The RFC or Federal Taxpayers Registry is a unique registration code that identifies every person who carries out an economic activity in Mexico where taxes are collected or have to be paid to the SAT (the Mexican equivalent of the IRS).
As of 2023, the SAT requires all Mexican citizens and residents over 16 to obtain one. Even if you don’t plan to run a business or work in Mexico. SAT is the equivalent of the IRS if you’re from the USA or the CRA if you’re from Canada.
Why is this significant?
This measure was enacted to combat money laundering and develop a method to ensure that the proper taxes are collected from businesses and the general population through SAT, which is Servicio de Administración Tributaria. SAT is the equivalent of the Internal Revenue Service in the US or the Canada Revenue Agency in Canada.
If you are a Mexican business, all purchases of materials and supplies must be made on a FACTURA, which is a generated tax document. As part of this change, a new FACTURA system called FACTURA 4.0 will be going into effect, requiring businesses to obtain and use each client’s RFC or face monetary penalties.
Who’s eligible for an RFC number?
Any person living in Mexico who is over the age of 16 and plans to either earn an income or be involved in financial scenarios such as:
- Opening a bank account
- Paying taxes
- Setting up utilities with the purpose of being able to use it as a tax deduction,
- Buying a new car from a dealership
- Selling property in Mexico
- As of 2023, it is required by law to have an RFC if you’re a resident or national buying property in Mexico.
When You Need an RFC
As of 2022, the Mexican government has made it mandatory that anyone over 16 who lives in Mexico, regardless of whether they plan to pay taxes or not, has to apply for an RFC. This means that even temporary and permanent residents are required to apply.
The law went into effect because there was a problem with the previous system, making it too easy to make counterfeit tax receipts, and there was a lot of fiscal identity theft. They changed the way “facturas,” or tax receipts, are issued by companies to make it harder for criminals to falsify these receipts.
Some of the reasons you will need an RFC include:
- Working in Mexico
- Buying a property
- Submitting “facturas” when you sell a home in Mexico to avoid capital gains
- Opening a bank account in Mexico
- Buying a car from a dealership
- Setting up new utilities with the CFE or other
Now a lot of you will never need an RFC in Mexico. Especially if you rent and your utilities are in your landlord’s name. Or if you never have a bank account in Mexico. Or if you never plan on buying a new car from a dealership. Most expats moving to Mexico will never work for a Mexican employer and, therefore, will never have a tax liability. However, I still think it’s a good idea to obtain yours.
You will also need an RFC when you form a corporation and run a business in Mexico.
Many medical procedures will not be reimbursed UNLESS You have a factura or official receipt for which you NEED an RFC.
Capital Gains Exemptions Allowed
A one-time tax allowance exemption is available under Article 92, Fraction XIX of Mexican income tax law, which reduces the tax liability up to every two years for many family homes.
Although you and the property must meet certain criteria to qualify for the exemption:
- You must be resident in Mexico* with a Mexican tax ID (known as an RFC, or Registro Federal de Contribuyentes) and
- The property you’re selling must be your primary residence, and
- You can prove you have been living in Mexico 183 days out of the recent year
- The land subject to the sale must not exceed three times the size of the construction on that land (measured in square meters), and
- You can only claim this exemption once every three years.
So, if you plan to get this tax exemption for capital gains on your home, you need an RFC. When you get your RFC, you check the correct motive for the RFC to be used for tax purposes.
However, this tax exemption is not automatically taken into account. Your Notario or Notary will decide if you qualify for this deduction.
Here’s a rewritten version of the text in your own words:
How to Schedule Your Appointment Online
- Go to https://citas.sat.gob.mx/ and click on “Registrar Cita” to begin.
- Choose the option “Inscripción al padrón de contribuyentes Personas Físicas.”
- Fill in the required details, including your CURP number, full name (as it appears on your resident card), email address, and email confirmation. Then, click “SIGUIENTE.”
Note: You can print your CURP at https://www.gob.mx/curp/. - On the next page, use the drop-down menus to make your selections:
- SERVICIOS: Choose “Inscripción en el RFC de Personas Físicas.”
