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Crypto Regulation in Mexico

Legal

Mexico regulates crypto under the Fintech Law (Ley Fintech) enacted in 2018. The CNBV and Banxico oversee crypto-related activities. Virtual asset operations require authorization from the CNBV. Banxico determines which virtual assets may be used internally by licensed institutions.

Region: North AmericaCurrency: MXNAdoption Rank: #12Risk Score: 35/100

Tax Information

Capital Gains (Personal)
10%-35% progressive income tax on crypto gains (treated as income from asset disposal)
Capital Gains (Corporate)
30% corporate income tax on crypto gains
VAT on Crypto
No
Staking Tax
Taxed as income at applicable rates
Airdrop Tax
Taxable as income at fair market value
Mining Tax
Taxed as business income at applicable rates
Summary
Mexico's SAT treats crypto gains as taxable income from asset disposal. Individual rates range from 10% to 35% depending on income bracket. Corporate gains are taxed at 30%. Annual informative declarations must include crypto transactions. VAT does not apply to crypto purchases.

Licensing & Registration

License Required
Yes
Regulator
CNBV / Banxico (Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores / Banco de México)
Framework
Ley para Regular las Instituciones de Tecnología Financiera (Fintech Law, 2018)
License Types
Institución de Tecnología Financiera (ITF) - Virtual Asset Operations, Electronic Payment Fund Institution
Estimated Cost (USD)
$50,000 - $300,000
Timeline
6-18 months
Ease of Licensing
Hard
Notes
Mexico's Fintech Law was one of the first comprehensive crypto regulatory frameworks in Latin America. Licensed ITFs can operate with virtual assets approved by Banxico. However, Banxico has restricted licensed institutions from offering crypto directly to clients, limiting them to internal blockchain use. This has created tension between the CNBV and Banxico.

AML / KYC

KYC Required
Yes
Travel Rule
Yes
FATF Member
Yes
FATF Status
Compliant
Suspicious Activity Reporting
Yes

Mining

Mining Legal
Yes
Status
Legal
Electricity Cost ($/kWh)
$0.08
Renewable Energy
25%
Climate
Hot
Infrastructure
Good
Tax on Mining Income
30% corporate income tax on crypto gains
Notes
Hot climate increases cooling costs for mining operations.

DeFi, Stablecoins & NFTs

DeFi: unclearStablecoins: general frameworkNFTs: no_rulesCBDC: exploring

Soken Services

Legal Opinion
Available | $3,000 - $12,000 | 10 days
Banking
Difficulty: Hard | Crypto-friendly banks: none listed
Min. Deposit
$10,000
Fiat Rails
ACH, SWIFT, Fedwire
Card Payments
Visa, Mastercard
Company Registration
$8,000 | 30 days | Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Licensing Support
Available | $25,000 - $100,000

Sources

Government of Mexico - Fintech Law Diario Oficial de la Federación
Reviewed: 2026-03-15verified

Frequently Asked Questions

Is crypto legal in Mexico?
Cryptocurrency is currently classified as "Legal" in Mexico. Mexico regulates crypto under the Fintech Law (Ley Fintech) enacted in 2018. The CNBV and Banxico oversee crypto-related activities. Virtual asset operations require authorization from the CNBV. Banxico determines which virtual assets may be used internally by licensed institutions.
What is the crypto tax rate in Mexico?
In Mexico, the personal capital gains tax on crypto is 10%-35% progressive income tax on crypto gains (treated as income from asset disposal), and the corporate tax rate is 30% corporate income tax on crypto gains. Mexico's SAT treats crypto gains as taxable income from asset disposal. Individual rates range from 10% to 35% depending on income bracket. Corporate gains are taxed at 30%. Annual informative declarations must include crypto transactions. VAT does not apply to crypto purchases.
Do I need a crypto license in Mexico?
Yes, a crypto license is required in Mexico. The regulator is Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores / Banco de México under Ley para Regular las Instituciones de Tecnología Financiera (Fintech Law, 2018). Estimated licensing cost: $50,000 - $300,000.
Is crypto mining legal in Mexico?
Yes, crypto mining is legal in Mexico. Electricity costs approximately $0.08/kWh. Mining income is taxed at: 30% corporate income tax on crypto gains. Hot climate increases cooling costs for mining operations.
What are the AML/KYC requirements for crypto in Mexico?
Yes, crypto businesses in Mexico must comply with KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements. The FATF Travel Rule is implemented. FATF compliance status: compliant.