How to get an FM3     FM3 form

If you plan on staying in Mexico for more than 6 months at a time you will need an FM3. With an FM3 you can legally keep a car in Mexico and apply for the Mexican medical insurance at IMSS. If you are in Mexico, you can apply for an FM3 at the immigration office in the state capital of the state where you live. You can also apply for one in any Mexican Consulate in the USA. You will need to renew your FM3 every year. The cost is about $110US. In some places you might be able to hire an agent to get one for you, but if not you should be able to do it yourself. For more info visit the Mexican Immigration Website.

Here is what you need to apply the first time. (Make all copies on one side of the paper only).

1. Bring 3 copies of your bank statement for the last 3 months. This is to prove that you can afford to live in Mexico. They are somewhat flexible, but they will expect an income of about $1000US per month for a single person, but less if you own a home.

2. Proof of residency. Bring 3 copies of your electric and telephone bills. If you rent and do not have these, you can go to the Precidencia or Municiapal building in your town and they will issue you a proof of residency for around 50 pesos.

3. Three copies of your passport - they want copies of every page including the front and back cover.

4. You need 4 passport size photos. There are usually photographers near the immigration offices that know exactly what you need.

5. There are 3 forms you will need to fill out for your first FM3. You can get these either online or at the immigration office. The first is sort of a letter - they told me what to say at the office. The second is a long form which you will have to fill out every year. Click here for FM3 form. The third is a form containing your personal information called an FM1. Click here for FM1 form.

6. Once everything is approved they will fill out the Forma Fiscals and you will take the forms to the bank and pay. The bank will stamp the form and you bring it back to Immigration Office.

Do not expect to do this all in one day! Go early because the office closes at 1PM. Be patient. It seems the more you complain the longer it takes.