- Distrito Federativo: Select your state of residence.
- Módulo: Pick the SAT office and town closest to you.
- The system will inform you that in-person visits are unavailable, and you’ll need to join a Fila Virtual (virtual queue).
- Click Fila Virtual to proceed.
- A security token will be sent to your email. Retrieve the token, enter it in the box, and click Reenviar. (to resend)
- You’ll see a confirmation screen indicating your position in the virtual queue. Keep an eye on your email for updates about available appointment slots.
To check your queue status, log back into the website and select CONSULTAR CITA. (consult your appointment)
In-Person Appointment Process
If you’d prefer to complete the process in person or through a representative, you’ll first need to schedule an appointment with the SAT. When attending your appointment, bring the following items:
- Official ID
- Proof of address
- USB flash drive
Additional documents may be required depending on the system’s instructions when scheduling your appointment. Make sure to follow any specific requests provided during the process.
For Citizens of Mexico
Recently, SAT announced the ability for citizens of Mexico who are “personas fisicas,” or individuals who are not businesses, to obtain their RFC without having to step foot in the SAT offices.
The process still requires making an appointment, but the difference is you will upload all of the required information and complete the process online. The process is not instant; you will still need to log in virtually after your information has been reviewed and you receive the time and date to log in and complete the process. There is no timeline mentioned for how long this takes.
ONLINE RFC REGISTRATION APPLICATION FOR INDIVIDUALS (persona fisica)
1. Request an appointment on the citas.sat.gob.mx site or in the ‘Register appointment’ section. You can use Google Translate to translate the page to English.
2. Fill in the required data, such as name, CURP, and email.
3. Select the option ‘Virtual Office’ as the Federal Entity and Module.
4. Enter the token that is sent to the email you provided.
5. Send the required documentation by email or through ‘Consult/Manage appointment.’
6. On the day of the appointment, log in virtually to complete the procedure
Cons of Getting an RFC Online
Obtaining an RFC online is a huge plus for expats who don’t live in Mexico full-time or for those who aren’t planning to make any changes to SAT in the future, such as changing their address or their fiscal classification.
HOWEVER
There is a downside to obtaining your RFC online. You will not be able to set up an e-Firma. Your E-Firma is a biometric that can only be set up in person at the SAT offices. Without your E-firma, you cannot make any changes with SAT regarding your address or change your fiscal status in the future.
We still think obtaining it online is a great option, and we’re glad that the SAT has made strides in modernizing the process. However, we do recommend obtaining your RFC in person if possible to also set up your e-Firma.
What are the required documents to get an RFC number?
You don’t have to be a resident or national in Mexico to obtain an RFC. Foreigners can also apply for one. As an individual, you’ll need your
- CURP (see below) or birth certificate.
- Proof of address (original utility bill not older than 90 days)- doesn’t have to be in your name.
- An official ID- your Mexican passport or resident card.
- Businesses need to prove they’re incorporated and that the person registering the company is authorized.
- Determining what purpose you need the RFC for, known as “tipo de movimiento“
- A flash drive or thumb drive.
- A Mexican Phone Number.
- At some SAT offices you will need a letter of intent if you are a temporary resident. See the template below
RFC-letter-of-intent-for-temporary-residents-1Download
Buzon Tributario
SAT requires most people with an RFC to apply for a Buzon Tributario. Failure to do so can mean fines of $3,850.00 a $11,540.00 MXN. The Buzon Tributario is an online communication channel between the SAT and taxpayers. Its objective is to simplify the notification of administrative acts and the sending of messages of interest in an agile and secure manner.
Also, through the buzon tributario, taxpayers submit any applications for discounts and notices or comply with information requests made by the SAT. For a buzon tributatrio you must have 2 forms of communication- an email and a Mexican phone number.
It’s important to note that not everyone with an RFC is OBLIGATED to register for a buzon tributario. You are exempt if you have an RFC that has a fiscal regime of: sin obligaciones fiscales (someone who doesn’t work), or anyone without economic activity (a person who didn’t generate an income in Mexico). In this case, enabling the buzon is optional.
