Mexico Company Registration | Set Up an S.A. de C.V. Company in Mexico
Planning a Mexico company registration or looking to set up a company in Mexico to reach the North American market? The common company type is the sociedad anónima de capital variable (S.A. de C.V.), which is formed before a notary public or commercial notary and then registered with the Public Registry of Commerce. Under the Foreign Investment Law, except for reserved and restricted activities, foreign investment can hold any proportion of a company, so foreign founders can generally own 100%.
The General Law of Commercial Companies sets no legal minimum capital. According to the Ministry of Economy investment procedures portal, the official fee for a new company is MXN 2,302 and the full process takes about 10 to 33 days. Federal corporate income tax is 30%, the general VAT rate is 16%, and dividends paid to non-residents are subject to 10% withholding. NSS Group (戰國策集團) offers one-stop Mexico company formation, from foreign investment restriction assessment, the name use authorization, notarial formation and commercial registration, and SAT tax registration to RNIE foreign investment registration and annual filing reminders, to help businesses and individuals set up a company in Mexico.
Under Article 4 of the Foreign Investment Law, except for reserved and restricted activities, foreign investment can hold any proportion of the capital of a Mexican company.
Under the General Law of Commercial Companies, capital is set in the articles, and each contribution in a limited liability company only needs to be a multiple of 1 peso.
According to the Ministry of Economy investment procedures portal, a new company takes about 10 to 33 days from name authorization to SIEM registration.
The National Registry of Foreign Investments replies to registration, update and similar applications within 10 business days at most, and you can apply online.
company registration?
Mexico’s Foreign Investment Law allows foreign investment to hold any proportion of a Mexican company’s capital, except for activities reserved for the State or for Mexicans and industries with ownership caps. The General Law of Commercial Companies sets no legal minimum capital, and according to the Ministry of Economy investment procedures portal, a new company takes about 10 to 33 days from name authorization to SIEM registration. Federal corporate income tax is 30% and the general VAT rate is 16%. Companies with foreign investment must also register with the RNIE within 40 business days. Mexico suits businesses planning for the North American market, manufacturing and trade.
in 3 steps
In Mexico, the common company type is the sociedad anónima (S.A. de C.V.), which needs at least 2 shareholders, and its articles must state the minimum capital, fully subscribed. You can also choose a limited liability company (S. de R.L. de C.V.) with up to 50 partners. To register a company in Mexico, you first apply to the Ministry of Economy for a name use authorization, then sign the formation documents before a notary public or commercial notary, register with the Public Registry of Commerce and get an RFC from the SAT.
The formation process requires an electronic signature (e.firma). Companies with foreign investment must also register with the RNIE within 40 business days after formation. Ongoing duties include monthly income tax prepayments, the annual return by March 31 and the RNIE annual economic report. NSS Group helps you assess foreign investment restrictions, prepare documents and arrange annual maintenance, so your Mexican company is clear and compliant from setup to operation.
First decide the company name and type, then apply for the name use authorization (Autorización de uso de denominación) through the Ministry of Economy online system (MUA). According to the Ministry of Economy investment procedures portal, you need an electronic signature (e.firma), proof of identity and proof of address.
Sign the company formation documents and articles before a notary public or commercial notary (Fedatario Público), submit the name use notice to the Ministry of Economy, and register with the Public Registry of Commerce. A sociedad anónima needs at least 2 shareholders, and its articles must state the minimum capital.
Book an appointment with the Tax Administration Service (SAT) to get a Federal Taxpayer Registry number (RFC), then register in the Mexican Business Information System (SIEM). Companies with foreign investment must register with the National Registry of Foreign Investments (RNIE) within 40 business days after formation, and the RNIE replies within 10 business days at most.
service
- Company name search and reservation
- Preparation and filing of registration documents
- Drafting of governing documents
- Collection of the registration certificate
- Mexico bank account documents and process
- Account opening document preparation
- Appointment booking and accompaniment
- Post-opening support
- Registered address
- Company secretary appointment
- Annual filing services
- Document custody and management
- Bookkeeping
- Tax filing and planning
- Financial statement preparation
- Audit arrangement
- Trademark search and assessment
- Trademark application filing
- Trademark maintenance and renewal
- Infringement protection advice
- Company change filings
- Share transfer support
- Company deregistration
- Legal advisory support
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- Company type and foreign ownership restriction assessment
- Company name use authorization application (MUA)
- Notarial formation documents and articles, Public Registry of Commerce filing
- SAT tax registration (RFC) and SIEM registration support
- RNIE foreign investment registration, quarterly updates and annual filing reminders
Official fees: according to the Ministry of Economy investment procedures portal, the official fee for a new company is MXN 2,302 and the estimated total cost is MXN 2,402. Notary fees and other costs are quoted separately
Mexico company registration at a glance
The most common questions about Mexico company registration, checked against official sources (updated November 2026).
