Puerto Vallarta Relocation & Concierge Services | Discover PV

Your Puerto Vallarta Relocation & Lifestyle Experts

Moving to Puerto Vallarta or planning an extended stay? Discover PV offers comprehensive relocation and concierge services designed specifically for foreigners making Mexico’s Pacific coast their new home. Whether you’re retiring in Puerto Vallarta, starting a business, or simply seeking the expat lifestyle, our local expertise makes your transition seamless and stress-free.

Start Your Puerto Vallarta Journey

Our Puerto Vallarta Relocation & Concierge Services

We’ve helped hundreds of expats successfully relocate to Puerto Vallarta. Our team of local experts—who live here year-round—provides personalized support for every stage of your journey, from initial planning to settled expat life. Below are our core services designed to make living in Puerto Vallarta accessible, affordable, and enjoyable.

1 Relocation Services for Moving to Puerto Vallarta

Living in Puerto Vallarta begins with finding the right neighborhood, securing quality housing, and understanding the true cost of living in this tropical paradise. Our comprehensive relocation service removes the guesswork and stress from your move to Mexico. We provide personalized neighborhood tours showcasing areas like Zona Romántica (the vibrant gayborhood with walkable streets and beach access), Marina Vallarta (upscale with golf courses and modern amenities), Versalles (middle-class Mexican neighborhood popular with budget-conscious expats), and Fluvial Vallarta (newer developments with luxury condos). Beyond location scouting, we connect you with trusted real estate agents who understand expat needs, coordinate temporary housing for your initial weeks, help you open Mexican bank accounts (essential for paying rent and utilities), set up internet/phone/electricity services, and provide detailed cost-of-living breakdowns so you can budget accurately for groceries, dining, transportation, and entertainment in Puerto Vallarta.

Neighborhood Selection & Tours: Personalized 3-day exploration of expat-friendly areas including Zona Romántica, Marina Vallarta, Versalles, Conchas Chinas, and 5 de Diciembre based on your lifestyle preferences and budget
Housing Search Assistance: Connect with vetted real estate agents, schedule property viewings, negotiate lease terms, and understand rental contracts in Spanish
Cost of Living Analysis: Receive detailed monthly budget breakdowns covering rent, utilities (CFE electricity, water, internet), groceries, dining, transportation, and healthcare for accurate financial planning
Banking & Financial Setup: Guidance on opening accounts at BBVA, Santander, or Banorte with required documentation (passport, proof of address, tourist visa or residency)
Utility Connections: Coordinate setup of Telmex/Izzi internet, CFE electricity account transfers, and water service registration to avoid service interruptions
Local Registration: Navigate the process of registering your address with immigration authorities and understanding your obligations as a foreign resident

💡 Perfect for: Digital nomads planning 6+ month stays, retirees seeking year-round sunshine, families relocating for lifestyle changes, remote workers establishing a home base in Mexico, and anyone tired of expensive North American living costs

2 Mexican Residency & Visa Assistance

Retiring in Puerto Vallarta or staying long-term requires proper legal status beyond the standard 180-day tourist visa. Mexican residency provides significant benefits: the ability to open bank accounts, purchase property more easily, apply for Mexican driver’s licenses, access lower fees at museums and attractions, and establish permanent legal status in the country. The residency process involves specific financial requirements (proof of monthly income or bank account balances), consulate appointments in your home country before entering Mexico, document preparation with apostilles and translations, and strict timelines that must be followed precisely. We guide you through every step of obtaining Temporary Residency (Residente Temporal) for 1-4 year renewable stays, Permanent Residency (Residente Permanente) for indefinite authorization, transitioning from FM3 to FM2 visa categories, adding dependent family members to your application, and tracking annual renewal deadlines to avoid lapses in legal status.

Temporary Residency (Residente Temporal): Complete support for 1-4 year visa applications including document checklists, consulate appointment booking, financial requirement calculations (currently $2,500+ USD monthly income or $40,000+ USD in savings), and follow-up at Mexican immigration offices
Permanent Residency (Residente Permanente): Full process assistance for indefinite stay authorization including higher financial thresholds ($4,000+ USD monthly income or $160,000+ USD in accounts) and streamlined application procedures
Financial Documentation Preparation: Help compiling bank statements from the past 12 months, pension award letters, investment account summaries, and sworn affidavits meeting Mexican consulate requirements
Consulate Appointment Coordination: Scheduling appointments at US/Canadian consulates (Los Angeles, Houston, Vancouver, Toronto, etc.), preparing required forms, and troubleshooting common application rejections
Dependent Applications: Adding spouses, children under 25, and dependent parents to primary applicant’s residency with proper documentation and fee structures
Annual Renewal Reminders: Calendar alerts, document updates, and guidance for maintaining continuous legal status in Mexico

⚠️ Important: Mexican residency requirements change frequently—financial thresholds increased 40% in 2024 alone. Our team monitors Mexican immigration policy updates, consulate-specific procedures, and documentation requirements to ensure your application succeeds on the first attempt, saving you months of delays and potential visa denials.

