Obtaining crypto licenses, white label consulting,
ICO/STO, supporting NFT marketplaces, drafting policies
for crypto projects, DAOs, and gamify projects
What Is a Crypto License in Mexico?
It’s hard not to notice the rapid growth of the crypto world, especially in recent years. There are many reasons for this, ranging from technological advancements to the basic literacy of everyday users. The more mainstream cryptocurrency becomes, the more the market grows, and accordingly, new business opportunities open up.
One of the rapidly developing markets is Mexico. With a population of over 130 million, Mexico is becoming an extremely attractive market for crypto projects. In addition, a Crypto License in Mexico essentially provides access to the Latin American market, and it is important to understand that the use of crypto assets in the region has grown by a third compared to last year.
Thus, a VASP License in Mexico is not so much a local solution as a global one that can serve as a gateway to the U.S. market.
Unlike jurisdictions that require a dedicated VASP license, Mexico operates under a streamlined AML-led framework. Crypto exchange, custody, transfer, and administration activities are classified as “actividades vulnerables” under the LFPIORPI (Federal Law for the Prevention and Identification of Operations with Illicit Proceeds). In practical terms, this means there is no separate crypto license to obtain: registration is made with the SAT (Tax Administration Service) and AML reporting is filed with the UIF (Financial Intelligence Unit). The framework is clear, predictable, and already proven by established operators.
Therefore, in the complex world of crypto regulation, a crypto license in Mexico remains one of the most accessible solutions, offering a wide range of opportunities.
Advantages of Crypto Licenses in Mexico
Recent trends in the crypto world have included increasingly complex regulations, the emergence of new, stricter requirements, a growing presence, and other developments. On the one hand, this is intended to protect the end user, which is certainly the right thing to do; on the other hand, for many crypto businesses, it creates an excessively high barrier to entry in a number of jurisdictions and prompts them to seek alternatives.
A crypto license in Mexico remains one of the jurisdictions that allows for easy market entry and the launch of operations. The regulatory requirements for non-financial cryptocurrency service providers are evident in the minimal ongoing obligations compared to other jurisdictions: no local director residency requirement, no local shareholder requirement, and no statutory security deposit or liability insurance. This positively impacts the overall cost of establishing and maintaining a Mexican crypto company.
All you need are two founders and a vision for your business; SBSB Fintech Lawyers will help with the rest.
Types of VASP License in Mexico
A crypto license in Mexico is not a license in the traditional sense, which means that simple registration with local authorities is sufficient to begin operations. Thus, there are not multiple types of crypto licenses; obtaining registration will allow a company to provide a range of services related to crypto assets.
Mexican law does not issue a dedicated crypto license for non-financial operators. Instead, the following crypto-related activities are permitted under the AML “actividad vulnerable” framework:
- Exchange of virtual assets for fiat currency via electronic platforms;
- Exchange of virtual assets for other virtual assets;
- Custody and/or safekeeping of virtual assets;
- Transfer services involving virtual assets;
- Administration of instruments enabling control over virtual assets.
Requirements for a Crypto License in Mexico
As we mentioned earlier, Mexico is currently one of the few jurisdictions that makes it relatively easy to start a crypto business without significant costs.
Two founders are sufficient to establish a company. It does not matter which country they are residents of (except for sanctioned countries, of course). Additionally, founders, directors, and other officers must not have a criminal record. Any individual, regardless of residency, may serve as a company director. We recommend appointing a local AML Compliance Officer with the appropriate knowledge and experience, which will suffice.
Equally important is that the company is not required to have a physical office in Mexico; a virtual address will suffice.
The company is required to file monthly AML reports for transactions exceeding established thresholds. Conducting KYC checks on clients is also mandatory. Additionally, standard company reporting should not be overlooked – annual tax returns, monthly VAT returns, payroll (if applicable), and the annual shareholders’ meeting.
There are no minimum authorized capital requirements, and it can be nominal or commensurate with the scale of expected operations. There is also no obligation to purchase liability insurance or post a security deposit.
As we can see, the crypto license in Mexico does not have strict requirements, which significantly simplifies your crypto business’s ability to enter the Latin American market.
Process of Obtaining a VASP License in Mexico
Obtaining a VASP license in Mexico involves several sequential steps and depends on the business model and the services planned to be provided.
Typically, the step-by-step procedure involves establishing a local company, preparing corporate documents, developing internal AML/KYC policies and other documents describing internal risk control procedures and the business’s financial model, as well as registering the company with the SAT (Tax Administration Service) as an “actividad vulnerable.” Subsequently, the company will be required to file AML reports with the UIF (Financial Intelligence Unit).
