How Foreigners Can Legally Own Property in Mérida, Yucatán
A fideicomiso trusts in Mexico — helps international buyers legally and safely invest in property in Mérida, Yucatán.
Mérida is one of Mexico’s most attractive cities for international buyers — thanks to its safety, culture, strong economy, and proximity to the Yucatán coast.
But if you're a foreigner looking to invest or relocate, you’ve probably heard about the fideicomiso.
This guide explains exactly what a fideicomiso is, why you need one, and how it works in Mérida and the surrounding coastal areas of Yucatán — including legal requirements, costs, timelines, and smart tips to protect your investment.
✅ What Is a Fideicomiso?
A fideicomiso is a Mexican bank trust that allows foreigners to own property in restricted zones of Mexico — like the coastlines and borders.
A Mexican bank holds the legal title of the property as trustee.
You, the foreign buyer, are the sole beneficiary — meaning you retain full rights to use, sell, lease, improve, inherit, or transfer the property.
The trust is valid for 50 years and can be renewed indefinitely.
In practice, a fideicomiso gives you the same control as direct ownership — but through a structure that complies with the Mexican Constitution.
📜 Why Does the Fideicomiso Exist?
According to Article 27 of the Mexican Constitution, foreigners are not allowed to directly own land within:
50 km (31 miles) from the coast
100 km (62 miles) from a border
This includes most of Yucatán, especially coastal areas like Progreso, Telchac, and even parts of Mérida.
To encourage foreign investment while protecting national sovereignty, Mexico passed the Foreign Investment Law of 1973, which allows foreigners to acquire property legally through a fideicomiso.
🌍 Can You Use a Foreign Bank?
No. Under Mexican law:
Only Mexican-authorized banks can act as trustees in a fideicomiso.
Foreign banks cannot hold title or manage the trust.
However, if you need financing, some Mexican banks may offer mortgage loans to foreign buyers — though most expats choose to purchase in cash or refinance locally.
💰 What Are the Costs Involved?
Here’s a breakdown of the typical fideicomiso costs when buying property in Mérida or the Yucatán coast:
⏳ How Long Does It Take?
The entire fideicomiso process usually takes 4 to 9 weeks.
Step-by-step timeline:
Offer accepted & deposit paid
Trustee bank submits permit request to SRE (≈3–6 weeks)
Deed signing with notary (Notario Público)
Title registered under bank trust — you are listed as the legal beneficiary
With a professional team guiding you, this process can be smooth, clear, and secure.
🛡️ Legal Alternatives for Foreign Buyers
While a fideicomiso is the most common way to buy in Mérida’s restricted zone, there are a few other legal options:
Direct Title – If the property is located outside the restricted zone, foreigners can hold title directly without a trust.
Mexican Corporation – Ideal for commercial or rental properties, a foreigner can create a Mexican business entity to hold title. (This involves more legal/tax work.)
Lease Agreements – Long-term leasing is possible but doesn’t grant ownership. It’s not recommended for those looking to build equity.
💡 Expert Tips for Foreign Buyers in Mérida
Here’s how to make sure your purchase is 100% secure and stress-free:
✅ Work with a qualified Mexican notary (Notario Público)
✅ Hire an experienced real estate advisor
✅ Review all fees and taxes in advance — no surprises at closing
✅ Verify that the title is clean, and taxes/utilities are up to date
✅ Confirm your fideicomiso is renewable and properly registered
Are you thinking on investing in Real Estate? We walk you through every step — from property selection to signing — with trust, transparency, and local expertise.
🌟 Conclusion
A fideicomiso is not a barrier — it's a secure and legal solution that makes property ownership in Mexico possible for foreigners.
It’s the key to investing in one of Latin America’s safest, fastest-growing real estate markets: Mérida, Yucatán.
Whether you’re buying a luxury home in the Yucatán Country Club, a beach villa near Progreso, or a private retreat in downtown Mérida — I’m here to guide you.
