What is the RFC number in Mexico?
In Mexico, RFC stands for “Registro Federal de Contribuyentes” (Federal Taxpayers Registry). The RFC is issued by the Tax Administration Service (SAT) and is an alphanumeric number of 13 characters for any natural person (individual) and 12 characters for any legal entity (a company) in Mexico. It is used in most procedures with both public and private entities.
The RFC is one of the most significant documents for a foreign citizen who wants to carry out a business activity in Mexico.
Requirements to obtain the RFC or Mexico’s Tax Identification Certificate
It is important to meet a series of requirements to obtain the RFC in Mexico. Below is a list you can use as a checklist:
- You will need the CURP “Clave Única de Registro de Población” (Unique Population Registry Code), or, in the case of dependents, the personal identification card issued by the Ministry of the Interior (Secretaría de Gobernación).
- Official incorporation document.
- Proof of registered address.
- Powers of attorney in case of legal representation.
- Valid identification of the company’s legal representative.
- In the case of foreign shareholders, a generic RFC must be included for compliance.
Depending on the type of organization, additional documents may be required. Employers who engage the services of an unregistered worker must register them with the tax authorities. To avoid penalties, it is very important that employers request documentation that validates their workers’ information.
It is important to verify that everything is in order before starting the procedures to obtain the RFC in Mexico.
How can I obtain the RFC in Mexico?
The process can be completed in two ways: digitally on the SAT website by accessing online, or at any SAT office in Mexico.
The easiest way to obtain Mexico’s tax identification certificate is online. Follow the steps below:
Online procedure
- Go to the SAT website.
- Obtain your RFC with your Unique Population Registry Code (CURP).
- Enter your CURP and the automatically generated verification code.
- Verify that the information entered and confirmed corresponds to your data.
- Add your tax address and your email address.
Once you have completed the steps above, the SAT will create a unique acknowledgment of registration in the Federal Taxpayers Registry that includes a QR code, as well as your tax identification certificate where your RFC number is shown.
In-person processing
You can also complete the process in person or through a representative. The first thing to do is book an appointment with the SAT.
When you go to the SAT office to register, you must bring a printed copy of your CURP, your residence card, and an official ID—your passport is best. Regarding the documents you must bring, in addition to the CURP, extra documents may be required; this will be requested directly by the SAT system when you book your appointment.
Can I obtain an RFC number in Mexico?
If you are new to Mexico and want to do business and make payments effortlessly, in addition to opening a bank account, it is important to obtain an RFC number. So yes, Mexicans and foreigners—with or without a permanent establishment—over 18 years old can obtain their RFC free of charge. It does not entail any tax obligation, and you will not have to file any tax returns with the government until you begin a financial activity that requires paying taxes. This is guaranteed by Mexico’s Procuraduría de la Defensa del Contribuyente (Taxpayer Advocate). For these reasons, it is advisable to obtain the RFC in Mexico as soon as possible.
Who must obtain the RFC in Mexico?
If you pay taxes in Mexico, you will presumably need an RFC. Therefore, practically all taxpayers—including company or government employees, business owners (Régimen de Incorporación Fiscal), and self-employed workers—must obtain the RFC in Mexico.
What is the RFC number used for in Mexico?
Employers can use the RFC to report income tax withheld from employees’ paychecks, and companies in Mexico use it to report their income and deductible expenses. Obtaining an RFC number in Mexico is not only advantageous for tax payments; with an RFC you can access other facilities such as opening a bank account, holding a credit card, accessing social programs or scholarships, selling property, accessing social security, participating in Retirement Fund Administrators (Afores), and using the Infonavit service. In addition, the RFC is used to track business and commercial transactions, payments, and expenses for tax reporting purposes. If you are looking to start a business in Mexico and need help with procedures and compliance throughout the process, let’s move forward together and contact your Damalion expert now.
How to obtain your Mexican RFC number (and why most foreign investors now use a limited liability company with two shareholders)
The RFC is Mexico’s tax ID issued by the SAT. It is mandatory to invoice, hire staff, import goods, open corporate bank accounts, or sell on marketplaces. As of September 2025, foreign investors are generally advised to form a limited liability company—either an S. de R.L. de C.V. or an S.A. de C.V.—and in practice you should plan for two shareholders to meet statutory minimums and banking expectations.Why form a company before applying for RFC?
- Statutory fit: both S. de R.L. de C.V. and S.A. de C.V. require at least two shareholders.
- Bank acceptance: corporate RFC with full bylaws/shareholder/representative records is favored by banks.
- Customs & hiring: import registrations and payroll systems expect an entity RFC.
- Marketplace readiness: platforms often require corporate RFC for CFDI/IVA checks.
Which Mexican entity should you choose for RFC?
| Entity | Core features | Typical use | Shareholders |
|---|---|---|---|
| S. de R.L. de C.V. (limited liability company) | Membership interests; flexible transfer restrictions; pass-through style economics | Export-import, B2B services, manufacturing satellites | Minimum 2 members |
| S.A. de C.V. (stock corporation) | Share capital; board-oriented governance; easier for future equity rounds | Scale-up ventures, institutional supplier contracts | Minimum 2 shareholders |
What should your bank-ready RFC file include?
- Corporate documents: notarized bylaws, registry extract, shareholder ledger, legal rep appointments.
- Tax data: activity descriptions, expected invoicing volumes, initial IVA position.
- Address proof: lease/utility bill matching bylaws domicile.
- Identity set: passports, migration status, apostilles/legalizations if applicable.
How do you get the RFC step by step?
- Incorporate with two shareholders (S. de R.L. de C.V. or S.A. de C.V.); appoint a legal representative.
- Registry & corporate seals (mercantile extract, shareholder/officer records).
- SAT pre-enrolment and document pack.
- RFC appointment & biometrics; obtain e.firma where applicable.
- Open bank accounts using RFC letter, e.firma, KYC pack.
- Configure CFDI & VAT; test one live invoice end-to-end.