You are also exempt if you generated an income of less than $400,000.00 (four hundred thousand pesos 00/100 MN) in the preceding fiscal year.
Learn more about the Buzon Tributario on the SAT Website, or talk to a professional accountant in Mexico.
RFC Frequently Asked Questions
Does the need for a FACTURA affect the general Expat Population?
Not Unless you have formed a Corporation to buy your property or are required to file taxes in Mexico due to rental income. Generally, when you pay for items, you will be asked for NOTA or FACTURA at the point of sale.
Your response is NOTA or a simple receipt if you have NO tax liability. If you have a Corporation or business here in Mexico or are required to pay taxes, you will need the FACTURA. I suggest you consult a CPA/Accountant in Mexico who is familiar with SAT regulations for all filings.
Isn’t an RFC just a number?
No, the actual RFC document is very similar to your CURP document. It has a QR Code, a Bar Code, your 13-digit RFC Number, CURP, Name, address, and tax identifiers.
So why can’t I use the Generic RFC issued by SAT if I’m a Resident or National?
First, the Generic RFC was created as a workaround in the Tax System for certain tramites (legal procedures) involving foreigners or nationals without an RFC.
The Generic RFC was only valid in certain instances when the purchaser was not eligible for an RFC issued by SAT.
Mexican Companies can be fined for its use, or the Computer Generated Systems will no longer accept it as a valid number.
Which invoices or Accounts require an RFC?
Any invoice to be used, which could be used as a tax deduction or fulfill your requirements to pay taxes, requires an RFC.
Utility bills here in Mexico are not only invoices. They are bonafide tax documents used as tax deductions for businesses. For this reason, going forward, utility companies such as CFE, Aguakan, Telmex, Telcel, etc. will ask you to update your account information with your RFC and provide a Constancia de Situación Fiscal…more on this later.
Banks have also begun asking for RFC numbers and Constancia’s for Residents wanting to open accounts. The generic is not applicable in this instance.
Can I still open a Bank Account without Residency or As A Tourist?
Yes. However, there is a limited number of banks that will open accounts for foreigners who do not have a residency card and/or an RFC Number.
Currently, Banbajio, Santander, and Intercam will still open accounts for Non-Residents and those individuals without an RFC. But no one can guarantee this will always be the case. Changes in Mexican policy can happen overnight or take ages to go into effect.
Can I buy a new car in Mexico without an RFC?
Probably not, and the generic is not applicable in this case because a Car Factura is also a Tax Document, and the sale is instantaneously recorded in SAT.
I’m not a Resident or National. Will I still be able to set up utilities in my name?
Yes. In this instance, since you do not fall under the requirement to have an RFC or a Constancia de Situacion Fiscal, a generic RFC can be used.
Can I hire someone to help me?
Yes, some professionals can help you get your RFC. This is especially helpful for those who would like to have someone help them obtain an in-person appointment and their e-Firma.
BUT- Be careful who you hire to help you get your legitimate RFC. Some scammers have been promising expats the issue of an RFC, only to find out that they belong to someone else or are a fake number.
To work with reputable people, check out our COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide. In the guide, we give you access to our recommended contacts.
K.C. says
Excellent article! Thank you! One question, I have just received my permanent residency card, but I still don’t plan on moving until next year. Can I go ahead and get in the virtual line now (I live in a border city, so can cross over anytime) to obtain my RFC? Or do I need to wait until I’m in Mexico permanently?
Thank you again for your site and the email updates – so much awesome content!
Mariana Lange says
Hi KC- go ahead and get on the virtual line now. But keep in mind you will have to show a utility bill (electric bill from CFE in Mexico) when it’s time for your appointment
K.C. says
Thank you for the quick response!! So that is the confusing part – I need the RFC to set up utilities once I move to Mexico. But I can’t get the RFC until I have utilities in Mexico.
Mariana Lange says
The utility bill for the RFC doesn’t have to be in your name
Why do you need to set up utilities? Are you buying a house and getting a new account?
