Types of Companies in Mexico (2026): S.A. de C.V., S. de R.L. & SAS

By Easyco Updated October 12, 2026

Foreign founders in Mexico choose between a handful of legal forms. The right one depends on how many owners you have, whether they are individuals or companies, and how you plan to manage and fund the business. This guide compares the types of companies in Mexico used most often in 2026.

Comparison at a glance

	S.A. de C.V.	S. de R.L. de C.V.	SAS
Owners	2 or more shareholders (individuals or companies)	2 to 50 partners	1 or more individuals only
Capital	No legal minimum; divided into shares	No legal minimum; divided into quotas	No legal minimum
Management	Sole administrator or board, plus a statutory examiner (comisario)	One or more managers (gerentes)	An administrator who is a shareholder
Formation	Notarial deed	Notarial deed	Online, through the Ministry of Economy portal
Limits	None	Quota transfers need partner approval	Annual revenue cap, updated every year

S.A. de C.V. (Sociedad Anónima de Capital Variable)

The corporation with variable capital is the most common choice for foreign-owned operating companies. It needs at least two shareholders, which can be foreign individuals or companies, and the law sets no minimum capital. It is managed by a sole administrator or a board of directors and must appoint a statutory examiner (comisario). “De C.V.” means capital can be increased or reduced without amending the bylaws each time.

S. de R.L. de C.V. (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada)

The limited liability company has 2 to 50 partners, whose capital is split into quotas rather than shares. It is run by one or more managers. It is the closest Mexican equivalent of a US LLC and is often chosen by US parent companies for tax planning reasons, which they should confirm with their US advisers.

SAS (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada)

The SAS was created in 2016 for small businesses. One or more individuals can form it online, without a notary, but every shareholder needs a Mexican e.firma (advanced electronic signature). Companies cannot be shareholders, and the SAS loses its regime if annual revenue exceeds a cap that is updated each year. For most foreign founders, the e.firma requirement makes the S.A. de C.V. the practical route.

Branch of a foreign company

A foreign company can operate through a branch registered with the Public Registry of Commerce after authorization from the Ministry of Economy. The parent company is liable for the branch’s obligations, which is why most investors prefer a subsidiary.

Which one should a foreign founder choose?

With two or more owners, the S.A. de C.V. is the default. The S. de R.L. de C.V. suits groups that want an LLC-style structure. The SAS only fits a single individual who can obtain an e.firma. Whatever the form, the company needs a legal representative, a registered tax address and its RFC before it can invoice.

Get help from Easyco

Easyco coordinates the company setup in Mexico up to the issue of the RFC, and supports companies afterwards with tax, accounting, payroll and company compliance, including a registered office address. Read how to set up a company in Mexico, or contact us to discuss your project.