What is a fideicomiso, and do I actually need one?

Short answer: A fideicomiso is a Mexican bank trust that lets foreigners legally hold rights to property
inside the restricted coastal zone — which covers most of the Riviera Maya, including Playacar.
Why it matters: This single structure is what makes foreign coastal ownership legal and standard
practice, not a workaround or gray area.
What to check:
● Confirm which bank will hold your trust and what their annual fees are
● Ask your notary to walk you through the setup timeline before you buy land
● Budget the annual fideicomiso fee into your long-term ownership costs, not just the setup cost
Bottom line: A fideicomiso isn’t a loophole — it’s the standard, legal, and routine way foreigners own
coastal property in Mexico.