Ranching in Mexico

Mexico Ranching FAQs

Do I need a residency visa to own a ranch in Mexico?

It would be advisable to have an FM-3 which covers residency and the operation of a ranch. The Mexican immigration agency at the new bridge in Piedras Negras is very helpful in the issuance of the FM-3. If you hold the FM-3 for 5 years you can qualify for Mexican citizenship and passport. There are many people who hold dual citizenship and use the Mexican passport when traveling abroad.

What vehicle should I use to commute to the ranch?

Many ranch roads are difficult when it rains so a four wheel drive with mud treads is advisable. I drive an older truck with Mexican registration and plates. I don't have to worry about driving through brush in my old truck. Mexican law requires a Mexican truck if you haul more than your personal use belongings. Since you will carry ranch supplies from time to time it is better to have a Mexican registration on your truck. Also vehicles with Mexican registration receive less scrutiny by the authorities in Mexico.

Do I need Mexican car insurance when I come to Mexico?

Sanborn"s carries the insurance as well as others; call them at 800-222-0158.

Do I need to use pesos in Mexico?

Generally yes, but people will often accept dollars but usually at an unfavorable exchange rate.

Will I need a Mexican bank account?

Yes, it will facilitate the payment of bills and we will make suggestions.

If I buy a ranch, should I get a Mexican will?

Yes, as it will require a Mexican probate to transfer the property to the beneficiary.

Do you have any driving advise in Mexico?

Since highway lighting is not up to US standards and there can be horse drawn carriages and livestock on the roads occasionally, I avoid driving at night if at all possible.

Will the government take my land?

Both in th U. S. and in Mexico, it is imperative that the seller have good title to the land being sold. The buyer acquires only what the seller possesses. It is therefore imperative for the protection of the buyer that a competent attorney holding the designation of "notorio publico" consummate the closing. There have been instances where the seller did not have all rights to the property conveyed to U.S. persons for various reasons and problems ensued. Stewart Title Company issued title insurance in Mexico and the expense of a title policy would add security and peace of mind for the buyer.

The right of a government to claim property of a private owner probably exists in all countries including the US, but it has been rarely used in recent Mexican history. Conversely, there are many U.S. families who have owned land for many, many years in Mexico without threat of confiscation.

What about the violence in Mexico?

Unfortunately violence is a part of our modern world If we visit the wrong places in Detroit, Washington D.C. or any major city, our life is at risk. Generally if we use a little common sense and do not associate with the wrong people, we will not have any greater risk in Mexico than we have in the U.S.




PROPERTIES Las Aguilas Rancho Paraiso Terreros Ranch Other Properties Property Tours SERVICES Patrols/Inspections Managed Cowboys Cooks/Housekeepers Wildlife Management Pond Building Well Digging Runway/Brush Clearing Locator Service INFORMATION Financing Details Why Mexico? Property Tours Build Your Dream Home Other Resources Ranching Tips	Mexico Ranching FAQs Do I need a residency visa to own a ranch in Mexico? It would be advisable to have an FM-3 which covers residency and the operation of a ranch. The Mexican immigration agency at the new bridge in Piedras Negras is very helpful in the issuance of the FM-3. If you hold the FM-3 for 5 years you can qualify for Mexican citizenship and passport. There are many people who hold dual citizenship and use the Mexican passport when traveling abroad. What vehicle should I use to commute to the ranch? Many ranch roads are difficult when it rains so a four wheel drive with mud treads is advisable. I drive an older truck with Mexican registration and plates. I don't have to worry about driving through brush in my old truck. Mexican law requires a Mexican truck if you haul more than your personal use belongings. Since you will carry ranch supplies from time to time it is better to have a Mexican registration on your truck. Also vehicles with Mexican registration receive less scrutiny by the authorities in Mexico. Do I need Mexican car insurance when I come to Mexico? Sanborn"s carries the insurance as well as others; call them at 800-222-0158. Do I need to use pesos in Mexico? Generally yes, but people will often accept dollars but usually at an unfavorable exchange rate. Will I need a Mexican bank account? Yes, it will facilitate the payment of bills and we will make suggestions. If I buy a ranch, should I get a Mexican will? Yes, as it will require a Mexican probate to transfer the property to the beneficiary. Do you have any driving advise in Mexico? Since highway lighting is not up to US standards and there can be horse drawn carriages and livestock on the roads occasionally, I avoid driving at night if at all possible. Will the government take my land? Both in th U. S. and in Mexico, it is imperative that the seller have good title to the land being sold. The buyer acquires only what the seller possesses. It is therefore imperative for the protection of the buyer that a competent attorney holding the designation of "notorio publico" consummate the closing. There have been instances where the seller did not have all rights to the property conveyed to U.S. persons for various reasons and problems ensued. Stewart Title Company issued title insurance in Mexico and the expense of a title policy would add security and peace of mind for the buyer. The right of a government to claim property of a private owner probably exists in all countries including the US, but it has been rarely used in recent Mexican history. Conversely, there are many U.S. families who have owned land for many, many years in Mexico without threat of confiscation. What about the violence in Mexico? Unfortunately violence is a part of our modern world If we visit the wrong places in Detroit, Washington D.C. or any major city, our life is at risk. Generally if we use a little common sense and do not associate with the wrong people, we will not have any greater risk in Mexico than we have in the U.S.