If you're a foreigner and need to register with Mexico's Federal Taxpayer Registry (RFC), the 2025 Miscellaneous Tax Resolution (RMF 2025) outlines the specific requirements. In this article, we explain the steps and documents needed, based on the official procedure file.
1. Are Foreigners Required to Register for the RFC?
According to the RMF 2025, foreigners who need to register for an RFC may include:
- Residents in Mexico with legal temporary or permanent immigration status.
- Foreign individuals who will carry out economic activities in Mexico, including:
- Those with a work permit.
- Individuals planning to open a business or become partners in a Mexican company.
- Foreign minors with legal representatives (eg, parents or guardians), who may be registered through them.
- Foreign individuals who need an RFC to comply with specific tax obligations, such as investing in real estate or opening bank accounts.
Depending on your immigration status and the activities you plan to carry out, the required documents may vary.
2. General Requirements for RFC Registration (Foreigners)
To register for the RFC, you must schedule an appointment through the SAT portal: https://citas.sat.gob.mx and present the following at a SAT office:
Valid immigration document (as listed in Annex 1-A of RMF 2025):
- Humanitarian visitor card
- Temporary resident card
- Permanent resident card
- Border worker visitor card
Proof of address in Mexico (as listed in Annex 1-A of RMF 2025), such as:
- Utility bills (electricity, water, telephone) or lease agreement
- If you're a Mexican by birth but live abroad, a Third-Generation Consular ID may be accepted
- Other accepted documents listed in Annex 1-A
Note: Some proof of address documents do not need to be in the taxpayer's name, which helps foreigners who do not yet have property or service contracts in Mexico.
Document proving legal representation (if applicable):
- Notarized legal documents with witnesses and certified signatures
For foreign minors, also required:
- Birth certificate from the civil registry or equivalent from their country of origin
- Valid ID of the parent or guardian representing the minor
- Legal document proving parental rights or guardianship (if not the biological parents)
3. RFC for Foreigners Without a Work Permit
If you have a Temporary Residency without a work permit, the SAT may issue an RFC with limitations:
- You cannot issue invoices or engage in economic activities
- It is primarily used to open bank accounts or report investments in Mexico
If you later wish to operate a business or invoice, you must change your immigration status to a Temporary Residency with a work permit.
4. RFC for Foreigners With a Work Permit
If you have Temporary Residency with a work permit and will carry out economic activities in Mexico, you may register as an individual with business activity. This allows you to:
- Issue invoices (CFDI)
- Open a business
- Hire employees
- Fulfill tax obligations in Mexico
In addition to the general requirements, you must also provide:
- Employer Registration Certificate (CIE) if you're being hired by a company
- Articles of incorporation and RFC of the company if you are a partner or shareholder
5. Final Thoughts on the RFC for Foreigners
Registering for the RFC as a foreigner in Mexico depends on your immigration status and the economic activity you plan to perform. If you're a resident without a work permit, you may obtain an RFC for limited tax purposes. However, if you plan to work or run a business, you'll need to update your immigration status before registering as an active taxpayer.
If you need assistance with this process, Tax ID Mexico can help you manage your RFC registration and guide you in setting up your business in Mexico.
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