Tim Stroud says
I tried the online RFC and was told that since I am a foreign individual, I still must apply in person. I had virtual visit this morning and they would not process anything
Mariana Lange says
That seems ridiculous- but then again it is Mexico and in Mexican bureaucracy there is always a bit of nuance for those who are not Mexican citizens
K.C. says
Correct. I am moving to Mexico and will buy a house/set up utilities/open a bank acct/etc. I am moving permanently.
Mariana Lange says
Okay- understood. In this case, you would need to have an RFC when you want to set up utilities. To get the RFC your utility bill doesn’t have to be in your name but you do need to have one proving you are in the city you plan to have your SAT appointment with.
If you would like help from one of our recommended facilitators, we include them when you purchase our COMPLETE Mexico relocation guide 🙂
mexicorelocationguide.com/guide/
Scott says
Do you need an RFC if you are a Foreign Investor in a Mexican (Cabo San Lucas) property that you may rent out periodically?
Mariana Lange says
Yes. And you will also need to have permission to work in Mexico 😉
Scott says
Maybe i should clarify, i don’t live in Mexico. Only visit from time to time. I own a condo in Cabo that I’m thinking i may do short-term rental with. Do i need an RFC for just owning property there and not living there long term?
Mariana Lange says
Yes- I understood your question.
If you plan to rent it out from time to time that is considered a business and you will not only need an RFC but you will also need permission to work in Mexico 😉
Regardless of how much time you spend in Mexico you are generating an income in Mexico which is subject to taxes in Mexico
Scott says
Thank you for this. Very helpful!
Where does a US Foreigner go to help get this done properly? What are the typical costs, taxes, or fees?
Mariana Lange says
You can use a CPA that can help you if they offer the service to foreigners. Not all of them do.
If you need a recommendation, we offer them in our Mexico relocation Guide
mexicorelocationguide.com/guide/
Scott says
Thank you Mariana. I will look into getting your guide. You given me some great info and insight here. Much appreciated! Gracias!
How much is the guide?
Mariana Lange says
Hi Scott. The online guide is $395 USD currently. It’s a one-time fee and you get lifetime access.
Donna Juell says
I am following this discussion, as I am in the same position as Scott. I own a condo and want to rent it out. I am never in Mexico long enough to apply for and get an RFC.
Yet you are saying I need one to rent out the condo…
Are you saying you can get one via a CPA, although I am infrequently there, and not for more than 2 weeks at a time?
Mariana Lange says
If you are generating an income in Mexico – in this case rental investment property- you are legally obligated to pay taxes in Mexico. Unless you earn less than a certain amount per year. You should both be talking to a CPA in Mexico to ensure you are doing everything above board. Even if you don’t plan to live in Mexico. The law is clear that if you earn an income, you should have work permission and an RFC
Juanita says
Hi, Mariana. We have permanent resident status in Mexico. We generally spend between 6 and 8 months of the year in Mexico. We rent a house. CFE is in our landlord’s name, as is SAPAO. Telmex is in our name. We do not own a house, or a car, or have a Mexican bank account. We do not work or earn money in Mexico. Do we need to get an RFC?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Mariana Lange says
Hi Juanita
Not unless you plan to use facturas which are official tax receipts to deduct taxes. Which you could only do if you had a company in mexico, where renting out a property, or we’re trying to sell your home in Mexico. In most cases, these companies should be able to put a generic RFC on file for you if you don’t have one
Tanis Gray says
As a tourist how do you apply for a RFC?
Mariana Lange says
You can’t- RFC’s are Tax ID Numbers used for residents and citizens only.
ERIC PHAM says
Hi Mariana, I have temporary resident status in Mexico but I do not have a work permit. I heard I need a work permit in order to apply for RFC but I cannot get a work permit without RFC. Could you advise?
Thank you Mariana,
Mariana Lange says
You don’t need a work permit to apply for an RFC.
mike Schneider says
Hi Mariana
I have had my property for 20 years in Cabo San Lucas and split my time between the USA and Mexico. I have my CURP but not an RFC
When applying for an appointment do I choose:
Register as an individual with special circumstance (because I only have a residency card)
or
Registar as an individual
Mariana Lange says
Hi Mike
You should consult with a CPA in Mexico to ensure you are registered correctly
If you need a CPA recommendation in Cabo, we have one in our COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide
mexicorelocationguide.com/guide
Janie Walters says
Hello Mariana,
We’re buying a home in Chicxulub. We don’t have temporary residency and won’t be living there full time for a few years. The home will be a vacation home for us until we finally move there. Will we have problems getting electricity turned on, water and internet service?
