You chose Mexico.
Now you need someone who knows Mexico.

To get temporary residency (residente temporal) in Mexico, you'll generally need to apply at a Mexican consulate in your home country first, then complete the process at INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración) once you arrive. Requirements typically include proof of financial solvency, either through bank statements showing consistent income or savings, or a job offer from a Mexican company. The exact income thresholds change periodically and vary by consulate.

The process can be confusing because requirements aren't always applied consistently. At Romero Legal Solutions, we handle the entire residency process for expats and digital nomads in Mexico City, from document preparation to INM appointments, so nothing falls through the cracks. Reach out for a consultation →

You're not legally required to have a lawyer, but it's one of the smartest moves you can make. Rental contracts in Mexico are typically written in Spanish, heavily favor the landlord, and often include clauses that wouldn't be legal in other countries, like forfeiting your entire deposit for early termination. Many expats don't realize they've signed away their rights until there's a problem.

A bilingual lawyer can review your lease before you sign, negotiate unfair terms, and step in if your landlord tries to withhold your deposit or violate the agreement. Romero Legal Solutions specializes in exactly this: protecting English-speaking tenants in Mexico City. Get your lease reviewed →

Yes, foreigners can legally start and own businesses in Mexico. The most common structures are the SA de CV (similar to a corporation) and the S de RL de CV (similar to an LLC). You'll need to obtain a permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, draft articles of incorporation before a notary public, register with SAT for your RFC (tax ID), and obtain any industry-specific permits or licenses.

The process typically takes several weeks and requires navigating multiple government agencies. Choosing the wrong legal structure can lead to unnecessary tax burdens or liability exposure. Romero Legal Solutions helps foreign entrepreneurs set up Mexican companies with the right structure, permits, and tax setup from day one. Let's talk about your business →

This is one of the most common and most misunderstood questions for digital nomads in Mexico. The short answer: it depends on your residency status. If you're on a tourist visa (FMM) and earning from foreign clients with no Mexican source income, you're generally not obligated to pay Mexican taxes. However, if you become a tax resident of Mexico, which can happen if you spend more than 183 days in the country or establish your center of vital interests here, you may be required to register with SAT, obtain an RFC, and file Mexican tax returns.

The rules are nuanced and getting it wrong can mean penalties or double taxation. Romero Legal Solutions helps digital nomads and remote workers understand their specific tax obligations in Mexico and stay compliant without overpaying. Check your tax situation →

Foreigners can buy property anywhere in Mexico, but in "restricted zones" (within 50 km of the coast or 100 km of the border) you'll need to purchase through a fideicomiso (bank trust). A fideicomiso is a trust held by a Mexican bank where the bank holds legal title, but you retain all rights to use, sell, rent, or modify the property. It's a well-established legal mechanism and the standard way foreigners own coastal and border property in Mexico.

The key risks are inadequate due diligence, unclear title history, or working with unreliable agents. Romero Legal Solutions handles property due diligence, fideicomiso setup, and contract review for foreign buyers, making sure your investment is protected at every step. Talk to us about property →

Romero Legal Solutions is a boutique law firm in Mexico City founded by Monserrat Arenas Romero, a bilingual Mexican lawyer with nearly 20 years of experience, including years working in government tax law. The firm specializes in helping English-speaking foreigners navigate Mexican law, covering everything from immigration and residency to rental disputes, tax compliance, business formation, and property purchases.

Unlike large corporate firms, Romero Legal Solutions offers a personal, boutique experience with direct access to your lawyer, transparent pricing, and communication in fluent English. The firm is based in Mexico City and works with clients both locally and remotely. Get in touch →

Deposit disputes are extremely common for expats renting in Mexico, especially in popular neighborhoods like Roma Norte, Condesa, and Polanco. Under Mexican law, landlords must return your deposit minus legitimate documented damages within the timeframe specified in your contract. If your landlord is withholding your deposit unfairly, you have legal options, including formal demand letters and legal proceedings through PROFECO (Mexico's consumer protection agency) or civil courts.

Romero Legal Solutions regularly handles deposit disputes and landlord conflicts for English-speaking tenants in Mexico City. In most cases, a formal legal demand letter is enough to resolve the situation quickly. Tell us what happened →

Foreign-owned businesses in Mexico are subject to the same tax obligations as Mexican-owned companies. This includes corporate income tax (ISR) at a rate of 30%, monthly provisional tax payments, annual tax returns, and compliance with transfer pricing rules if the company has transactions with related foreign entities. You'll also need to manage VAT (IVA) obligations, employee tax withholdings, and potentially withholding taxes on payments to foreign parties.

Getting the tax setup wrong at the formation stage can be expensive to fix later. Romero Legal Solutions provides tax strategy and compliance for foreign-owned businesses in Mexico, built on nearly 20 years of experience, including insider knowledge from working inside the Mexican government's tax office. Get your tax strategy right →