Planning a workation in Guadalajara? Or a business trip to Mexico City or Monterrey? Learn the essential information you and your employees need to work safely and compliantly while traveling in Mexico, including working conditions, safety and health regulations, tax treaties, social security, and more.
Capital city
Mexico City
Telephone code
+52
Official language
Spanish
Currency
Mexican Peso (MXN)
Time zone
UTC-6 (Central), UTC-7 (Pacific), UTC-8 (Northwest)
Social security compliance
When working remotely abroad, your employees may become subject to the social security scheme of the destination country, which means you, as an employer, would need to pay social security premiums accordingly. Mexico has social security agreements with several countries to prevent the payment of double social security premiums or non-insurance.
To ensure your employees remain compliant with these treaties, they must possess a valid Certificate of Coverage (CoC) obtained from the relevant local authorities. For WorkFlex users, the CoC is issued automatically after a trip request is submitted. Discover our solution for efficient social security risk mitigation here.
Tax compliance
As a member of the OECD, many of Mexican tax treaties are based on the OECD Model Tax Convention. This framework provides guidelines for structuring tax treaties and covers various types of income, including dividends, interest, royalties, and employment income. In addition to these guidelines, Mexico has signed tax treaties with numerous countries, available here.
Despite the existence of many tax treaties and the adoption of the OECD Model Tax Convention, the issue of Permanent Establishment remains a significant compliance concern for employers with employees temporarily working in Mexico, whether for a workation or a business trip. If a traveling employee is deemed to constitute a Permanent Establishment in the destination country, the employer may be required to register the company locally, allocate profits to the local business (branch), and file corporate taxes, leading to substantial administrative burdens.
To avoid this scenario, here are some key strategies:
If your employees are traveling for a workation, they should refrain from negotiating or signing sales contracts during the trip. Additionally, they should avoid visiting clients or any office, including the employer's local office in the destination country. Following these guidelines will help mitigate the important compliance risk for the employer related to permanent establishment.
If your employees travel for business, it may be impossible to refrain from the activities above. In this case, please make sure to inform your (tax) compliance department of this matter. If you and your organization are a WorkFlex user, this topic is covered through the WorkFlex platform.
Overriding local employment provisions
Employees traveling to Mexico are expected to comply with some basic local employment provisions that may be qualified as overriding, such as minimum salary standards. Please find the recent information about minimum salary in Mexico here.
Visa
To work legally while in another country, employees generally need a valid work title. It's important to keep in mind that the consequences of entering without the proper documentation can be significant for both the employee and the employer.
For those planning work-from-anywhere trips to Mexico, here's a quick overview:
- Visa-Free Entrance: Many nationalities can enter Mexico without a visa for short stays.
- Standard Visa: Required for nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry, obtained through Mexican diplomatic missions.
- Visa on Arrival: Not available - all required visas must be obtained before travel.
- Digital Nomad Visa: Mexico offers a Temporary Resident Visa with permission to work remotely (digital nomad visa), allowing remote workers to stay and work legally in the country.
Need trip-specific visa information? Check out WorkFlex Visa Navigator.
For those planning a business trips to Mexico, here’s what you need to know:
- E-Visa Option: Available for business visitors from eligible countries.
- Visa-Free Entry: Many nationalities can conduct business visits without a visa.
- Business Visa: Required for nationalities not eligible for e-visa or visa-free entry.
- Visa on Arrival: Not available for business travelers.
Need trip-specific visa information? Check out WorkFlex Visa Navigator.
Working hours
Most employees in Mexico work from Monday to Friday, with a standard workweek consisting of 48 hours. The workday is typically running from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a lunch break of 1-2 hours in between.
To remain compliant during your trip abroad, here are some suggestions to follow:
- Avoid working overtime: Regulations regarding overtime can differ significantly and may be much stricter compared to those in your home country.
- Refrain from working outside regular hours: The rules surrounding working outside regular hours may vary and could be stricter than in your home country.
- Do not work on weekends: If the weekend days differ from those in your home country, please avoid working on both your regular weekend days and the local weekend days.
Public holidays
- January 1: New Year's Day
- First Monday of February: Constitution Day
- Third Monday of March: Benito Juárez's Birthday
- May 1: Labor Day
- September 16: Independence Day
- Third Monday of November: Revolution Day
- December 25: Christmas Day
Depending on the region you're visiting, there may be additional region-specific public holidays. For more information about these holidays, please check here.
To comply with labor laws, please refrain from working on national or regional holidays during your trip. These days hold significant importance for locals and provide a great opportunity for you to blend in and celebrate with the community.
Working activities
When considering travel for work purposes—whether for a workation or a business trip—it is crucial to understand the implications of Permanent Establishment (PE) and associated tax risks. PE is a significant compliance concern for companies and can become costly due to the administrative burden if the compliance requirements for employees working abroad are not properly managed. To help mitigate these risks, here are a few guidelines to follow.
If you are traveling for a workation, please:
- Refrain from negotiating or signing sales contracts during your trip.
