Owning property in Mexico is easier and safer than ever, because now there are established and well defined rules regarding non-Mexicans owning land in Mexico. These rules are in place to protect your ownership rights and to promote the sale of real estate to foreign investors.
Because the Mexican Constitution prohibits foreigners from purchasing or owning real estate within 60 miles of an international border or within 30 miles of the Mexican Coast, a new, safe method of holding title was created.
Beachfront land in Mexico cannot be owned by foreigners directly and is typically held indirectly in a renewable bank trust held by the foreign owner called a “Fidecomiso.” A Fideicomiso is a Mexican Trust. The Mexican Government issues a permit to a Mexican Bank of your choice, allowing the bank to act as purchaser for the property. The bank acts as the “Trustee” for the Trust and you are the “Beneficiary” of the Trust. The “Beneficiary” rights are very similar to Living Wills or Estate Trusts in the U.S, giving you all the rights of ownership.
