Retired foreign residents, as well as immigrants, are entitled to take their household effects into Mexico. A list of such effects must be certified by the Mexican Consulate for Customs in Mexico.
The requirements to be met are as follows:
- Residente Temporal or Residente Permanente issued in the applicant's name plus a notarized copy
- Sorry ladies, in Mexico the man is the head of the household. If there is no man, then you do get to bring your “stuff” in your own name, but if there is a man, the application must be in his name unless you apply separately.
- A typed list of household effects (inventory), in Spanish, accompanied by four additional photocopies, listing all items to be imported. Brand, model and serial numbers must be stated when listing electrical appliances.
- Proof of domicilo (address) in Mexico
- Consular fees
It is important to make your list by box, that is,
- Box 1 Inventory List
- Box 2 Inventory List, etc.
and label the boxes accordingly.
Once the household effects list has been submitted, all furniture and appliances must enter the country within the next six months as of the date of the issue of the immigration form (Residente Temporal or Residente Permanente). Important Note: Household effects can be brought into Mexico duty free only once in a lifetime, so plan carefully.
Focus Note: If it isn’t handled properly, I can tell you that it can be a nightmare to move your belongings to Mexico. There are so many more things to know than listed here. On your Focus on Mexico Program, you will get all the information you’ll need, and perhaps even more important – you’ll find out what not to do. Having lived here for almost 13 years, we have heard story after story of problems, even (and especially) when people are using an International Moving Company. Many times they do not have the knowledge or experience in moving goods to Mexico.
Our program has been so successful, because we've "been there; done that" and we also know which expert to ask to keep you in sync with current laws, regulations and practices. If you're thinking about moving to Mexico full or part time, you really have to come on a Focus on Mexico Learning Adventure. I guarantee there's not a better program out there where you will learn so much in eight days and have fun doing it!
| Clay McAdam, February 2008 Program |
| "The moving company from Ajijic that we used provided examples of how the individual lists are to be prepared. We recommend you contact the moving company in Ajijic that you intend to use, and have them recommend a moving company in your area. They have a list of companies with whom they deal who know what is required for the move." |