Company Registration in Mexico (2026) | 100% Foreign-Owned

Company Registration in Mexico (2026)

Start your Mexican operations with complete support for company incorporation, SAT registration, legal representation and corporate banking. Easyco coordinates the process so foreign investors can establish their business in Mexico with the correct corporate and tax structure.

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    At a glance

    Company registration in Mexico takes 11 steps: choose the entity (usually an S.A. de C.V. or S. de R.L. de C.V.), get the name authorized by the Ministry of Economy, incorporate before a Mexican notary, register with the Public Registry of Commerce and obtain the RFC from SAT. Foreigners can generally own 100% of the company and complete it remotely through a Power of Attorney. The company must also comply with foreign-investment (RNIE) and beneficial-owner requirements; smaller businesses can also use a Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada (SAS).

    Watch: How to Register a Company in Mexico

    Mexico company registration: quick facts

    Item Details
    Most Common Entity S.A. de C.V.
    Flexible Alternative S. de R.L. de C.V.
    Foreign Ownership 100% allowed for most activities
    Local Shareholder Generally not required
    Remote Setup Possible through Power of Attorney
    Tax Authority SAT
    Tax ID RFC
    Corporate Income Tax 30%
    VAT / IVA 16%
    Dividend Withholding Generally 10%
    Foreign Investment Registration May be required
    Bank Account Subject to bank approval

    Establish your business in Mexico

    Mexico is one of Latin America’s most important markets for foreign investment, manufacturing, technology, logistics and cross-border trade.

    Its proximity to the United States and Canada, together with its industrial infrastructure and international trade agreements, makes it particularly attractive for companies pursuing nearshoring strategies.

    Easyco coordinates company incorporation, SAT registration, local representation, foreign-investment compliance and corporate banking support.

    Why Start a Company in Mexico?

    • 100% foreign ownership allowed for most business activities.
    • Access to the North American market.
    • Strong manufacturing and logistics infrastructure.
    • Strategic location for nearshoring.
    • Established industrial sectors including automotive, aerospace, electronics and medical devices.
    • Access to international trade agreements.
    • Opportunities through programs such as IMMEX and Plan México incentives.

    Company Registration in Mexico: Step by Step

    1. Choose the appropriate legal entity.
    2. Obtain authorization for the company name from the Ministry of Economy (Secretaría de Economía).
    3. Prepare the bylaws and shareholder information.
    4. Sign a Power of Attorney if incorporating remotely.
    5. Incorporate the company before a Mexican notary.
    6. Register the company with the Public Registry of Commerce.
    7. Obtain the RFC with SAT.
    8. Obtain the company’s e.firma.
    9. Complete foreign-investment registrations where applicable.
    10. Apply for a corporate bank account.
    11. Begin accounting and tax compliance.

    For a detailed walkthrough of each step, see our step-by-step guide to setting up a company in Mexico.

    Requirements to Register a Company in Mexico

    • Valid passport or corporate documents.
    • Shareholder ownership information.
    • Description of business activities.
    • Power of Attorney for remote incorporation.
    • Mexican fiscal address.
    • Appointment of a legal representative.
    • Beneficial-owner information.
    • Apostilled or legalized foreign documents where required.

    Foreign corporate shareholders may need additional documents such as certificates of incorporation, bylaws, good-standing certificates and corporate resolutions.

    Foreign investors generally do not need a Mexican shareholder for unrestricted business activities.

    Mexico Company Registration Costs

    Service Cost Notes
    S.A. de C.V. Registration Custom Quote Depends on shareholders and notary
    S. de R.L. de C.V. Registration Custom Quote Depends on structure
    Power of Attorney Support Custom Quote For remote incorporation
    Fiscal Address Monthly / Annual Fee Available through Easyco
    Local Representation Monthly / Annual Fee Subject to compliance review
    RFC / SAT Coordination Included / Custom According to selected package
    Bank Account Assistance Custom Quote Bank approval required
    Monthly Accounting Monthly Fee Based on activity

    Pricing is confirmed in a written proposal after reviewing the structure and scope. Government, notarial and third-party fees may vary.

    How Long Does It Take?

    Step Estimated Time
    Company Name Authorization 2–5 business days
    Bylaws and POA 3–7 business days
    Notarial Incorporation Approx. 1 week
    Public Registry Several business days
    RFC and e.firma Depends on SAT availability
    Bank Account Depends on bank approval

    Estimated Total

    Approximately 4–8 weeks once all foreign documents are available.

    Timing may vary depending on apostilles, notarial processing, SAT appointments and bank compliance.

    Mexico Corporate Tax Overview

    Corporate Income Tax

    30%

    General corporate income-tax rate.

    VAT / IVA

    16%

    Standard VAT rate for most taxable transactions.

    Dividends

    Generally 10% withholding

    Applicable to dividends paid to foreign residents, subject to tax treaties and specific conditions.

    Other Obligations

    Depending on the business, companies may also have:

    • Monthly tax filings.
    • Payroll obligations.
    • CFDI electronic invoicing.
    • Electronic accounting.
    • Annual corporate tax returns.
    • Transfer-pricing obligations.
    • Foreign-investment reporting.
    • Beneficial-owner record requirements.

