Mexico is a country that has a lot to offer, thanks to its warm climate, good food and low cost of living. If you are serious about moving to Mexico, be prepared for a process that can last several months, regardless of the country you currently live in. Perhaps it is easier for Americans to move to Mexico, thanks to its proximity to this state, but by organizing it right, anyone can go and live in Mexico.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Deciding to Relocate
Step 1. Ask yourself why you want to move to Mexico
Going to live in another country is an important decision not to be taken lightly. Do you want to move for love? for work? To change your pace of life? Take the time to clarify the reasons for this to yourself, trying to understand if, indeed, by moving to a new country you will be able to achieve your life goals. If it helps, write down your thoughts in a journal.
The saying “It doesn't matter where you go, you always remain yourself everywhere” seems trivial but it's true: If you are unhappy and frustrated, you will probably find that that feeling of unhappiness will accompany you wherever you go. Travel can work wonders against depression, but you must try to learn from your experiences, otherwise you will return to square one no matter where in the world you are
Step 2. Decide in which city or region of Mexico you want to settle
The climate in Mexico is relatively warm and temperate everywhere, but there are differences between zone and zone. Apart from the climate, you can choose whether to live in an urbanized area, with shops and services, or in a more rural area. At this point it is likely that you want to find accommodation or a temporary residence to live temporarily while you are looking for a home.
Step 3. Familiarize yourself with Mexican culture
Watch Mexican movies, read books by local authors. Learn the history of this country. Learn about traditional cuisine and festivals. This information will not increase your desire to leave, but it will reduce the culture shock you may experience once you move.
Step 4. Learn Spanish
If you can't afford to enroll in Spanish language courses organized by public or private bodies, buy a Spanish language manual with CD (better if you use multimedia materials in addition to paper ones). If that too costs too much, look for the free language learning apps available today on your smartphone or tablet (one of the most popular free apps is Duolingo).
- Along with the language, he also learns body language. For example, Mexicans shake hands longer than Americans and Canadians. Avoid keeping your hands in your pockets or on your hips.
- Pay attention to the variants of the Spanish language. There are some differences between the Spanish spoken in Spain and the Spanish spoken in Mexico. There are even differences between the language used in Mexico and that used in neighboring Hispanic countries.
Step 5. Join an online expat community
Since you live outside your home country, you must consider yourself an "expat". Joining an online community of expats in Mexico will not only help you prepare for your trip, but it will also help you when you are there. Thanks to the online expat forums you will be able to find the best doctors, dentists, grocery stores or hairdressers, or you will simply have the opportunity to meet new friends who understand your situation and your problems of acclimatization.
Part 2 of 4: Dealing with the Bureaucratic Tasks
Step 1. Make sure you have a valid passport
If you still don't have a passport, apply for it several months before leaving for Mexico. If you already have a passport, make sure it remains valid for the duration of your stay in Mexico, if possible. To live and work in Mexico, your passport must be valid for a period of one year from the date you applied for the visa.
If you intend to stay in Mexico for 3 years and your passport is only valid for another year, you should renew it as soon as possible to avoid trouble
Step 2. Check if there are blank pages in your passport
Make sure your passport has at least a couple of blank pages for stamps and visas. If your passport does not have blank pages, consult the relevant government agency to find out if it needs to be renewed or if extra pages can be added.
Step 3. Find out what type of visa you will need to submit
The type of visa depends on whether or not you intend to work in Mexico.
- If you are not planning to work, you can simply purchase an FMT (tourist visa) through the Mexican consulate or even at customs after crossing the border, should you wish to drive to Mexico (costs around 20 euros to pay by credit card). For those arriving in Mexico by plane, the visa will probably be included in the cost of the flight. An FMT visa is valid for 90 to 180 days (approximately 3-6 months). Note that if you are traveling to Mexico by car, you must leave in the same car you arrived in.
- If you intend to work, but don't want to reside in Mexico permanently, you can apply for an FM3 (non-immigrant resident) visa. There are 10 different types of FM3 visas; to find out which one to buy, go to your nearest consulate or immigration office. The cost of the visa varies depending on the type, but generally around 500 euros are spent.
