Can Foreigners Buy Property in Mexico? A Simple Explanation
For many international buyers interested in property in La Paz, one question comes up almost immediately:
Can foreigners legally buy property in Mexico?
The answer is yes — and this isn’t a loophole or a workaround. Foreign property ownership in Mexico is clearly defined by law, regulated by the federal government, and used by thousands of international buyers every year.
Here’s how it works, explained simply and backed by official sources.
Yes, Foreigners Can Buy Property in Mexico
Mexico explicitly allows foreigners to purchase real estate, including residential property.
According to official guidance from the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores), foreign individuals may legally acquire property in Mexico under established legal frameworks.
In most parts of the country, foreigners can hold direct title ownership, just like Mexican citizens. However, special rules apply in certain geographic areas — particularly coastal zones.
Source: Mexican Consulate – Acquisition of Properties in Mexico
What Is the “Restricted Zone”?
Under Article 27 of the Mexican Constitution, foreign individuals cannot hold direct title to land located:
Within 50 kilometers (31 miles) of the coastline
Within 100 kilometers (62 miles) of international borders
This area is known as the restricted zone and applies to much of Mexico’s coastal real estate, including properties in and around La Paz.
Source: Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores – Restricted Zone & Fideicomiso Permits
These restrictions are constitutional — but they do not prevent foreigners from owning property there.
How Foreigners Buy Property in the Restricted Zone: The Fideicomiso
To legally purchase property in the restricted zone, foreigners use a structure called a fideicomiso, or bank trust.
A fideicomiso is a legal arrangement authorized by the Mexican government in which:
A Mexican bank holds the title in trust
The foreign buyer is the beneficial owner
The buyer has full legal rights to:
Use the property
Sell it
Rent it
Transfer it to heirs
This structure exists specifically to comply with Article 27 while allowing foreign investment. It is regulated and approved by the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE).
Source: SRE – Fideicomiso Authorization
The fideicomiso is the standard, government-approved method for foreign ownership of coastal property and has been in use for decades.
Do All Properties Require a Fideicomiso?
No.
If a property is located outside the restricted zone, foreigners may acquire direct title ownership without a fideicomiso.
This distinction is clearly outlined in legal guidance on foreign property acquisition.
Source: Mexican Property Aquisition
Because La Paz is a coastal city, most residential properties of interest to international buyers will fall within the restricted zone and therefore require a fideicomiso.
A Clear, Legal Path to Ownership
Foreigners can absolutely buy property in Mexico — and many do so successfully every year.
The legal framework is defined, regulated, and supported by federal authorities. Once buyers understand the basics, the focus shifts from whether ownership is possible to which property best fits their goals.
If you have questions about ownership structure or specific listings, reviewing condos and their amenities or reaching out through the contact page is a practical next step.
Why This Matters for Buyers in La Paz
La Paz continues to attract international buyers looking for:
Coastal living
Walkable neighborhoods
Long-term livability
A calm alternative to more saturated resort markets
Understanding how foreign ownership works allows buyers to move forward with clarity and confidence when evaluating available condos for sale in La Paz or comparing different properties and locations.
