For Individuals, LLCs, and Foreign Corporations as Shareholders
Creating a company in Mexico is possible for both individuals and foreign legal entities. Whether your shareholders are people, LLCs, corporations, or a combination of both, MexLaw guides you through the entire incorporation process.
Mexican law requires a minimum of two shareholders, but there are no restrictions regarding nationality or residency. Foreign individuals and foreign companies can legally participate as shareholders in a Mexican corporation.
Step 1: Submit Your Company Information
The first step is completing our incorporation form with your company details, including:
- Shareholder information
- Business activities
- Company structure
- Ownership percentages
- Administrative details
You will also be asked to upload supporting documentation. All information submitted through MexLaw is protected using high-security encryption protocols.
If one or more shareholders are foreign companies, additional corporate documentation will be required for the legalization or apostille process.
Documents must be clear and legible scans or photos.
Step 2: Submit Your Payment
Once payment is received, we can officially begin the incorporation process and proceed with the preparation of your company documentation.
Step 3: Legalization or Apostille (Only for Foreign Corporate Shareholders)
If a foreign LLC or corporation will be a shareholder in the Mexican company, its corporate documents must first be legalized or apostilled so they can be recognized in Mexico.
The process depends on the country where the foreign company was created and the international treaty applicable to that jurisdiction.
For example:
- Companies from the United States generally require an Apostille under the Hague Convention.
- Companies from Canada generally follow a Consular Legalization process.
If your company originates from another country, our team will guide you through the correct legalization procedure.
Step 4: Requesting Your Company Name
You will provide three possible names for your Mexican company. These names can be in English or Spanish.
Because many common names are already registered, we recommend being creative to increase approval possibilities.
Example:
Instead of:
- Mexico Lindo
You may try:
- First Mexico Lindo
- Mexico Lindo 360
- ML Holdings Group
The approval process usually takes between 3 to 5 business days. While waiting for the approval, we will send you our Guide to Mexican Companies, which explains:
- taxation,
- corporate obligations,
- compliance requirements,
- and how companies operate in Mexico.
- If needed, we can also schedule a consultation with one of our experts.
Step 5: Creating the Draft Articles of Incorporation
Once the company name is approved, we prepare the draft incorporation documents based on the information you provided.
At this stage, it is important to define:
- company activities,
- administration structure,
- accounting responsibilities,
- and tax compliance strategy.
You must also designate the person responsible for obtaining the company’s Advanced Elctronic Signature (FIEL/e.firma) and tax registration before the Mexican tax authorities.
This administrator must have a Mexican Tax ID (RFC). If necessary, this person can hold a minimal role with limited authority within the corporation.
Providing detailed information during the first step allows us to prepare a corporate structure tailored to your business operations.
Step 6: Ready to Sign
Once all documents are finalized and approved, we coordinate the signing process at one of our offices or with one of our associated notary offices in Mexico.
All shareholders must generally be present in Mexico to sign the incorporation documents.
If one or more shareholders cannot travel to Mexico, alternative legal solutions may be available. Our team can guide you through the available options.
Final Step: Company Registration
After signing, MexLaw will complete the final registrations required for your company to legally operate in Mexico, including:
- Public Registry of Commerce
- National Registry of Foreign Investment (if applicable)
- Mexican Tax ID (RFC)
Once completed, your Mexican company is officially ready to operate.
