Legal Topics for Expats
Navigate Mexican law with confidence. Each guide covers key regulations, common pitfalls, and practical steps.
Visas & Entry
Tourist permits (FMM), visa requirements, 180-day rules, border runs, and entry restrictions for different nationalities.
Temporary & Permanent Residency
Income requirements, application process, Residente Temporal vs Permanente, renewals, and path to citizenship.
Property Ownership
Restricted zone rules (50km coast, 100km border), fideicomiso trusts, ejido land risks, and buying process.
Safety & Security
State-by-state safety ratings, areas to avoid, emergency contacts, cartel territory awareness, and travel advisories.
Expat Crime Tracker
Database of enforcement cases involving foreigners. Deportations, arrests, visa violations, and criminal cases with full source documentation.
Business & Working
RFC tax ID, work permits, forming a Mexican company, digital nomad considerations, and restricted activities.
Banking & Finance
Opening accounts as a foreigner, CURP requirements, currency exchange, wire transfers, and financial restrictions.
Healthcare & Insurance
IMSS enrollment for residents, private insurance options, medical tourism, prescription access, and emergency care.
Taxes & Fiscal Residency
183-day rule, tax residency triggers, SAT obligations, US-Mexico tax treaty, and reporting requirements.
🛠️ Interactive Tools
📊 Enforcement Tracker
Search 50+ cases of foreigners facing legal issues in Mexico, filterable by nationality, location, and violation type.
🛂 Visa Eligibility Checker
Find out which visa options you qualify for based on income, nationality, and situation.
🗺️ Restricted Zone Checker
Check if a property is in the restricted zone requiring a fideicomiso trust.
Key Mexican Laws for Expats
Understanding these laws is essential for staying legal in Mexico.
Ley de Migración
Immigration Law - Governs all visa types, residency requirements, deportation procedures, and foreigner rights.
Ley de Inversión Extranjera
Foreign Investment Law - Article 10 restricts property ownership in coastal/border zones. Requires fideicomiso.
Código Fiscal de la Federación
Federal Tax Code - Defines tax residency, RFC requirements, and obligations for residents earning income.