S.A. de C.V.

Separate legal entity, independent from its shareholders. 2 shareholders are required at all times. Shareholders’ meetings are the supreme organ of the corporation. Managed by a board of directors or a sole administrator, which is responsible for taking major business decisions and overseeing the general affairs of the corporation. Directors are elected by the shareholders of the corporation. Officers, who run the day-to-day operations of the corporation, are appointed by the directors or the shareholders’ meeting.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

Separate legal entity, independent from its partners. 2 partners are required at all times. Partners’ meetings are the supreme organ of the company. Managed by a board of directors or a sole administrator, which is responsible for taking major business decisions and overseeing the general affairs of the company. Directors are elected by the partners of the company. Officers, who run the day-to-day operations of the company, are appointed by the directors or the partners’ meeting.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Separate legal entity, independent from its shareholders. 2 shareholders are required at all times. Shareholders’ meetings are the supreme organ of the corporation. Managed by a board of directors, which is responsible for taking major business decisions and overseeing the general affairs of the corporation. Directors are elected by the shareholders of the corporation. Officers, who run the day-to-day operations of the corporation, are appointed by the directors or the shareholders’ meeting.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

There are 3 types of commercial entities that generally are incorporated or formed under Mexican federal law:

• Sociedad Anónima de Capital Variable (S.A. de C.V.), which is similar to a corporation in the US.
• Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada de Capital Variable (S. de R.L. de C.V.), which is similar to an LLC in the US).
• Sociedad Anónima Promotora de Inversión de Capital Variable (S.A.P.I de C.V.), a subtype of S.A. de C.V., regulated under the Stock Markets Law (Ley del Mercado de Valores).

S.A. de C.V.

Unlimited number of shareholders.

Generally no personal liability of the shareholders.

Taxed on its earnings at a corporate level and shareholders are taxed on any distributed dividends.

Shareholders have preemptive rights to subscribe and pay shares if the S.A. de C.V. approves to increase its capital.

Typical charter documents include the articles of incorporation, bylaws, stock certificates and (a) stock ledger, (b) shareholders’ meetings ledger (c) board of directors ledger and (d) capital variations ledger.

Board of directors (or sole administrator) has overall management responsibility; officers have day-to-day responsibility.

Shareholders typically incorporate the corporation or may purchase shares from existing shareholders.

Shareholders can enter into shareholders’ agreements in which they agree to certain rights and obligations such as drag-along and tag-along rights, put and call options, deadlock solution procedures and the issuance of non-voting shares, among others. Such provisions can likewise be included in the company’s bylaws.

Relevant law requires a shareholders’ annual meeting to approve:

• Preceding year-end financial statements
• Ratification or appointment of new director(s) and statutory examiners
• The fees paid to directors and statutory examiners and
• Separation of 5 percent of the profits, if any, for a legal reserve, which shall reach an amount equivalent to the 20 percent of the social capital.

Federal law requires, when there is foreign investment in the capital of the S.A. de C.V., to register before the National Registry of Foreign Investments and file an annual report with such agency, reporting the preceding year’s year-end financial statements.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

Up to 50 partners; contributions of the partners to the capital are represented by equity interests (not shares) which are not negotiable instruments.

Generally no personal liability of the partners.

Taxed on its earnings at a corporate level and partners are taxed on any distributed dividends.

Subject to US tax law (check the box related) requirements, the Mexican S. de R.L. de C.V. may qualify as a pass-through entity.

Partners have preemptive rights to subscribe and pay equity interests if the S. de R.L. de C.V. approves to increase its capital, as well as to acquire any equity interest of a selling partner, in case the relevant sale is made to a non-partner.

Typical charter documents include articles of formation, bylaws and (a) partners ledger, (b) partners’ meetings ledger, (c) board of directors ledger and (d) capital variations ledger.

Board of directors (or sole administrator) has overall management responsibility; officers have day-to-day responsibility.

Partners typically form the company or may acquire equity interests from existing partners, subject to the waiver of other partners’ preemptive rights.

Relevant law requires a partners’ annual meeting to approve:

• Preceding year-end-financial statements
• Ratification or appointment of new director(s) and statutory examiners, if any
• The fees paid to directors and statutory examiners, if any, and
• Separation of 5 percent of the profits for a legal reserve, which shall reach an amount equivalent to 20 percent of the social capital.

Federal law requires, when there is foreign investment in the capital of the S. de R.L. de C.V., to register before the National Registry of Foreign Investments and file an annual report with such agency, reporting the preceding year’s year-end financial statements.

S.A.P.I de C.V.

Same legal requirements and provisions for the S.A. de C.V., although relevant law provides certain differences in the operation of the S.A.P.I. de C.V., particularly in the possibility to adopt the administration regime of the S.A.B. (public company) and the possibility of the company to acquire its own shares.