3 Business Formation & Setup in Puerto Vallarta

Starting a business while living in Puerto Vallarta opens doors to entrepreneurial opportunities in Mexico’s thriving tourism economy. Whether you’re launching a vacation rental property, opening a restaurant or bar, starting a tour company, establishing a real estate agency, running an online/remote business, or offering professional consulting services, proper business registration is essential for legal operation. Mexican business formation requires navigating SAT (Mexican IRS) registration for your RFC tax ID, choosing between LLC structure (Sociedad Anónima de Capital Variable) and sole proprietorship (Persona Física con Actividad Empresarial), obtaining work permits that authorize foreigners to operate businesses in restricted zones, connecting with bilingual CPAs who understand both Mexican and US/Canadian tax obligations, securing industry-specific licenses from municipal authorities, and scouting commercial real estate in high-traffic areas like Zona Romántica, Marina Vallarta, or the Malecón boardwalk.

Company Formation (S.A. de C.V.): Legal entity registration with public notary, corporate bylaws drafting, shareholder agreements, and initial capital deposit requirements (typically 3,000-10,000 MXN)
RFC Tax ID Registration: Federal taxpayer registration with SAT including FIEL (electronic signature), CFDI invoice authorization, and monthly tax obligation setup
Work Permits for Foreigners: Immigration authorization allowing non-Mexicans to operate businesses legally, including specific activity descriptions and income projections
Bilingual Accounting Setup: Connect with English-speaking CPAs experienced in expat taxation, US-Mexico tax treaties, and foreign business owner reporting requirements
Commercial Licenses & Permits: Municipal business licenses (licencia de funcionamiento), health department approvals for food service, alcohol permits (if applicable), and signage authorizations
Commercial Location Scouting: Identify high-traffic retail spaces, negotiate lease terms, understand triple-net rental structures common in Mexico, and evaluate foot traffic patterns

🚀 Popular Expat Businesses: Short-term vacation rentals (Airbnb/VRBO management), restaurants and beach clubs, adventure tour operators, real estate agencies serving expats, online businesses (e-commerce, consulting, digital services), yoga studios and wellness centers, and specialty retail shops in tourist zones

4 Local Guide & VIP Concierge Services

Already in Puerto Vallarta or planning a visit before your permanent move? Our concierge services provide insider access to experiences impossible to find through Google searches or travel blogs. As year-round residents with 10+ years of local connections, we offer personalized trip planning based on your interests—whether that’s adventure sports (zip-lining, ATV tours, scuba diving), cultural immersion (art gallery openings, traditional Mexican festivals, cooking classes), food tourism (street taco tours, craft cocktail bars, chef’s table experiences), or nightlife exploration (gay bars in Zona Romántica, rooftop lounges, live music venues). We arrange restaurant reservations at fully-booked establishments, secure VIP access to exclusive events and private venues, provide professional translation services for medical appointments or legal consultations, and offer 24/7 emergency assistance for urgent situations like lost passports, medical emergencies, or unexpected travel disruptions.

Personalized Trip Planning: Custom multi-day itineraries designed around adventure activities, cultural experiences, food tours, beach relaxation, or nightlife exploration based on your travel style and interests
Private Tours with Local Insiders: Skip tourist traps and experience authentic Puerto Vallarta through guided tours of hidden beaches, local markets, artisan workshops, and neighborhood gems unknown to most visitors
Restaurant Reservations & Dining Access: Secure tables at popular venues like Café des Artistes, La Leche, Trio, and Joe Jack’s Fish Shack, plus access to exclusive chef’s table experiences and wine pairings
VIP Event Access: Attend invitation-only gallery openings, cultural festivals (Festival Vallarta Azteca, Gourmet Festival), Pride events, and local celebrations unavailable to general tourists
Professional Translation Services: English-Spanish interpreters for medical consultations with specialists, legal document reviews, real estate transactions, and business negotiations
24/7 Emergency Assistance: Round-the-clock support for urgent medical situations, lost/stolen documents, emergency travel changes, natural disasters, or family emergencies requiring local coordination

✨ Insider Access: As full-time Puerto Vallarta residents integrated into the local community—not seasonal guides or remote planners—we provide authentic experiences, trusted vendor relationships, and cultural knowledge that takes years to develop independently. Our connections open doors literally impossible to access through online research.