It should be noted that the company must pay particular attention to the transparency of the origin of client funds, transaction monitoring, and the protection of end clients.
In practice, the process begins with a legal analysis of the business model, the development and preparation of documents, the implementation of policies and systems, and engagement with local regulatory authorities.
Cost of a Crypto License in Mexico in 2026
The process of obtaining a crypto license in Mexico in 2026 will consist of several sequential steps, as crypto registration is a step-by-step process. The cost will include the incorporation of a local company, which involves a series of steps, including the preparation of documents and powers of attorney for company formation, name reservation, notarization of documents, publication of information in public registries, and provision of a registered office for one year. In addition, funds will be required for the translation and certification of documents from Spanish to English. In the context of crypto registration, the company will need to prepare legal documents regarding its operations, AML/KYC policies and procedures, register the company with the relevant authority, and establish a monthly reporting system. Equally important will be opening a corporate bank account for the company, as it will be impossible to conduct business without one.
Contact the SBSB Fintech Lawyers team, and we will send you a comprehensive price quote.
Tax Considerations for Crypto Companies in Mexico
Crypto companies in Mexico are subject to general taxation without any specific exemptions or special provisions. Corporate income tax is a flat 30% on net taxable income. Value-added tax is 16% (8% in border zones). It is important to understand that, unlike in other countries, crypto-to-fiat exchange services in Mexico are subject to VAT. However, if a Mexican seller transfers crypto to a foreign buyer, the transaction is considered an export and is exempt from VAT (0% rate).
Dividend payments to non-residents of Mexico are also subject to taxation at a rate of 10%; however, Mexico has double taxation avoidance treaties with a large number of countries, so depending on the residency of the shareholders, the rate may be reduced, sometimes as low as 5%.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain a Crypto License in Mexico?
First and foremost, it is important to understand that a crypto license in Mexico is not a traditional license, but rather involves registration with local authorities.
This means that the registration process is faster and simpler compared to traditional jurisdictions.
Typically, the preparatory stage takes up to one month and consists of drafting documents, signing powers of attorney, and preparing corporate documents. The next step involves reserving the company name and incorporating the company, as well as entering the information into the public registry (often taking up to 2 weeks). The final stage involves preparing specific documents related to the company’s operations and registering with local regulatory authorities, filling out the application and submitting it for review along with the document package, and communicating with the regulator as needed.
Currently, obtaining a crypto license in Mexico is one of the fastest processes and can take up to 3 months in total, though this is more of an exception to the rule. It is important to be prepared for the procedure, and then the process will proceed quickly and without unnecessary delays.
Conclusion
Thus, obtaining a crypto license in Mexico currently presents a significant opportunity for crypto businesses to enter the Latin American market and engage with the United States. Essentially, crypto regulation consists of registration; there are no strict requirements for the company’s founders, executives, or staff, and there are no requirements for authorized capital. All of this makes Mexico an excellent choice for both crypto startups and established businesses looking to expand into a new market. Don’t miss your chance!
Crypto Licensing in Mexico with SBSB Fintech Lawyers
Obtaining a crypto license in Mexico is a complex process. The first step is to define your goals and structure your business – and that’s exactly what SBSB Fintech Lawyers does.
Incorporating a company, preparing documents, filling out applications, and more – these are all part of the journey, but our ultimate goal is to ensure that the solution, license, and jurisdiction you choose work specifically for you!
We’ll take care of the routine legal work, leaving you free to focus on business strategy and moving forward. SBSB Fintech Lawyers will guide you every step of the way, ensuring your crypto license in Mexico becomes a powerful tool for market growth!
Official Sources & Primary Legislation
Frequently Asked Questions About the VASP License in Mexico
Can I conduct business involving crypto assets in Mexico?
Yes, but to do so, the company must register with the SAT (Tax Administration Service).
Do I need a physical office and local employees in Mexico?
A virtual office is sufficient for the company to conduct its business. Among local employees, it is highly desirable to have an AML Compliance Officer; other employees may be foreign nationals.
How long does it take to obtain a crypto license in Mexico?
Since registration is sufficient to operate in Mexico, the process from receiving the documents to the start of operations often takes approximately 3 months.
What is required to begin the process of obtaining a crypto license in Mexico with SBSB Fintech Lawyers?
To get started, we’ll need a detailed description of your business model, three proposed company names, copies of passports, CVs, and utility bills for all shareholders and directors. We’ll help you prepare everything else.
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Daria Lysenko
Senior lawyer
Valeriia Kozel
Customer manager
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