencies. When I moved to Mexico, I made an effort to learn the law there as well. Thansk for sharing the videos.
@@qroo you look like a detective. You should be in law and order
Always interesting. Thanks Paul.
Hi!
a new subscriber
I am Mexican living in the US for 31 years i been thinking to retire somewhere down in Mexico not on my home town too expensive also is on the hills it might take me a while because I have two kids in school an americano citizen.
But watching your videos gives me some new dreams.
Welcome! Thanks for subscribing. :)
Awesome video! Great information . . . lots to consider when moving. Thanks
Great info. I’ve been hoping for a clear and concise explanation of these things. 😊
Glad you enjoyed it!
Keep up the great videos !
Thanks Paul! One thing that I'd also be concerned about getting Mexican residency is that I think you become subject to Mexican income taxes, which are generally higher than those in the US. My understanding is that many expats in Mexico don't pay it based on a belief that income from the US/Canada is not taxable in Mexico, but technically I do not believe that is actually correct. Eventually they could crack down on that, so something to be aware of.
Income made in USA , is not taxed by Mexico. SS, Pension, IRA , for instance.
Your videos Paul, are always so informative. And if I might add (please don't shoot me) I find the information shared is a teeny tiny bit like drinking from a hose......it's A LOT to take in. I assume you are just a really good guy who wants to help, and share his knowledge. For me, I have a hard time keeping up with the content shared. I am trying to educate myself and my plan is to relocate to Mexico. Thank you for all you and Linda do to help the subscribers of your channel.
Thanks for watching, Lisa. I have often been accused of causing information overload for some folks. My approach does not always work well in a classroom setting, but via this fornat, people can watch the videos as many times as needed. I have a lot more planned for this channel too. It really comes down to just finding the time to make the videos. Take care and thanks again for watching.
@@qroo - thank you so much for your kind reply, Paul. You are doing an excellent job. And, I (and soooo many others) appreciate all you do.
I would rather have MORE info than less. I simply use a notebook when I'm watching and jot down quick notes of the info that pertains to my situation
Love your dry sense of humor!
Fantastic information. Detailed but all efficiently presented. So, thank you.
I had heard they tightened the rules starting Jan '23. Do those change temporary residency conditions?
Excellent information once again guys
Thank you for your time to keep us informed.
Thanks for watching, Alfredo.
As the saying goes Mexico is a country where everybody does what ever they want. Miss living in Mexico lived in Taxco guerrero and in Cancún near mercado 28. Currently living In Los Ángeles two incomes and Barely making it. It’s expensive here our apartment is 3 thousand dollars that takes a big chunk out of our income
Thanks Paul. Excellent video as usual.
Many thanks!
Great information.. thanks. Question 1: I plan to apply for permanent residency but not sure yet how many months per year I will reside in Mexico. My wife is a Mexican national and wants to maintain her US job and not sure how much time her company will allow her to work remotely per year outside the USA. There is no physical presence requirement of permanent residents correct? Question 2: My wife can get a TIP to drive our USA plated vehicle into Mexico correct? can she be allowed to keep it in Mexico longer like a temporary resident?
The reason I bring small items to Mexico, is I go to an Eljido in Michoacan, about 30 minutes from town. It is sometimes a pain looking for certain thing is a small town.
Thank you so much Paul. Your information is so concise and easy to understand.
Thanks for the super positive feedback. You made my day. :)
Very informative 👍
Awesome video I have my temporary visa application appointment at the Mexican Consulate here in Ottawa on April 14th. I’ll be down there at the end of May and I’ll definitely be looking to hire a company to help with the second part of the visa process. What are those costs and how hard is it to find those service providers? Thanks for the very valuable content.
You won't have any trouble finding someone. There are a lot of folks in the business of handling immigration paperwork. The cost is typically around $200-$250 USD.
@@qroo Thanks for the quick reply. That’s great news and the cost is not too bad at all and probably well worth it.
Thanks Paul for the info!!! Love your humor too!!😆
Glad you enjoyed it!
Your videos are fantastic!! You have no idea how happy I am that I found you! My wife and I are having a condo built in Ciudad Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen. It should be completed by the end of this year and we will be leaving Tampa and living there full time. We are applying for permanent residency and I was wondering if you could recommend a Facilitator in Playa that we could use to secure our permanent residency. Thanks!
Trying to bring an American plated car is really difficult if you are a permanent resident so do what Mexico wants you to do and that is buy your car in Mexico, they have plenty.
Your videos are always clear and very helpful, thank you.
Glad you like them!
Most of Sonora and Baja are "Hassle-Free Zones" so no tourist visa or vehicle permit. So nice!
