Property
Mexico — Property: Buying Process
Foreigners can own property in Mexico, but Article 27 of the Constitution defines a restricted zone of 100 km from the international borders and 50 km from the coast where foreigners cannot take direct title. In the restricted zone, a Mexican bank holds the property as trustee in a fideicomiso for the foreign buyer for an initial term of 50 years, renewable for equal terms; the trust contract must be executed as a public deed (escritura pública), and the bank needs a permit from the SRE, requested electronically through SIPAC27. A Mexican company with a foreigners-admission clause can hold title in the zone for non-residential purposes and must notify the SRE within 60 business days of the acquisition. Outside the restricted zone, foreign buyers sign an agreement before the SRE waiving diplomatic protection over the property. Notary steps, fees and timelines are not set out in these official pages; ask the notary for a written estimate.
Key facts
- Restricted zone: 100 km from the international borders and 50 km from the coast; foreigners cannot take direct title there.
- In the zone, a Mexican bank holds the property in a fideicomiso for an initial 50 years, renewable for equal terms; the contract must be a public deed.
- The bank needs an SRE permit to act as trustee, requested electronically through SIPAC27.
- A Mexican company with a foreigners-admission clause can hold title in the zone for non-residential use and must notify the SRE within 60 business days.
- Outside the zone, foreign buyers sign an agreement waiving diplomatic protection over the property.
Steps
- Choose a Notario Público — The buyer selects the notary, who acts as a neutral government-appointed official.
- Due diligence and verification — Notary verifies title, ownership, and confirms no liens/encumbrances.
- AML documentation — Provide full identity and source-of-funds documentation, mandatory since July 2025.
- Sign the Escritura Pública — The public deed formally transfers ownership before the notary.
- Registration — Notary registers the purchase with the Public Property Registry.
Timelines
- Fideicomiso initial term: 50 years, renewable
- Notice to SRE of non-residential acquisition by company: Within 60 business days
Common mistakes
- Trying to take direct title in the restricted zone as an individual foreigner — a fideicomiso through a Mexican bank is required.