    Which Entity Should You Choose?

    S.A. de C.V.

    Common choice for foreign-owned companies

    • Suitable for operating subsidiaries.
    • Foreign individual or corporate shareholders permitted.
    • Flexible shareholding structure.
    • Useful for larger or growing businesses.
    • Variable capital available.

    S. de R.L. de C.V.

    • Suitable for closely held businesses.
    • Common for joint ventures.
    • Foreign owners permitted.
    • Ownership represented through membership interests.
    • Often evaluated by US investors for international tax planning.

    S.A.P.I. de C.V.

    • Useful for startups and investment structures.
    • Greater flexibility for shareholder agreements.
    • Suitable for venture capital and private investment.
    • Allows more sophisticated governance provisions.

    SAS

    • Digital incorporation.
    • Only individual shareholders.
    • Requires e.firma for shareholders.
    • Subject to an annual income limit.
    • Usually less suitable for foreign corporate groups.

    Easyco reviews the ownership structure and business activity before recommending the most appropriate entity.

    Nearshoring Opportunities in Mexico

    Mexico is a major destination for international companies relocating manufacturing and supply-chain operations closer to the United States.

    Easyco can coordinate:

    • Mexican subsidiary formation.
    • Nearshoring market-entry planning.
    • Fiscal and legal structure.
    • Local representation.
    • Banking.
    • Payroll and accounting.
    • Customs and trade-compliance support.

    IMMEX

    Qualifying export manufacturers and service companies may apply for the IMMEX program.

    IMMEX can permit temporary imports for approved export manufacturing or services. Customs duties and VAT treatment depend on the program, applicable certification or guarantees, and ongoing compliance.

    IMMEX requires separate approval and ongoing customs compliance.

    Common Mistakes When Starting a Company in Mexico

    • Choosing a SAS only because it is digital.
    • Assuming incorporation automatically activates the RFC.
    • Preparing an incomplete Power of Attorney.
    • Not planning the SAT process in advance.
    • Ignoring foreign-investment registration.
    • Failing to document beneficial ownership.
    • Assuming every northern location qualifies for reduced VAT.
    • Treating IMMEX as an automatic tax exemption.
    • Delaying accounting and CFDI setup.
    • Assuming a corporate bank account is guaranteed.

    Official references: Corporate income tax; VAT; Dividend withholding; Foreign-investment registration.

    Frequently Asked Questions — Mexico 2026

    Can a foreigner own 100% of a Mexican company?

    Yes. Foreign investors can generally own 100% of a Mexican company unless the activity is restricted or subject to special authorization.

    Do I need a Mexican shareholder?

    Not generally for unrestricted activities.

    What is the most common entity for foreign investors?

    The S.A. de C.V. and S. de R.L. de C.V. are commonly used by foreign-owned businesses. The SAS is limited to individual shareholders, so it rarely suits a foreign group.

    Can I incorporate remotely?

    Yes. Foreign shareholders can generally use a properly prepared and legalized Power of Attorney.

    Do I need to travel to Mexico?

    Not necessarily for incorporation, although SAT, banks or compliance providers may request additional verification or physical presence in some cases.

    What is the RFC?

    The RFC is Mexico’s federal taxpayer identification number issued by SAT.

    What is the e.firma?

    The e.firma is the electronic signature used by companies to complete digital tax procedures with SAT.

    How long does company registration take?

    A practical planning range is approximately 4–8 weeks after all foreign documents are ready.

    What is the corporate tax rate?

    The general corporate income-tax rate is 30%.

    What is the VAT rate?

    The standard VAT rate is 16%.

    How are dividends taxed?

    Dividends paid to foreign residents are generally subject to a 10% withholding tax, subject to treaty provisions and applicable rules.

    Can Easyco provide a fiscal address?

    Yes. Easyco can coordinate a fiscal-address solution according to the selected service package.

    Can Easyco provide local representation?

    Yes, subject to due diligence, availability and a separate service agreement.

    Can Easyco help with SAT registration?

    Yes. Easyco coordinates the RFC and e.firma preparation process together with local professionals.

    Can Easyco help open the corporate bank account?

    Yes. Easyco assists with the banking application and KYC documentation. Final approval belongs to the financial institution.

    What is IMMEX?

    IMMEX is a program for qualifying export manufacturers and service providers that allows temporary imports under special customs and tax conditions.

    Can Easyco assist with IMMEX?

    Yes. Easyco can coordinate the eligibility review and application with Mexican customs and trade specialists.

    Can Easyco assist with a nearshoring project?

    Yes. Easyco can coordinate entity formation, tax planning, local representation, accounting, payroll, banking and specialized IMMEX support.

    Ready to start your company in Mexico?

    Talk to Easyco about incorporation, SAT registration, foreign-investment compliance, local representation and banking. Planning a manufacturing or nearshoring operation? Ask us for a market-entry assessment. We will review your structure and provide a tailored proposal.

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