Mexico Visa Considerations For Living In Lake Chapala

Michaela
Apr 23
5 min read

Residente Temporal Visa Card Mexico — Ixtlahuacan de los Membrillos Plaza

What are the things you need to know when you finally decide you want to make the move to Lake Chapala? How is it different from moving to another town or city in the country you live in?

As you will see, a lot will depend on whether you are moving down on a Visitor visa, or have received a Temporary (Temporal), or Permanent (Permanente) visa.

Find out what you need to know before you make the move so that you are as prepared as possible.

Establishing Proof of Residency – This is a crucial step for almost anything you want to do in Mexico. Known as “Prueba de Domicilio,” proof of residency is typically linked to utility bills such as your CFE (electric), water, or internet service. To carry out most official tasks, your name must appear on at least one of these documents. If you're renting, this can be tricky—getting your name on the electric or water bill is usually not an option. However, depending on the provider, you might be able to get your name on the internet bill. It's also important to note that tourists cannot obtain an RFC (tax number).

Banking – As a visitor, you can open a bank account at select institutions. Intercam is one option, requiring a minimum balance of 20,000 pesos. Actinver and Multiva are also investment banks that allow account openings with a tourist visa, though they typically have higher minimum balance requirements. Note: If applying to open a bank account with a tourist visa, bring a copy of a utility bill from your home address back home showing your full name.

ATMs are widely accessible, so if you have a debit card linked to your home bank, you can withdraw cash as needed. While this method works, it can be inconvenient for accessing larger sums.

If you hold a Temporary or Permanent Resident Visa, opening a bank account is easier. You can do so at the banks mentioned above or at national banks, using your passport, visa (with CURP), proof of address ("Prueba de Domicilio"), and RFC number.

Car – As a person on a Visitor visa, you are not able to purchase a car in the state of Jalisco.

Temporary or Permanent Visa holders can purchase a car with the following documents.

Photo ID. This needs to be your passport
Immigration Visa

a) Temporary Visa – With proof of Address “Prueba de Domocilio” in buyers name (official receipt CFE, Telmex, Telcel, Mexican Bank statement)

(note: Jalisco will not accept a rental agreement with a Temporary Visa as Proof of Residence)

b) Permanent Visa – With proof of address in buyers name “Pueba de Domocilio”, or a rental agreement with proof of address in home owners name (in this case, must provide photo ID of home owner)

Proof of address in buyers name “Prueba de Domocilio” - CFE, Telmex or Mexican Bank Statement showing full address and no older than 60 days
CURP. This number is issued by immigration and is found on your Temporary or Permanent Visa card
RFC – This is a tax number issued by SAT (Servicio de Administration Tributaria) and is easily obtained through various agencies such as your insurance agent, car vendor, state automobile administration office, or lawyer.
Email address
Telephone number

(the above information supplied compliments of S&S Auto)

Bringing a Car to Mexico

If you're planning to bring your own car to Mexico, there are a few important things to keep in mind.

As a tourist, you'll need a Temporary Import Permit (TIP), which is valid for the duration of your tourist visa (normally 180 days)

If you hold a Temporary Resident Visa, you can bring your car into Mexico for the full year your visa is valid. The TIP is directly linked to your visa, so if you extend your visa, the TIP is extended as well—for example, a one-year visa extension extends the TIP by one year, and a three-year extension extends the TIP by three years.

However, if you have a Permanent Resident Visa, you cannot bring your foreign-plated car into Mexico under a TIP. You must permanently import the vehicle, which is only possible for certain cars depending on their age and VIN number. This process must be completed at the U.S.-Mexico border and typically costs between $3,000 and $4,000.

Drivers License - Tourists and Temporary Visas holders can drive their own foreign plated cars with their home country's license. Note that no one else but the registered owner can drive this car legally in Mexico!

As a Permanent Visa holder, you will you need to obtain your Mexican Drivers License and you cannot drive a foreign plated car.

Real Estate - Good news! There is no problem buying real estate on a Visitor Visa or with a Temporary or Permanent Visa. Read the FAQ's of the buying process in Lake Chapala, “Buying Property in Lake Chapala” . Note: If you're buying property, you'll need to have either a Temporary or Permanent Resident Visa in order to transfer any utility accounts into your name.

Renting – As a renter, there are no differences as to your visa status. Renting is usually easy and very similar to renting north of the border where you need to place down first and last months deposit and damage deposit. Check out our Rental Checklist For Renting In Lake Chapala for in-depth information.

Health Care – Fortunately, health care in Mexico is inexpensive and of good quality. Whatever your residency status, you can access the health facilities at minimal cost in Lake Chapala or go to Guadalajara for more serious issues.

Prescription Drugs – Prescription drugs are easy to get in Mexico. You can bring your bottle to show the pharmacist, have it written down on a piece of paper or just have a picture of it on you phone. The pharmacist just wants to know the drugs name and dosage. Ninety five percent of the drugs do not need a prescription, so a doctors visit is usually unnecessary.

If you would like more information, or have questions regarding your future move or visit to the Lake Chapala area, contact me, or take our Personalized Retirement Seminars and find out all there is to know about moving to and living in Lake Chapala. Thanks for reading!

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