A S.A.P.I de C.V. must be managed by a board of directors (a sole administrator is not allowed).

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

No minimum capital requirement.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

No minimum capital requirement.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

No minimum capital requirement.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

Shareholders of a corporation are generally not liable for the debts of a corporation aside from their financial contribution to the corporation.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

Partners of a company are generally not liable for the debts of a company aside from their financial contribution to the company.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Shareholders of a corporation are generally not liable for the debts of a corporation aside from their financial contribution to the corporation.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

A S.A. de C.V. is taxed at 2 levels (commonly referred to as double taxation). First, the S.A. de C.V. pays a corporate tax on its corporate income; then, the S.A. de C.V. distributes profits to shareholders, who then pay income tax on those dividends.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

A S. de R.L. de C.V. is taxed at 2 levels (commonly referred to as double taxation). First, the S. de R.L. de C.V. pays a corporate tax on its corporate income; then, the S. de R.L. de C.V. distributes profits to partners, who then pay income tax on those dividends.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

A S.A.P.I. de C.V. is taxed at 2 levels (commonly referred to as double taxation). First, the S.A.P.I. de C.V. pays a corporate tax on its corporate income; then, the S.A.P.I. de C.V. distributes profits to shareholders, who then pay income tax on those dividends.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

• Request of use of corporate name
• Drafting and approval of bylaws and articles of incorporation
• Integration of a KYC file
• Formalization of the documents with a Mexican Notary Public, and
• Registration of the public deed with Public Registry of Commerce.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

• Request of use of corporate name
• Drafting and approval of bylaws and articles of formation
• Integration of a KYC file
• Formalization of the documents with a Mexican Notary Public, and
• Registration of the public deed with Public Registry of Commerce.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

• Request of use of corporate name
• Drafting and approval of bylaws and articles of incorporation
• Integration of a KYC file
• Formalization of the documents with a Mexican Notary Public, and
• Registration of the public deed with Public Registry of Commerce.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

Well regarded and widely used.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

Well regarded and widely used.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Well regarded and widely used.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

Required to hold annual meeting of shareholders to vote on certain items.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

Required to hold annual meeting of partners to vote on certain items.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Required to hold annual meeting of shareholders to vote on certain items.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

Unless otherwise provided for in the corporation’s bylaws, no annual meeting of the directors is required.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

Unless otherwise provided for in the company’s bylaws, no annual meeting of the directors is required.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Unless otherwise provided for in the corporation’s bylaws, no annual meeting of the directors is required.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

Must annually file tax returns with federal and state tax authorities, no later than April 30^th of the following year.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

Must annually file tax returns with federal and state tax authorities, no later than April 30^th of the following year.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Must annually file tax returns with federal and state tax authorities, no later than April 30^th of the following year.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

With the Public of Registry of Commerce, the National Registry of Foreign Investments and, if applicable, with the federal and state tax authorities.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

With the Public of Registry of Commerce, with the National Registry of Foreign Investments, if applicable, with the federal and state tax authorities.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

With the Public of Registry of Commerce, with the National Registry of Foreign Investments, if applicable, with the federal and state tax authorities.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

No need to change as business expands (unless the business expansion entails a change in its organizational documents).

S. de R.L. de C.V.

No need to change as business expands (unless the business expansion entails a change in its organization documents).

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

No need to change as business expands (unless the business expansion entails a change in its organizational documents).

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

Dissolution and winding up shall be approved by the shareholders’ meeting. Generally, it is a long and complex process.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

Dissolution and winding up shall be approved by the partners’ meeting. Generally, it is a long and complex process.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Dissolution and winding up shall be approved by the shareholders’ meeting. Generally, it is a long and complex process.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

Annual shareholders' meeting and annual filing with the Foreign Investments Bureau.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

Annual partners' meeting and annual filing with the Foreign Investments Bureau.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Annual shareholders' meeting and annual filing with the National Registry of Foreign Investments.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

Either a sole administrator or a board of directors.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

Either a sole manager or a board of managers.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

A board of directors.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

The secretary is responsible to maintain and keep the corporate books updated. The corporate books shall remain in Mexico; thus, it is advisable to appoint a Mexican resident as secretary of the board of directors.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

The secretary is responsible to maintain and keep the corporate books updated. The corporate books shall remain in Mexico; thus, it is advisable to appoint a Mexican resident as secretary of the board of managers.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

The secretary is responsible to maintain and keep the corporate books updated. The corporate books shall remain in Mexico; thus, it is advisable to appoint a Mexican resident as secretary of the board of directors.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

Appointment of a statutory examiner (comisario).

