Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Investment and business structuring in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, operates under federal Mexican law with important state and municipal overlays. Foreign investment is welcome in most sectors, but ownership rules vary by asset type and location. Beachfront and near-coast properties are subject to land ownership rules that require specific structures, such as fideicomisos (trusts) or Mexican corporate ownership through a local entity.
The core federal framework includes the Ley de Inversión Extranjera (Foreign Investment Law) and the Ley General de Sociedades Mercantiles (General Law of Corporate Entities), which shape how businesses are formed, owned, and operated in Mexico. Local permits, zoning, and building codes come from the Guerrero state authorities and the Zihuatanejo de Azueta municipality, affecting every commercial venture from hotels to restaurants. In practice, most hotel developers and real estate investors engage local counsel to navigate both federal and municipal requirements.
For land and property, foreigners cannot directly own land within restricted zones near the coast or borders; these assets are typically held through a bank fideicomiso or via a Mexican-registered corporation. This structure requires coordination with a Mexican fiduciary (trustee) bank and alignment with the foreign investment framework. Advisers often tailor a layered structure to balance ownership, control, and tax considerations.
Key functions of a lawyer in this field include advising on entity selection, compliance with foreign investment rules, coast-area land arrangements, environmental permitting, and interaction with local authorities for permits and licenses. The goal is to create a compliant, tax-efficient structure that aligns with the investor’s business plan in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo.
Source: Secretaría de Economía - Ley de Inversión Extranjera. https://www.gob.mx/se/acciones-y-programas/inversion-extranjera
Source: Diario Oficial de la Federación - Ley General de Sociedades Mercantiles y normativa relacionada. https://www.dof.gob.mx
Source: Diario Oficial de la Federación - Ley General del Equilibrio Ecológico y Protección al Ambiente. https://www.dof.gob.mx
Investors in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo frequently require legal counsel to structure ownership and meet regulatory requirements. The following real-world scenarios illustrate where a lawyer adds value.
The legal framework affecting Investment & Business Structuring in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo spans federal statutes and local regulations. Here are 2-3 key laws and how they apply locally.
Ley de Inversión Extranjera (Foreign Investment Law) governs foreign participation in Mexican business activities and land ownership in restricted zones. It sets the mechanisms for foreigners to acquire rights through fideicomisos or Mexican-registered entities and outlines supervisory and regulatory requirements. Investors frequently rely on local counsel to design compliant ownership structures for real estate and operations near the coast. In force since 1993; regulations and interpretations are updated periodically.
Ley General de Sociedades Mercantiles (General Law of Corporate Entities) provides the framework for forming and operating Mexican companies such as S A de C V and S de RL. It covers corporate governance, shareholder rights, and filing obligations with the Registro Público de Comercio. This law is central to establishing a business presence in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and across Guerrero. Vigente with multiple reforms over the decades.
Ley General del Equilibrio Ecológico y Protección al Ambiente (LGEEPA) governs environmental protection and sustainable development. Projects with environmental impact require permits and assessments, which involve SEMARNAT and local environmental authorities. The LGEEPA framework shapes whether a development project proceeds, pauses, or requires redesign. Enacted in 1988; subject to ongoing updates.
In Guerrero and Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, you will also encounter local zoning and permit processes. Municipal licenses, construction permits, and land-use approvals come from the Zihuatanejo de Azueta government and the Guerrero state authorities. Coordination with the municipal planning office and the state environmental agency is typically essential for timely project progress.
Practical note: foreigners investing in hotel or tourism-related ventures must account for coastal land ownership rules under the LIE and ensure approvals from SEMARNAT for environmental compliance. Always confirm current regulatory requirements with a local attorney before committing to a structure.
The Foreign Investment Law governs foreign participation and ownership structures in restricted zones. It allows ownership through fideicomisos or Mexican corporations, with oversight by the federal government. Local counsel helps adapt the structure to your project and ensure ongoing compliance.
Foreigners use a bank fideicomiso or form a Mexican company to own property near the coast. The bank acts as trustee, while the beneficiary holds beneficial rights. This arrangement complies with the LIE and is common for resort projects and beachfront purchases.
A fideicomiso is a trust with a Mexican bank as fiduciary. It is used to hold ownership of coastal land for foreigners or foreign-controlled entities. It provides control through the beneficiary and can include rights to use, lease, and develop the land.
Forming a Mexican S A de C V typically takes 2-6 weeks, depending on document readiness and due diligence. The process includes drafting the bylaws, registering with the RPP, and obtaining an RFC from SAT.
Yes. A local lawyer familiar with Guerrero rules helps navigate federal and municipal requirements. They coordinate with notaries, the Registro Público de Comercio, and local authorities to avoid delays.
Typical permits include a construction license from the municipality, land-use or zoning approval, and an environmental permit or EIA if required. SEMARNAT and local authorities coordinate on environmental compliance.
Costs vary by project complexity and firm level. Basic entity formation may start around several thousand USD, while complex cross-border structures and due diligence can be higher. A fixed or capped retainer is common.
A trust provides control and use rights without title, often used for coastal land. A corporation offers ownership via shares and a more formal governance structure. The choice depends on asset type, financing, and tax considerations.
Most businesses require registration with SAT for tax purposes and to obtain the RFC. Even small operations should have proper tax registration to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with reporting requirements.
Environmental permits can take 1-6 months or more, depending on project scale and agency workload. Larger developments typically require a formal EIA process and risk delays if information is incomplete.
Construction permits generally take 2-8 weeks after submission, subject to zoning confirmation and permit readiness. Delays may occur if environmental or land-use issues arise.
Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Investment & Business Structuring, experience, and client feedback.
Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.
Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Mexico — quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.
