How to Set Up a Company in Mexico (2026): 9 Steps

By Easyco Updated October 12, 2026

To set up a company in Mexico in 2026, most foreign founders choose a Sociedad Anónima de Capital Variable (S.A. de C.V.) or a Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada de Capital Variable (S. de R.L. de C.V.). Individuals running a smaller business can use a Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada (SAS). Foreigners can generally own 100% of the company. The steps are: get the company name authorized by the Ministry of Economy, prepare the power of attorney and documents, sign the deed before a Mexican notary, file it with the Public Registry of Commerce, get the RFC and e.firma from SAT, register the foreign investment with the RNIE and open a bank account. Want Easyco to handle it? See our company registration in Mexico service.

How to set up a company in Mexico: 9 steps

1. Choose the company type

S.A. de C.V. (stock corporation). The most common choice for foreign-owned subsidiaries. It needs at least two shareholders, which can be individuals or companies, and a statutory auditor (comisario). It can be run by a sole administrator or a board of directors.
S. de R.L. de C.V. (limited liability company). It needs at least two partners and allows at most 50. Ownership is held through membership interests (partes sociales) rather than shares. US investors often look at it for tax planning.
SAS (simplified stock company). It can be formed online by one or more shareholders, all of them individuals, and every shareholder needs a Mexican e.firma. For 2026 its total annual income cannot exceed MXN 7,678,849.94. Above that, it must convert to another company type. Because companies can’t hold shares in an SAS, it rarely suits a foreign group.
S.A.P.I. de C.V. A variant of the S.A. with more flexible shareholder agreements, used for venture-backed and investment structures.

“De C.V.” (variable capital) means the capital can be increased or reduced without amending the bylaws each time. Still comparing structures? See the types of companies in Mexico.

2. Get the company name authorized by the Ministry of Economy

Company names are authorized by the Ministry of Economy (Secretaría de Economía) through its online Single Authorization Module (MUA). The application is free and needs a valid e.firma, so it is normally filed by the notary or a local representative. The ministry answers within two business days, and the authorization is valid for 180 calendar days. The notary must use it in the deed within that time.

3. Prepare the power of attorney and foreign documents

You don’t have to travel. Shareholders abroad can grant a power of attorney so a local representative signs the deed for them. Documents issued abroad, such as powers of attorney and the parent company’s certificate of incorporation and resolutions, must be apostilled or legalized and then translated into Spanish by an authorized expert translator. Plan this step first because it usually sets the timeline.

4. Sign the deed of incorporation before a Mexican notary

The bylaws set out the name, purpose, capital, share or interest structure, management, the comisario (for an S.A.), and the powers granted to the legal representative. The deed is signed before a notary public (notario) or a commercial notary (corredor público). The notary runs know-your-customer checks and collects shareholder and beneficial-owner information. The company also needs a fiscal address in Mexico, which Easyco can provide. An SAS is formed entirely online through the Ministry of Economy’s system, with no notary.

5. File with the Public Registry of Commerce

The notary files the deed electronically with the Public Registry of Commerce (Registro Público de Comercio) through the SIGER system and returns the registration details, including the commercial electronic folio.

6. Get the RFC and e.firma from SAT

The company’s tax ID is the RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes), issued by the tax authority (SAT). The notary can usually register the company with the RFC as part of the incorporation. The legal representative then obtains the company’s e.firma (advanced electronic signature) from SAT, which usually requires an appointment in person. The e.firma is needed for electronic invoicing (CFDI), tax filings and most banking steps. The company then chooses its tax obligations and starts electronic accounting.

7. Register the foreign investment with the RNIE

A Mexican company with foreign shareholders must register with the National Registry of Foreign Investments (RNIE), run by the Ministry of Economy, within 40 business days of incorporation (Foreign Investment Law, art. 32). Filing late can bring a fine. After registering, the company must file the RNIE reports that apply to it, such as the annual economic report.

8. Register as an employer and get local licenses

Once the company hires staff, it must register as an employer with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), which also covers the INFONAVIT housing fund. It must also register for the state payroll tax. Depending on the activity and location, it may need a municipal operating license and sector permits, for example from health or environmental authorities.

9. Open a corporate bank account

Banks ask for the deed, registry details, RFC and tax status certificate, the e.firma and beneficial-owner information. Approval and timing depend on the bank’s compliance review. Easyco can prepare the application with you.

Taxes after incorporation

Corporate income tax (ISR): 30%.
VAT (IVA): 16% standard rate.
Dividends to foreign shareholders: generally 10% withholding, subject to tax treaties.
Ongoing duties: monthly tax returns, CFDI electronic invoicing, electronic accounting, the annual return and beneficial-owner records.

How long does it take?

There is no fixed official timeline. Name authorization takes up to two business days. The rest depends on how quickly foreign documents are apostilled and translated, the notary, the SAT e.firma appointment and the bank’s review. A practical planning range is about 4 to 8 weeks once the documents are ready. We give you a schedule with your quote.

Frequently asked questions

Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Mexico?

Yes, for most activities. Some sectors are reserved or capped under the Foreign Investment Law.

Do I need a Mexican partner?

No. You do need at least two shareholders for an S.A. or S. de R.L. Both can be foreign, and one can be a related company.

Do I need to travel to Mexico?

Not for incorporation, since a power of attorney is enough. The SAT e.firma and the bank may still need a local legal representative to appear in person.

Is the SAS a good option for foreigners?

Only for individual founders with a small business. Every shareholder must be an individual with a Mexican e.firma, and income is capped (MXN 7,678,849.94 for 2026).

Which authority approves the company name?

The Ministry of Economy, through the online MUA system.

Get help from Easyco

Easyco coordinates the whole setup up to the tax ID. That covers name authorization, the power of attorney, the notary, the registry filing, RFC and e.firma, the RNIE and the bank application. After that, Easyco can stay on for your company’s ongoing needs:

Ready to start? Contact us for a quote.