Have you ever found yourself on the wrong end of unfair commercial practices, where your rights as a consumer were disregarded? It’s time to take a stand and assert your rights, especially when living or conducting business in Mexico. Here, we introduce you to a key player in consumer protection in Mexico: the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco). Let’s delve into how this agency safeguards the interests of consumers, including Americans and Canadians, and how Mexlaw can assist you in navigating through legal procedures. Understanding the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco ..read more

Last Update: March 13, 2024 The CURP, short for “Clave Única de Registro de Población,” which translates to Unique Population Registry Code in English, it is an 18 digit alphanumeric code, and is akin to Mexico’s version of a Social Security or Social Insurance number. It serves as a unique identification number assigned to each individual living in Mexico and remains unchanged throughout one’s lifetime. If you are residing in Mexico and possess a  Temporary Resident Card or Permanent Resident Card, it’s crucial to understand that the CURP is now automatically generated and printed on you ..read more

If you have ever attempted to call a Mexican consulate for information or to schedule an appointment, you know how frustrating it can be. Typically, you are not able to speak to a human being; you may receive a constant busy signal or a message stating they will not answer questions over the phone. However, did you know some consulates allow you to register and request an appointment online? Continue reading to find out how. To apply for a residency in Mexico, either temporary or permanent, you need to request an appointment at a Mexican consulate. To do so, you are not necessarily required to ..read more

Congratulations! You have officially become the proud owner of a property in Mexico, and it’s time to bask in the beautiful weather, breathtaking views, and amenities that come with your new residence. However, before fully immersing yourself in the joys of homeownership, there are a few essential tasks to consider for a seamless transition. Let’s start by reviewing the final steps of the property closing process in Mexico:  After signing the deed, the notary will pay the change of ownership tax to the municipality. This process usually takes around 4 months. Once the change of owners ..read more

You’ve made the exciting decision to invest in property in Mexico. With the luxury of time and no immediate rush to move in, you’re keen on seizing a golden opportunity through a pre-sale transaction. Let’s delve into what constitutes a pre-sale.  What is a pre-sale?  A pre-sale transaction occurs when the property is still under construction or when the condominium regime hasn’t been finalized. The condominium regime, a document elaborated by a Notario Público and recorded in the Public Property Registry, plays a pivotal role.  Research the Developer  To set a solid fo ..read more

There is a lot of advice out there about foreigners buying a vehicle in Mexico, including stories about tourists purchasing and registering cars in their name or registering the vehicle in a Mexican Nationals name. Neither of these options is a secure choice and may put your vehicle at risk. “Vehicles should only be registered by foreigners holding a residence visa” You should obtain a Temporary or Permanent Visa before buying and registering a vehicle as you will be required to provide a CURP number at some point, which you receive from having a Resident Visa. In other incidents you may hear ..read more

Mexico annually hosts millions of tourists, contributing substantially to its thriving tourism sector. While the country is known for its unique experiences and exceptional service, not every visitor returns home with complete satisfaction. Unforeseen accidents or human errors can mar vacation experiences, prompting some to consider legal action for compensation. However, not all incidents warrant pursuing a Personal Injury case in Mexico.   Understanding Legal Considerations   At Mexlaw, we recognize that seeking compensation after a negative experience involves navigati ..read more

Explore crucial insights on Mexico’s annual property tax, impuesto predial, and the responsibilities foreign buyers face. From SAT regulations to strategic payment tips, our legal experts guide you through the process for a seamless real estate experience.  Are you considering the purchase of a new house in Mexico? Ensure a smooth real estate journey by staying informed about impuesto predial, Mexico’s annual property tax.   Understanding SAT and Federal Taxes:  SAT, or Servicio de Administración Tributaria, also known as The Hacienda, oversees the collection of Federal taxes in ..read more

When it comes to conducting business in Mexico as a foreigner, meticulous attention to legal and tax considerations is paramount. The appropriateness of establishing a Mexican company hinges on various factors such as the business type, its structure, and financing requirements. This article delves into the concept of the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) and the imperative of providing personal information in adherence to anti-money laundering regulations.  The Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO)  This concept is found in both the anti-money laundering law (Article 3, paragraph III) a ..read more

When operating a business in Mexico as a foreigner, various legal and tax considerations must be considered. These considerations depend on the type of business to be developed, its structure, and its financing. Establishing a Mexican company may be the most suitable way to conduct these activities because it has its own legal personality and a Federal Taxpayer Registry (tax identification number in Mexico) to fulfill tax obligations. Given the various types of companies in Mexico, one can choose the structure that best suits the business, whether family-owned or involving multiple investors ..read more