American Expatriate Communities in Mexico

Mexico has one of the largest expat communities in the world. In fact, there are more Americans in Mexico than in Canada or in the U.K. According to the Consulate of Mexico in NY, there is a significant increase in the number of Americans who want to move to Mexico. Global relocation companies and recruiters have confirmed this. According to them, Mexico is one of the most popular destinations for Americans who want to leave the United States. Many American retirees come to live in Mexico, because they can have a higher living standard there. However, there are more and more Americans who are moving to Mexico to raise their families there, or find better business opportunities. Most of these people say that living in Mexico allows them to spend more time with their family members.

Many people decide to come to Mexico and have children there. Mexican medical facilities, great support communities, and excellent doctors are just some of the reasons. There are many new English-speaking mothers; there is even a breastfeeding support group for these mothers!

An American living in Merida said that this place has welcomed him with open arms. He said he was very happy. Family people will tell you that they have enough time for their children, and business people will tell you that Mexico can offer numerous business opportunities. It is no wonder so many Americans come to live there every year.

People in Mexico are very friendly. There is even an English-language literary salon, established by a foundation called “Mesoamerica”.

Immigration Regulatory System

There are several different ways to legally enter this country and stay there.

Foreigners fall into two major categories: non-immigrants and immigrants. An immigrant is a foreigner who comes to Mexico to live there and achieve the permanent resident status.

Immigrants are granted 5-year entry (maximum). They need to renew their visas every year. There are nine types of visas for immigrants. The type of visa will depend on the type of activity that he or she will engage in.

• Retired foreigners usually come to Mexico to live on their resources they brought from their home country (or they can live on any other regular income coming from their home country). These people must prove they have enough money (minimum daily wage x 400). In some cases, retirees are allowed to work as scientific researchers, technicians or professors, if that can benefit the country.

• Investors can enter the country in order to invest money in commerce or industry, if this will contribute to the Mexican economy and general development. Foreign investors need to prove they have enough money: minimum wage x 40,000.

• Professionals, scientists, specialists and technicians, assimilated persons, athletes and artists are also some of the cub-categories of foreign immigrants.

New American Expat Communities

Loreto Bay  is one of the most popular places for Americans.

Paraiso del Mar area is another new expat community, located near La Paz.

Finally, the area around  Ensenada  – south of Tijuana – has also become very popular.

To learn more about the cost of living in Mexico, visit  Numbeo.

If you are interested in buying a house in Mexico, visit  Solutions Abroad.