MéxicoTaxes and SATFederalVerified on October 3, 2026
How to get a Mexican RFC as a foreigner
SAT's 2026 rules list an appointment and a valid CURP for the standard RFC registration procedure. Foreign residents can use the CURP shown on their residence card; having a CURP alone does not establish that registration can be completed online.
Cost
Free under SAT's 2026 procedure 1/CFF.
Step by step
- 1
Check your CURP and the current requirements.
Use the CURP on your residence card. SAT's 2026 rules say it must be valid and match your personal details. If you do not have one, ask SAT how to resolve your case before attending; do not assume that the older online pre-registration instructions let you bypass this condition.
Read SAT 2026 rules (Spanish PDF) ↗What you will see
A PDF with the procedure «1/CFF Solicitud de inscripción en el RFC de personas físicas» (Individual RFC registration), including «¿Qué requisitos debo cumplir?» (Requirements).
- 2
Book your SAT appointment.
Open the official appointment portal and select «Registrar cita» (Book an appointment). The standard procedure in the 2026 rules takes place at a SAT office. Read your appointment confirmation before going.
Book a SAT appointment (Spanish) ↗What you will see
The appointment page has «Registrar cita» (Book an appointment) and «Consultar/Gestionar cita» (View or manage an appointment).
- 3
Prepare your documents.
Bring original proof of address and valid official identification. Check the foreign-applicant section of procedure 1/CFF for your immigration document and any additional documents for your situation. If you lack permission for paid work but need an RFC for another purpose, the rules require a written statement, under oath, explaining that purpose.
- 4
Attend and save the registration documents.
Give the documents to the SAT officer and answer the questions about your application. If you meet the requirements, SAT provides the registration application, «Acuse único de inscripción» (Registration acknowledgment) and «Constancia de Situación Fiscal» (Tax status certificate). Keep these documents.
Requirements
- A SAT appointment for the standard in-person procedure.
- A valid CURP, or a valid temporary CURP with photograph; SAT accepts the CURP on a foreign resident's residence card.
- Original proof of address and valid official identification.
- The applicable valid immigration document; the foreign-applicant section lists permanent, temporary and temporary student residence cards, among other categories.
- If you lack authorization for paid work but need an RFC for another activity: a written statement under oath explaining why you need it.
- For applicants resident abroad, evidence of the tax identification number in their country of residence when required there, in a certified, legalized or apostilled copy as specified by SAT.
- If someone represents you: the instrument or ratified power of attorney required by SAT.
Frequently asked questions
Can I register online just because I have a CURP?
An older SAT page describes online registration with CURP. However, procedure 1/CFF in the 2026 rules lists an office appointment and CURP. Do not rely on the older page as a promise of an entirely online process. A separate virtual-office procedure exists for specified groups.
Who can use the virtual office?
Procedure 3/CFF lists individuals with only salary or other subordinate-employment income, individuals without tax obligations, and Mexicans abroad without Mexican tax obligations. It requires an appointment and documents; it is not automatic registration using only a CURP. Check the full procedure with SAT if you think it applies to you.
Can I use the CURP printed on my residence card?
Yes. The 2026 rules expressly allow the CURP shown on residence cards issued to foreigners in Mexico. SAT validates it with the population registry and checks that it matches the applicant.
Can I register without a CURP?
The older general instructions describe pre-registration followed by an office visit, but the 2026 standard procedure expressly requires a CURP or valid temporary CURP with photograph. Ask SAT about your individual case instead of assuming a no-CURP exemption.
Sources
- SAT · 2026 tax procedures, Annex 2, procedures 1/CFF and 3/CFF (in Spanish) · accessed on October 3, 2026
- SAT · Official appointment portal (in Spanish) · accessed on October 3, 2026
- SAT · Older general registration and pre-registration instructions (in Spanish) · accessed on October 3, 2026
- SAT · Older online registration instructions with CURP (in Spanish) · accessed on October 3, 2026
Information verified on October 3, 2026. Always check the official source before starting your procedure.