Why international investors look at Mexico
Mexico combines a large domestic economy, close commercial ties with the United States and Canada, and a tourism industry that ranks among the strongest in the world. The Mexican Caribbean — Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum — receives millions of visitors each year, which sustains demand for housing, hotels, rentals and commercial space.
For investors, this translates into real assets with real demand behind them. But opportunity alone is not enough: the investors who do well in Mexico are those who understand the legal framework and work with partners who operate on the ground.
Can foreigners own property in Mexico?
Yes. Foreigners can acquire real estate in Mexico. The Constitution defines a "restricted zone" — the strip within 100 km of the borders and 50 km of the coastline — where foreigners cannot hold direct title for residential use. Nearly the entire Riviera Maya falls inside this zone.
Inside the restricted zone, foreigners acquire residential property through a bank trust (fideicomiso), with a permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The bank holds legal title as trustee while the foreign buyer, as beneficiary, keeps every right to use, rent, sell or bequeath the property. The trust is granted for up to 50 years and is renewable. For commercial purposes, a Mexican company owned by foreigners can hold title directly.
Ways to invest: buying vs. investing through a partner
There are two broad paths. The first is to buy a specific property — a condo, a lot or a commercial unit — and manage it yourself or through an administrator. The second is to invest capital alongside an experienced operator that finances and develops projects, receiving a defined return without having to run the project.
- Direct purchase: you own a specific asset; your return depends on appreciation and rental income, and you carry the management.
- Private investment with an operator: your capital is placed in projects or loans that the operator structures and supervises; you receive periodic payments under a written contract.
- Real estate lending: your capital finances developers and is secured by collateral, often held in a guarantee trust.
How investing with Dahan Capital works
Dahan Capital places investor capital in carefully selected real estate projects and in secured loans to developers. Investors can target returns of 2–3% per month and up to 16% per year, with payments made monthly or quarterly according to the option chosen in the contract.
Capital is protected by Trust-Escrowed guarantees: the assets that secure the operation are placed in a trust administered by an independent trustee, so the collateral is legally separated and cannot be freely disposed of. We work with two investor profiles — Anchor Investors, who commit capital for longer horizons, and Transitory Investors, who participate in specific operations for shorter periods.
Due diligence: what every foreign investor should verify
Whether you buy directly or invest through a partner, insist on documents and on clear answers. A serious operator will welcome these questions.
- Title and registry: the property must appear in the Public Property Registry, free of liens or with liens clearly disclosed.
- Permits: construction licenses, land use and environmental authorization for developments.
- The structure of the guarantee: who holds the collateral, in which trust, and under what conditions it can be executed.
- The contract: amount, term, return, payment frequency, exit conditions and applicable jurisdiction — all in writing.
- The team: who operates locally, what projects they have completed, and how they report to investors.
Taxes and moving money
Funds are usually transferred by international wire to a Mexican bank account in the name of the trust, the company or the notary handling the operation. Keep every receipt: they prove the legal origin of your funds and are required for compliance.
Tax treatment depends on your country of residence and on the type of income (interest, rent or capital gain). Mexico has tax treaties with many countries, including the United States, Canada, Italy, Israel and the Czech Republic, designed to avoid double taxation. Always confirm your situation with a tax advisor in your home country.
