Can a foreigner open a company in Mexico?
Yes, absolutely. Mexican law allows foreigners to incorporate companies and be partners or shareholders in virtually all economic sectors. Restrictions only exist in strategic sectors like oil (Pemex), banking (with limits), media and some air transport services.
For most activities — commerce, services, import/export, technology, consulting — a foreigner can be the sole shareholder or participate with Mexican or foreign partners.
Types of companies a foreigner can incorporate in Mexico
Sociedad Anónima de Capital Variable (SA de CV)
- Minimum 2 shareholders
- Minimum capital: $50,000 MXN
- Liability limited to each partner's contribution
- Most common for medium and large companies
Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (S de RL de CV)
- Minimum 2 partners, maximum 50
- Minimum capital: $3,000 MXN
- Simpler management than SA de CV
- Common for family businesses or joint ventures
Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada (SAS)
- Can be formed by 1 person
- Minimum capital: $1 MXN
- 100% online incorporation
- Ideal for startups and freelancers
- Annual income limited to 5 million MXN
Steps to incorporate a company in Mexico as a foreigner
Step 1: Obtain company name authorization (Secretaría de Economía)
Request a company name permit from the Ministry of Economy. Takes 1-3 business days, can be done online.
Step 2: Execute the Articles of Incorporation (Notario Público)
A Notary Public drafts and executes the Acta Constitutiva — the founding document of the company. Takes 5-10 business days.
Step 3: Register with the Commercial Registry (RPPC)
The notary registers the act. The company is legally incorporated at this point. Takes an additional 3-7 business days.
Step 4: SAT registration and RFC
With the registered act, obtain the company's RFC and e.firma from SAT — essential for invoicing and filing declarations.
Step 5: Open a corporate bank account
Banks require the incorporated act, company RFC, legal representative's ID and proof of fiscal address. The process can take 1-4 weeks.
Approximate incorporation costs 2026
| Item | Approximate cost (MXN) |
|---|---|
| Company name permit (SE) | $1,500 – $2,000 |
| Notary fees + RPPC registration | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| SAT registration (RFC + e.firma) | Free |
| Bank account opening | Variable (initial deposit $5,000–$50,000) |
| Legal and accounting advisory | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Total estimated | $15,000 – $40,000 MXN |
Total timeline
Under normal conditions, the complete process from permit to operational RFC and bank account takes between 3 and 8 weeks.
Do I need a visa to be a shareholder?
No visa is needed to be a shareholder. However, if you'll be the legal representative or director and live in Mexico, you'll need a business visa with a work permit (investor visa or temporary resident with lucrative activity).
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