INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE IN MEXICO

Mexico offers foreign investors an attractive investment opportunity in an economy that is undergoing dramatic improvement and growth. Let us help you with your strategy to minimize your tax burden for capital gains, secure profitable investments and look after your financial well being. Following the country's inability in 1982 to service its escalating foreign debt, Mexico introduced structural changes in its economy designed to move the country toward an open economy with more direct foreign investment. Among the most significant changes were (1) Mexico's accession to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, (2) a government willing to work with the International Monetary Fund and other sources to restructure the country's foreign debt, (3) the liberalization of policies concerning foreign ownership of Mexican companies, and (4) the encouragement of tourism development.

In an effort to promote foreign investment, including investment in real estate, Mexico enacted new regulations designed to relax the restriction on foreign investment, which formerly limited foreign ownership of Mexican companies to 49 percent. Under the new regulations, foreign investor's can now own up to 100 percent of a large number of enterprises, including hotel companies, development companies, etc. without prior authorization from the Foreign Investment Commission. Thus, foreign investors in these enterprises have been put on equal footing with local investors and are no longer required to engage a Mexican investment partner.

The Mexican Federal Corporate Income Tax ranges from 25 to 38 percent. Provisions in the income tax code have also been established to offset the detrimental effects of inflation on monetary assets and liabilities, inventories and assets that can be depreciated.

Mexico will continue to offer foreign investors close proximity to the world's largest market, a solid communications infrastructure, ample supplies of energy, low labor costs, and skilled and trainable labor resources. The liberalization of the foreign investment rules is a clear indication of the very favorable attitude the government has taken towards foreign investment. The combination of a rapidly improving economy and stable profitable base foretell and excellent ongoing investment environment.

The Mexican government has stated that it aims to double the number of foreign tourist arrivals into Mexico, representing foreign exchange revenue of $5 billion plus annually. A key to achieving the government's goal of ten million visitors a year is to develop new tourist destinations with modern facilities and infrastructure. The Los Cabos region is a priority area for this targeted growth.