We advise foreigners who want to start a business in Mexico: how to set up the company, which type of entity suits them best and what obligations it involves. We find the fastest and simplest way to start operating while also complying with immigration law.
Partners
At least 2
Recommended capital
From MXN $50,000
Foreign investment registry
Within 40 business days
Types of company we recommend
- Sociedad Anónima de Capital Variable (S.A. de C.V.), a variable-capital corporation
- Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada de Capital Variable (S. de R.L. de C.V.), a variable-capital limited liability company
General requirements
- At least 2 partners. There is also the Simplified Stock Company (S.A.S.), which allows a single partner, but it has an annual income cap, so it is usually not a good fit for companies set up by foreigners.
- Share capital: we recommend at least MXN $50,000. The law does not set a minimum, but this is the customary amount and it makes the process with the notary, the bank and the tax authority (SAT) easier.
- Four name options, in order of preference. We submit them to the Ministry of Economy for authorization, and the first available one is assigned.
- The corporate purpose: what the company will do. We need you to tell us clearly; we will help you draft it as broadly as possible to avoid future changes and costs.
- The management structure: it can be a sole administrator, the most common option for companies set up by foreigners (about 90% of cases), or a board of directors, when several foreigners set up the company together.
- A statutory auditor (comisario) for an S.A. de C.V.: a person outside the company who oversees its proper management. We suggest the public accountant of your choice; if you do not have one, we can help you find one.
Documents we need
- A valid passport for each foreign partner and, if they already have one, their resident card.
- Official ID (INE) for Mexican partners.
- A tax ID (RFC) for every partner. Since 2025, notaries can no longer include a partner without an RFC; foreigners without tax residence in Mexico use the code authorized by the SAT. We help you with this step.
- Proof of address for each partner.
- A registered business address in Mexico, needed to obtain the company’s RFC.
- The details to identify the beneficial owners: the people who ultimately own or control the company.
- ID and RFC of the statutory auditor (comisario).
The second partner
We suggest that the second partner be a relative or a trusted person who lives in Mexico. Shares are split as you agree. It is common for the second partner to hold a single share, just to meet the legal requirement, while you, as the main partner, keep 99%.
Foreign investment limits
The Foreign Investment Law sets which activities a foreigner can take part in and up to what percentage. A trading company is not the same as a mining or energy company, which have special rules. We review your case so the company structure complies with the law from the start.
When is the best time to set it up?
We recommend that you already be in Mexico when the company is set up. You can do it with a tourist or a residence document, but ideally you should first obtain your temporary or permanent residence, as applicable. A good option is to arrive with a residence visa based on financial solvency and set up your company once you are in Mexico.
Can it be done from abroad? Yes, but we do not recommend it: it requires granting powers of attorney and having them apostilled, or going through procedures at the Mexican consulate and your country’s foreign affairs ministry, among other steps. All of this usually makes the process longer and more complicated.
Your residence and your position in the company
- You can be appointed as the company’s legal representative.
- The articles of incorporation can name you as director or give you another position. With temporary residence, this appointment allows you to apply for your work permit; with permanent residence, you only need to notify the INM.
Steps of the process
- Signing of the articles of incorporation before a notary. The company’s tax ID (RFC) is obtained at that time.
- Registration with the Public Registry of Commerce.
- Registration with the National Foreign Investment Registry (RNIE), within 40 business days of incorporation, when there are foreign partners.
- Periodic reports to the Ministry of Economy. We can file them for you.
- Company e.firma (electronic signature) and bank account opening, to start operating.
How we help you
- Incorporating your company under Mexican law
- Partner structure, operation and management
- Meeting the obligations to start operating
- Employer Registration Certificate, to hire foreign staff
- Temporary residence with a work permit for foreign partners and employees
- RNIE registration and its periodic reports
Information reviewed by the Visasmex legal team. Updated November 2026. Every case is different: we confirm the exact requirements when we send your quote.
Get a quote to set up your company
Tell us about your project and we will send you a formal quote.
- Fill out the form with your company details.
- Get your formal quote in less than 24 hours (on average), once we have all the information.
- We schedule your consultation, online, and handle the whole process. In-person meetings in Mexico City or Monterrey are by appointment and have an additional fee.
