Behind the Move: Three Easy Ways to Live Your Mexican Dream

Because life’s too short for snow boots, endless paperwork, and boring routines.

You’re as serious as a red velvet cupcake craving its cream cheese frosting.

YOU NEED TO MOVE TO MEXICO.

Or maybe… you’re almost there. You’re not quite ready for the full frosting, but a little powdered sugar sprinkled on top sounds really tempting. Your taste buds—and your adventurous soul—want to know more.

My character Larleen just found out she’s moving to Mexico, and let me tell you—it’s going to be a wild, magical ride.

Whether you’re dreaming of turquoise beaches, colorful markets, or a life with fewer snow boots and more sunshine, here’s how to make it happen:

THE THREE EASY-PEASY WAYS TO MOVE TO MEXICO

1. TOURIST

Travel to Mexico as if you’re on vacation… and then stay awhile.

Advantages:

• No paperwork, bureaucracy, or long lines at immigration/the Mexican consulate

• No assets or savings required

• Easy peasy

• Can legally bring your car, but must take it out of the country after 180 days (check this info—it can change)

  
  

Disadvantages:

• Required to leave the country periodically (currently after 180 days you must leave for a week—numbers can change, so double-check!)

2. TEMPORARY RESIDENT

We chose this method because we wanted to drive to Mexico (didn’t want to fly our greyhound dogs). Back in December 2016, this was the only way to bring a car and stay long-term, so it was our best option.

Advantages:

• Can keep a foreign car in Mexico for a period of time (four years at the time)

• Not required to leave the country periodically

• Can maintain this status for 4 years before moving on to Permanent Resident

Disadvantages:

• Paperwork & interviews at the Mexican Consulate in your home country. Don’t be surprised if you have to go two or three times. Welcome to the “Learning Patience” Rule—your new BFF.

• Paperwork & interviews at Immigration in Mexico once you arrive. This part was a blur for us—we were like lost puppies.

• Requires assets/savings

• Must handle paperwork within specific timeframes before leaving and after arriving in Mexico

3. PERMANENT RESIDENT

Stricter rules apply, but this is your “Mexico is home now” option.

Advantages:

• Not required to leave the country

• Can apply for Mexican citizenship after holding this status for a certain period, which comes with additional perks

  
  

Disadvantages:

• Paperwork & interviews at the Mexican Consulate in your home country

• Paperwork & interviews at Immigration in Mexico

• Requires more assets/savings than Temporary Residence

• Must handle paperwork within specific timeframes before leaving and after arriving in Mexico

Tips from the Trenches:

• If you have the funds, an immigration attorney can save you a ton of stress—rules do change!

• Plan on 6 months for residency paperwork. If it happens faster, hooray!

• Major Mexican holidays close government offices (Easter ~1 week, Christmas ~2–3 weeks).

• Once you get your residency card, ABSOLUTELY put the expiration date in your calendar. We once missed ours and had to go through the whole process again—don’t make the same mistake! Start the process at least a month early.

Moving to a foreign country is a big decision. Take your time, relax, and go with the flow.

If the thought of moving to Mexico makes you sparkle—that’s your inner star awakening.

xo,Kathleen Naomi