Thanks for your help!
Ellie Brown says
We Applied online for RFC appointments April 28, 2022 but have not received notice of appointment yet, it is now November 29 2022. I was advised to start applications over, but when I try to at a certain point it will not let me go forward, I’m assuming because we are already in the system. What do we do??
Mariana Lange says
Hi Ellie
You can either choose to cancel your appointment when you get a notice of it, or you can wait for your appointment notice to come up. It takes 6-8 months for appointments.
However, we have a few CPAs in Mexico that can move you to the top of the line if you wish to hire their services.
Their contact information is in our COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide. When you buy the guide you get instant access to our information about moving to Mexico and our complete directory of contacts
mexicorelocationguide.com/guide
Shahzeb Sultan says
Hello I need RFC ID for selling on amazon In mexico Country. I have US LLC and i non resident.
How can i get rfc id How it’s Works?How can i get RFC ID on US LLC Company Details.
And how Much charges
Mariana Lange says
You will need to sign up on the virtual queue on the SAT website. The lines on the virtual queue are currently about 4-6 months wait.
You will need your CURP and to show up in person at the nearest SAT office whenever you get a notification of your appoinymenyt
You will then set up your RFC based on your fiscal situation.
If you’d like to expedite the process and avoid having to go to SAT in person then we recommend hiring a facilitator. We have facilitators in Mexico that can get you an RFC in a matter of weeks and not months. Without you having to ever go to SAT in person. When you purchase our Mexico Relocation Guide you’ll get access to our directory of recommended contacts
mexicorelocationguide.com/guide
Virginia Morgan says
I was told by SAT in Puerto Vallarta that no facilitators are allowed. You must go in person yourself.
Mariana Lange says
Facilitators are not allowed in the building with you, correct- but facilitators can help to make your appointment, or even get your RFC on your behalf if you have a power of attorney
C Robert says
I own a timeshare in the US. A Mexican company is buying my timeshare. Do I need a RFC to complete the transaction?
Mariana Lange says
Not if the transaction is taking place in the US
Teresa says
Robert, were you able to sell the timeshare? I have a Mexican Company wanting to buy mine as well and require me to get an RFC and pay$5,300 to open the acct. They says they will reimburse me etc? Sounds so shady and I am skeptical. PLease provide any inside if you can please. Thank you in advance
Steven Woods says
Hi Teresa
I trust all is well. I read your note with Interest as i have a business seeking to buy my Exotic Membership, they are advising i require a RFC Number to complete which is then reimbursed, what happened with your transaction?
I appreciate any insight to these offers.
Thanks
Steven
Debbie says
I own a residency at Garza Blanca Resort in Mexico, which I paid hundreds of thousands of dollars when I bought in at the resort, as well as yearly maintenance fees. I am renting it out occasionally. Can I get an RFC for this? And if so, how should I do go about this? I don’t pay utilities or have a Mexico bank account. Thank you for any help.
Mariana Lange says
If you rent it out occasionally, then that is considered income generated in Mexico and subject to taxes in Mexico.
You can also deduct expenses such as maintenance, repairs, and utilities if you were to sell it some day and are a resident of Mexico
But I am not a CPA, and you should consult with one in Mexico to ensure you know your obligations specific to your situation.
And you would need an RFC for both situations. I’m not sure if you need a Mexican bank account to fulfill the requirements of the taxes or for deductions. That is a great question for a CPA.
If you need a CPA recommendation, we recommend a few in our COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide.
Our recommended CPAs can help you understand your tax obligations, prepare any tax filings, and help with deductions etc. And most of them can also help you apply for your RFC.