Yep I live in Mexicali and work in a US border county...
You need an FMM or Tourist Permit, or what you inappropriately called a "Tourist Visa" if you travel south of Ensenada or are staying more than 72 hours. You'll often hear if you travel 25 km south of the border you need an FMM even though Mexican law requires that tourists from the US and Canada have an FMM Tourist Permit for any trip into Baja. Also, if you get into an accident in Mexico and you don't have an FMM tourist permit, you are not considered in accordence with Mexican law and therefore your Mexican auto insurance can be rendered invalid. Spend the $40.00us and get one just to be safe, laws in Mexico can "change" per that particular official's discretion....BTW I live here with a Resident Visa.
Much needed info. Thank you
I would appreciate your advice. My wife and I relocated to Morelia, Michoacan, in July of 2022. I had a 180 day visa. We're going to stay, permanently. My wife is a Mexican citizen, so I don't think there's any issue with citizenship. My visa has expired. I suffered a stroke, in July 2022. After being in a coma fur a month, and all the rehab involved, I'm looking to start the process of getting my residency.
Can you give me any help or advice?
Your channel was instrumental in our move. Thanks in advance.
Excellent video and very well researched, thank you. Do you have a video for a Temporary Resident who needs to transfer to Permanent Resident in Mexico please?
I don't yet but it is a simple procedure that is very similar to a renewal.
Just bring everything you used when you first got your TP and used again to renew it for three more years. Same paperwork same easy process.
Excellent info. Very inspiring. Maybe this is doable. So ready to leave the deterioating US empire.
Love your channel and wealth of information!
Thanks!
As always - very helpful - thanks 😊
My pleasure!
Wealth of information Paul, great video
Well done! Very informative Paul.
Thank you!
From my experience, your question depends on the multa for staying over your visa. In Costa 🇨🇷 Rica up until 1995 it cost $1.00 for each month you were over visa.
The cost is not much. The problem is that if you are discovered out and about without an expired visa, you will be arrested and taken to a detention center. That's not an ideal way to spend your vacation. Here's a case of that happening to a German tourist: th-cam.com/video/w1d2ubvWBkg/w-d-xo.html
Thanks Paul for all the help. Our situation may be similar to Linda and yourself in that my wife holds Canadian and El Salvadoran citizenship, and I only Canadian. We are here on TR visas and both applied as Canadians. Will my wife be able to still do the 2 year fast track to citizenship?
could you update this considering the recent crazy changes?
Great channel and Information !
Thank you!
Very well done yours videos help us very much
You can get an international drivers license at AAA in the US, good for 1 year
Your info is golden!
Would love to know more about taxes as a temporary or permanent resident, especially for US citizens.
I have a few videos about taxes on my short list.
This is my question
In short-You will have to pay taxes in the US on income from the US according tax laws, you don't have to pay any taxes on that money to Mexico. If you get a job in Mexico you will have to pay an income tax on that to the Mexican government. Pretty simple.
I am nervous for the immigration visits already! My temporary residency visa expires in a few months😅
Hey! You are here too? Good luck at inmigration. Be safe
@@ricardo_cn hey Ricardo hahaa! Thanks I will need it!😅 Saludos!
Nothing to be nervous about except maybe the patience required and sitting on that metal tube seating at INM for any amount of time. Buena suerte!
I look back to the day in January 1990. We were traveling across the states and had stopped in El Paso for a few days, parked our motorhome on the American side and walked across the bridge into Mexico. We got across the bridge and all that was there was a kiosk, unmanned, no door on it, just an empty counter top, no person in sight. So we stood there for a few minutes, nobody came out from anywhere, so we shrugged our shoulders and figured well I guess we can go and just walked into the country unchallenged. Couldn’t believe it! So coming back there was a line up of cars and pedestrians. Mexican people were just walking past a border guard flashing some sort of card at him and kept walking by. I thought crap, all I have is my Canadian birth certificate! (No passport needed back then) and o thought oh great, this guy has probably never seen Canadian birth certificates before and we’re going to get hassled! Nope! We stopped in anticipation of being scrutinized and he’s like ok...you can go now! He never even gave our certificates a second glance! Whew! So all in all I guess we were actually in Mexico illegally! Illegal immigrants in Mexico!
What a story! 🔥
Maryna thanks, I have intended to do this trip again but haven’t. I wanted to visit places I missed and places I hadn’t heard of back then. Now that I don’t drive do to eyesight it won’t happen. I would be ok on the open highways but around town or in the cities forget it, just too many obstacles and diversions. It may happen again but with my wife behind the wheel which we were going to try until covid locked our borders down this past year. Cheers
the crossing in tiajuana is never manned..... nor is the return... only the american side is there to collect taxes on just about everything you cant prove you took into mexico. corporations protecting their monopolies.
