Company registration in Mexico is done solely through the accredited institutions of the Mexican state. The basic incorporation procedures, through which a legal entity gains legal recognition from a legal point of view, fall under the supervision of the Public Registry of Commerce, which is an institution working under the Ministry of Economy.
Our consultants are specialized in offering tailored services on business registration in Mexico therefore we advise you to address our team regardless of the type of company you want to register here. We mention that all business forms need to be registered with the Public Registry of Commerce, although the procedures and requirements may vary from one entity to another.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Institution in charge with company registration in Mexico | Public Registry of Commerce |
|
Who must register |
All entities carrying commercial activities, including foreign companies expanding on the Mexican market. |
|
Basic registration obligations |
Reserve a trade name, sign the incorporation papers, obtain a registered address, submitting the application file with Public Registry of Commerce, pay fees, etc. |
| Trade name | Company registration in Mexico can be completed only after the investors secured a trade name that is unique at a national level and which reflects the legal entity under which the business activity will be carried out. |
| Ways to complete the registration |
on-line, in person |
| Registration fees (yes/no) |
Yes |
| Documentation |
– the identity documents of the owners, – the identity documents of their legal representatives, – the application form, – evidence on having obtained a tax registration number in Mexico, etc. |
| Publishing obligations |
Foreing companies need to obtain authorization for their functioning from the National Registry of Foreign Investments. The authorization must then be published in the Mexican Official Gazette. |
| Can investors obtain legal representation for company registration purposes? |
Yes, the process of company registration in Mexico can be completed with the assistance of local specialists, such as our team. |
| How to obtain legal representation | By granting the power of attorney. |
| Can investors acquire electronic documents from the Trade Register? |
Yes |
| Basic laws enforced by the Trade Register |
– Law on Business Chambers and their Confederations, – the Commercial Code, – the General Corporation Law |
| Database on companies in Mexico |
the Mexican Business Information System |
| Other roles of the Public Registry of Commerce |
– offering information on companies, – details on ultimate beneficial owners, – registering corporate changes, – maintaining the database on all companies |
| Ways to obtain information on companies in Mexico | by using the Mexican Business Information System |
Please mind that foreign companies that expand on the Mexican market are also required to complete specific registration procedures, which start by obtaining an authorization to operate, followed by the registration with the Public Registry of Commerce.
Table of Contents
What are the required steps for company registration in Mexico?
In order to register a company in Mexico with the Public Registry of Commerce, investors or their legal representatives (such as our team of specialists), must prepare a large set of documents, attesting that specific legal procedures have been completed. For its proper registration, investors must present the following:
- sign the company’s incorporation documents (for legal entities such as the limited liability company or the public company, shareholders must sign the articles of association, a procedure completed with the assistance of local public notaries);
- provide identification information on the person appointed as a legal representative;
- obtain a registered address;
- apply for the Federal Taxpayer Registry number.
Of course, the legal entity must also have a valid trade name, which is part of the process of business registration in Mexico (our team can help you acquire a suitable trade name).
Ways to complete the application for registration
There are 2 main ways through which an interested party can register a business in Mexico. The first one is in person, at the registry office in the region where the company operates or where the applicant has his or her habitual residency.
The 2nd option is the online registration, but we mention that this procedure can only be completed by public notaries, according to the information offered by the Mexican Government.
Highlights of the registration process
The registration procedure entails some of the following:
- submission of Form M-11;
- submission of Form M-4;
- the procedure for company registration in Mexico can be completed in around 10 days (for the in-person application);
- since 2013, Mexico has implemented an online platform known as the Comprehensive Registry System;
- the platform allows registration 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Please mind that Mexico is a federal entity, divided into 32 states. When it comes to company registration in Mexico, it must be noted that the procedure is done at the level of each state, but the Registry stores information on all companies registered at a national level and thee modification brought to them, the liquidations, etc..
Where can one verify company data in Mexico?
Once registered with the Public Registry of Commerce, the information on any company is listed with the Sistema de Informacion Empresarial Mexicano (the Mexican Business Information System). This represents an online database operating under the supervision of the Ministry of Economy, which provides details on the following:
- trade name;
- business activity;
- state of registration.
Please mind that those who want to know other corporate information, such as the registration date, tax number, shareholders, need to register on the platform. You can refer to our team if you want to know more on the process of business registration in Mexico and you need legal assistance.