How easy would it be for me to find a job in Mexico?

Finding a job in Mexico would depend on your skillset. You're not allowed to take away a job from a Mexican. If you came with certain qualifications that a Mexican in the area does not have, you would have to do one of two things. Either you find a company that's looking for your skillset, or start your own company. You would need an immigration lawyer to get your working papers and determine your status.

 

The hard part of finding a job in Mexico is the...

Finding a job in Mexico would depend on your skillset. You're not allowed to take away a job from a Mexican. If you came with certain qualifications that a Mexican in the area does not have, you would have to do one of two things. Either you find a company that's looking for your skillset, or start your own company. You would need an immigration lawyer to get your working papers and determine your status.

 

The hard part of finding a job in Mexico is the Mexican pay scale, which is substantially less than in America. If you're going to be a painter, you are going to make 40 pesos an hour as opposed to $20 an hour if you were in the United States. You probably don't want to do that. You can open a restaurant or a clothing store but you need to hire Mexicans to do the cooking, the waitressing and the selling of the items. You can run the cash drawer and order and supplies, but they want you to hire Mexicans as well and not do all the work yourself.

 

Most expats in Chapala and Ajijic come here to retire and not to work. Expats could be offering their skillset if they want to do community work for the benefit of Mexicans or various organizations in Chapala and Ajijic. Depending on the state, the minimum wage on average is 50 pesos a day (less than US $3), so it's pretty low. There are doctors, chiropractors and dentists who volunteer their services for charity work, like at the clinic top of the hill in Chapala, Tepeyac. 

 

Very often people think that they can come and teach English here as ESL teachers. They make maybe 30 - 40 pesos an hour (less than US $2).  

 

(Canadian expats own Lake Chapala Real Estate, Ajijic, Mexico, pictured.)

If you start your own business that hires local Mexicans you will find no problems. You may need the proper visa and will have to form a Mexican corporation in most situations.

 

Most areas require you get a business license and you register with the Hacienda (Mexican equivalent of the IRS) to pay all required taxes.  If you are a Gringo and want to be an employee, it is more difficult. There are only certain businesses that hire Gringos.  Those...

If you start your own business that hires local Mexicans you will find no problems. You may need the proper visa and will have to form a Mexican corporation in most situations.

 

Most areas require you get a business license and you register with the Hacienda (Mexican equivalent of the IRS) to pay all required taxes.  If you are a Gringo and want to be an employee, it is more difficult. There are only certain businesses that hire Gringos.  Those are usually timeshare, and real estate sales.

 

(Statue on the malecon in the little known expat enclave in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, pictured.)

In San Miguel de Allende, the most popular job is in real estate. There are no specific requirements to do so. There are some who work in art galleries, retail and are artists and musicians, etc. Being bilingual would be a big plus. Pay is very low for most work.

 

Please keep in mind, legally, if you are on a tourist visa, you’re not allowed to work; if you’ve got a temporary visa, you need a  work permit, and if you have a permanent visa,...

In San Miguel de Allende, the most popular job is in real estate. There are no specific requirements to do so. There are some who work in art galleries, retail and are artists and musicians, etc. Being bilingual would be a big plus. Pay is very low for most work.

 

Please keep in mind, legally, if you are on a tourist visa, you’re not allowed to work; if you’ve got a temporary visa, you need a  work permit, and if you have a permanent visa, you have to notify the authorities.

 

I would recommend obtaining a work permit even if your employer does not require it. It’s always better to have a work permit because some time a person who dislikes you, a disgruntled maid or gardener or tenant files a denuncia or reports you to immigration. This would not be a pleasant experience.

 

(Pictured: Downtown street in San Miguel de Allende at sunset.)