What Foreigners Cannot Do in Mexico: Politics, Land and Jobs
Residents enjoy the same basic rights as Mexicans, with a handful of exceptions written into the Constitution and federal laws. The limits on politics, property and work, article by article.
Foreigners in Mexico have the same human rights as Mexicans, with three main limits in the Constitution: no involvement in political affairs (Article 33), no direct land ownership within 100 kilometers of a border or 50 kilometers of a beach (Article 27), and some jobs reserved for Mexicans by birth (Article 32).
What does Article 33 say about foreigners and politics?
Article 33 of the Constitution says foreigners “may not in any way involve themselves in the country’s political affairs.” The same article says foreigners enjoy the human rights and guarantees the Constitution recognizes, and that the federal executive may expel a foreigner after a hearing, under a procedure set by law.
Other articles reserve specific political rights to citizens:
- Voting and running for office are rights of citizens under Article 35.
- Forming or joining associations to take part in the country’s political affairs is limited to citizens by Article 9.
- Petitioning the authorities on political matters is limited to citizens by Article 8.
The Constitution does not list which acts count as political involvement, so the line is not always clear. Foreigners take part freely in cultural, religious, professional and community life, and Article 9 protects peaceful assembly for any lawful purpose. Joining marches about Mexican politics, speaking at political rallies or funding campaigns can expose a foreigner to immigration consequences.
Can foreigners own property in Mexico?
Yes, with conditions that depend on location. Article 27 lets the state grant foreigners the right to acquire land if they agree with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) to be treated as Mexican nationals for that property and not to ask their own government for protection over it. Breaking that agreement means losing the property to the nation.
Inside a strip of 100 kilometers along the borders and 50 kilometers along the coasts, called the restricted zone (zona restringida), foreigners may not own land directly under any circumstances. Mexico City lies far outside that strip, so foreign residents can buy property in the capital in their own name.
How does a fideicomiso work in the restricted zone?
A bank trust (fideicomiso) lets a foreigner use and benefit from residential property in the restricted zone without owning it outright. Under the Foreign Investment Law (Ley de Inversión Extranjera), a Mexican bank holds title as trustee, with the foreign buyer as beneficiary, and the SRE must issue a permit for the trust.
| Location | How a foreign individual can hold residential property | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| Outside the restricted zone (including Mexico City) | Direct ownership, after agreeing to the Article 27 terms with the SRE | Constitution Art. 27; Foreign Investment Law Art. 10-A |
| Within 100 km of a border or 50 km of a coast | Bank trust with an SRE permit, for up to 50 years, renewable | Constitution Art. 27; Foreign Investment Law Arts. 11 and 13 |
According to the SRE’s page on trust permits, the bank’s trust officer files the application, and the permit covers residential use for a maximum of 50 years. The Foreign Investment Law allows the trust to be extended at the beneficiary’s request. A notary (notario público) handles the purchase deed in every case.
Which jobs are reserved for Mexicans?
Article 32 reserves certain posts for Mexicans by birth:
- Service in the permanent armed forces, the police and public security forces in peacetime, and in the National Guard.
- Captains, pilots, engineers, mechanics and in general all crew of ships and aircraft flying the Mexican merchant flag.
- Harbor masters, maritime pilotage services and airport commanders.
- Any office for which the Constitution or another federal law requires Mexican birth.
The same article says Mexicans are preferred over foreigners, all else being equal, for government concessions and for public jobs where citizenship is not required.
Are there limits on foreigners in private companies?
Yes. Article 7 of the Federal Labor Law requires every employer to hire at least 90% Mexican workers. Technical and professional staff must be Mexican, unless there are none in a given specialty; then the employer may hire foreigners temporarily, up to 10% of that specialty, and must train Mexican workers. Company doctors must be Mexican. The rule does not apply to directors, administrators and general managers.
Separately, a foreigner needs an immigration status that allows paid work. Temporary residents need a work permit tied to a job offer, while permanent residents may work. Our guide to working remotely in Mexico legally explains how this applies to remote workers and freelancers.
What other rights do foreign residents have?
Outside these limits, residents have broad rights: they can open bank accounts, sign leases, start companies, use public courts, enroll children in school and get public healthcare through IMSS where eligible. Permanent residents can apply for naturalization after the required years, which removes most of the limits above; those that need Mexican birth stay closed. Our page on permanent residency requirements covers the routes to that status.
Residents also carry obligations, such as telling the National Migration Institute about a change of address within 90 days; see our guide to INM change notifications. This page summarizes the Constitution and federal laws and is not legal advice; an immigration lawyer or notario can advise on a specific case.
Bottom line
Stay out of Mexican party politics, including campaign events and political protests, and keep your immigration paperwork current. If you plan to buy property near a coast or border, budget for a bank trust and an SRE permit; in Mexico City, a notary can handle a direct purchase.
FAQ
Can a foreigner be deported for joining a protest in Mexico?
Article 33 bars foreigners from political affairs and allows expulsion after a hearing, so taking part in political protests is a legal risk. How the rule applies depends on the facts, and an immigration lawyer can advise on a specific situation.
Can foreign residents vote in Mexican elections?
No. Voting is a right of Mexican citizens under Article 35 of the Constitution. A foreigner who becomes a naturalized Mexican citizen can vote.
Can foreigners buy a house in Mexico City?
Yes. Mexico City is outside the restricted zone, so a foreign buyer can hold title directly after agreeing to the Article 27 terms with the SRE. The purchase goes through a notary.
How long does a fideicomiso last?
The SRE grants residential trust permits in the restricted zone for up to 50 years. The Foreign Investment Law lets the beneficiary request an extension.