For years, lengthy permitting processes, coordination across multiple government agencies, and uncertain timelines have created significant opportunity costs for investors evaluating Mexico. That changed on May 5, 2026.
As part of the strategic actions under Plan México, the Mexican government published the “Decree for the Immediate Authorization of Investments” in the Official Gazette of the Federation. The mechanism allows investors to begin executing eligible projects immediately, without additional bureaucratic costs. Beyond accelerating the setup and operation of private investment projects, the Decree responds directly to the relocation of global supply chains and Mexico’s need to strengthen its competitiveness.
In its first months of operation, the mechanism has already approved 22 strategic projects representing more than USD $8 billion in investment. Could your project qualify?
It is a mechanism managed by the Investment Committee that allows eligible investment projects to begin immediately through a faster, more transparent, and coordinated process using Mexico’s National Digital Investment Window. The Decree entered into force on May 5, 2026.
Its main objective is to significantly reduce the time required to establish and begin operating private investment projects in strategic sectors. Under this authorization, companies may start project activities while the corresponding federal procedures continue to be processed during the authorization period.
The Decree applies to private investment projects that meet at least one of the following criteria:
|
Criterion |
Requirement |
|
Location |
Projects authorized to be developed in Development Poles for Well-Being, Economic Development Poles, or Circular Economy Poles. |
|
Investment Amount |
Investment of MXN $2 billion or more (approximately USD $115 million). |
|
Strategic Sector |
Technology infrastructure, data centers, textiles and apparel, semiconductors and microelectronics, automotive and auto parts, medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals, aerospace, energy, chemicals, and other sectors determined by the Investment Committee. |
Important: Investment projects in the mining and financial sectors are excluded, as are projects involving public or mixed public-private investment.
The Decree introduces a framework designed to simplify administrative procedures while maintaining centralized oversight. It is built around three key elements:
|
Stage |
Description |
Timeline |
|
1. Application |
Submitted through the National Digital Investment Window. Required documents include identification, tax registration certificate, executive project plan, civil liability insurance policy, and a 20% local sourcing commitment. |
Inmediate |
|
2. Review |
The Presidential Office for Investment Promotion evaluates the project’s technical, economic, environmental, and administrative feasibility. |
10 business days to request additional information; 5 business days to provide corrections or missing information. |
|
3. Resolution |
The Investment Committee—including representatives from Finance, Environment, Energy, Economy, Anti-Corruption and Good Government, and the Digital Transformation Agency—reviews and decides on the project. |
30 business days |
|
4. Authorization |
The authorization is valid for 1 year and may be renewed up to 2 times if the project demonstrates 90% progress. It allows the investment project to begin immediately. |
60 business days for included procedures. |
The Decree establishes tacit approval (“affirmative ficta”) when authorities fail to issue a decision within the required timeframe.
For projects that do not have an Immediate Investment Authorization but are processed through the National Digital Investment Window, authorities have a maximum of 90 business days to respond. If no decision is issued within that period, the application may be considered approved by default.
The Decree is aligned with Mexico’s 2025–2030 National Development Plan and the federal strategy to position the country as a preferred investment destination amid the relocation of global supply chains. Mexico’s productive investment fell 44.9% during the first two months of 2026, the largest decline since the indicator began to be measured. In response, the Mexican government has introduced mechanisms like this one to encourage investment and help reverse that trend.
In addition, the National Digital Investment Window is designed to reduce the time required to establish, build, and begin operating investment projects by coordinating procedures across federal, state, and municipal levels.
With more than 40 years of experience supporting foreign companies establishing operations in Mexico, Prodensa can help companies navigate the new investment process and reduce execution risk.
We can support your project by:
Evaluating whether your project qualifies under the new Decree.
Preparing the documentation required for the application.
Managing the process through the National Digital Investment Window and following up with the Investment Committee.
Supporting compliance with the 20% local sourcing commitment.
Coordinating procedures with federal, state, and municipal authorities.
Supporting the required quarterly project progress reporting.
The Decree for the Immediate Authorization of Investments represents an important shift in Mexico’s investment policy. For the first time, eligible investors can begin executing large-scale projects without waiting for every permit and procedure to be fully resolved, while benefiting from defined maximum timelines and coordinated institutional support.
Want to know whether your project qualifies and how to begin the process? Contact us.
Notice: The content of this blog is developed by Prodensa for informational and educational purposes regarding nearshoring, foreign trade, human capital, and manufacturing in Mexico. Although we strive to keep the information accurate and up to date, laws and regulations may change. This material is not a substitute for specialized professional advice. Prodensa is not responsible for decisions made based on this content without appropriate professional consultation.