if you want to work in Mexico as American do you need papers saying you can?

Answer 1

FM3 for Actividades Lucrativas

In this case, you must submit: ( From the Immigration Web Site ) http://www.inami.gob.mx/Principal.asp

Application for change of migration status to Resident Professional.

Passport or valid identification and travel document.

Letter to the National Institute of Migration, in Spanish and with your signature, stating your reasons for wanting to establish residency in Mexico.

If you intend to work independently, you must submit a sworn, signed statement specifying your intended activity and where you intend to work.

Letter to the National Institute of Migration, on letterhead stationery, in Spanish or translated to Spanish, from the Mexican or foreign public or private institution that intends to employ you, specifying:
The nature of the project or activity in which you will be employed.
The remuneration you will receive.
Your intended workplace.

If your employer is an individual, s/he must submit:
Proof that s/he engages in business activities.
If she is a foreign national, valid migration document.

If your employer is a legal entity, it must submit:

Articles of incorporation.
Last tax return filed (or electronic receipt).
If it is a foreign national, proof of entry in the National Registry of Foreign
Investment.

These requisites do not apply if the prospective employer is a government agency or organization or public institution of higher education or if the company has an up-to-date basic file.
Professional degree and, if applicable, professional license issued by the Directorate General of Professions of the Ministry of Public Education (www.sep.gob.mx). If you practice a profession that requires a degree, you must comply with the regulatory conditions of Article 5 of the Mexican Constitution in relation to professions.

Answer 2

yes, and generally the business that hires you will take care of this...if they are reputable. you pick up the fees, but they provide the lawyer and all of that. i had no idea how complicated the process was because everything was basically done for me, and i just showed up a few time as the migratory office to sign papers and smile a lot. it took about 2.75 months.

and no, do NOT work illegally. for several reasons, but also because the US taxes money you make in foreign countries, and if all the sudden you've been filing for years and then stop, and claim you made no money at all....that looks a little weird. but since you were working illegally and have no tax documents from mexico...you either lose all that money that could have been refunded, or you end up in trouble big time with the IRS. generally, doing things illegally is NOT in your best interest. the only people who do that are college kids who never filed taxes regularly anyways.

Answer 3

Of course you do! Go to your nearest Consulate in your State and ask their advice. I got an FM 3 which allowed me to bring my furniture (one time only permitted) then after I bought my house I got a work permit through a lawyer in Mexico, and paid $5000 for it. I kept it for 6 years and then retired. But you can probably get a work permit from the Consulate, but you need to have the job offered to you first.

Answer 4

YES.... the mexicans need to grant you an fm2 or fm3....if they dont, and you decide to go, you have a 95% chance of being ok......

Answer 5

Heck no just sneak across the border at night!! Paybacks stink!