Consulting
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Mexico Residency Fees Double
Dreaming of Mexico? Big changes hit soon. Fees for residency permits double in January 2026. So, plan wisely now. Why the Rush Fails You might think, hurry up before year-end. However, that’s not smart. Consulates book out fast. Moreover, holidays slow everything down. Many spots fill until next year. For instance, they serve Mexicans first. US policies play a role too. Thus, no quick visas for expats. Even if you snag an appointment, fees stay low at first. Only $54 USD applies there. But real costs come later in Mexico. New Fee Breakdown Fees jump big time. One-year temporary goes from $290 to $580. Four-year temporary hits $1,300 now. Permanent…
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Why Clean Record Matters if you plan to leave the U.S.
Plan to leave the U.S.? Keep your record clean. First, immigration arrests rose sharply in 2025. For example, ICE reported 94,609 arrests since January. That’s a 124% increase from 2024. Therefore, more people face legal risks now. Even those without prior issues get involved.nytimes Rising Enforcement Next, agencies use facial recognition at borders. Also, they partner with local police. As a result, travelers encounter more checks. For instance, average daily arrests reached 666. Moreover, detention numbers hit 56,397 in June. Hence, routine travel can lead to scrutiny. See: bushcenter+1 Visa Requirements Now, many countries require background checks. Spain demands recent FBI fingerprint certificates. Similarly, Costa Rica needs federal-level proof. Thus,…
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Are You Really Ready to Think Like an Expat? A Money Guide for Americans Moving to Spain
Moving to Spain is exciting. But are you prepared for the expat mindset? Many Americans bring their home-country ideas with them. This can lead to costly money mistakes. Let’s explore how to shift your thinking and avoid common traps. Why Budgeting More Matters If you expect life abroad to cost the same as in the U.S., think again. Basic cost estimates miss hidden expenses like private health insurance, taxes, and banking fees. These add up quickly. A smart expat budgets 40-50% higher than online calculators say. This prepares you for real life, not just a dream. Healthcare Costs Americans Often Miss In Spain, public healthcare mainly serves EU citizens. You’ll…
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Mexico Residency 2026: Easier Financial Rules Ahead?
Thinking about moving to Mexico? The good news is big changes might be coming to residency rules in 2026. These could make it easier — and more affordable — to become a resident. Here’s a quick, easy-to-understand breakdown. What’s Changing? Right now, to get temporary or permanent residency in Mexico, you need to prove a certain income or savings amount. This amount is based on Mexico’s minimum wage. The problem? The minimum wage keeps rising fast, and so do the financial requirements. For example, in 2025, you typically need around $4,200 a month or $70,000 in savings for temporary residency, and even more for permanent residency. But from 2026, Mexico…
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What Is an Apostille? Essential for Expats.
For anyone living or planning to live abroad, the term “apostille” often comes up, and it can seem like a confusing piece of bureaucracy. In simple terms, an apostille is a certification that authenticates the origin of a public document (e.g., a birth certificate, marriage license, diploma, or court order) so that it can be legally recognized in another country. It’s a vital stamp of approval that simplifies international document exchange. The Hague Apostille Convention: A Global Standard The concept of an apostille stems from the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (often shortened to the “Hague Apostille Convention”). Before this convention, a complex…
