Retirement in Puerto Vallarta

"Retirement in Puerto Vallarta - How Are Gringos Treated in Mexico?"," As an example, those that come to traffic or use illegal drugs are treated rather harshly in Mexico, resulting in terrible vacations while south of the border! Another one that's probably not anxious to return to Mexico is Dawg, The Bounty Hunter. Back in the 80´s, it didn't take much more than a photo identification in order to get a Mexican FMT or tourist visa. These visas are good for staying up to 90 days in Mexico; however you can ask for and often receive a 180 day FMT visa. Upon entering Mexico, the immigration agents stamp your copy of the visa and record your entry into their computerized data base with information regarding the length of your stay and where you'll be staying. In other words, visiting Vallarta for less than six months is about as simple as it could be. This can be best done by telling the following story which is based on personal experience and is typical of American immigration practice throughout Mexico. We have had a lovely couple working in the villa for the past eight years. As a bonus for their many years of hard work and loyalty, last year we offered the woman an all expenses paid one week vacation to visit us in the Lake Tahoe area where we spend the summers. We called the US Consulate in Guadalajara to determine the required procedure for Mexicans to visit the US. We were also informed that she needed a copy of her bank account statement in Mexico, a copy of her marriage license, a copy of her property deed, employment records, and a letter of invitation from us would be helpful. Again we contacted the US Consulate, informed them that all of the required documentation was in order, and scheduled an appointment for her interview. The US Consulate was packed with hundreds of Mexicans and they put her in a line with about 50 others, probably all having the same appointment time. Finally, after an hour and a half, she made it to the front of the line. Of course, during our phone conversation, they never mentioned a requirement of notarization of the letter of invitation when they listed the requirements. In all probability, the Consulate handed out very few, if any, visas for travel to the US that day. After getting her hopes so high and being so excited about the vacation, after spending her money on the passport, the money for the five hour journey to and from Guadalajara, the night spent in Guadalajara, the time to assemble all of the required documents, and the two hours in the Consulate, there was virtually no chance of getting a visa to the US for a Mexican citizen and the worst part of it was, the employees of the Consulate knew it. It's got to be a lot easier, faster, and perhaps cheaper to sneak across the border, thus resulting in the US having no clue as to who has entered the country, where they are, how long they're staying, or what they're doing. but the system virtually denies their legal entry into the States. She confirmed that visas to the US were just not being granted at this time because of all the immigration related problems in the States. Of course, the economy in PV depends solely on tourism and it is in the best interest of the locals to see that all tourists have a pleasant and safe visit while in Paradise. It is so tourist friendly in Vallarta that there are now approximately 50,000 North Americans living here during the ""high season"" of November through May. Furthermore, in 2001 the readers of Conde Nast Magazine voted Puerto Vallarta the eighth best vacation destination in the world and the very friendliest city in the world. For those of us that are retired and having so much fun in Paradise that we don't want to leave in 180 days, we merely apply for an FM3 permit, a long term visitor permit which resembles a passport, costs about $100, and takes about a month to obtain. The FM3 allows a North American to stay in Mexico for one year and can be renewed annually. Our Grand Cherokee Jeep still has the 1997 Texas plates and no taxes have been paid on the vehicle since 1997. If for any reason, a Mexican policeman gets the urge, he can pull over a foreign plated car and check the status of the driver's FM3. After five years of FM3 renewals, i. , five years of living more than 180 days per year in Mexico, you are then given the option to continue with a new FM3 or convert to an FM2. The main difference is that an FM2 designates the holder as an immigrant rather than a visitor. Exemption from capital gains tax is granted only to those that can provide proof of primary residency in Mexico for at least five years, with primary residency being anything greater than 180 days per year. After the fifth year of holding an FM2, the holder becomes eligible for a permanent resident alien status and no longer is required to renew his FM2 on an annual basis. The FM3´s or FM2´s are stamped and recorded every time you leave or enter Mexico. In summarizing, due to the relative ease in obtaining the proper immigration papers in Mexico, there is virtually no reason for any American or Canadian to be here undocumented. For those really serious about living in Mexico, after establishing your primary residence in Mexico for five years and learning a fair amount of Spanish, for about $1,500 and with the assistance of a local immigration attorney, you can apply for Mexican citizenship. If and when granted, you will hold dual citizenships and have pretty much all the rights of a naturalized Mexican citizen. It is Spanish and the immigration officials make it crystal clear when interviewing for Mexican citizenship. Of course money talks, but from what we've experienced for ten years, the Mexicans treat the Gringos substantially better than the Gringos treat the Mexicans. IS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE