Best Investment & Business Structuring Lawyers in Reynosa

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De Hoyos Aviles
Reynosa, Mexico

Founded in 1964
50 people in their team
English
De Hoyos y Aviles is a Mexican Law Firm founded in 1964. Its partners have an overall experience of at least twenty years working on real estate and commercial transactions, M&A, and/or complex litigation cases. The firm's partners have an international profile; part of their daily practice is...
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1. About Investment & Business Structuring Law in Reynosa, Mexico

Investment and business structuring law in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, combines federal regulation with local requirements. Foreign and domestic investors must navigate corporate formation rules, registration of foreign investment, and permits issued by municipal authorities. The framework emphasizes transparency, taxation, and compliance with sector restrictions that apply to cross-border activity between Reynosa and the United States.

The core federal pillars include the Ley de Inversión Extranjera (Foreign Investment Law) and its Reglamento, which govern foreign participation in Mexican businesses. Companies typically choose between corporate forms such as Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable (SA de CV) or Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada de Capital Variable (SRL de CV). Local permits, including land-use and operating permissions, complement national rules to enable lawful operation in Reynosa.

Compliance efforts often involve registration of foreign investment with the Registro Nacional de Inversión Extranjera (RNIE), corporate governance formalities, tax registrations, and local licensing. Given Reynosa’s position as a border city with significant maquiladora and distribution activity, timely compliance reduces delays in starting operations and helps protect ownership structures. Government portals provide the official texts, forms, and procedural steps investors need to follow.

Foreign investment in Mexico is regulated by the Ley de Inversión Extranjera and its Reglamento, with registration managed by the Registro Nacional de Inversión Extranjera.
The RNIE is the official registry for foreign investment in Mexico and is administered by the Secretaría de Economía.

Sources: Secretaría de Economía and official government publications confirm these cores of the framework. For authoritative texts and procedures, consult the federal legal portals below.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

  • Planning cross-border investment structures - If a U.S. or European company wants to establish a Mexican subsidiary in Reynosa, an attorney helps decide whether to form an SA de CV or SRL de CV and ensures the equity, control, and voting rights align with the investor’s goals while meeting regulatory limits.
  • Registering foreign investment with RNIE - Foreign capital additions, changes in ownership, or new branches must be registered with RNIE. A lawyer guides the filings, ensures timely updates, and avoids penalties for non-disclosure.
  • Complying with sectoral restrictions and prior authorizations - Some activities require authorization from the Secretaría de Economía before foreign participation exceeds thresholds. An attorney helps determine applicability and coordinates the approval process.
  • Structuring joint ventures and minority protections - When forming a JV with a Mexican partner in Reynosa, a lawyer drafts shareholder agreements, aligns corporate governance with LGSM requirements, and protects minority interests.
  • Municipal licensing and land-use approvals - Local permits such as Licencia de Funcionamiento and Uso de Suelo require precise documentation and timing. A local attorney navigates municipal processes to avoid delays.
  • Corporate maintenance and ongoing compliance - Businesses must stay current on corporate filings, tax registrations, and annual minutes. A lawyer sets up a schedule, deadlines, and responsible officers to stay compliant.

3. Local Laws Overview

The following laws and regulations govern Investment & Business Structuring in Reynosa at federal and local levels. They influence choice of entity, ownership, governance, and regulatory compliance for companies operating in Reynosa.

Ley de Inversión Extranjera (Foreign Investment Law)

The Ley de Inversión Extranjera regulates foreign participation in Mexican economic activities and sectors, including where foreign ownership is permitted or restricted. It also establishes the RNIE as the official registry for foreign investment and outlines procedures for notifying and obtaining approvals when necessary. The law is implemented by its Reglamento, detailing filing requirements, sectoral thresholds, and authorities involved. Practitioners must consult the latest text in the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF) for current scope and triggers.

Reglamento de la Ley de Inversión Extranjera

The Reglamento provides the procedural rules for applying the LIE in practice. It covers notification timelines, forms, required documentation, and the process for obtaining or waiving prior authorization in restricted sectors. In Reynosa, this regulation affects projects with foreign capital and cross-border supply chains. Updates in recent years have aimed to streamline online filings and clarify responsibilities across agencies.

Ley General de Sociedades Mercantiles (LGSM)

The LGSM governs formation, administration, and dissolution of corporations and partnerships in Mexico. It sets rules for corporate acts, corporate governance, capital structure, and shareholder rights. For Reynosa-based businesses, LGSM provisions affect how a Mexican subsidiary is structured, how share capital is allocated, and how boards and officers are appointed and replaced. Municipalities may require corporate documentation to align with local licensing processes.

Recent administrative updates in the 2020s emphasize digital filings and enhanced transparency in corporate records. Investors should verify that corporate documentation matches LGSM requirements and that notaries and public registries properly reflect changes.

Mexico's investment framework relies on a clear separation between corporate structure and investment ownership, with formalities that protect both local authorities and investors.

Sources: Official texts and government guidance on foreign investment and corporate law. For current versions, consult the Diario Oficial de la Federación and the Secretaría de Economía portal.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of the RNIE in Reynosa investments?

The RNIE is the official registry for foreign investment in Mexico. It requires registration for new foreign investments and updates for any changes in ownership. Registration helps authorities monitor compliance with national policy.

How do I choose between SA de CV and SRL de CV in Reynosa?

The choice depends on ownership structure, capital needs, and governance preferences. SA de CV supports multiple shareholders and tends to suit larger ventures; SRL de CV suits smaller partnerships with fewer owners.

What documents are needed to form a Mexican company in Reynosa?

You typically need a notarized acta constitutiva, a Mexican tax registration, an official Mexican address, and identification for the founders. Local licenses may require additional zoning and operating documents.

How long does it take to obtain municipal licenses in Reynosa?

Do I need a local attorney to handle Reynosa filings?

Yes. Local attorneys understand municipal requirements, notary processes, and county or state nuances. They help reduce delays by coordinating with the correct offices and presiding officials.

What is the difference between a branch and a subsidiary for foreign investors?

A branch operates as an extension of the foreign company, while a subsidiary is a Mexican-registered local entity. Local liability and regulatory treatment can differ, and a subsidiary is usually preferred for clearer local governance.

Do foreign investors face any sector restrictions in Reynosa?

Some sectors require prior authorization from the Secretaría de Economía before foreigners can hold certain ownership percentages. An attorney assesses sector-specific requirements and coordinates approvals.

How much does it cost to register foreign investment in Mexico?

Costs vary by filing type, required services, and whether local or federal authorities are involved. A lawyer can provide a precise estimate after reviewing your structure and filings.

What is the typical timeline to set up a Mexican company for a border-based project?

Timeline depends on document readiness and approvals. Formation, RNIE registration, tax registrations, and municipal permits can span 6 to 14 weeks in common cases.

Is it possible to convert an existing local business into a Mexican subsidiary?

Yes. A local company can spin off into or become a Mexican subsidiary with proper corporate amendments, notarization, and registry filings. A lawyer coordinates the necessary steps and timelines.

Should I consider a joint venture with a Mexican partner in Reynosa?

Joint ventures can provide local market access and shared risk. A lawyer drafts a detailed shareholder agreement, aligns governance with LGSM, and ensures protection of minority interests.

5. Additional Resources

6. Next Steps

  1. Define your investment objective and select the optimal entity type for Reynosa (SA de CV or SRL de CV). Timeline: 1-2 weeks.
  2. Engage a Reynosa-based attorney with experience in foreign investment, corporate law, and local permitting. Schedule a kickoff meeting to review documents. Timeline: 1 week.
  3. Prepare corporate documents, including estatuto and acta constitutiva, and arrange notarial execution for registration. Timeline: 1-3 weeks depending on notary availability.
  4. Assess whether RNIE registration is required for your investment and begin the filing process with Secretaría de Economía. Timeline: 1-4 weeks after corporate documents are ready.
  5. Register for tax and payroll obligations with SAT, and align with local municipal licenses and Uso de Suelo requirements. Timeline: 2-6 weeks, depending on the complexity of filings.
  6. Apply for municipal permits in Reynosa (Licencia de Funcionamiento, Uso de Suelo) and coordinate with the Ayuntamiento. Timeline: 2-8 weeks depending on approvals.
  7. Draft and finalize all agreements for governance, ownership, and strategic operations; ensure compliance with LGSM and applicable regulations. Timeline: parallel with registration steps; ongoing updates as needed.

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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.

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