What is a fideicomiso and do I need one to buy property in Mexico?
A fideicomiso is a bank trust that lets foreigners own property in Mexico's restricted zones (within 50km of the coast or 100km of the border). If you're buying in Guadalajara or inland Jalisco, you typically don't need one — you can hold title directly. If you're buying in Puerto Vallarta or near the coast, you likely do. I'll tell you exactly what applies to your transaction.
How do I form a company as a foreigner in Mexico?
The two most common structures are the SA de CV (similar to a corporation) and the SAS (a simplified, lower-cost entity). Both require a Mexican notario and SAT registration. I walk you through which structure fits your situation, coordinate the notarial process, and make sure your documents are correct before you sign anything.
What does a Notario Público do — is it the same as a US notary?
No. A Mexican Notario Público is a senior attorney appointed by the state with exclusive authority to execute real estate transactions and corporate formations. No property closes and no company forms without them. I have direct relationships with Guadalajara notarios and coordinate everything in Spanish so you don't have to.
How much does it cost to close on property in Mexico?
Beyond the purchase price, expect 4–7% of the property value in closing costs. This includes acquisition tax (~2%), notary fees (1–2%), public registry fees, and other costs. I give you a complete, itemized breakdown for your specific transaction before you commit to anything — no surprises at the table.
What should I watch for in a Mexican lease agreement?
Key red flags include clauses that waive your legal rights under Mexican tenant law, imprecise definitions of maintenance responsibility, automatic rent increases tied to unclear indexes, and deposit terms that make it hard to get your money back. I translate and review clause by clause — you'll know exactly what you're agreeing to.
Do I need a Mexican lawyer — or can avoglaw handle it?
avoglaw provides legal navigation, document guidance, and coordination — not formal legal representation. For matters requiring a licensed attorney of record, I coordinate with trusted attorneys in my network. For most foreign investor and expat needs (property guidance, lease review, company formation coordination), I handle it directly — and for a fraction of law firm costs.