To get access to our directory of contacts, check out our COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide
mexicorelocationguide.com/guide
Don says
Good morning … I own a condo and have a MX bank account c/w a term deposit that generates interest. I currently have a “sin obligaciones fiscales” RFC (told the thumb drive was not required). Is this the correct ‘type’ of RFC to allow me to proceed with the sale of my condo and/or address interest from the term deposit?
Virginia Morgan says
Totally confused. I own a condo in Puerto Vallarta and I’m now told I need an RFC. But I’m not a resident. I only come on a tourist visa and I just stay a few weeks at a time. How can I get an RFC if I’m not a resident? I’m also told I can’t hire a third person to this for me and I need to do it in Mexico but I’m never there that long.
Mariana Lange says
You cannot apply for an RFC if you are not a resident
Sonja Bricker says
Good Morning-
I purchased land in El Sargento, BCS in May of 2022 as a tourist. I am building a house with fully legal permits as a tourist. The house is almost at the point to connect electricity with CFE. Will I be able to use the generic RFC number when completing the application? If not, is there a way around this without having to apply for temporary residence/apply for RFC?
Thank you so much!
Mariana Lange says
You should be able to use the generic RFC
Susan Plecko says
Hi Mariana,
We live in the US and are US citizens. We have a timeshare in Hawaii and through a title and closing company in Atlanta, GA we potentially have a buyer in Mexico that wants to buy our timeshare. We were told we needed to send money to Mexico to register. We are not buying poperty in Mexico, we are selling our timeshare. Are me missing something or is this a requirement to sell our timeshare to someone in Mexico?
Mariana Lange says
Sounds confusing to me as well. Why would you need to send money to Mexico if the property is in Hawaii.
Something sounds fishy
Matthew Staman says
This sounds like a sadly common scam. Scam artists take advantage of people trying to sell their time shares and gradually pull them in for more money. If someone needs you to pay to sell your timeshare, it’s always a scam.
Michael says
I am not a resident or currently in Mexico but work remote as a freelancer for a company in Mexico. Is this permitted?
Mariana Lange says
No- even as a freelancer you are technically required to have a work permit in Mexico if you are earning pesos or if your clients are in MX
Sue Elizabeth McDonald says
I have my RFC, but the CFE wants my RFC to be issued within 3 months…How can I get it reissued online?
Heather says
Hello and good day.
We hold our RT. We want to apply for our RFC on-line but your comment about not being able to ser up our e-Firma biometrics We don’t know if we should.
If we do our application on line and after we have our RFC # can we go to SAT and set up e-Firma access?
Wonderful article.
Thank you
Mariana Lange says
As far as I know, yes. You could set up your efirma afterwards
Joe Kuzyk says
I am trying to sell my timeshare in Mexico. Is it true that I need an RFC in order to do this? If so, where would I be able to find a reliable representative to be able to obtain it for me as I live in the southeast United States?
Marcus says
My wife and I are planning to buy some property in Mexico, and eventually build a house on it for vacationing. We will only be staying at most a month at a time.
Do we need an RFC number in order to do this?
Mariana Lange says
No you don’t need an RFC if you don’t intend on living in Mexico.
However, it is recommended for you to have one if you ever plan on selling your property. If you want to sell your property as a resident instead of as a tourist, you can avoid a significant amount of capital gains. Whereas a tourist will have to pay the 30% tax on capital gains. Your RFC allows you to take deductions to avoid capital gains, and an RFC is only available to residents or nationals.,
Steven Woods says
Hi Mariana
I trust you are well today.
I currently have a holiday membership / timeshare via Exotic Travelers in Mexico, i have been approached by a buyer to purchase this from me.
to date, i have paid money for a Physical Tax ID however i am requested to make payment for a RFC to avoid capital gains tax, is this correct?
This process is different from the UK where i am resident, it seems odd from my perspective, i have been given information around the offer and the buyer who is named on the agreement has deposited funds to the agreed amount with Affirme which all looks legit, that said its not how we conduct business in the UK.
Can you offer any advice / information around such transactions, thanking you in advance.
Steven
Mariana Lange says
Hi Steven
I am not an accountant. So I would recommend you speak to an accountant in Mexico to help you determine your fiscal responsibilities. If you need our recommendations, we give them to you when you purchase our complete Mexico Relocation Guide- mexicorelocationguide.com/guide/
Saludos!