S. de R.L. de C.V.

No legal requirement.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Appointment of a statutory examiner (comisario) or a surveillance committee.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

Not required for incorporation.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

Not required for formation.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Not required for incorporation.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

To obtain its tax registration, an S.A. de C.V. must have a domicile. If, upon incorporation, the S.A. de C.V. does not have one, accountants normally provide theirs.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

To obtain its tax registration, an S. de R.L. de C.V. must have a domicile. If, upon formation, the S. de R.L. de C.V. does not have one, accountants normally provide theirs.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

To obtain its tax registration, an S.A.P.I. de C.V. must have a domicile. If, upon incorporation, the S.A.P.I. de C.V. does not have one, accountants normally provide theirs.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

If accountants (or any other 3rd party) agree to provide their domicile as tax domicile of the entity, a virtual office suffices.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

If accountants (or any other 3rd party) agree to provide their domicile as tax domicile of the entity, a virtual office suffices.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

If accountants (or any other 3rd party) agree to provide their domicile as tax domicile of the entity, a virtual office suffices.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

Sufficient for tax registration.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

Sufficient for tax registration.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Sufficient for tax registration.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

Permitted; usually common.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

Permitted; usually common.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Permitted; usually common.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

Requirements for shareholders depend on the corporate purpose of the entity (certain activities have foreign investment limitations). For directors or officers, there are no specific requirements (except if the corporation grants powers of attorney to such directors or officers, in which case, to be able to exercise such powers, they are required to have a proper visa).

S. de R.L. de C.V.

Requirements for partners depend on the corporate purpose of the entity (certain activities have foreign investment limitations). For managers or officers, there are no specific requirements (except if the entity grants powers of attorney to such directors or officers, in which case, to be able to exercise such powers, they are required to have a proper visa).

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Requirements for shareholders depend on the corporate purpose of the entity (certain activities have foreign investment limitations). For directors or officers, there are no specific requirements (except if the corporation grants powers of attorney to such directors or officers, in which case, to be able to exercise such powers, they are required to have a proper visa).

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

None.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

None.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

None.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

The board of directors (as an organ, not the members individually) is elected by the shareholders and is the highest authority in the management of the corporation, governing the organization by establishing policies and objectives, provided that any shareholder or group of shareholders holding more than 25 percent of the capital stock shall have the right to appoint a director.

In contrast, officers are appointed by the board of directors or the shareholders to oversee day-to-day operations of the corporation.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

The board of managers (as an organ, not the members individually) is elected by the partners and is the highest authority in the management of the entity, governing the organization by establishing policies and objectives. In contrast, officers are appointed by the board of managers or the partners to oversee day-to-day operations of the corporation.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

The board of directors (as an organ, not the members individually) is elected by the shareholders and is the highest authority in the management of the corporation, governing the organization by establishing policies and objectives, provided that any shareholder or group of shareholders holding more than 10 percent of the capital stock shall have the right to appoint a director.

In contrast, officers are appointed by the board of directors or the shareholders to oversee day-to-day operations of the corporation.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

A summary of the organizational documents is public as the incorporation public deed shall be registered with the Public Registry of Commerce.

A shareholders’ registry must be kept and must contain: (i) each shareholder’s name, nationality and address, as well as an indication of their shares in number, series, class and any other particularity; (ii) the amount contributed to capital/invested by the shareholder in the company; and (iii) the transfer of any of the shares.

When the inscription of a shareholder in the shares’ registry book is registered, a notice must be posted in the electronic system of the Ministry of Economy (Secretaría de Economía) and will have legal effect the day after the notice is posted. The Ministry will make sure that the information regarding the shareholder´s name, nationality and address is kept confidential, with the exception of where being required by a competent authority.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

A summary of the organization documents is public as the formation public deed shall be registered with the Public Registry of Commerce.

A partners' registry book must be kept and contain (i) the partners’ name and address indicating; (ii) their contributions; and (iii) the transfer of social parts. When any of the above is registered, notice must be posted in the electronic system of the Ministry of Economy (Secretaría de Economía) and will have legal effects the day after the notice is posted. Any person that can prove legitimate interest, will be granted access to the partners registry book, which will be at the care of the administrators, and these will respond personally, and jointly and severally, of its existence and the accuracy of its content.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

A summary of the organizational documents is public as the incorporation public deed shall be registered with the Public Registry of Commerce.

A shareholders’ registry must be kept and must contain (i) each shareholder’s name, nationality and address, as well as an indication of their shares in number, series, class and any other particularity; (ii) the amount contributed to capital/invested by the shareholder in the company; and (iii) the transfer of any of the shares.

When the inscription of a shareholder in the shares’ registry book is registered, a notice must be posted in the electronic system of the Ministry of Economy (Secretaría de Economía) and will have legal effect the day after the notice is posted. The Ministry will make sure that the information regarding the shareholder´s name, nationality and address is kept confidential, with the exception of where being required by a competent authority.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

There must be a minimum of 2 shareholders and there is no maximum number. No minimum or maximum limitations for directors.

de R.L. de C.V.

