BajaNomad

getting a job in Baja?

tyguypb - 1-21-2015 at 09:32 AM

so this is a bit of a broad question, but does anyone know the restrictions for getting a job in Baja as a US citizen?

obviously this would require many things, most importantly, finding a job that would hire me in the field i want to work in, who would be ok with my lack of fluency in the language (with intention to learn) and a host of other variables.

I also FULLY understand the moral and righteous argument for the need to keep jobs in Mexico for Mexican citizens, so i do hope to avoid that lecture in this thread.

what about legal barriers and other things that i should be on my radar?

Thank you and sorry if this is too general.

BajaBlanca - 1-21-2015 at 09:42 AM

I have an attorney I could recommend to help you with the bureaucracy but since he only communicates in Spanish, that is not going to help you.

You are going to need a job offer and then a work visa, which entails documentation and monies.

In my case, I did the opposite: we waited until we could become citizens and then once legal to work, I jumped at the chance to teach in the local middle school and high school.

good luck and out of curiosity, what is your field?

David K - 1-21-2015 at 09:49 AM

A few years ago, I entertained the possibility of working in Mexico. At that time, one needed the correct visa (work visa) and that usually requires a Mexican business sponsor. It was an FM-3 with a work stamp added, but those things changed in recent years I think...

Same thing for living in Mexico, part time... you are supposed to have a certain visa if you keep property in Mexico too. A tourist card is for people on a vacation, not renters, not owners, not workers (even voluntary)... but, it seems a lot don't bother.

rts551 - 1-21-2015 at 09:49 AM

Quote: Originally posted by tyguypb  
so this is a bit of a broad question, but does anyone know the restrictions for getting a job in Baja as a US citizen?

obviously this would require many things, most importantly, finding a job that would hire me in the field i want to work in, who would be ok with my lack of fluency in the language (with intention to learn) and a host of other variables.

I also FULLY understand the moral and righteous argument for the need to keep jobs in Mexico for Mexican citizens, so i do hope to avoid that lecture in this thread.

what about legal barriers and other things that i should be on my radar?

Thank you and sorry if this is too general.


Righteous?

DENNIS - 1-21-2015 at 09:58 AM



A visa...permanent or temporary type....is not the same as a work permit....although you won't be getting a WP without a visa. You may want to research the qualifications for a visa first. They don't give them away.

What type of work are you interested in?


.

[Edited on 1-21-2015 by DENNIS]

tyguypb - 1-21-2015 at 10:29 AM

Broadly, i work in the tourism industry, honestly i would be willing to work many different jobs within that industry.

as for my experience, most of it is concentrated in marine eco-tourism. I've been guiding kayak tours for over 6 years. multiple years working as a naturalist on whale watching boats out of SD and San Juan Islands. also informal outdoor education for school groups.

Ideally, one day, no specific country in mind, i would like to open my own eco-tourism company, so there are many things from working in hotels/cabanas to learning how to do general maintenance in rural settings that could be useful.

DENNIS - 1-21-2015 at 10:33 AM



Perhaps you should talk with our favorite Nomadette, Shari:

http://forums.bajanomad.com/member.php?action=viewpro&me...

http://www.bahiaasuncion.com/php/

rhintransit - 1-21-2015 at 10:41 AM

okay, no hijack intended, but out of curiosity...when the PR issue was being discussed, one of the benefits was that PRs could work in Mexico. it was never clear whether this meant that they could just decide to work, or if it meant that they could apply for a work visa. anyone know?
by the way, tons of Mexican citizens employed (or currently unemployed) in the tourist industry. tons of marine specialists being turned out by Baja universities. tons of eco tourism offerings. it may be difficult to impossible to obtain a work visa in your field with qualified locals to fill existing jobs. this isn't a moral or righteous issue, it's the law. you must have some unique qualifications/specialization and a job offer to get a work permit. consult the INM website (Spanish language, go figure) you could potentially get permission to open a business and employ Mexican citizens, but it doesn't sound like you are at that stage yet. if so, consult a lawyer, or two or three.

[Edited on 1-21-2015 by rhintransit]

[Edited on 1-21-2015 by rhintransit]

shari - 1-21-2015 at 12:06 PM

there are many expats working in the tourism industry in Baja so you could go and visit some of those companies like in Loreto, La Paz, CAbo etc. It is really not that difficult, if they want to employ you, they jump through the hoops, pay the work permit and you are good to go. Just remember that the pay is not what you may expect.

The other route is to come down, choose your spot, buy or lease,form your own corporation and just do it! You can run your own company...although not for the weak or anal. Make sure you have all the paperwork in order and have a Plan B!

DENNIS - 1-21-2015 at 12:59 PM



Actually, I suggest you come down here and rent to live for a few months and do the research. It's just too easy to make mistakes when relying on second hand experience.

tyguypb - 1-21-2015 at 01:14 PM

rhintransit:
I know, and totally understand that. It is the ultimate catch 22 as i really want to live and work in beautiful places, but at the end of the day i personally believe that those jobs should be going to locals... aayyee and so is my hypocrisy...

StuckSucks - 1-21-2015 at 01:14 PM

In 2004 I worked for several months in San Felipe. Of course, that was a cash deal ... I had skills they couldn't find locally.

shari - 1-21-2015 at 01:45 PM

Yes it is true that the universities are turning out ecotourism graduates but I know for a fact most of them only have very rudimentary english skills and real outdoor experience and that just doesnt work for a business catering to gringos which is why the bigger businesses hire americans or canadians. Follow your dreams and dream to live.

desertcpl - 1-21-2015 at 04:18 PM



you might want to think of getting a job selling Time Share's
like Shari is saying almost all want fluent speaking English

they will put you thru the red tape that is necessary for employment, once you have your feet planted, then you can decide what you want to do

I know first hand,, been there done that

BFS - 1-22-2015 at 06:40 AM

Contact Baja Expeditions, they are always looking for quality guides in high season.

SlyOnce - 1-22-2015 at 09:35 AM

incorporate in CA. Let people pay you in US dollars, via Pay Pal.

bajalinda - 1-22-2015 at 09:52 AM

rhintransit - it's my understanding that when you have a PR (residente permanente) card, you can work. However, you are required to notify INM of any change in your status. I don't know if that means you have to apply for a new card? pay a fee? or what? Best to check the INM website or check at your local office to find out for sure. Change of status can be anything from change in marital status, or change of address, to change in employment status.

durrelllrobert - 1-22-2015 at 10:08 AM

getting a job in Baja? If this thread were in the OT I might comment. :lol: