MéxicoHousingFederalVerified on October 3, 2026
Buying property in Mexico as a foreigner and the fideicomiso
For property within Mexico's restricted zone, a foreign individual uses a bank trust called a fideicomiso rather than acquiring direct ownership. Outside that zone, SRE has a separate acquisition procedure.
Step by step
- 1
Check where the property is located.
The restricted zone extends 100 kilometres along Mexico's borders and 50 kilometres along its beaches. Foreign individuals cannot acquire direct ownership there. Open the SRE page and read «CONSTITUCIÓN DE FIDEICOMISO» (Setting up a trust).
Read SRE trust rules (Spanish) ↗What you will see
The headings «AVISO AL PÚBLICO» (Public notice), «CONSTITUCIÓN DE FIDEICOMISO» (Setting up a trust) and «Requisitos» (Requirements).
- 2
Use the SRE procedure for the location.
In the restricted zone, the bank acting as trustee requests the SRE permit. Outside it, read «Convenio de renuncia para la adquisición de bienes inmuebles fuera de zona restringida» (Waiver agreement for acquiring property outside the restricted zone). Article 10 A of the Foreign Investment Law sets out that separate procedure and its exceptions.
Read SRE acquisition rules (Spanish) ↗ - 3
Prepare the trust application information.
For a restricted-zone trust, provide the bank with the parties' names and nationalities, the proposed duration and use, and the property's description, location, measurements, boundaries and total area. SRE also asks for its distance from the border or federal maritime land zone and payment of the applicable government fee.
- 4
Have the bank follow the current filing instructions.
SRE identifies the bank's trust officer as the applicant. Its page describes SIPAC27 and also publishes an email alternative because of technical problems. Ask the bank to confirm the available channel and current fee. The trust contract must be recorded in a public deed.
Requirements
- For a restricted-zone trust: a bank acting as trustee and an SRE permit.
- Names and nationalities of the person placing the property in trust and the beneficiaries, including substitute beneficiaries if any; the bank's name.
- Proposed trust duration and intended property use.
- Property description, location, measurements, boundaries, total area and distance from the border or federal maritime land zone.
- Payment of the government fee specified by the applicable Federal Rights Law.
- The trust contract must be recorded in a public deed.
Frequently asked questions
Is a fideicomiso direct ownership in my name?
No. Article 11 describes a bank trust that allows foreign beneficiaries to use and benefit from restricted-zone property without granting them direct property rights over it.
How long can the trust last?
Article 13 sets a maximum term of 50 years and allows an extension at the interested party's request. An extension is not described as automatic.
Do I need this trust everywhere in Mexico?
The procedure described here concerns property in the restricted zone. Outside it, SRE publishes a separate waiver-agreement procedure under article 10 A.
Will SRE issue the trust permit in five days?
Do not plan around a guaranteed five-day turnaround. The SRE page retains both a legal deadline and a public notice about processing delays and suspension of that deadline. Confirm the current position with SRE through the bank.
Sources
- SRE · Restricted-zone trust permit (in Spanish) · accessed on October 3, 2026
- SRE · Property acquisition outside the restricted zone (in Spanish) · accessed on October 3, 2026
- Chamber of Deputies · Foreign Investment Law, articles 2 and 10 A–14 (in Spanish) · accessed on October 3, 2026
Information verified on October 3, 2026. Always check the official source before starting your procedure.