- If you wish to live in Mexico forever (or at least for the foreseeable future), you must apply for an FM2 (permanent resident) visa. This visa must be renewed every year for five years, after which you can apply for citizenship. The cost varies from 300 to 500 euros.
- Applying for FM3 and FM2 visas involves a very long wait - expect to have to return many times to the immigration office or consulate.
- In addition, to obtain FM2 and FM3 visas, you must prove that you already have a residence address in Mexico and a monthly salary of between one thousand and two thousand euros, depending on the circumstances.
Step 4. Make sure you don't need a transit visa
If you intend to arrive in Mexico via other states, you must have a transit visa. This type of visa allows you to cross a state without stopping there.
Step 5. Make sure your pets travel with the necessary documentation
If you have dogs or cats, know that they must go through all health checks and must have a certificate of good health, signed by a recognized veterinarian within five days of crossing the border. The certificate must expressly indicate that the animal has received the rabies vaccine. The Mexican consulate in Italy will be able to give you further information.
- As for the birds, the procedure is more complicated: in addition to the necessary documentation, they must spend long periods in quarantine for a minimum cost of 600 euros.
- If you would like to bring other animals with you, check the embassy or government websites to find out more.
Step 6. Buy travel or health insurance
If you plan to stay in Mexico for no longer than six months, normal travel insurance will suffice. If you want to stay in Mexico for longer, you may want to purchase Mexican government insurance, which is available to expatriates from the Mexican Social Security Agency (IMSS). To get this insurance coverage, you need an FM3 or FM2 visa. Depending on your age, the cost can be up to 300 euros.
- Some credit card companies or banks also include travel insurance in their package. Before buying insurance, check with your bank or company.
- Read the clauses of your health or travel insurance very carefully. Find out what expenses will be reimbursed to you, and how to obtain such reimbursement. Also find out about expenses that are not covered by the insurance. For a little extra, it is often possible to incorporate pre-existing health problems.
Step 7. Check your driver's license
Mexico does not require an international driving license, so you can use the one you obtained in Italy. As soon as you arrive in Mexico, however, apply for a Mexican driving license by completing all the necessary paperwork and presenting your visa.
Step 8. Buy automobile insurance
If you intend to drive a car in Mexico, purchase automobile insurance. Although it is not necessary, it is advisable, especially in anticipation of possible accidents. You can buy it after arriving in Mexico, there is no need to buy it first.
Step 9. Check your finances, including taxes, when you are still in Italy
Consolidate bank accounts. Pay all outstanding bills and settle credit card bills. Close all bank accounts except the one it took you to arrange the transfer. Save the money you will take with you to Mexico. If the sum of money is significant, it is advisable to declare it.
Step 10. Bring copies of all personal and family medical records and prescriptions
Make sure you have all your vaccinations before you leave and that they are still valid.
Step 11. Book your temporary accommodation
This accommodation will help you to have a place to stay temporarily to be able to calmly search for permanent accommodation and a job.
Step 12. Plan your relocation trip to Mexico
Unless you plan to travel to the country by car, you will probably opt for the plane.
Part 3 of 4: Taking Care of Your Personal Items
Step 1. Think about what you will do once you arrive in Mexico to know in advance, when you will pack your bags, what to take with you and what to leave at home
Also consider the weather conditions and the spaces where you will live. If you think you will be living in small spaces, digitize your CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays, so as not to add more weight to your luggage. As an alternative to books, you can think of bringing an e-reader with you: it's a great idea to save space.
Step 2. Make a list of the things you want to bring and the things you don't need
You need to know exactly what things will be in your baggage and what you will be shipping or importing. However, it is preferable to travel with few personal belongings. The furniture can be bought or rented once you arrive at your destination.
Step 3. Make a list of all the devices you want to take with you
If you move from a state other than the US, the electrical voltage requirements may not match your country's for most larger appliances. Low voltage devices, such as MP3 players, can usually be adapted. For those coming from Europe, it is advisable to sell all household appliances and buy them new once they arrive in Mexico, in order to avoid expensive transport costs.
