Question 1

What is a fideicomiso?

Accepted Answer

A fideicomiso is a Mexican bank trust that allows foreign nationals to hold beneficial title to property within Mexico's restricted zone — within 100 km of any border or 50 km of any coastline. The Mexican fiduciary bank holds legal title; the foreign buyer is the beneficiary with full rights to use, lease, improve, sell, or pass the property to heirs. Trusts are issued for 50-year terms and are renewable indefinitely. They are established only by CNBV-authorized Mexican banks under the Foreign Investment Law and BANXICO regulations.

Question 2

Which banks can issue a fideicomiso?

Accepted Answer

Only Mexican banks authorized by the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE) and BANXICO. Mexico Trust Services works with six fiduciary options: BIM (Banco Inmobiliario Mexicano), Mifel (Banco Mifel), Banorte, HSBC México, BBVA México, and a direct-deed Escritura option for properties outside the restricted zone.

Question 3

Do I need to travel to Mexico to set up a fideicomiso?

Accepted Answer

No. With a notarized and apostilled Power of Attorney (POA), Mexico Trust Services and the trustee bank can complete the entire process on your behalf without travel. Many U.S. and Canadian clients complete their fideicomiso fully remotely.

Question 4

How long does a fideicomiso take to set up?

Accepted Answer

Typical timelines run 60–120 days from application to closing, depending on the bank, the property's documentation status, and how quickly the SRE permit is issued.

Question 5

What ongoing costs does a fideicomiso have?

Accepted Answer

The main recurring cost is the annual trustee bank fee, typically $500–$700 USD per year depending on the institution and property value. Mexican property tax (predial) is a separate annual obligation.

Question 6

Where in Baja California does Mexico Trust Services operate?

Accepted Answer

We specialize in the entire Baja California restricted zone — Tijuana and Playas de Rosarito on the Pacific coast, Ensenada and the Valle de Guadalupe wine country, San Felipe and the Sea of Cortez, Mexicali, and as far south as La Paz in Baja California Sur.