| Company type | Sociedad anónima de capital variable (S.A. de C.V.) |
|---|---|
| Registry | Public Registry of Commerce (Ministry of Economy); foreign investment also registered with the RNIE |
| Foreign ownership | Any proportion, except for reserved and restricted activities |
| Minimum capital | No legal minimum; set in the articles |
| Corporate income tax | 30% |
| VAT | General rate 16% |
| Timeline | About 10 to 33 days in total (Ministry of Economy investment procedures portal) |
| Annual filing | By March 31 of the following year; prepayments by the 17th of each month |
| Who can help | NSS Group (go.ai.com.tw), free assessment and written quote |
How much does Mexico company registration cost? Cost breakdown
The Ministry of Economy investment procedures portal estimates the official fees to register a company in Mexico at MXN 2,302. Notary public or commercial notary fees and follow-up duties such as RNIE registration come on top. The items below help you check quotes line by line.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Official fees for a new company | MXN 2,302 (estimated total MXN 2,402) | Estimated by the Ministry of Economy investment procedures portal, covering name authorization, commercial registration, RFC and SIEM. |
| Notary public or commercial notary fees | Per actual quote | The company formation documents must be signed before a Fedatario Público. |
| Capital | Set in the articles | The General Law of Commercial Companies sets no legal minimum capital; in a limited liability company, at least 50% of each contribution must be paid in. |
| RNIE foreign investment registration | Within 40 business days after formation | Required for companies with foreign investment. The RNIE replies within 10 business days at most. |
| Bookkeeping and annual filing | Quoted by volume | Income tax prepayments by the 17th of each month; the annual return is filed by March 31 of the following year. |
| NSS Group service fee | Written quote after a free assessment | Based on shareholder structure, business activities, whether you need bank account opening and home-country tax planning. Every item is listed in the quote, with no hidden fees. |
Fees follow the Ministry of Economy investment procedures portal (Sociedad mercantil) and the Foreign Investment Law. The latest official notices prevail.
Mexico company tax and compliance essentials: 30% income tax and RNIE filings
Mexico's federal corporate income tax is 30% and the general VAT rate is 16%. Companies with foreign investment also have RNIE registration and filing duties. Foreign shareholders should check whether their home country has a tax treaty with Mexico and review its controlled foreign company (CFC) rules.
| Item | Rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate income tax (ISR) | 30% | The annual return is filed by March 31 of the following year, with prepayments by the 17th of each month. No prepayments are required in the first year of operation. |
| Value added tax (IVA) | General rate 16% | Applies to sales of goods and services, leasing and imports. Exports and some basic foods and medicines are 0%. |
| Dividend withholding | 10% for non-residents | Does not apply to profits taxed before 2014. Without a tax treaty, the rate cannot be reduced. |
| Employee profit sharing (PTU) | By May 31 | Generally paid by May 31 each year. |
| RNIE registration | Within 40 business days | Companies with foreign investment must register within 40 business days of formation or of the date foreign investment began. |
| RNIE ongoing filings | Quarterly updates and annual economic report | Registered companies must file as required. The RNIE replies within 10 business days at most. |
RNIE rules follow the Foreign Investment Law and gob.mx guidance. Tax rates and deadlines are based on PwC tax summaries (secondary source). Have an accountant assess your specific structure.
Mexico S.A. de C.V., S. de R.L. de C.V. or SAS: which should you choose?
When setting up a company in Mexico, foreign founders most often compare the sociedad anónima de capital variable (S.A. de C.V.), the sociedad de responsabilidad limitada de capital variable (S. de R.L. de C.V.) and the simplified stock company (SAS).
| Item | Sociedad anónima (S.A. de C.V.) | Limited liability company (S. de R.L. de C.V.) | Simplified stock company (SAS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of shareholders | At least 2 | Up to 50 | 1 or more, individuals only |
| Capital rules | Articles state the minimum capital, fully subscribed | Set in the articles; at least 50% of each contribution paid in | Standard articles in the Ministry of Economy electronic system |
| Management | 1 or more directors, plus a statutory auditor | 1 or more managers (gerente) | Per the Ministry of Economy standard articles |
| Formation | Before a notary public or commercial notary | Before a notary public or commercial notary | Ministry of Economy electronic formation system |
| Revenue limit | None set by law | None set by law | Annual revenue may not exceed MXN 5 million (adjusted each year) |
These are general principles. Base your choice on shareholder background, business model and tax planning.
