How can we integrate into a Mexican community?
The Lake Chapala Society (a society for English speakers) is the one of the best sources to help you become adapted to your new surroundings. They have a library with over 20,000 English books and a video store with approximately 2,000 VHS videos. They host events on a monthly basis to help you meet new people. They also have many medical services provided by well qualified American and Mexican doctors. Some of these service are free blood pressure testing; skin cancer screening; diabetes testing; hearing testing and hearing aid repair and an optometrist. All of the members of these services speak fluent English. Membership is on an annual basis and is open to all.

Is it safe in Mexico?
We have extremely low crime rate, this is one of the safest places in the world to live.

What is the medical care like?
Locally there are 3 Clinics in the Lakeside area and many dental offices. Each clinic has bilingual doctors and nurses on staff. Free ambulance service is available through the local Red Cross and there is air ambulance service to the U.S. and Canada from Guadalajara. Also Guadalajara is one of many medical training centers for Mexico. They have state of the art equipment and the care is excellent. The health care available here is equal to, or better than, that in the U.S. and at a fraction of the cost. The University of Guadalara has a world renowned medical school and Mexico produces many fine doctors from all over the world.

Consular Services.
There are both U.S. Consulate and Canadian Consulate in Guadalajara. Passports can be renewed in one day. Necessary information is on file in the case of an emergency. All information that you give them is held strictly confidential.



Immigration
There are three types of visas
1. FMT (Tourist Visa) is good for 6 months and is renewed by leaving and re-entering the country.
2. FM-3 Visa. (Resident Alien). Requires that you live at least part time in Mexico. You must prove that you have $1000 monthly income, ($500 for each additional person). Income requirements are lower if you are a homeowner. This visa allows you to bring in your personal belongings at no charge. You will also be allowed to drive a foreign-plated car. You must re-new this visa annually.
3. FM-2 Visa. (Permanent Resident) Is designed for those who intend on staying here long term. After 5 years of living in Mexico,"immigrado" status may be applied for. You will receive all benefits of a Mexican National except you won't be allowed to vote.

What is required to bring in my vehicle?
To bring your vehicle into Mexico, you will be required to have an FM-T or FM-3 permit that allows you to drive a foreign plated vehicle. Your vehicle license and valid foreign drivers license are acceptable as long as your Visa is current. Your Mexican vehicle permit is obtained at the border. When you enter, you will need to have the title to your vehicle or a letter from the lien holder stating you have the right to bring the car into Mexico. You also will have to obtain Mexican auto insurance, which can be done through many companies in the US or at the border check in station. It is best to have your insurance in place before you cross the border. Insurance purchased at the border is expensive. Long-term vehicle insurance here is generally less than the US and Canada. Always it is necessary to carry a copy of your Visa in your vehicle along with copies of your vehicle entry papers and auto insurance policy. Vehicle Check-In stations are usually not at the border, but inland into Mexico a few miles or so.



What types of Insurance will I need in Mexico?
Depending on what you require, you are able to purchase Health, Home, and Auto insurance. Both American and Mexican Insurance are available. All of your insurance needs tend to be less.

What financial institutions are available?
You can still use your US or Canadian banking service. Many retirees operate with an ATM card. We also have a LLOYD’s , Santender Serfin, BanaMex and several other Mexican Banks to take care of your banking needs. Just a note: Many local Mexican owned businesses will not accept credit cards for there services, they prefer cash in pesos.




What about renting a home in Mexico?
There are both long and short-term rentals available. Homes can come furnished or unfurnished. Most rentals come with a gardener and maid. Long-term rental prices are always less than short term.

Is it legal to own property in Mexico?
The Mexican Constitution allows you as a non-Mexican to own land in Mexico outright with a Direct Deed as long as you are more than 50 miles from the coast or 100 miles from an international border. If you are within either of the boundaries you may own the property although your deed must be administered through a Bank Trust. This is to protect Mexican Sovereignty. The Mexican government wants to encourage foreign investment in Mexico. You will have the full protection of the law whether you decide to buy with a Direct Deed or a Bank Trust.

What is required to purchase property in Mexico?
You will need the following items to make and offer on a property: a passport, a visa (either a FM-T or FM-3 with a clear, readable entry stamp, and 10% of the offer amount as a down payment.

What is the process to buy property in Mexico?
The properties in Lakeside are, for the most part, priced in U.S. dollars although there are a few that are priced in Mexican pesos. Almost all sales are in cash as mortgages are not readily available. In some situations owner financing is available but it is not common and the interest rates tend to be high when it is available. Most buyers are able to self-finance their purchase with a home equity loan, credit line or the sale of their home. A 10% deposit is required with an offer to purchase. This is usually handled with a U.S. or Canadian check or through a wire transfer. If a check is used to pay for your home, it will need to be submitted 12 days ahead of closing time to allow sufficient time for it to clear. The balance is due usually 5 days before closin, either by a certified check in U.S. funds or a wire transfer. Most closings are from 1 to 3 months from the accepted offer to purchase although a longer closing may be possible if agreeable to both parties. The closings are held before a Notary Public. A Notary Public in Mexico is not the same as a Notary Public in either Canada or the U.S. In Mexico, a Notary Public is an attorney that has been practicing for at least 5 years and is then appointed by the State Governor to fill a limited number of available positions. All legal documents must be presented to a Notary Public in order to be considered valid. The Notary Public guarantees a certificate of no liens, clear title and will register the deed in your name after the closing. The buyer is responsible for paying the closing costs which include the deed registration fees, the transfer fees, the notary fees and a government regulated amount in pesos depending on the property value as evaluated by the tax department. The Seller is responsible for paying the commission and the capital gains if there are any to be paid.



Is there a Capital Gains tax in Mexico?
Yes there is. As in the U.S. and Canada, the Capital Gains tax is paid by the Seller. The Seller, however, can be exempt from paying the Capital Gains tax if they have had an FM-3 or an FM-2 for at least four months and can present the Notary with either 3 months of electric bills or 3 months of telephone bills in their name to prove occupancy. This proves personal residency and shows that the property was not used as an investment, which activates the Capital Gain.

How much are the property taxes?
The property taxes are very low. The typical taxes on a $200,000 U.S. dollar home will be about $100 to $150 US dollars a year. Because the property taxes are so low, most of the condominium and gated communities charge a monthly fee for local services. These services include garbage pick up, electricity, maintenance and repairs for the common areas. Water and security are included as well in some "fraccionamientos" (neighborhoods or subdivisions). The fraccionamiento fees, in most cases are between $40 and $50 U.S. dollars per month.

If you have any questions that are not yet answered here, please e-mail Janel.