How to Move to Mexico as an American
Mexico is an excellent option if you’re an American looking to make a fresh start in a new country. With its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and friendly people, it’s no wonder so many people are drawn to this beautiful country.
Moving to Mexico is a huge step, but doing so doesn’t have to be painstaking. You can make the transition seamless and smooth with some planning and research.
Steps To Moving To Mexico
The following is all you need to know when relocating.
Step 1: Know the Legal Requirements
If you want to move to Mexico, first and foremost, you must ensure you meet the legal requirements to move there.
One thing you will need is a visa. Another is a valid passport; you may also need to document your health insurance. The move becomes easier to plan once you have all the documents.
Mexico is a large country with so many goodies, so it’s essential to research and determine which city or region is the best fit for you. The country is an appealing destination for many Americans with its rich culture, delicious food, and beautiful scenery.
Step 2: Gather the Necessary Documents
As stated earlier, you will need a few documents to process the relocation and make it smooth. As soon as you find the documents you’ll need, the next thing to do is to gather them in one place.
The most important document is a visa, so you have to obtain a visa. The type of visa you’ll get depends on how long you stay in Mexico. Since you are looking to move permanently, you will need the FM2 visa, also known as the immigrant visa.
You’ll also need a valid passport and proof of health insurance in addition to the visa. Finally, having a notarized copy of your birth certificate is a good idea. Once you have these things in order, you’ll be ready to start your new life in Mexico.
Step 3: Start the Packing Process
As soon as you get your visa approval, it would help if you started packing all you’d need for the trip. We advise that you begin this step as early as possible. Leaving important stuff behind can incur extra expenses if you need to get it from the United States to Mexico. Packaging weeks before you leave is the best way to ensure everything is in good shape.
Step 4: Apply to Get a Job in Mexico
Before leaving the States, you should start applying for jobs in Mexico. If you speak Spanish or are bilingual (English and Spanish), getting a job won’t be that hard.
From experience, besides helping you with the cost of living, getting a job will increase your chances of obtaining an FM2 visa.
We are in the era of technology, so applying for and getting a job abroad is not difficult. You can check and apply for jobs on job sites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and others.
Furthermore, one of the very important things you’d also want to ensure is that you can survive and afford the living costs in Mexico. Things are generally cheap in the country, but when you arrive for the first time, it’ll help minimize costs and save money.
Inexpensive meals could cost you 90 MXN (~$4.50 USD), while the monthly local transportation pass could be around 300 MXN (~$15 USD).
Step 5: Learn the Language
If you don’t already know how to speak the language, you should attempt to learn Spanish. Mexicans are generally welcoming and friendly. They won’t take advantage of your inability to speak the language. However, learning Spanish is excellent if you want to make the most of living in the country.
Many tutors can offer you Spanish lessons online, so you can opt for that. However, if you can not afford that, apps such as Duolingo will help you to learn at your own pace.
Learning the language is also a great way to interact with the citizens while getting to know your way around.
Step 6: Look for Accommodation
In Mexico, you can either rent furnished or unfurnished accommodation. Don’t worry; the process is simple. You are legally protected as a tenant and have certain privileges.
The specifics of these regulations will vary depending on the area you plan to live in because each state has its own civil laws.
In addition, you can negotiate with the landlord or agency if they allow it. This is because contracts might differ and can be subject to some degree of negotiation.
Step 7: Get Health Insurance
Health insurance may not be necessary for Mexico, but we advise you to get one. Many ex-pats opt for private health insurance in Mexico.
We recommend conducting research when choosing health insurance to purchase. Look at the insurance policy’s yearly limits and exemption clauses that apply to you. Lastly, find out if the policy covers emergency medical evacuation.
Step 8: Explore Your New Home.
When you finally move to Mexico, try not to be an island. Try to explore the area and country as much as possible when you get there. You can link up with some expatriates to also get a sense of the country and the location you have chosen to stay.
There are a good number of expatriates in Mexico. Getting to know some of them and developing friendships with them can go a long way toward making you feel at home. Additionally, take a look at the pubs and restaurants in your area. Many of them host expat evenings that are focused on sports or language learning.
Our Final Thoughts
As you can see, moving to Mexico from America is a relatively simple process. Also, it won’t take long before you ultimately settle in. You can make yourself at home in Mexico and take advantage of the country’s delicious cuisine and fantastic weather. Cheers to you and your move to Mexico!
