The business immigration form for stays shorter than 180 days is called the Multiple Immigration Form (FMM). This form is used for all visitor visa authorizations. It also applies to tourism.
Visitor visas are authorized for unremunerated activities in Mexico.
These visitor visas allow foreign nationals to undertake any work in Mexico, as long as they do not get compensated by a Mexican source (a Mexican company or person). It allows a maximum stay of 180 days. These visas and immigration forms may not be renewed under normal circumstances, but they may be requested each time a foreign national travels to Mexico.
Nationals of the countries listed on the government of Mexico's official website must apply for a visitor visa at a Mexican Embassy or Consulate prior to entering Mexico, unless one of the following waivers applies.
All individuals in the following categories are required to present their valid waiver document along with their passports upon entry to Mexico:
- Individuals bearing a currently valid document evidencing permanent residence in Canada, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Chile, Colombia or Peru
- Individuals bearing any kind of currently valid visa for Canada, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden or Switzerland
- Individuals bearing an ABTC (APEC Business Travel Card)
Both documents must be valid during their entire stay in Mexico.
The immigration authorities may request documents supporting a foreign national's trip to Mexico (i.e., invitation letter, support letter, proof of sufficient funds, return airplane tickets).
As long as the conditions are met, these visas will authorize any activity not remunerated in Mexico, including work, technical activities and training. It is essential that foreign nationals correctly indicate the intended activity to be performed while in Mexico at the port of entry, so that they avoid any immigration-based legal issues while in Mexico.