What is the SRE permit
The SRE permit (technically: "Permiso de la Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores para adquirir bienes inmuebles") is an authorization issued by Mexico's Foreign Affairs Ministry (SRE — Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores) that allows a foreign person or foreign corporation to acquire real estate inside the restricted zone via a fideicomiso.
Without this permit, the bank cannot set up the fideicomiso, the notario cannot script the deed, and the property cannot legally be transferred to the foreign buyer.
When you need it
You need an SRE permit if:
- You are a non-Mexican individual or company, AND
- You are acquiring real estate in the restricted zone (within 100 km of any border or 50 km of any coast), AND
- You will hold the property through a fideicomiso (rather than a Mexican corporation)
You do NOT need an SRE permit if:
- You're a Mexican citizen (regardless of where you live), OR
- You're a foreigner buying property outside the restricted zone (CDMX, Guadalajara, San Miguel, Querétaro, etc.), OR
- You're acquiring through a Mexican corporation (different process — requires "calvo clause" in corporate bylaws)
How to apply
The application is filed by your Mexican notario or attorney with SRE on your behalf. You don't have to be in Mexico to apply.
Documents required:
- Application form SRE-04-001
- Power of attorney from you to your Mexican representative (notarized + apostilled)
- Passport copy
- Description of the property (deed, location, cadastral data)
- Identification of the trustee bank
- Payment of derechos (~$8,500 MXN / $500 USD)
Timeline and cost
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application fee (derechos) | ~$8,500 MXN (~$500 USD) |
| Notario / attorney service | $200-$500 USD additional |
| Total cost | $400-$800 USD typically |
| Processing time | 4-8 weeks (slowest step in the fideicomiso process) |
| Validity | 180 days from issuance — close before it expires |
What happens if the permit expires
If you don't close within 180 days, the SRE permit expires and you have to re-apply (pay derechos again, wait 4-8 weeks again). Plan your closing timeline carefully — the permit clock starts the day SRE issues, not the day you receive it.
The "calvo clause"
The SRE permit includes a mandatory "calvo clause" — you agree that as a foreigner you will not invoke your home country's government to intervene in disputes over the Mexican property. This is a constitutional requirement (Article 27) and is non-negotiable. It effectively means that if you have a dispute with the Mexican government over the property, you must resolve it in Mexican courts, not via diplomatic channels.
Related terms
- Fideicomiso — the bank trust the permit authorizes
- Restricted zone — where the permit is required
- Temporary vs permanent resident — visa types and how they relate to property