The short answer
Yes. Foreigners can buy homes in Mexico City and own them directly, in their own name. Mexico's Constitution only limits direct foreign ownership in the "restricted zone": land within 100 km of the borders and 50 km of the coast. Mexico City is well outside it.
No fideicomiso needed in CDMX
You may have heard that foreigners must buy through a bank trust, a fideicomiso. That applies in the restricted zone, for example on the coast in places like Puerto Escondido or Tulum. In Mexico City there is no trust and no yearly trust fee; the deed is in your name.
What you do sign is a short agreement with Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), under Article 27 of the Constitution and the Foreign Investment Law: you agree to be treated as a Mexican national for that property and not to ask your own government to intervene over it. The notary usually prepares and files it for you as part of the closing.
The notario does the closing
There is no US-style escrow or title company. The closing is handled by a notario público, a government-appointed lawyer who:
- checks the title, any debts or liens, and that property tax and water bills are paid;
- confirms the seller's identity and their right to sell;
- documents where your money comes from, as anti-money-laundering law requires;
- calculates and collects the taxes, and registers the new deed in the Public Property Registry.
You can choose the notary. A bilingual notary, or a certified translator at the signing, is a good idea if your Spanish isn't strong.
What it costs to close
Plan for roughly 6 to 8% of the price in closing costs, paid by the buyer. That covers:
- Acquisition tax (ISAI): Mexico City's property transfer tax, on a progressive scale. It is based on the highest of the price, the official cadastral value or the appraisal.
- Notary fees for the deed.
- Appraisal (avalúo) and certificates.
- Registration of the deed.
On a US$300,000 apartment, that is about US$18,000 to $24,000 on top of the price. After you buy, the yearly property tax (predial) is usually far lower than in the US, and most buildings charge a monthly maintenance fee.
How the money moves
- Pay by bank transfer, on the notary's instructions. Cash payments for property above about 941,000 pesos are illegal, and many notaries refuse cash entirely.
- Send funds from an account in your own name, and keep the statements and any loan papers. The notary will ask for them.
- Prices are in pesos. Lock in your exchange rate once the price is agreed.
What to have ready
- Valid passport and your Mexican immigration document (visitor permit or resident card).
- Mexican tax ID (RFC) if you have one; the notary will advise.
- If married: marriage certificate, apostilled and translated by a certified translator.
- Proof of address, your home-country tax number, and proof of where the funds come from.
A typical timeline
Once you agree on a price, you sign an offer or promise of sale and pay a deposit to hold the home. The notary then reviews everything, and a cash purchase typically closes in 30 to 60 days.
Planning to borrow against assets at home? Our free financing guide walks through each option and what it costs in 2026. For neighborhoods, start with Condesa vs Roma Norte.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Your notary confirms the details for your purchase.