On May 4, 2026, the “Decree for the Immediate Authorization of Investments” was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation. It establishes an administrative simplification mechanism to accelerate the implementation of certain investment projects in Mexico. The Decree entered into force on the day following its publication.
In general terms, the Decree seeks to implement a new scheme to facilitate the installation and development of investment projects, particularly in sectors considered strategic for economic growth and the strengthening of development hubs, through an immediate authorization that reduces bureaucratic costs.
I. Projects to which the Decree applies
The Decree is addressed to individuals engaged in business activities and legal entities resident in Mexico, as well as non-residents with a permanent establishment in the country, whose investment projects fall, among others, within the following categories:
- Projects authorized for development in Welfare Development Hubs, Economic Welfare Development Hubs, or Circular Economy Welfare Hubs;
- Investment projects equal to or greater than MXN $2,000,000,000.00; or
- Projects linked to strategic sectors, such as technology infrastructure, data processing centers, semiconductors, automotive and auto parts, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, energy, and chemicals.
However, the Decree expressly excludes investment projects in the mining and financial sectors, as well as those constituting public or mixed investment.
II. Immediate authorization of investments
One of the most relevant aspects of the Decree is the creation of an “Authorization” that will allow certain investment projects to begin development immediately while the corresponding federal procedures are processed and resolved during the term of such authorization.
To obtain the Authorization, investors must file the corresponding application through the National Digital Investment Window, together with the applicable requirements, including the following documents and information:
- Investment Project Authorization application form.
- Deed or identification of the investor and the legal representative.
- Tax Status Certificate.
- Certificate of registration in the National Registry of Foreign Investments.
- Document evidencing ownership or lawful possession of the property where the project will be developed.
- Executive version of the investment project including, among other items, the estimated investment and operating schedule; information on estimated job creation; plans for electricity, gas, and water consumption; waste and emissions generation plan; and a letter of commitment to engage local suppliers.
- Applicability and regulatory compliance declaration form.
- Letter of commitment obligating the investor to engage local suppliers for the development and operation of the Project.
- Current civil liability insurance policy for the term of the Authorization covering damage to third parties, the environment, and, where applicable, public goods or services.
The Decree establishes an obligation to engage local suppliers for no less than 20% of the total investment amount, unless domestic suppliers are unavailable.
The Authorization will have an initial term of one year from its issuance and may be renewed up to two times for equal periods, provided that the project demonstrates at least 90% of the progress committed for the corresponding period.
III. Deadlines for obtaining the authorization
Among the main deadlines established in the Decree for obtaining and monitoring the Authorization, the following stand out:
The authority will have 30 business days to issue the corresponding Authorization, counted from the filing of the application. In the event of missing information or inconsistencies, the authority may issue requirements within the following 10 business days after filing, in which case the investor will have 5 business days to respond; otherwise, the application will be deemed not filed.
Investment Projects authorized under the Decree will begin development immediately.
IV. Obligations during the term of the Authorization
Investors must submit quarterly progress reports on the development of the investment project in accordance with the schedule provided.
Any modification to the project must be reported through the Window at least 10 business days in advance.
In addition, once the authorization has been obtained, investors may submit the federal procedures included therein through the National Digital Investment Window. The competent authorities must issue the corresponding resolution within no more than 60 business days counted from compliance with the applicable requirements.
Furthermore, the Decree provides that investment projects that do not have an Authorization but whose procedures are managed through the Window must be resolved by the competent authorities within a maximum of 90 business days counted from the proper integration of the corresponding file. If the authorities fail to issue a resolution within that period, the procedures will be deemed authorized.
V. Suspension and revocation
The Authorization may be suspended when the investor fails to submit quarterly progress reports. It will be revoked when the investor fails to comply with the requirements, commitments, or obligations deriving from the Authorization or from the award or authorization of a Hub; submits false documentation or information; or falls within the cases determined by the Committee through general rules.
VI. Investment Committee
The Decree provides for the creation of the Investment Committee, composed of various federal agencies, including the Ministries of Finance and Public Credit, Economy, Energy, and Environment and Natural Resources, as well as other competent agencies under the Decree itself.
The Committee will have, among other functions, the authority to grant, modify, suspend, or revoke the corresponding Authorizations, monitor compliance with and progress of authorized projects, and request opinions on technical, economic, environmental, and administrative feasibility.
The Decree also provides that the Committee must be installed and issue its operating and functioning rules within 30 calendar days following the entry into force of the Decree.
This communication is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The Matus Ruiz & Romero Apis team is available to address any questions regarding its content.