Skip to content

Do business in Mexico. Without the mess.

Mexico sits at the intersection of Latin America's largest consumer market and direct USMCA access to the US and Canada. The nearshoring wave is real, and foreign investment is allowed in most sectors via automatic route. Commenda handles incorporation, SAT registration, and compliance so you capitalize on the opportunity.

Why Mexico

Why Mexico is the nearshoring destination of the decade

Mexico has emerged as the leading nearshoring hub for North American operations. Geographic proximity to the US, USMCA trade preferences, a manufacturing and services workforce of over 55 million, and a 30% corporate tax rate that is competitive within Latin America make Mexico a high-priority market for global companies restructuring their supply chains and go-to-market footprints. Foreign investment is permitted in most sectors through an automatic authorization route. Key business hubs are Mexico City (financial and professional services), Monterrey (manufacturing and industrial), and Guadalajara (technology). The SA de CV is the dominant corporate structure and can be incorporated with no minimum fixed capital requirement beyond MXN 50,000, with a variable capital portion that is unlimited. All companies must register with SAT (the Mexican tax authority) to obtain an RFC tax identification number, and record their formation with the Public Registry of Commerce.

Explore Mexico incorporation options
  • 30%Corporate tax rateMexico's flat corporate income tax rate applies to net taxable profits.
  • 16%VAT rateStandard IVA (value-added tax) rate on most goods and services.
  • #2US trade partnerMexico is the United States' second-largest trading partner, underpinned by USMCA.
  • 3-6Weeks to incorporateSA de CV formation, SAT registration, and RFC issuance typically take 3 to 6 weeks.

Entity types

Choose the right structure for your business

Recommended

Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable (SA de CV)

The SA de CV is Mexico's equivalent of a joint-stock company with variable capital and is the structure of choice for foreign-owned subsidiaries. It allows unlimited foreign ownership, separates shareholder liability from corporate obligations, and is recognized by banks, government agencies, and commercial counterparts as the standard operating vehicle for serious business activity.


Benefits

  • 100% foreign ownership permitted with no local equity partner required
  • Limited liability for shareholders; personal assets are protected
  • Variable capital structure allows flexible equity adjustments
  • Widely recognized by Mexican banks, suppliers, and government agencies
  • Eligible for USMCA preferential tariff treatment on qualifying goods

Key considerations

  • Requires minimum two shareholders (individuals or legal entities)
  • Incorporation involves notarization, SAT registration, and Public Registry filings: typically 3 to 6 weeks
  • Annual statutory audit required for entities above certain revenue thresholds
  • Monthly SAT filings (DIOT, CFDI invoicing) create ongoing compliance obligations

How it works

From kickoff to open for business in Mexico

Incorporating in a new country means unfamiliar filings, local requirements, and moving parts across multiple vendors.
We handle all of it so you don't have to.

  1. Day 1

    Onboarding

    Your details submitted once. Entity name checked, documents collected, filings kicked off. No back-and-forth.

  2. Days 1–3

    Entity confirmed

    Incorporation done. Formation documents, company number, and registered address live in your Commenda dashboard.

  3. Week 1–2

    Tax setup

    Tax registrations filed, banking guidance underway. Compliance calendar set for your jurisdiction.

  4. Week 2

    Open for business

    You're operational in a new market. Without a single trip to a government office.

G2 Reviews badge — rated by the teams using it

G2 Reviews

Rated by the teams using it

Scores from finance and legal leads handling compliance globally.

  • Entity Management

    #1 Ranked
    9.6/ 10

    Set up your entity and keep it in good standing. Filings, records, and renewals tracked in one place.

  • Corporate Tax & Compliance

    Top Rated
    9.1/ 10

    Every tax deadline on one calendar. Corporate returns and statutory filings handled without the back-and-forth.

  • Sales Tax & VAT/GST

    Commenda Leads
    9.4/ 10

    Handle VAT, GST, and sales tax in every country you operate in, and manage it all in one place.

FAQ

Common questions

The things finance and legal leads ask before they start their Mexico entity.

Yes. Mexico's Foreign Investment Law allows 100% foreign ownership in most sectors through an automatic authorization route. Certain restricted activities (energy, media, aviation, firearms) require government approval or have ownership caps. For the vast majority of manufacturing, services, and technology companies, full foreign ownership is straightforward.

Mexico's corporate income tax (ISR) rate is 30% flat on net taxable profits. There is no lower tier for small businesses at the corporate level. Companies must file monthly provisional payments and an annual return. Transfer pricing rules apply to transactions between related parties.

The full process typically takes 3 to 6 weeks. It involves drafting and notarizing the articles of incorporation, registering with the Public Registry of Commerce, obtaining an RFC tax ID from SAT, and opening a corporate bank account. Commenda manages all steps and coordinates with the Mexican notary on your behalf.

The RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes) is the Mexican tax identification number issued by SAT. Every legal entity operating in Mexico must have one. It is required to issue CFDI electronic invoices, file tax returns, enter commercial contracts, and open a bank account. Obtaining the RFC is part of the standard incorporation process Commenda handles.

USMCA (the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, known in Mexico as T-MEC) is the trade agreement governing goods trade across North America. Qualifying goods produced in Mexico may enter the US and Canada at preferential or zero tariff rates. For manufacturers and exporters, structuring operations through a Mexican entity unlocks these preferences and reduces landed cost into the world's largest consumer market.

Monthly obligations include provisional ISR payments, IVA filing, DIOT supplier reporting, and CFDI electronic invoice issuance. Annual obligations include the corporate income tax return and, for entities above revenue thresholds, a statutory audit by a licensed Mexican accountant. Commenda handles ongoing SAT filings and keeps your entity in good standing.

Join hundreds of international businesses growing fast with Commenda

Tell us where you're expanding and we'll scope the requirements, handle the filing, and keep your entity compliant, usually within 24 hours of kickoff.