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Important Considerations of the Construction Contract

Whether you are hiring a contractor for new construction or a renovation project in Mexico, it is imperative to have a contract with your contractor. Construction contracts are designed to establish the obligations between a builder and an owner of a property concerning the execution of work. Its primary purpose is to determine the price, terms, and the manner in which work must be carried out according to the conditions agreed in the contract. The construction contract between individuals is regulated by the Federal Civil Code and the commercial code. Before proceeding with a construction contract, it is important to consider some...

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The Condominium Regime in Mexico

What is the condominium regime and why is it important? The condominium regime is a document granted by a Notario Publico and recorded in the Public Property Registry, and until the developer has received the regime, the new buyers do not have legal title to the property. In some instances this process can take up to six months. Once the state and local municipalities approve the project, the regime is the legal approval issued by the government. The regime contains the rules and regulations of the development. It also includes the legal documents of the property including location, description and measurements of...

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You Have Purchased Property in Mexico, What’s Next?

The most critical points that must be considered after purchasing a property in Mexico include: Getting Possession of the Original Title Deed Get that title deed in your hands; five to six months after both parties sign the title deed, your lawyer or the Notary must provide you with the original title deed. The original title deed includes the boleta de registro with the folio number; this document guarantees the title deed has been registered in the Public Registry of Properties. In their files the last information will be the transfer of rights in favor of the purchaser. Annual Payment on the...

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Real Estate Purchase and a Bank Trust Assignment of Rights

Foreigners buying property in the restricted zone of Mexico are required to purchase through a (fideicomiso) bank trust. In some cases, the buyer will take over an existing bank trust. This is known as an Assignment of Rights (Cesion de Derechos) and depending on the amount of time left on the existing trust, you may be advised as the buyer to take over the trust rather than pay set-up costs to create a new trust. In order to create a new trust, there will be added fees and the cost of extinguishing the current trust. Anytime a person accepts to carry...

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Take Advantage of Discounted Property Taxes (Impuesto Predial)

By owning property in Mexico, you already enjoy a lower cost of maintenance and taxes, but did you know you may take advantage of further discounts by prepaying your Impuesto Predial? January is tax time for property owners in Mexico; property tax Impuesto Predial is calculated in the first two months of the year. Discounts are available if you pay your property tax in full before the due date. The percentage of the discount may vary from state to state and from year to year, ranging from a 5% to 20% discount depending on when you pay your taxes. In Quintana...

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Your Domestic Staff and the Aguinaldo Deadline

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and if you have employees, you need to be aware of the annual bonus all workers are entitled to during the month of December. What is aguinaldo? An annual Christmas bonus that employers in Mexico are required by law to pay to their employees, and it must be paid by December 20. Aguinaldo is separate from vacation pay and it benefits families for the added expenses that come with the holiday season. Article 87 Federal Labor Law states that all employees in Mexico will be entitled to an annual bonus. Not only business owners need to provide...

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The Most Desired Property in Mexico can be Found in the Restricted Zone.

Beachfront property is the most desired land in Mexico; this type of property is considered the restricted zone. Owning the most valuable property in Mexico is not out of reach for foreigners, but there are some extra procedures to complete in order to obtain it. The restricted zones are defined as the strip of land located 100 kilometers along the borders and 50 kilometers from the coast of the national territory, within which foreigners and foreign companies are impeded in absolute terms from acquiring direct control over land, waters and their entry points, for reasons of security and conservation of...

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Details of a Bank Trust for Property Purchased in the Restricted Zone (Fideicomiso en Zona Restringida)

As a foreigner purchasing property in the restricted zone, you will be required to purchase through a bank trust called a fideicomiso. The bank trust was created in order to comply with the provisions of Article 27 of the Mexican Constitution in which foreigners are limited from acquiring direct title of lands or waters within a range of 100 kilometers from any national border and within 50 kilometers from any coast, these areas are called restricted zones. The bank is the owner of the property. However, the beneficiary has all rights over the property, and the rights allow you to: sell,...

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Understanding the Process of Being Accused of a Crime in Mexico

As a traveler or an expat living in a foreign country, you need to be aware of the laws and the legal procedures of that state. Being accused of a crime in a foreign country can be a frightening and costly experience, and it becomes even more worrisome when you do not know the process or the rights that are available to you. If you are arrested, the state will assign a public defender if you can not afford a lawyer. However, having a private defense lawyer is of great importance, since you may face criminal charges in which your...

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ONGOING TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT AT MEXLAW AND MEXTAX

To be reliable and competent, professionals must continue to enhance their education and not rely exclusively on personal experiences. Everywhere else in North America, professionals such as lawyers and accountants must maintain current knowledge of the law and accounting rules to better advise and serve their clients. MexLaw and MexTax observe this international principle by requiring that lawyers and accountants on their team must complete a minimum of 30 hours per year of advanced training or refresh their knowledge to better serve our clients. We would like to congratulate those members of our team, pictured above, that recently dedicated 15 hours...

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