Moving to Mexico from France
Moving to Mexico from France can be done through obtaining a temporary resident visa, finding a place to live, and careful planning. Temporary resident visas allow foreigners to stay as long as four years, and if you’d like to stay longer, you will need a permanent resident visa.
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Are you considering moving from France to Mexico? Are you unsure where to start in your journey and how to plan effectively? This comprehensive guide from Pacific Prime will share everything you need to know.
We will first share tips on planning your move to Mexico and then describe the necessary steps to making the official move. We will also share additional pointers on moving to Mexico to keep your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. Keep reading to learn more!
Why Move to Mexico from France?
French expats may be drawn to Mexico because of its low cost of living, varied climate, and rich cultural landscape. The lower cost of living is one large attraction of the country, with Mexico estimated to be around 57% cheaper than France.
Mexico’s culture and climate are another draw for expats. Beautiful historical landmarks, such as ancient ruins and castles, can be found throughout the country. Those moving to Mexico can also expect a varied geographical landscape, with mountainous areas, jungles, and deserts.
If you’ve evaluated the benefits of moving to Mexico from France and are ready to make the move, you’re ready to begin planning!
Researching Before Your Move to Mexico from France
When planning your move to Mexico from France, you should research your cost of living, the culture, climate, and visa requirements. You will want to ensure that these various factors work with your budget, needs, and lifestyle.
The good news about Mexico is the cost of living is much lower than living in France, so it can fit most budgets. However, some areas will be more expensive than others, so take the time to find a location that works with your financial situation.
Take the time to research the culture and climate so you are not left with any unwelcome surprises when you arrive. You will want to ensure Mexico is a good fit for you or your family. Once you’ve done your research, you can begin the steps of moving.
The Steps to Moving to Mexico from France
The steps to moving from France to Mexico include completing the legal requirements, moving your finances, getting health insurance, choosing a place to live, finding employment and schooling if necessary, and more. We will detail more of these steps below!
Step 1: Take Care of the Legal Requirements of Moving to Mexico
The first step to moving to Mexico should always be getting your legal affairs in order with your visa paperwork and applications. To move to Mexico, you must apply for a temporary residency visa, permitting you to stay in the country for up to one year.
The temporary residency visa can be renewed annually after one year has passed, permitting you to stay for up to four years. You will need a permanent resident visa if you’d like to stay longer.
Temporary Residency Visa in Mexico
Mexico’s temporary residency visa is available for those who want to live in Mexico for more than 180 days and less than 4 years. To apply, you must complete the application on the Mexican embassy’s website and then make an in-person appointment at the embassy or consulate.
After you have given your local Mexican embassy or consulate all the necessary documentation and your visa has been processed, you can receive your temporary residency visa.
The necessary documents for a Mexico temporary residency visa include:
- Original and copy of valid passport
- Visa application
- A photograph no more than 6 months old (measurements must be at least 32.0 mm x 26.0 mm and at most 39.0 mm x 31.0 mm)
- Documentation proving your financial solvency
- Document proving your residency in France
You can find the Mexican Embassy in France at its Paris location. We will list more of its contact information below:
- Address: 9 Rue De Longchamp Paris 75116 France
- Phone: +33 1 5370 2770
- Email: [email protected]
How Foreigners Can Qualify for the Temporary Residency Visa
Foreigners moving to Mexico from France can qualify for a temporary residency visa either through proof of a certain monthly income or an adequate savings balance. There are other ways, too, which we will list below.
Foreigners can also qualify if they are:
- Reuniting with close family in Mexico
- Studying at a university in Mexico
- Own property in Mexico
- Making a capital investment in a Mexican company
The required monthly income for a foreigner staying in Mexico with a temporary residency visa is 73,728 Mexican pesos or 3,936 euros (EUR). For French expats living there on a savings balance, the balance must be over at least 1,240,666 Mexican pesos or EUR 66,246 for the last 12 months of residency.
Step 2: Move Finances and Banking from France to Mexico
After securing a visa, the next step will be to move all your finances and banking to Mexico. Most international banks can help you exchange your euros for Mexican pesos.
Most banks will require you to apply for an account in person, but some will allow online applications.
Some banks that are popular with expats in Mexico are BBVA Bancomer, Banorte, and Citibanamex.
When opening your bank account in Mexico, you will need to provide proper identification and other necessary documents. The documents and information required will depend on the bank you choose. These documents may include:
- Valid Government-Issued Photo ID
- Proof of Residency
- Residency Visa
- Money for the Minimum Deposit Required
The minimum deposit required will vary across banks, but you can expect to pay around 800 Mexican pesos or EUR 42.
Once you have a bank account set up in Mexico, you can begin making necessary purchases for your new life in the country by buying things like a place to live and health insurance.
Step 3: Get Health Insurance for Mexico
Expats moving from France can purchase health insurance plans from local providers in Mexico, or they can purchase health insurance from an international provider. The perks of buying an international health insurance plan include having coverage back home in France as well.
International health insurance can also cover you anywhere you travel, which can be especially useful to those who plan to travel often. If you want to visit any of Mexico’s neighboring countries, an international health insurance plan can cover you on all your trips.
With health insurance, you’ll be protected financially from paying high medical bills out-of-pocket. International health insurance can be purchased directly through an insurance provider’s website or an insurance broker.
