Fill out an FM3 visa application form. For a business applicant, you need to enter information about your intentions, your proposed length of stay, a description of your work or investment plans and your financial resources. For retirement, you must have an income of $1,000 a month or more. If you apply for retirement on the FM3 application, you will not be allowed to work.
Send or take the application along with supporting documents to the nearest Mexican Consulate. You may include copies of official documents. Include your passport and a copy, two passport sized photos, an official sheriff's report showing you don't have a criminal record, a self-addressed FedEx or UPS envelope, along with a payment of $98 for the FM3 application and $36 for the visa in cash or money order.
Report to the Mexican Consulate for an interview when requested. The consulate will use the envelope you sent to send you your interview appointment date, time and location. If you sent copies of any original documents with your application, you will need to bring the originals with you to the interview. If accepted, the consulate award you the visa.
Show the visa to Mexican immigration officials when you arrive. Your visa does not guarantee your entry into Mexico. You must still go through inspection and customs (aduanas in Spanish).
