Guide to Creating a Company with Foreigners in Mexico: 2025
How to Open a Business in Mexico as a Foreigner?
Foreign investment in Mexico is very important. This is due to its great location, the many trade agreements with other countries, as well as its great economic stability.
If you are a foreigner interested in expanding your operations, creating a corporation in Mexico is an excellent option. However, to ensure that the process is successful, it is essential that you know the legal requirements and the necessary steps. Our team has answered the most common questions about the incorporation of companies with foreign capital in Mexico.
Here we explain everything you need to know to get started.
5 Key Requirements to Open a Corporation with Foreign Capital in Mexico.
It is necessary to comply with certain legal and administrative requirements. Below, we show you the main ones:
1
Minimum number of partners and legal structure.
- At least two partners are required (they can be natural or legal persons).
- The minimum share capital must be defined, which will depend on the activity of the company.
- Determine the administration structure: Board of Directors or Sole Administrator.
2
Authorization from the Ministry of Economy for the company name.
The company name is important when creating a corporation in Mexico if you are a foreigner or will receive foreign investment. Therefore, you will need the approval of the name from the Ministry of Economy. This is an essential step to ensure that it complies with Mexican regulations and that it does not have a prior registration.
3
Exclusion clause for foreigners.
Any company that will receive foreign capital must include in its statutes an admission clause for foreigners in which each partner agrees to register under Mexican law.
4
Registration with the National Registry of Foreign Investment (RNIE).
Every corporation with foreigners must register with the National Registry of Foreign Investment (RNIE) within 40 business days after its creation. A super important step to comply with Mexican law and operate without any problem.
5
Tax Registration and Obligations in Mexico.
- Registration with the SAT (Tax Administration Service) to obtain the RFC (Federal Taxpayers Registry) and electronic signature.
- Depending on the type of company or business activity, define the tax regime.
- Compliance with national and international tax obligations (Double Taxation Treaties).
We help you create your Corporation quickly, legally, and without complications.
5 Steps to Create a Corporation with Foreign Investment in Mexico.
Below, we explain the steps to form a corporation with the participation of foreigners in Mexico:
1
Define the type of company.
There are two types of companies in Mexico that are more common when it comes to participation of foreigners in Mexican companies:
- Sociedad Anónima (SA), which is the most common for foreign investors in Mexico.
- Sociedad Anónima Promotara de Inversión (SAPI CV) if you are looking for investors with greater flexibility.
2
Drafting and signing of the Articles of Incorporation.
- Establish social statutes before a public notary.
- Foreign partners can sign in person or assign a legal representative in Mexico.
- The corporate purpose, capital, distribution of shares, and administrative powers are determined.
3
Registration in the Public Registry of Commerce.
Once the Articles of Incorporation have been signed, the incorporation with foreign partners in Mexico must be registered with the Public Registry of Commerce to obtain its legal personality.
4
Obtaining the RFC and registration with the SAT.
- The RFC (Federal Taxpayers Registry) and the electronic signature must be processed with the SAT (Tax Administration Service).
- The company must comply with monthly and annual tax returns.
5
Opening of a business bank account.
To start doing business in Mexico, it is mandatory for the company to open a business bank account in an authorized financial institution. Essential to manage the financial resources of the company and comply with tax obligations.
Benefits of a corporation with foreign partners.
- Access to international treaties to avoid double taxation, which allows saving tax costs and optimizing the profitability of the company.
- Protection of the partners through a share structure, limiting their liability to the capital contributed and reducing risks.
- Ease to attract investors thanks to the transparency and credibility offered by a corporation, facilitating the expansion of the company in Mexico.
- Legal certainty and official recognition before the Mexican government, which guarantees the legality of operations and strengthens the trust of clients and partners.
