• Valid passport • Valid immigration document (an FMM is accepted when accompanied by a valid passport) • Proof of address (SAT accepts property tax receipts and a fideicomiso formalized before a notary) • Foreign tax identification number, if required in your country of residence • Property or fideicomiso documentation, if you own property
Can I Get an RFC in Mexico Without Residency or a CURP?
Taxes
Yes — a foreigner may be able to obtain an RFC without temporary or permanent residency or a CURP.
What You Need
How To Do It
Check Whether You Already Have an RFC
- 1If you purchased property as a foreigner, particularly through a fideicomiso (bank trust), check your purchase documents for an RFC next to your name
- 2If an RFC appears, determine whether it is actually your individual RFC or a generic RFC used for the transaction
Found an RFC? Check it.
If you find an RFC in your property or fideicomiso documents, don't automatically assume it's your individual RFC. You can check it before applying for a new one.
Make an Appointment at SAT
- 1RFC registration for foreign individuals is handled in person at a SAT office with an appointment
- Make a SAT Appointment →
- 2The registration itself is free
- 3At your appointment, provide your documents and information to the SAT representative
Receive Your RFC
- 1If everything is accepted, you'll receive documentation confirming your registration in the Registro Federal de Contribuyentes
- 2This documentation includes your tax identification information
Where You Go
📍 SAT Office – Tulum
Open in Google Maps →Spanish You May Need
- RFC: Registro Federal de Contribuyentes — your Mexican federal tax identification number
- SAT: Servicio de Administración Tributaria — Mexico's tax authority
- CURP: Clave Única de Registro de Población — unique population registry code
- FMM: Forma Migratoria Múltiple — multiple migratory form (visitor permit)
- Fideicomiso: bank trust used by foreigners to hold property in Mexico
- Persona física: individual (natural person) tax registration
- Comprobante de domicilio: proof of address
- Recibo de predial: property tax receipt
Good to Know
An RFC is a tax registration (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes).
It is not temporary residency.
It is not permanent residency.
It is not Mexican citizenship.
Having an RFC does not automatically make you a Mexican tax resident. Your actual tax obligations depend on your residency, income, and circumstances — speak with a Mexican accountant if you earn income in Mexico.
Always check SAT's current requirements before your appointment, as government procedures can change.