There must be a minimum of 2 partners and a maximum of 50. No minimum or maximum limitation for directors.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

There must be a minimum of 2 shareholders and there is no maximum number. No minimum or maximum limitations for directors.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

2 shareholders.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

2 partners.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

2 shareholders.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

Removal of directors is allowed by a vote of the majority of the shares. However, directors appointed by shareholders or a group of shareholders holding at least 25 percent of the capital stock of the company, in exercise of such minority right, can only be removed by the shareholder or group of shareholders that appointed such director.

de R.L. de C.V.

Removal of managers is allowed by a vote of the majority of the partners (partners have one for each MXN1.00).

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Removal of directors is allowed by a vote of the majority of the shares. However, directors appointed by shareholders or group of shareholders holding at least 10 percent of the capital stock of the company, in exercise of such minority right, can only be removed by the shareholder or group of shareholders that appointed such director.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

All are optional.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

All are optional.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

All are optional.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

No legal requirement.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

No legal requirement.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

No legal requirement.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

Not necessary for incorporation. When necessary, a bank account may be opened anywhere.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

Not necessary for formation. When necessary, a bank account may be opened anywhere.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Not necessary for incorporation. When necessary, a bank account may be opened anywhere.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

Audits are required if the corporation exceeds certain thresholds determined by Mexican tax laws. Generally, the corporate books should be either kept by the corporation or the corporation’s attorneys.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

Audits are required if the entity exceeds certain thresholds determined by Mexican tax laws. Generally, the corporate books should be either kept by the entity or the entity’s attorneys.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Audits are required if the corporation exceeds certain thresholds determined by Mexican tax laws. Generally, the corporate books should be either kept by the corporation or the corporation’s attorneys.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

MXN1.00, or shares may be non-par value shares.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

MXN1.00, or a multiple of it.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

MXN1.00, or shares may be non-par value shares.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

Depends if made to the fixed part, then approval of an extraordinary shareholders meeting is required and the amendment of the bylaws; if made to the variable part, approval of an ordinary shareholders meetings is required.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

Depends if made to the fixed part, then approval of an extraordinary partners meeting is required and the amendment of the bylaws; if made to the variable part, approval of an ordinary partners meetings is required.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Depends if made to the fixed part, then approval of an extraordinary shareholders meeting is required and the amendment of the bylaws; if made to the variable part, approval of an ordinary shareholders meetings is required.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

Funds can be repatriated abroad from the US via dividends or redemption.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

Funds can be repatriated abroad from the US via dividends or redemption.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Funds can be repatriated abroad from the US via dividends or redemption.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

Shares can generally be transferred between shareholders or 3rd-parties via a written agreement, except when:

• There is a “Right of First Refusal” provision in the S.A. de C.V. bylaws or
• The company has issued “Restricted Transfer Shares” which transfer requires the approval of the board of directors.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

Partners have “Right of First Refusal” when a sale is intended to be carried out in favor of a non-partner.

Likewise, the consent of the majority of the partners is required for any equity transfer.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Shares can generally be transferred between shareholders or 3rd-parties via a written agreement, except when:

• There is a “Right of First Refusal” provision in the S.A.P.I. de C.V. bylaws or
• The company has issued “Restricted Transfer Shares” which transfer requires the approval of the board of directors.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

Proposed name shall be approved by the Ministry of Economy.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

Proposed name shall be approved by the Ministry of Economy.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Proposed name shall be approved by the Ministry of Economy.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

Required by Notary Public for incorporation purposes: filing of a questionnaire, provide proof of legal existence and powers of attorney granted by the shareholders, if applicable.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

Required by Notary Public for formation purposes: filing of a questionnaire, provide proof of legal existence and powers of attorney granted by the partners, if applicable.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Required by Notary Public for incorporation purposes: filing of a questionnaire, provide proof of legal existence and powers of attorney granted by the shareholders, if applicable.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

Through an extraordinary shareholders meeting.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

Through an extraordinary partners meeting.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Through an extraordinary shareholders meeting.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

Only for certain corporate purposes.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

Only for certain corporate purposes.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Only for certain corporate purposes.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

S.A. de C.V.

Shelf companies can be purchased but are not widely used and, since the enactment of the Mexican Anti-Money Laundering Law, we expect even fewer cases.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

Shelf companies can be purchased but are not widely used and, since the enactment of the Mexican Anti-Money Laundering Law, we expect even fewer cases.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

Shelf companies can be purchased but are not widely used and, since the enactment of the Mexican Anti-Money Laundering Law, we expect even fewer cases.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024