5 Healthcare Navigation & Medical Tourism

Understanding Mexican healthcare is crucial for anyone retiring in Puerto Vallarta or planning extended stays. Puerto Vallarta offers world-class medical care at 60-70% lower costs than US/Canadian equivalents, with many doctors trained at top American universities and fluent in English. We connect you with English-speaking physicians across all specialties (cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, dentistry, ophthalmology), arrange tours of top-rated facilities like Hospital San Javier and CMQ Premiere (both with international accreditation), explain insurance options including IMSS (Mexican public system available to residents), private Mexican insurance plans (GNP, Metlife Mexico), and international coverage that works in Mexico. We also coordinate medical tourism procedures—everything from dental implants ($800 vs $3,000+ in US) to knee replacements ($8,000 vs $35,000+ in US)—with pre-procedure consultations, post-op recovery accommodations, and follow-up care scheduling.

English-Speaking Doctor Network: Referrals to board-certified physicians including cardiologists, orthopedic surgeons, general practitioners, dentists, ophthalmologists, dermatologists, and OB/GYNs with US/Canadian medical training
Hospital Facility Tours: In-person visits to Hospital San Javier (JCI accredited), CMQ Premiere, and Medasist with explanations of services, emergency departments, and surgical capabilities
Insurance Options Comparison: Analysis of IMSS public coverage ($300-500 USD/year for residents), private Mexican insurance plans ($1,200-2,400 USD/year), international policies, and Medicare supplement options for cross-border coverage
Prescription & Pharmacy Navigation: Understanding Mexican medication availability, generic equivalents, over-the-counter access to many prescription drugs, and pharmacy delivery services
Medical Tourism Coordination: Arrange dental work (implants, veneers, crowns), cosmetic procedures (facelifts, Botox), orthopedic surgeries (knee/hip replacements), and other procedures with cost savings of 50-75% compared to US prices
Pre-Procedure Consultations: Schedule initial evaluations, obtain detailed cost quotes, arrange medical records transfers, and coordinate payment plans for elective procedures

Additional Specialized Services

🚗 Vehicle Import & Registration

Navigate the complex process of importing your US/Canadian vehicle to Mexico, obtaining Jalisco license plates, understanding temporary import permits (TIP) vs permanent nationalization, and complying with Mexican driving regulations including mandatory insurance requirements.

🐕 Pet Relocation Services

Stress-free pet import including USDA health certificates, airline-approved carriers, direct flight coordination, customs clearance at Puerto Vallarta airport, veterinary recommendations in PV, and finding pet-friendly housing in neighborhoods welcoming to dogs and cats.

📦 International Shipping & Customs

Coordinate international moving companies experienced in US-Mexico relocations, understand customs regulations and duty-free allowances, navigate the “menaje de casa” (household goods) import process, and avoid common pitfalls causing delays or unexpected fees when shipping belongings.

🏫 Education & School Services

School recommendations for expat families including American School of Puerto Vallarta (PreK-12 US curriculum), homeschooling resources and support groups, Spanish language programs for children and adults, and international baccalaureate options in the region.

💰 Cross-Border Financial Planning

Connect with financial advisors specializing in US/Canadian expat taxation, Mexican tax obligations (including the FATCA reporting requirements), retirement account management while abroad, currency exchange strategies, and estate planning for assets held in multiple countries.

🏡 Property Purchase Support

Guidance on fideicomiso (bank trust for coastal property ownership), lawyer referrals experienced in expat real estate transactions, notary public (notario) process explanations, title insurance options, and understanding Mexican real estate contracts and closing procedures for foreign buyers.