Donavon Largent says
Good morning and thank you for the information
I have owned a time share in Puerto Vallarta for a few years now and are selling some off some of the weeks I own to a 3RD party. It has been a nightmare. When I started, I was told It would only take a couple of weeks, here we are 4 months and about $60,000 out of my pocket to get this simple transaction completed. We’ve been told due to new government regulations and employees in Mexico, that things are changing. We’ve sent money to the SRE, SAT and now after sending another $9,300 to the Banco DE Mexico for a conversion fee, they are saying I need a RFC number before they can send me the money. Can someone please help me with what is going on here. Am I being scammed by a company here in the US with this or could it be on the up & up. It seems that there is one thing after another and all I am doing is sending money with no results.
Mariana Lange says
Sounds like you need to speak to a real estate lawyer. Your specific situation needs a review from a licensed professional dealing with real estate. Yes, the RFC is mandatory for all people over 18 who live in Mexico. But the RFC is also needed for real estate transactions. If you’d like to speak with one of our vetted and recommended real estate lawyers please check out our complete Mexico Relocation Guide mexicorelocationguide.com/guide/
Cynthia Scott says
I have my RP and purchased a home in Mexico which will be our permanent residence in 2025. We are going there in a couple of weeks for my husband to get his RT through family ubification and I was hoping to get my RFC in person. The list of requirements includes a Mexican telephone number which I don’t have yet. Is this a problem? And can I still go to SAT in person or do I have to use the virtual process?
Mariana Lange says
You can still do it in person. This is another option that SAT is giving its tax payers
Maria says
Hello, I only have a temporary residency and currently not in Mexico. Can I apply for a RFC if i will work as a freelancer?
Mariana Lange says
If you don’t plan to work in Mexico, you don’t need to apply for an RFC. You would have to apply for an RFC if you plan on living here and working here
Michelle says
Hello I recently inherited property in Mexico. I have dual citizenship so yes I’m am a Mexican citizen. I’m going through the process of getting the property into my name.. so I need an rfc for escrituras / notary office and electronic signature. Can I apply for the virtual office for the rfc number so I can give it to the notary who is doing the new deeds? And then when I go to Mexico get an appointment with SAT to get my electronic signature?
Mariana Lange says
You should be able to apply for a virtual RFC but if the notary needs your e-firma for whatever reason, then you’ll need to go in person anyway.
If you want help with your RFC process, we have a variety of facilitators that can help you obtain one across Mexico.
When you purchase our complete Mexico Relocation Guide you get instant access to our directory of vetted contacts. See what’s included mexicorelocationguide.com/guide/
Alex says
Hi Mariana.
My wife and I are both Mexican residents but still live in the US, with plans to move in the next few months. Can we get RFC’s while in the US and then get the E-Firma part done when we make the move? I have a sneaky suspicion that we cannot, as we do not have a CFE bill (or anything else with a Mexican address).
Thanks Much.
Mariana Lange says
Hi Alex- according to my recent research and what SAT has put out yes. They recently changed the process so you can apply for an RFC before being in Mexico in person. However, I haven’t confirmed yet with anyone who has successfully done the process themselves this way.
Tim says
Hi Marianna,
I had a virtual visit this morning 10/29/24 and was told that since I am a foreign individual, this must be completed in person. Do you know if this can be requested to be in English or is it only spanish?
Mariana Lange says
It’s only in Spanish
Tracie says
Hi Mariana, my husband and I both have RT. We arrived in Mexico 10 days ago and plan on buying a property as soon as possible. Just to clarify, are we able to ‘buy’ a property without a RFC?
It’s needed if/when we sell to avoid the capital gains, I understand that part. But is it legal/possible to go ahead and buy a property without one? and then obviously obtain RFC’s before we ever decide to sell.
I’m just concerned that the right house might come along before we have our RFC.
Also, we’re currently living full time in our motorhome in a RV park. How do we possibly obtain a utility bill under those circumstances??
Mariana Lange says
Hola! You do not need an RFC to purchase a property. You can apply for the RFC after the fact.