Owning Real Estate in Mexico as a Foreigner

Owning property in Mexico is not just possible for foreigners — it's common, secure, and well-established. Millions of Americans, Canadians, and Europeans currently own real estate in Mexico through a government-authorized structure called the Fideicomiso (bank trust), backed by decades of Mexican law.

What is it?

Under Mexican law, foreigners cannot hold direct title to property within 50km of the coastline. Instead, title is held through a Fideicomiso — a bank trust issued by a licensed Mexican financial institution authorized by the government.

A major Mexican bank holds the legal title as your institutional partner, while you retain full beneficial rights. You control the property entirely. The annual fee to maintain the trust is reasonable — a small price for the legal protection it provides.

Your Institutional Partner

Banks like BBVA, Scotiabank, Banamex, and Banorte serve as trustees for hundreds of thousands of foreign-owned properties across Mexico. Your ownership is backed by one of the most regulated, well-capitalized institutions in the country.

Inheritance

When you set up the trust, you designate beneficiaries. If you pass away, the property transfers directly and automatically to your designated beneficiary — no will required, no probate, no title change. The bank simply recognizes the next beneficiary in line. Simpler and faster than inheritance in most US states.

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