Step 4. Pack your belongings several times
If you do this well in advance, you get a clear idea of what things you really need and which ones you can do without. Imagine writing and rewriting your personal effects list several times. Narrow it down to the things you absolutely need. Unless you can pay someone to transfer the goods, it will be easier (physically and economically) to travel with little luggage.
Step 5. Sell what you no longer need
Thinking much in advance about the things you would like to take with you and what you would like to leave, you have more time to sell the items you no longer need. Selling items all at once can be confusing, so sell them a little at a time. Spend a day (even more if necessary) to photograph all the items. The next day, create an online list of your items or post ads in local newspapers. If you decide to sell them yourself, make price tags.
If you don't need the money, you can always donate the goods you no longer need
Step 6. Store your personal items
If you don't want to part with any of your belongings, ask family or friends to keep them for you, or rent a garage or warehouse. In this case, consider that a year's rent will cost you more than just shipping the goods to your new Mexican address.
Step 7. Choose a way to relocate
The means of transport you will reach Mexico with depends on how many things you want to take with you. If you come from the USA and have a lot of luggage, load it into a car and cross the border behind the wheel. If you plan to fly to Mexico, rent a section of a ship's container.
- FM3 visa holders have the option of importing up to 5,000 euros of duty-free personal items on a one-off basis, paying only a fee of around 100 euros. If you choose this option, put labels on each box and provide the Mexican consulate with a list of all the things you are shipping, including the serial numbers of the electronic devices.
- If you decide to use the services of a shipping agency rather than loading your luggage on a private vehicle, remember that the costs can vary a lot depending on the different options available, so find out both here and beyond the Mexican border on which company offers the best service at the cheapest price.
Step 8. Consider the house you are leaving
Do you live for rent? In this case, notify the owner correctly of your departure. Do you live in your own home? In this case, you choose whether to sell or rent it. If you have decided to sell it but it is not yet on the market, enter it as soon as possible in the commercial catalogs.
Step 9. Consider your transportation
How will you take them to Mexico? Driving? Ask a company that ships vehicles and ask for a quote. If you are leaving directly from Italy, leave your vehicles at home or sell them. In case you opt for sale, have them reviewed and put them up for sale as soon as your visas have received confirmation.
Step 10. Import your belongings within 90 days of your arrival
If you wait any longer, you'll have to deal with a customs agent and face additional hassle to get them back.
Part 4 of 4: Settling in the New Home
Step 1. Fix up your new home
Make it as comfortable as possible. If you don't have to go over a certain budget, spend your money wisely. Don't skimp on things that affect your health, like buying a good mattress and a good pillow.
Step 2. Explore your new neighborhood
If possible, don't go to work right away. Take a few weeks to explore and learn about your new environment, neighborhood and home. Find your favorite bar and restaurant. Take trips to better explore the area. Learn more about your new country.
Step 3. Familiarize yourself with local services
Find out the location of grocery stores, hospital, pharmacy, veterinarian (if you have pets), communication roads and so on.
Step 4. Socialize
When you arrive in a new place, you can feel isolated, especially if you haven't brought family or friends with you. Joining a group or association (reading club, sports group, social center, something class) will help you find new friends and feel less alone. Don't wait to get sad, as soon as you arrive, start searching immediately!
Step 5. Continue to immerse yourself in the language and culture
Attend language courses, participate in cultural events. Take advantage of all the opportunities in your new life!
Step 6. Keep in touch with friends and relatives who have stayed home
Just because you left doesn't mean you have to cut ties with them. Thanks to social media like Skype, keeping in touch with loved ones is easy and cheap. Starting a new life in a new place is exciting but very challenging, so having a solid support group will help you move forward through difficult times.
Advice
- If you can't organize all the paperwork you need to move yourself, hire a consultant.
- Set aside an emergency fund that can cover at least the first few months of your stay in Mexico. You never know what might happen, so don't get caught unprepared!
