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Buying Property in Mexico’s Restricted Zones

  • Writer: Milele Mexico
    Milele Mexico
  • Aug 4
  • 2 min read

What Are Restricted Zones?

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Under Article 27 of the Mexican Constitution, foreign individuals are prohibited from directly acquiring land or water within:


  1. A 100‑kilometer strip along international borders, and

  2. A 50‑kilometer strip along Mexico’s coastlines.


These areas are known as “restricted zones”, and while they offer some of the most beautiful real estate opportunities, buying in these areas requires the right legal structure.


✅ Thinking about buying beachfront property in Mexico? Contact us to explore the safest legal options.



How Foreigners Can Acquire Real Estate in Mexico’s Restricted Zones


✅ Option 1: A Bank Trust (Fideicomiso)


Foreigners can buy property in restricted zones through a fideicomiso, which is a bank-managed trust:


  • A Mexican bank holds the legal title.

  • You are the beneficiary with full rights to use, lease, sell, or inherit the property.

  • The trust is valid for 50 years, renewable indefinitely.


💡 Not sure which bank or trust structure is right for you? Book a consultation with our team—we specialize in structuring fideicomisos for foreign buyers.


✅ Option 2: Set Up a Mexican Company


For commercial, industrial, or tourism-based use, foreigners can set up a Mexican corporation. However, for residential use, you’ll still need a trust—even if the company is Mexican.


🏢 Planning to invest commercially in Mexico? Let our legal team guide you through setting up a compliant Mexican entity. Schedule a free evaluation



Legal Formalities to Consider


All property purchases must be completed before a Mexican Notary Public and registered with the Public Property Registry. Trust deeds, contracts, and substitutions must be handled with precision.


📑 Don’t risk costly mistakes. Let our bilingual real estate attorneys handle your transaction from start to finish. Get legal help now



Summary Table

Concept

Explanation

Restricted Zone

Within 100 km of borders or 50 km of coast—foreigners can’t buy directly

Trust (Fideicomiso)

Bank holds title; you retain full rights

Duration & Renewal

50 years, renewable indefinitely

Mexican Corporation

For commercial use; not valid for residential without trust

Notary & Registration

Required for all transactions


🏠 Need clarity on where your dream property is located? Ask us if it falls in a restricted zone—we’ll verify it for you at no charge.



Final Recommendation


To legally and safely purchase property in Mexico’s most desirable areas:


  • Use a licensed Mexican bank to establish a trust

  • Hire an experienced real estate attorney or notary

  • Verify the title before signing anything

  • Consider appointing a substitute beneficiary for long-term peace of mind


🧭 Ready to begin your real estate journey in Mexico? Let Milele México be your legal and local guide.👉 Start with a free consultation today


🔒 Safe. Legal. Yours. | Milele México


We help foreign buyers secure their dream properties in Mexico—with transparency, legal safety, and trust. Whether you're eyeing Tulum, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, or the Riviera Maya, we’ve got you covered.


📞 Contact us on WhatsApp +52 1 56 6514 8098 | 🗓️ Book a Consultation | 🌐 Visit our Website


 
 
 

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