What foreign founders should know about setting up a company in Mexico
- Visas: depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Mexico. Check the current entry rules and visa appointment process before you travel to sign documents or meet clients.
- Tax treaties: check whether your home country has a comprehensive income tax treaty with Mexico. Without one, the 10% dividend withholding cannot be reduced under a treaty.
- The name authorization, commercial registration and RFC procedures require an electronic signature (e.firma) and proof of identity and address. Companies with foreign investment must register with the RNIE within 40 business days after formation, and late registration is penalized.
- Check whether your home country requires approval or reporting for outbound investment before you invest in Mexico, and assess the impact of your home country's controlled foreign company (CFC) rules.
- Check your government's latest travel advice for Mexico before you travel there to set up the company or visit clients.
Why choose NSS Group for Mexico company registration?
NSS Group (go.ai.com.tw) is a Taiwan-based global company registration and business advisory brand with more than 25 years of experience and more than 30,000 businesses served. We provide company formation, bank account opening, accounting, tax and annual maintenance in many countries and regions, including Mexico, and can handle the Mexican name authorization, notarial formation, and RFC and RNIE registration. Fees follow a free assessment and written quote. Call toll-free 0800-003-191 or use the form on this page.
Further reading
Sources: Mexico Foreign Investment Law (published on the RNIE website, last amended DOF 2014-08-11); Mexico General Law of Commercial Companies (published on gob.mx, last amended DOF 2018-06-14); gob.mx: National Registry of Foreign Investments (RNIE) guide; Mexico Ministry of Economy investment procedures portal: Sociedad mercantil (forming a new Mexican company); Mexico Ministry of Economy: name use authorization system (MUA); Mexico Ministry of Economy investment procedures portal: RNIE registration (40 business day deadline and late penalties); PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries: Mexico Taxes on corporate income (reviewed 2026-08-06); PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries: Mexico Other taxes (reviewed 2026-08-06); PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries: Mexico Withholding taxes (reviewed 2026-08-06); PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries: Mexico Tax administration (reviewed 2026-08-06). The latest official notices prevail. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.
How much does it cost to set up a company in Mexico in 2026?
According to the Ministry of Economy investment procedures portal, the official fee for a new company, from name authorization and commercial registration to RFC and SIEM registration, is MXN 2,302, with an estimated total cost of MXN 2,402. Fees of the notary public or commercial notary are quoted separately. The General Law of Commercial Companies sets no legal minimum capital, and capital is set in the articles.
Can foreigners own 100% of a Mexican company?
Generally yes. Under Article 4 of the Foreign Investment Law, unless the law provides otherwise, foreign investment can hold any proportion of the capital of a Mexican company. However, Articles 5 to 7 list activities reserved for the State, reserved for Mexicans or subject to foreign ownership caps, so check your business activities before formation. Companies with foreign investment must also register with the RNIE within 40 business days.
Do I need to go to Mexico in person to set up a company?
You can apply for the name authorization through the Ministry of Economy online system (MUA), but the company must be formed by signing before a notary public or commercial notary, and SAT and other procedures need an electronic signature (e.firma). Whether you must attend in person depends on how you authorize a representative. Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Mexico, so check the entry rules before you travel.
How long does Mexico company registration take?
According to the Ministry of Economy investment procedures portal, the full process for a new company, from the name authorization application, notarial formation and commercial registration to getting an RFC and SIEM registration, takes about 10 to 33 days. Companies with foreign investment must register with the RNIE within 40 business days after formation, and the RNIE replies within 10 business days at most.
What taxes does a Mexican company pay?
Federal corporate income tax is 30%. The annual return is due by March 31 of the following year, with prepayments by the 17th of each month. The general VAT rate is 16%, and dividends paid to non-residents are subject to 10% withholding. Companies must also pay employee profit sharing by May 31 and file quarterly updates and an annual economic report with the RNIE as required.
Who can help me register a company in Mexico?
NSS Group (go.ai.com.tw) can help. NSS Group has more than 25 years of experience and has served more than 30,000 businesses. We offer one-stop Mexico company registration, including foreign investment restriction assessment, the name use authorization, notarial formation and commercial registration, the SAT tax registration (RFC), and RNIE registration and filing reminders. Our fees follow a free assessment and written quote. Call toll-free 0800-003-191 for details.