RE: Ecotrain QOTW: How do you know when it is time to give up on something?
Yes, it is not a difficult process to become a resident. The financial/income requirements are also not as high as they are in the USA, for example. The visas themselves are not expensive. I showed 3 years worth of financial statements. You apply through the Mexican embassy in the country you are in. They are very friendly and helpful and will guide you through the process. They will let you know which visa will work best for you. Yes, you can have a job in a different country, drawing your salary through that other country. That is OK, and does not require you to have a work visa here. You need a work visa though, if you intend to work in Mexico/through Mexico, but again you can receive help/advice with that. There are many lawyers here that can help and they are not terribly expensive. It takes some time to receive the visa, and then once here it takes some time on this side where you have to take the rest of the steps (photos, paperwork, fingerprinting, final approval). During that time you cannot leave Mexico or you have to start that process all over again. (Unless there is an emergency, in which case you can apply for an exit visa). In the rural areas you will need to install satellite internet, or a tower (otherwise your internet might be a nightmare). In urban areas, the internet is very decent. It's something to consider when deciding where you want to go. I just did a speed test to show you mine:
So if working remotely I wouldn't need a work visa? Your internet is many times faster than mine. If Mexico is the way we go, then I think I'd prefer not to be rural. At least for some time. I realized that I need more people around me. I don't mind the more quiet areas in a city either, and don't need to be in the middle of a city (that's too extreme too) but I've had my fill of isolation for now. Also for the kids, I think it would be better if there are other kids to play with.
No, I believe that if you are filing/paying taxes in the country you are collecting your pay through, it's no issue. (Nothing was said to me about it not being OK, and I mean they saw the paystubs and knew about it, so I am assuming it is fine, the only thing they told me is that if I started working through Mexico--with a Mexican company, then I would need to switch my visa over, get a tax number and all that jazz) Of course, I recommend you ask for yourself, as things are changing all the time, and I am no expert. There are a lot of expats in Puerto Vallarta. It's a nice area. No, I do not recommend downtown. The rents there are way too high(unreasonable) and it there is a lot of traffic/noise. The outskirts are less expensive, and much quieter. Plus, they are much more family friendly. There are English schools here too. I like it here, it's a good place to start. I bought some land on the coast north in Nayarit. It's outside a small town. It will be the best of both worlds for me. I love to be outside in nature and the climate here is perfect for me. You should know it is very very humid here. Usually over 80% all the time. I like the weather, but I know many expats struggle with the high humidity and heat in the summer. I think a good test, is to come on a tourist visa for 6 months and check it out. That's what I did at first. I am not sure though which countries/passports qualify for that. I am not traveling on a German/European passport.
Humidity doesn't bother me. I lived in South East Asia and I didn't have any issues with the humidity and heat there, while the locals were complaining. I also lived in the desert (Las Vegas) and the dry heat is something else. I'd choose humidity over dry heat any day.
I totally agree with you there. The dry heat in Las Vegas was not for me, I had a constant migraine when I was there.
That's too funny. The locals here complain too while I am still out there doing my daily 10k. Haha.