PP interesting 👍 but I wonder what would happen if an authority was to ask for documentation? Guess you’d just pull your wallet out and hope to have enough pesos to make them happy.
@The Taco Kawaii that trip I spoke of was many years ago. For the sake of Mexico I do hope that the border is watched a lot closer than back then but with so many people passing through lately from countries south of Mexico and from some of the Caribbean islands I do have to wonder.
Your videos are fantastic--thorough and easy to follow. Are you able to recommend an immigration facilitator or lawyer in Mexico? I scheduled what I thought was a Visa interview appointment at the Laredo Consular, but it turned out to be a Civil appointment instead. So I need to cancel it online, and that is far above my abilities. Keep up your fine work!
I have contacts in Playa del Carmen only. You will need someone in the area where you will be at. They go with you to get it all done.
Paul, I just got around to watching this video and wanted to let you know what happened to us. When we drove into Mexico in Dec of 2019 we got our FMM and TIP but I didn't look at the TIP until we were in Mazatlán. And to my surprise the TIP for only good for 3 months not the 180 days like our FMM. We then took the ferry across to La Paz and I went in the office there figuring they could fix the date on the TIP but they told me I had to go back to the border by the expiration date on the TIP. So you might want to let people know to make sure the TIP is for 180 days.
Thanks for sharing that, Bob.
As of yesterday the financial requirements for temp residency at the Austin Mex. Consulate was 35k / month over the past 12 months.
I'm sure you meant to say 35 K pesos.
@@tcb1017 Realizing this is the internet and there is information all over the place, here is what I used “ Applicants proving solvency with a savings account are required to show a balance of USD 32,426 over the last 12 months.“ and when I spoke with the gentlemen and got my approval he calculated in the exchange rate and I had to demonstrate a balance of $35k USD for each of the last 12 months.
Always great info. Thanks
Thanks for watching!
Another fast way to get the Mexican permanent residency is having a baby in the country. I know... that's kind of cheat but is a perfect constitutional way to do it if you are pregnant... just saying 😁
As far as I know if you get the Mexican citizenship the only job you can't have is President of the Republic. I will wait for the video about the topic to learn more.
Great video. Saludos desde Yucatán
Great Video - We May move post COVID19
Mexico is a great place to call home. Great people, food, culture....we have loved it. You could always try it out for awhile to see if it's a good fit for you before diving in with both feet.
Excellent info. Thank you !
You're welcome. Thanks for watching. :)
I have looked everywhere on the internet and find plenty of examples of Citizenship History test questions, but I am over 60 and would like to see some examples of the Language test. Do you know of any?
What if you live in a border town like Tijuana but work in the United States, so you go back in forth everyday? Would a 180 permit suffice?
What a great channel. Thank you.
Welcome!
The cost is a big factor, mention of the price would be good.
Always a pleasant "class" THANKS.
Thanks, Craig.
👍Much appreciated.
Awesome video!! May I ask -how long does the part 2 visa process take? Can you give a general idea of time estimate?
If you are talking about renewing your Residente Temporal it really dedends on where you go to do it. Some cities are notorious for taking their time with some requiring appointments along with other delays. I did both processes in Endsenada with no appointment, I just got there early and within less than an hour and a half I walked out with my new card. I suspect it would be same for transitioning to Permanente. There isn't many immigrant expats coming through Ensenada, It's a working town without a whole lot of tourists or immigrants seeking residency like other cities. Buena suerte!
You do post great videos, thank you so much! If I got a permanent residency as a retiree, could I still be an investor, meaning renting out a condo or getting dividends from a persona moral?
Trying to get an appointment at the Consulate is wild
Years ago I had an FM-3. I had to get permission to get married to a Mexican citizen, I turned it in (FM-3)when we went to the States
One can leave the border with the US without turning in your tourist card and reenter again with the same one. This does not normally work at the Guatemalan border nor at airports.
Mexico now has 32 states. Mexico DF became the state of Mexico City several years ago.
Mexico City is still not considered a state. Mexico has 32 Federated entities, 31 states and the capital -- which I did refer to as a federal district out of habit. :)
Can we open bank accounts in Mexico as Canadians on a tourist visa? The main issue is sending money to yourself. Many people online have said they opened accounts with proof of their utility bills and rent.
How are these perpetual tourists getting their money into Mexico?
wow, you are a fountain of knowledge. thanks
Hmmm I was born in Mexico; raised in US and became a US citizen. Now thinking I might want to retire there.
I was told that i should be able to buy land there?