Service Packages & Investment

Service Package	What’s Included	Investment
Discovery Consultation	90-minute video call to assess your relocation needs, answer questions about Puerto Vallarta, create a customized action plan, and determine which services best fit your timeline and budget	$150 USD
Essential Relocation Package	Housing search assistance, 3-day neighborhood tours, banking setup guidance, utility connection coordination, local registration support, and cost-of-living analysis with budget worksheet	$1,200 USD
Complete Relocation Package	Everything in Essential Package PLUS residency application support, 30 days of unlimited concierge access, healthcare provider connections, ongoing email/WhatsApp support for 90 days post-arrival	$2,500 USD
Business Setup Package	Mexican company formation (S.A. de C.V.), RFC tax registration, work permit applications, bilingual accountant connections, commercial license assistance, and location scouting for retail/office space	$1,800 USD
VIP Concierge (Monthly)	Unlimited service requests, 24/7 emergency access, priority restaurant reservations, exclusive event tickets, professional translation services, personalized recommendations, and dedicated account manager	$500 USD/month
À La Carte Services	Airport pickup/drop-off, single-day private tours, hourly translation services, document assistance, specific errands, medical appointment coordination, and other one-time requests	Contact for pricing

💳 Payment Options: We accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), PayPal, international bank transfers (USD/CAD/MXN), and cryptocurrency (BTC/ETH). Payment plans available for packages over $1,500 USD with 50% deposit and balance due 30 days before service delivery.

Why Choose Discover PV for Your Puerto Vallarta Relocation?

Unlike remote consultants who’ve never lived in Puerto Vallarta or seasonal guides who disappear half the year, our team consists of full-time residents who have personally navigated every aspect of expat life in Mexico. We understand the challenges firsthand—from opening stubborn bank accounts to decoding CFE electricity bills to finding trustworthy contractors. Our 10+ years of local relationships with lawyers, accountants, real estate agents, doctors, and government officials mean you benefit from our established network without years of trial and error. We’re fluent in both English and Spanish with deep cultural understanding of North American expectations and Mexican business practices, allowing us to bridge communication gaps and cultural differences that derail many DIY relocations. Every client receives personalized support—no cookie-cutter checklists or one-size-fits-all advice—because we recognize that moving to Puerto Vallarta as a single retiree requires different guidance than relocating as a family of four or starting a beach bar business.

Year-Round Local Presence: We live in Puerto Vallarta 365 days per year, not seasonal consultants who vanish during summer months—our office is in Zona Romántica and we’re always available for in-person meetings, property tours, and emergency assistance
Personal Experience with Every Process: Our team members have personally obtained temporary/permanent residency, started Mexican businesses, purchased property through fideicomiso, enrolled in IMSS healthcare, and navigated every bureaucratic process we help clients with
Established Professional Network: 10+ years of vetted relationships with immigration lawyers, bilingual CPAs, honest real estate agents, English-speaking doctors, and government contacts who expedite processes and solve problems quickly
True Bilingual & Bicultural Team: Fluent English-Spanish speakers who understand both North American customer service expectations and Mexican business culture, preventing miscommunications and cultural faux pas that derail transactions
Customized Solutions, Not Templates: Every client receives personalized recommendations based on budget, lifestyle, timeline, and goals—we don’t push generic relocation checklists that ignore your unique situation
Transparent Pricing with No Hidden Fees: All costs disclosed upfront with written agreements—we don’t take kickbacks from vendors, inflate referral fees, or surprise you with additional charges after services begin
Ongoing Support Beyond Initial Move: Clients maintain access to our team for questions that arise months or years after relocation—we’re invested in your long-term success in Puerto Vallarta, not just initial transactions

What Our Clients Say About Discover PV

“Moving to Puerto Vallarta seemed completely overwhelming until we found Discover PV. They handled everything from finding our perfect rental in Versalles to setting up our temporary residency. We were fully settled in just 3 weeks instead of the 3+ months we expected. Worth every penny.”

— Sarah & Tom Richardson, Vancouver, BC

“As a solo female retiree, I was nervous about navigating Mexico’s systems alone. The Discover PV team made me feel supported every single step—they even went with me to my first doctor’s appointment to translate. Best investment in my retirement I’ve made.”

— Linda Martinez, San Diego, California

“We wanted to open a specialty coffee shop in Zona Romántica but had no idea where to start with Mexican business regulations. Discover PV connected us with an excellent lawyer, helped navigate all the permits, and even found our perfect storefront location. Our café opened in 4 months—couldn’t have done it without them.”

— Marco & Elena Kowalski, Chicago, Illinois

Ready to Start Your Puerto Vallarta Adventure?

Schedule your free 30-minute consultation to discuss your relocation plans, timeline, budget, and how our services can make your transition to Puerto Vallarta smooth, stress-free, and successful.

Schedule Free Consultation Email Us Directly WhatsApp: +52 322 275 4747

📧 info@pvtripbuilder.com | 📱 WhatsApp: +52 322 275 4747
Average response time: Within 24 hours (usually much faster)

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Puerto Vallarta

Do I need to speak Spanish to move to Puerto Vallarta?

