Frequently Asked Questions About Temporary Import Vehicle Permit
I am a foreigner residing in the country permanently under a permanent resident migratory form (Mexican Visa). Can I transfer title to a model 2006 vehicle, with a temporary import permit (official customs document) and originally from the United States, via my Last Will and Testament?
Pursuant to Section IV, Article 106, subparagraph a) of the Customs Law, a foreigner with a inmigrante rentista** (FM2) or non-immigrant (FM3) status who imports a vehicle under the temporary import regime may keep such vehicle in the country for the term of his or her migratory status, including extensions.
Article 105 of the Customs Act itself provides that the ownership or use of goods marked for the temporary import regime may not be transferred, sold or otherwise disposed of.
In consideration of the foregoing, the temporary import permit (the official customs document) for the vehicle terminates upon the death of the foreigner and the probate-based transfer of ownership is not allowed.
I am a foreigner who moved to the city of Merida, Yucatan and would like to import my vehicle. What should I do?
Pursuant to Article 139 of the Customs Act Regulation, the parties concerned must submit an application for the temporary import of vehicles, attaching:
I. The documentation evidencing their immigration status, in accordance with the governing law;
II. The documentation evidencing the legal ownership of the vehicle or, where applicable, the letter of credit or invoice letter issued by the company or institution financing the purchase. In the case of leased vehicles, the pertinent contract must be in the name of the party concerned.
The party concerned may execute the corresponding formality/procedure and/or paperwork, even if and when the document evidencing the ownership thereof is in the name of his or her spouse, ascendant relatives or descendants.
In the case of vehicles owned by legal entities, the document evidencing the employment relationship between the party concerned and the legal entity will be required;
Ill. The guaranty or security as determined by the Ministry by means of using rules; and
lV. Statement under oath, wherein the party concerned agrees to return the vehicle in question within the authorized time period and to refrain from acts or omissions that constitute infractions/offenses or crimes due to the improper or intended use of same.
I am a foreigner and temporarily imported a vehicle from the United States. Can who drive the vehicle?
Vehicles imported under the temporary import regime may be driven on national territory by the importer, his or her spouse, ascendant relatives, descendants or siblings, even when the latter are not foreigners, a foreigner holding the migratory status of inmigrante rentista** (FM2) or non-immigrant (FM3), or by a Mexican provided that one of the persons authorized to drive the vehicle travels with him or her in the car.
What does "Temporary Import Regime" mean?
Temporary import regime is understood as the entry of merchandise into the country, which will remain for a limited period of time and for a specific purpose, so long as said merchandise is returned abroad in the same condition.
I am acquiring a vehicle permanently imported into the country by a foreigner. Do I have any special obligation?
Pursuant to Article 146 of the Customs Act, in the case of the sale or otherwise disposal of permanently imported vehicles, the importer must submit the import permit (official customs document) to the purchaser. In subsequent sales (or otherwise disposals of), the purchaser should demand said permit and keep it in order to prove that the vehicle is in the country legally.
___________
** inmigrante rentista is the technical classification given by Mexican law to a foreigner who wishes to reside in Mexico as a legal Mexican resident with foreign income
Need more info? Contact us! We will be happy to assist you.