Mexican Work Visa/Charters

[jkirstein]

Good day-

Could anyone please tell me if it is at all feasible to start a seasonal sailboat charter business in Mexico if you are not a citizen? I am a mountain guide in the States and happen to own a boat in Mexico...several clients have expressed an interest in winter sailing trips. Does anyone have any experience in this area?

Thanks.

[PippiGypsy]

Hello - This is a great question...I look forward to some ideas about this topic.

[Greenhand]

It is very difficult to get a work permit without a job offer.

However, there are many expats who start businesses and I found this guide: Ten Tips for Starting a Business in Mexico

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, PippyGypsy.

[zeehag]

communicate with friends on a schooner i know in mexico-- schooner patricia belle.
owner used to charter out of mazatlan. there are many laws and many blockades to noncitizens having charter business in mexico.
you MUST speak with officials and get permission and proper visa and operator licensing first before you charter in mexico. those with unregistered charters are ratted out by th emexicans who perceive income lost as you take their business away from em.
there are ways to use locals as captains ..that would make it easier for you to obtain licensing, but the process takes many years, it was 4 yrs in mexico before capt pat was able to use patricia belle for charters in mazatlan -- he did sunset cruises and cruises in mazatlan.
you ARE allowed to take friends on private cruises, but not to charter officially until all requirements areemet. good luck to ye.
there is a us citizen doing charters in sayulita on a trimaran.. he has mexican captains.