While not strictly required, basic Spanish significantly improves daily life quality and helps with banking, shopping, and interacting with non-English-speaking service providers. Many expats in Puerto Vallarta initially speak little to no Spanish—the tourist-focused economy means English is widely understood in restaurants, hotels, and expat-frequented businesses. However, government offices, utility companies, and residential neighborhoods outside tourist zones primarily operate in Spanish. We provide translation services for important transactions and can connect you with excellent Spanish schools offering group classes ($150-200 USD/month) or private tutoring ($15-25 USD/hour) to accelerate your learning.

How much money do I need to retire comfortably in Puerto Vallarta?

Most retirees live very comfortably on $2,000-$3,500 USD per month including rent, which covers a nice 1-2 bedroom apartment or condo ($800-1,500/month), utilities ($100-150/month), groceries ($400-600/month), dining out regularly, entertainment, and healthcare. Budget-conscious retirees in simpler neighborhoods can live on $1,500-2,000 USD monthly, while luxury lifestyle seekers in beachfront condos with frequent fine dining may spend $4,000-6,000+ monthly. These costs are 40-60% lower than comparable US/Canadian cities. During your discovery consultation, we provide detailed cost-of-living breakdowns specific to your lifestyle preferences and spending habits.

Is Puerto Vallarta safe for expats and retirees?

Puerto Vallarta consistently ranks as one of Mexico’s safest cities for both tourists and expats, with crime rates significantly lower than many major US cities. The local economy depends heavily on tourism, so municipal and state authorities prioritize security in expat and tourist areas. Violent crime is rare and typically confined to specific neighborhoods unrelated to expat life. Standard urban precautions apply—don’t flash expensive jewelry, avoid walking alone late at night in isolated areas, use registered taxis or Uber, and secure your home properly. The 20,000+ North American expats living here year-round demonstrate the city’s safety and livability. We provide neighborhood-specific safety briefings during relocation services.

Can foreigners own property in Puerto Vallarta?

Yes, foreigners can legally own property in Puerto Vallarta through a fideicomiso (bank trust) for properties within 50 kilometers of the coast (which includes all of Puerto Vallarta). The bank holds legal title on your behalf while you retain all ownership rights—you can sell, rent, modify, inherit, and use the property exactly as a direct owner would. Fideicomiso costs approximately $500-800 USD initially plus $500-600 USD annual renewal fees. The process is well-established with thousands of foreign property owners in Puerto Vallarta. We connect you with experienced real estate lawyers who handle fideicomiso setup, title searches, and closing procedures, ensuring your property purchase is legally sound and properly registered.

What’s the difference between temporary and permanent Mexican residency?

Temporary Residency (Residente Temporal) allows stays of 1-4 years with annual renewals and requires lower financial thresholds (currently ~$2,500 USD monthly income or $40,000+ USD in savings). Permanent Residency (Residente Permanente) has no time limit or renewal requirements and is easier to obtain after holding temporary residency for 4 consecutive years, or can be applied for directly with higher financial proof (~$4,000 USD monthly income or $160,000+ USD in accounts). Permanent residents can work legally without additional permits and face fewer restrictions. Both statuses allow you to import household goods duty-free, purchase vehicles with Mexican plates, and access Mexican banking services. We guide you toward the appropriate residency type based on your timeline and financial situation.

How long does the Mexican residency application process take?

Temporary or permanent residency typically takes 4-8 weeks total from initial consulate appointment to receiving your physical residency card in Mexico. The process begins at a Mexican consulate in the US/Canada where you submit documents and pay fees (appointment wait times vary by consulate—some schedule weeks out, others have same-week availability). After consulate approval, you receive a visa stamp valid for 180 days to enter Mexico. Once in Mexico, you have 30 days to complete the process at a local immigration office (INM) where you provide biometrics and photos. The actual residency card typically arrives 2-4 weeks later. Processing times fluctuate based on consulate workload and Mexican immigration office efficiency. We help schedule the fastest consulate appointments and ensure your documentation is perfect to avoid delays or rejections.

Do you help with short-term stays under 6 months?

Absolutely! Our concierge and local guide services are perfect for snowbirds spending 3-6 months annually, extended vacationers exploring Puerto Vallarta before committing to permanent relocation, digital nomads testing the city for remote work viability, and anyone wanting insider access to authentic experiences beyond typical tourist activities. We offer flexible support packages—everything from single-day private tours to month-long concierge access helping with apartment rentals, activity planning, restaurant recommendations, and local connections. Many clients start with short-term concierge services during exploratory visits, then return for full relocation packages once they’ve decided to move permanently.