Ownership in Mexico
Title Insurance
Mortgages in Mexico
Driving in Mexico
Border Crossing
SENTRI
Medical Insurance
Immigration, Visas & Legal



Ownership in Mexico

Through a trust managed by a bank, foreign individuals and corporations are permitted to own property in Mexico. The real estate property must be located within a range of 100 kilometers of the borders of Mexico and within a range of 50 kilometers from coastal areas.

Trusts are legally established by the Mexican Foreign Investment Law, Title Second, Chapter II, Articles 11 to 14, Fifth Transitory.

In the arrangement, a Mexican bank (the fiduciary) will have ownership of the real estate property, subject to the direction of the foreign buyer (the beneficiary of the trust). The foreign buyer has the right to use the property, rent the property, sell the property, or in case of death, transfer the property to designated heirs. All proceeds belong to the beneficiary of the trust subject to paying all appropriate taxes.

Basic principles of property ownership in Mexico.
- A foreigner may acquire rights over real estate in Mexican coastal and border zones through a trust, which is a legal instrument similar to those in the United States.

- Through a trust, real estate is administered by a qualified and licensed bank on behalf of the beneficiary of the trust (the owner). The legal effect of the trust allows the fiduciary to act as the owner of the real estate, and thus, the trust complies with Mexican laws.

- The beneficiary has the right to the full use, enjoyment and profit from the real estate. The beneficiary can rent the property, borrow against the property, and sell the property.

- Mexican law provides that the original trust term of 50 years may be renewed for additional 50-year periods upon written request by the beneficiary of the trust.

- When the beneficiary desires, the property may be sold outright or sold subject to an assumption of the existing trust.

For more information please visit the following websites

Title Insurance

Title insurance is a special type of insurance that protects the expatriate community in Mxico from loss on a specific piece of property. A Title Insurance Policy provides security against the loss of land as a result of a title problem. Title Insurance can be purchased with or without limitations and exclusions. When purchasing property in the United States, most Banks and Mortgage companies require Title Insurance prior to granting a loan.

There are different types of Title Insurance. There is Title Insurance available on the land (US Style) and Title Insurance available on just the Fideicomiso (Bank Trust).

For more information please visit the following websites:

Mortagages in Mexico

There are many mortgage programs for U.S. citizens, US permanent residents and Canadian Residents who are interested in buying real estate property in Mexico.

Useful Links:

Driving in Mexico

Driving across.
No special entry paperwork is required for your car when driving into Baja. You need to purchase Mexican auto insurance, however, which is available on a per-day basis.

US auto insurance is not valid in Mexico. Mexican auto insurance is always mandatory.

More information:

Mexico Car Insurance Companies:

Border Crossing

To check on waiting time at the U.S./Mexico checkpoints, call the corresponding numbers:
San Ysidro, California : (619) 690-8999
Otay, California : (619) 671-8999

Here is the TelNor website for the webcams covering the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa crossings:

ByTheBorder.com also provides current information:

SENTRI
Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection

SENTRI is the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection, Customs and Border Protections trusted traveler program for approved frequent border crossers. SENTRI allows members access to a dedicated commuter lane that expedites crossing between the U.S. and Mexico. For more information please visit: SENTRI Website

Medical Insurance

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Immigration, Visas & Legal

For information about this topic we have found some useful websites.