Understanding the Healthcare System in Mexico
Mexico’s healthcare system is comprised of public and private healthcare facilities. The Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social (IMSS) is Mexico’s employer-funded healthcare program, and expats employed by Mexican employers are eligible for this coverage.
Private healthcare facilities in Mexico offer shorter wait times and higher standards of care than public healthcare facilities. They also have more multilingual staff, which can be extremely beneficial to expats who aren’t fluent in Spanish yet.
Step 4: Choose a Place to Live in Mexico
When choosing a place to live in Mexico, expats from France should consider different factors like their ideal location and what they can afford. Mexico has many rental properties available for expats at competitive prices, though costs will vary across regions.
To find a place to live, you can reach out to a Mexican realtor or visit online housing platforms. These online housing platforms include Vivanuncios, InMuebles24, and Homie. Visiting these platforms can help you find places to live and understand more about the prices of different neighborhoods.
Some of the most popular places to live among expats include:
- Puerto Vallarta
- San Miguel de Allende
- Lake Chapala
- Mexico City
- Huatulco
- Mérida
- Tulúm
- Los Cabos
Mexico is a large country with many different climates, cities, and suburbs. Take your time when home hunting so you find something you’re happy with. Where you choose to live has a significant effect on the cost of renting, as properties will be more expensive in the bigger cities.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can average around EUR 637 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center will average around EUR 434 per month. You should consult your budget thoroughly when deciding where to live in Mexico.
Step 5: Find a Job in Mexico
Expats from France can find work in Mexico through tourism work, food service, teaching, finance, and IT jobs. Unemployment rates in Mexico are rising, which can affect the job market. By following these tips below, you can improve your chances of finding work:
- Become proficient in both French and Spanish: Knowing a proficient level of Spanish can help you find work more easily in Spanish, as Mexican employers will be more likely to hire bilingual employees.
- Use Job Websites Like OCC Mundial, Indeed Mexico, and Computrabajo: Utilizing online resources to find work like the websites listed above can help you see when job postings first go live, which can help you find work more quickly.
- Consider Registering with a Recruitment Agency: Some recruitment agencies may have more experience with helping expats find work and can help you land a job more easily than if you had been searching on your own.
- Tailor Your CV to the Mexican Job Market: Take the time to customize your CV to what Mexican employers will be looking for, and highlight any international experience you may have. This is also an excellent time to share your proficiency in Spanish.
- Apply to International Firms: International firms may be more open to hiring foreigners than other Mexican companies, so applying to any international firm or company can be an excellent choice for a French expat.
- Network Through Associates and Events: You may be able to find your next job by networking with other professionals by attending business conferences and local expat meetups. Speak with other expats in your position to learn how they found their jobs in Mexico.
You will need a work visa to work in Mexico. You won’t be able to apply for this visa on your own, and your employer will do it on your behalf. Once you have been issued your work visa, you can apply for your temporary residence permit when you move to Mexico.
Step 6: Find Schooling For Your Children
If you are moving to Mexico with your children, you can enroll your children in either a public or private school. Mexico’s education system is divided into three main stages, primary school, lower secondary school, and upper secondary school. The ages for each stage are listed below:
- Primary School: Ages 6 to 12
- Lower Secondary School: Ages 12 to 15
- Upper Secondary School: Ages 15 to 18
The quality of Mexico’s schools varies and depends greatly on the region and type of school. Most private schools offer the highest quality curriculum and facilities, with international schools offering the best fit for expat children due to the likelihood of other French expat children attending as well.
At an international school, your children could be surrounded by other expat children and find solidarity with their peers. But international school tuition is not always affordable, so take the time to ensure you can afford it before you apply.
Step 7: Embrace Your New Home and Culture in Mexico
The final step of moving to Mexico from France is to embrace the country’s beautiful culture and enjoy your new home by taking advantage of the many recreation opportunities and expat communities near you. With its vibrant history and welcoming culture, you can feel right at home in Mexico.
Get involved with your local community to begin making fast friends and immerse yourself in the culture. Get to know nearby expats and locals alike through community events and other meetups. Take the time to learn and understand your new home’s traditions.
You can embrace the country’s culture by taking part in important festivals, like Día de Muertos. This festival takes part on November 1st and 2nd of every year and is dedicated to remembering and celebrating the dead. Parades occur in all the major cities, with beautiful floats and grand displays.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I work in Mexico as a French expat?
You may work in Mexico as a French expat, but you will need to apply for a work visa first. Once you have applied and been accepted for a work visa, you can find a job through various online websites, recruitment agencies, or asking friends and neighbors.
What are the visa requirements for a temporary residency in Mexico as a French citizen?
The visa requirements for a temporary residency visa in Mexico as a French citizen are proof of a certain monthly income or an adequate savings balance. Or you can move to Mexico if you are reuniting with family, studying there, own property there, or are investing in a Mexican company.
Conclusion
French expats can move to Mexico by getting a temporary residency visa and following the steps outlined in this article. If you plan thoroughly and ensure all your legal requirements are met, you should be able to move to Mexico with as few problems as possible.
Let Pacific Prime help with one of the most important steps of moving to Mexico by helping you find a health insurance plan. Our insurance experts are ready to help you compare quotes from multiple providers and offer you free and unbiased advice about international health insurance plans.
To get started today, contact us online or call us at 1-800-868-1451. If you’d like to begin comparing quotes on your own, use our free quote tool!
If you enjoyed this article, check out our others on topics like Moving to Mexico from China and Medicare in Mexico.
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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