Business
Federal commercial law with a single national companies act
Companies are governed by the General Law of Commercial Companies, which is federal and uniform nationwide. The sociedad anónima and the sociedad de responsabilidad limitada dominate; a simplified one-shareholder SAS can be incorporated online without a notary.
Key rules
- Incorporation of an SA or S de RL requires a notarial deed and registration in the Public Registry of Commerce.
- A sociedad por acciones simplificada may be formed electronically through the Economy Ministry at no cost, subject to a revenue ceiling.
- Foreign investment is generally 100% permitted, with reserved activities listed in the Foreign Investment Act.
- Companies must file an annual electronic report and keep a shareholder register; beneficial ownership must be recorded for tax purposes.
- Commercial disputes follow the Commercial Code, and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards is routine under the New York Convention.
Governing law
- Ley General de Sociedades MercantilesCompany forms, governance and dissolution.
- Ley de Inversión ExtranjeraReserved sectors and neutral investment.
- Código de ComercioCommercial obligations and procedure.
In practice
A company needs an RFC tax registration and, for most activities, an e.firma. Foreign shareholders must obtain an RFC too. Notary fees are the main incorporation cost for an SA; the SAS route avoids them but restricts growth.