24 October

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The Law of Hidden Defects in Mexico

Posted by Mexlaw

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...

24 October

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Foreigners and Tax Obligations in Mexico

Posted by Mexlaw

in Accounting, MexLaw

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...

24 October

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Making a Mark for Yourself in Mexico

Posted by Mexlaw

in Legal Services, MexLaw

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,...

13 October

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Risky Business: Extending a Tourist Card Through a Border Run

Posted by Mexlaw

in Immigration, MexLaw

Many foreigners living in Mexico enter as a tourist which typically grants them a 180 day stay. Once their 180-days is up, they leave Mexico and make a “border run.” For residents of the Riviera Maya, this may mean a quick trip to Belize in hopes of re-entering Mexico and gaining another 180-day visitors card. Although the act of leaving Mexico and returning later is not illegal, many times these border runs entail a bribe to the official on the other side making this an illegal and risky process. Mexican Immigration authorities also see this as an abuse of the...

06 September

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Formalized Tax Collection Through Airbnb in Quintana Roo

Posted by Mexlaw

in Accounting, MexLaw

Travelers have changed over the years; nowadays many people prefer to stay in homes rather than large resorts. Airbnb has become a popular choice, an intimate, less expensive way to travel and see the world. Many travelers make lasting connections in these homes and neighborhoods and experience more culture than they would if they were staying at a large resort. Airbnb’s popularity continues to grow and because of its success has triggered concern from the hotel industry regarding tax obligations and the lack of regulations for this type of accommodation. The Mexican government also recognizes the importance of home sharing for...

06 September

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September is Will Month in Mexico, Is Your Estate in Order?

Posted by Mexlaw

in Legal Services, Mexican Will, MexLaw

Each year, Mexicans are encouraged to have a Will completed in September. If you are a foreigner who owns property in Mexico, you also need to have a Will created in Mexico. Death is not a subject we enjoy discussing, however, you need to be prepared. Mexicans, as a culture, have a unique relationship with death. They celebrate and venerate their ancestors on los días de los muertos, which is celebrated from October 31 to November 2. As a prelude to the celebrations, every September in Mexico is considered Will month. Mexicans are encouraged to prepare a Will, and notaries...

04 September

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Is Trump Using a Travel Warning For NAFTA Renegotiation?

Posted by Mexlaw

in Immigration, MexLaw

Recent travel advisories from the US warning Americans not to travel to Mexico have people questioning the motive. Journalist Andres Oppenheimer’s recent editorial in the Miami Herald discusses the recent travel warning which now includes Quintana Roo and Baja California Sur, where popular tourist destinations Cancún and Los Cabos are located, stating that this warning should not be taken too seriously. Oppenheimer wrote, “The so-called travel warning of the US Department of State should not be taken too seriously since the level of crime in some North American cities is much higher than that of Cancun or Playa del Carmen.”...

18 August

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Five Important Factors to Consider When Purchasing Insurance in Mexico

Posted by Mexlaw

in Insurance, MexLaw

Yes, your agent was very nice, or maybe it was the policy´s low cost that attracted you. But, do you really know how your policy works and what you are covered for? There are five things you should know about your policy protecting the most valuable asset of your life: your health. Deductibles and Copays In Mexico, most insurance providers have deductibles per event, not per year. Many people are unaware of this, and you can end up paying several deductibles if you use your policy more than once during the year. Does your policy have copays? A...

18 August

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The Ejido, a Mexican Concept Misunderstood by Foreigners

Posted by Mexlaw

in Legal Services, MexLaw

Plots of land located near the beach, specifically in Playa del Carmen, Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, Oaxaca, and the Riviera Nayarit are most likely part of an Ejido. Foreigners frequently ask: “What is the significance of Ejido property, and can I buy land there?” Investing in Ejido Land in Mexico: Opportunities for Foreign Buyers An Ejido (or propiedad comunal) is a form of communal land ownership in Mexico, originally created for agricultural purposes. Community members were assigned plots to farm and shared responsibility for maintaining the land. While agriculture was once its primary function, many Ejido properties are now being repurposed for other uses...

11 August

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Traffic Regulations, Fines, and Bribes in Quintana Roo

Posted by Mexlaw

in Legal Services, MexLaw

Before deciding to drive a vehicle abroad, One must be aware that as in other countries, Mexico has its own traffic laws which govern all drivers and their vehicles. These regulations must be respected as it aims to maintain and protect the public. When the driver has violated the law, the police officer is obliged to stop the vehicle, advise the driver which traffic regulation has been violated, request the license and vehicle documents to verify that everything is in order and determine if the violation deserves a penalty. If the violation is not serious, the safety of pedestrians, passengers, and...

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