
FREE E-BOOK
Download the free guide to learn all you need to know about How to Do Business in Mexico.
- The Manufacturer's Guide
- Key Milestones for Getting Started
- Compliance & Regulations
- Prodensa Expert Insights
Doing Business in Mexico
Major industrial hubs include Monterrey, Guadalajara, Ciudad Juarez, and Tijuana, known for their robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and strategic location for trade.
Key industries include automotive, electronics, aerospace, medical devices, and consumer goods, each benefiting from Mexico’s skilled labor and trade agreements.
Global companies like Ford, General Motors, Whirlpool, Intel, PepsiCo, and Samsung operate manufacturing facilities in Mexico across various industries.
A maquiladora is a factory in Mexico that imports materials temporarily to assemble or produce goods for export, taking advantage of preferential tax and customs programs like IMMEX.
IVA is Mexico’s Value-Added Tax, applied to most goods and services at a standard rate of 16%, though certain export activities and maquiladora operations may be exempt or receive refunds.
START A BUSINESS
IN MEXICO
How to Start a Business in Mexico
The approach to incorporating a business in Mexico varies widely depending on the business case and strategic goals. For manufacturers, factors such as tax strategy and time-to-market play a crucial role in shaping the market entry and incorporation plan.
Mexico Business Registration
To register a company in Mexico, you first need to choose a business structure and verify the availability of your desired company name with the Ministry of Economy. Next, a notary public must draft the incorporation deed, which includes the company’s bylaws, shareholders, and objectives, followed by registering the deed with the Public Registry of Commerce. Finally, the company must obtain a tax ID (RFC) from the Tax Administration Service (SAT) and complete any additional registrations or permits depending on the business activity and location.
Corporate Laws in Mexico
Mexican corporate law are primarily governed by the General Law of Mercantile Societies. This legal framework is based on civil law principles and establishes the rights and obligations of shareholders, directors and officers within corporations operating in Mexico. There are two main types of corporations in Mexico: (1) sociedades anónimas (SAs) which are similar to U.S. corporations, and (2) sociedades de responsabilidad limitada (SRLs) which are similar to LLC’s in the U.S.
Doing Business as a Foreigner
Foreign investors can own 100% of a Mexican corporation, although certain industries may have restrictions on foreign ownership. Foreigners from applicable countries that wish to visit Mexico may enter on a Tourist Visa that is good for 180 days. This visa allows you to enjoy tourism or business meetings, for example. You cannot work in Mexico with a Tourist Visa. A Temporary Resident permit will need to be issued.
Corporate Taxes in Mexico
Corporate taxes in Mexico include a flat income tax rate of 30% on taxable profits for resident companies. Additionally, companies may be subject to a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 16% on most goods and services, as well as withholding taxes on payments like dividends, royalties, and interest to foreign entities. Businesses must also comply with annual reporting obligations, including financial statements and tax returns, to avoid penalties.
Mexico Border Zone Incentives
Mexico’s Northern and Southern borders receive a benefit that consists of a tax credit equivalent to 50% of VAT, thus an 8% tax. The taxpayer must reside in said regions. These regions also enjoy an Income Tax credit, allowing these companies to be subject to only 2/3 of the tax caused by the income carried out from activity in these regions.
Import / Export in Mexico
Mexico's strategic location and free trade agreements, including USMCA, make it a global hub for importing and exporting goods. Businesses engaged in trade must register with Mexico’s Importers Registry and comply with customs regulations, tariffs, and documentation requirements to ensure smooth cross-border operations.
Maquiladora Program
The Maquiladora Program in Mexico, now called IMMEX, allows foreign companies to import raw materials and components duty-free for manufacturing and subsequent export. This program supports cost-efficient production while providing tax incentives, making Mexico a key player in global supply chains. Many maquiladoras en Mexico are run by operational partners, called shelter service providers.
Mexico Free Trade Zone
In 2019, Mexico's Free Trade Zone came into effect for 43 municipalities through 6 states along Mexico's northern border. Components of the program include:
- Encourage economic growth in the area
- Reduction of VAT & Income Tax rates
- Promote the well-being of the population
- Improvements in fuel competition
- Establishment of tax incentives for fuel
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OUR BACK OFFICE SOLUTIONS
OUR INSIGNIA SOLUTION

Are you launching or expanding your business in Mexico?
Our custom-built start up team can help.
Working seamlessly with our back office team, our start up team provides consulting, industrial real estate, construction management, logistics, and supplier development support to custom-build the start up program that best meets the goals of each business case and project.
- Project-Manager-led-team built according to project scope.
- Flexible resources to streamline the different milestones of the project.
- Cloud operations reporting and weekly progress reports.
START UP &
BPO PROJECTS
IN MEXICO
Serving world-class clients from 15+ industries across all major metroplexes in Mexico.

As their new, strategic operating partner, Prodensa restructured the Annex 24 operating system and regained full compliance for this foreign manufacturer in Mexico.
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From definition of HR policies to supplier negotiation and implementation, our custom-built solution shaved months off the standard launch time for this tech services hub.
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Prodensa facilitated a seamless start-up for a global automotive client in Queretaro, Mexico, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency within a year.
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How Prodensa helped a U.S. manufacturer in Mexico recover millions in unclaimed VAT refunds, improving cash flow and restoring confidence in tax compliance.
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Achieve efficient financial and accounting management with ERP implementation by Prodensa, optimizing processes and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Read MoreHOW TO DO BUSINESS IN MEXICO - A MANUFACTURER'S GUIDE
An overview of manufacturing in Mexico, including operational structures, trade programs, taxes and the important milestones for a successful operations launch.![BPO Ebook[9]](https://45088167.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/45088167/hubfs/BPO%20Ebook%5B9%5D.png?width=300&name=BPO%20Ebook%5B9%5D.png)
Why Prodensa?
We have offices throughout all major industrial and business cities in Mexico.

