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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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5 Most Important Points to Review in a Promissory Agreement

Once an offer to purchase has been accepted, the next step is to complete a promissory agreement. The promissory agreement in Mexico is a formal and legally binding document that outlines the details and terms of the real estate transaction once all negotiations are final. It outlines details such as the legal description of the property, the final price, any penalties and other clauses agreed on by both parties. This agreement is the foundation of the transaction as the details of this contract will be used later to complete the sale and transfer the Title Deed. In the process of purchasing...

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LAWYERS VERSUS CLOSING COMPANIES

Although they have been around for some time, closing companies are now becoming more and more prevalent. Essentially, these closing companies or “settlement” companies, are operated by ex-patriots that believe that, because they have experienced firsthand the process of purchasing real estate in Mexico, they can advise and consult others on the process. For a fixed fee, they will read the offer provided by a realtor, make some comments, and then introduce you to a preselected notary and bank to finalize the process. They will, essentially, transfer the most critical part of the process to the notary and the bank...

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Applying for a Job Offer Visa in Mexico

If you are a foreigner and have received a job offer in Mexico, or you are a foreigner with a business in Mexico and plan on working in this country, you will need permission to work. The official name is “Visa por oferta de empleo” (Job Offer Visa). This procedure allows you to live and work in Mexico. The process consists of two steps which are completed in Mexico and one step to be completed outside the country at a Mexican consulate. The process will begin in Mexico. It requires a job offer from a Mexican company; this company should have “Constancia...

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Upcoming Live Webinar: U.S.-Mexican Tax and Estate Planning for Cross-Border Clients

Important Information or US Citizens Investing in Mexico I am pleased to announce that I will be speaking in an upcoming Strafford Live Webinar, "U.S.-Mexican Tax and Estate Planning for Cross-Border Clients" scheduled for Tuesday, November 14, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST. The lengthy Mexico-U.S. border and extensive ties between the two countries result in significant economic migration. Many U.S. citizens and permanent residents have property interests in Mexico and vice-versa. Estate planning counsel and advisers must identify the tax and wealth transfer planning rules and opportunities specific to U.S. and Mexican citizens with assets and presence in both countries. Mexican law has neither an estate...

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The Law of Hidden Defects in Mexico

Hidden defects are an important point in the process of purchasing a property in Mexico. The definition of hidden defects is those possible defects that a property may have, which could not be known to the buyer at the time of purchase. A defect is classified as a "hidden defect" if: It is not obvious and cannot be recognized by a simple inspection. The buyer is unaware of the defect. The property was defective at the time of the sale. The seller is responsible for a hidden defect even if they were unaware of the defect. The seller will be obliged to repair...

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Foreigners and Tax Obligations in Mexico

Whether you are an individual earning an income in Mexico, or a business owner in Mexico, you have certain income reporting and tax obligations. This article includes a brief description of the most common taxes and contributions, as well as the corresponding authority. As an employer in Mexico, you are responsible for the following contributions and taxes Payroll Tax 3% of the total salary of the employees is to be submitted monthly to the State Government. The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social As an employer, you are obligated to pay IMSS for health services and...

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Making a Mark for Yourself in Mexico

Trademarks are those symbols or signs used to distinguish products or services in the market; they must be registered to identify them from the competition and to avoid confusion with other companies. By registering the trademark, businesses obtain multiple benefits such as exclusive use, which provides the certainty that the trademark may not be used legally by a third party without authorization. The registration of a trademark has a validity of 10 years from the moment of its application and may be renewed before or after the term expires. Trademarks registered in Mexico are only in effect within the Mexican Republic. However,...

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