- Avoid visiting clients or any office, including your employer's local office in the destination country.
Following these guidelines will help mitigate the important compliance risks related to Permanent Establishment for your employer.
If you are a business traveler, it may be difficult to avoid the activities mentioned above. In this case, please ensure you inform your employer's compliance department about this matter. If you and your organization are WorkFlex users, this topic is addressed through the WorkFlex platform.
Data protection
Data protection is fundamentally about keeping our information safe from unauthorized access, breaches, theft, or damage. This responsibility is important for everyone, regardless of where they are working.
When employees work temporarily from abroad, data protection involves ensuring continued coverage and compliance with the data protection regulations of both, the home country and the destination country. Mexico has implemented The Federal Law on the Protection of Personal Data held by Private Parties. Its level of regulation and enforcement is characterized heavy. That means the country enforces strict, comprehensive data protection laws with robust regulatory oversight. These laws cover all aspects of data privacy and impose severe penalties for non-compliance, either adopting or aligning closely with frameworks like the GDPR. Learn more about it here.
For WorkFlex users, a comprehensive list of data protection activities is available in the profile, but here are some general data protection guidelines to keep your data safe:
- Adhere to Your Company's Internal Data Policies: Familiarize yourself with and follow your organization’s specific data protection protocols.
- Use Secure Network Connections: Always connect through secure networks, especially when accessing sensitive information.
- Be Aware of Phishing: Stay vigilant against phishing attempts by verifying the authenticity of emails and messages before clicking on any links.
- Utilize Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication: Create complex passwords and enable multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
- Keep Your Devices in a Secure Location: Always store your devices in safe places to prevent unauthorized access.
- Lock Your Screen Whenever Applicable: Ensure your screen is locked when you're away from your device to protect your information.
Travel health insurance
When traveling to Mexico for work—whether for a short business trip or an extended workation—it's essential to have comprehensive health insurance coverage to ensure access to medical care.
For business trips, the employer typically arranges the employee's travel health insurance. However, for workations, these responsibilities can be less clear. WorkFlex takes care of travel health insurance for trips worldwide to ensure there are no costly consequences for either the employee or the employer if accidents occur while working abroad.
For travelers using WorkFlex
If you’re traveling with WorkFlex, comprehensive health insurance is automatically included if your employer has activated this feature. For more details, please refer to your trip request on the WorkFlex platform.
For other travelers
Ensure you have travel health insurance with worldwide coverage, whether for a workation or business trip, so that you can receive adequate medical treatment in case of an emergency.
Urgent safety information
For travelers using WorkFlex:
Please refer to your trip's risk assessment under the "Health and Security" dimension to review any urgent security information relevant to your travel.
For other travelers:
Please visit official authority websites to check for any current threats or urgent security advisories:
Terrorism
Follow the general cautionary measures.
Domestic situation
The primary threat to Mexico's internal security comes from organized crime.
As a transit and increasingly a destination country, Mexico sees a growing number of refugees and migrants from Central America attempting to reach the United States.
- Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.
- Follow the guidance of local security forces.
- Stay up to date by monitoring local news reports.
Crime
Violence in Mexico remains persistently high across many regions.
- In areas controlled by organized crime, violent clashes between rival gangs often lead to fatalities, with no regard for bystanders. Gunfire exchanges between criminal groups or with security forces can endanger uninvolved tourists, sometimes with tragic outcomes. Even busy or well-known locations may not always be safe.
- Violent crime and property theft are widespread. Common offenses include theft, armed robbery, and express kidnappings. Unfortunately, police or security personnel—both genuine and impersonated—may sometimes be complicit in crimes.
- Women face a high risk of violence, including murder, sexual assault, and attempted abductions, even in tourist areas. Many crimes go unresolved. Firearms are common and often used recklessly, including during robberies in traffic or on public buses, where even verbal resistance can provoke severe retaliation.
- Robbery risks increase significantly during overnight travel, on non-toll roads, and at remote rest stops or gas stations. Criminals may use pretexts, such as fake breakdowns or pleas for help, to lure travelers into stopping, only to rob them.
- Drug laws are strictly enforced. Contaminated drugs have caused severe health issues and fatalities. While small amounts of marijuana may be legally permitted under specific conditions, its purchase and use remain effectively off-limits for foreign visitors.
- Traveling in groups generally provides more safety than traveling alone. Secure hotel accommodations are safer than exploring city centers after dark. Organized tours often account for existing security risks.
Safety tips
- Be cautious of robbery risks in nature reserves, including on volcano treks. Few camping sites for RVs and campers are adequately guarded.
- Use ATMs in secure locations (like malls) and check for tampering. Credit card fraud is also a concern.
- Opt for cashless payments and carry only the cash you need for the day. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or bringing unnecessary valuables.
- Store money, ID, and other important documents securely. Keeping electronic copies or photos can simplify replacing them in case of loss or theft.
- Limit travel to high-risk areas unless absolutely necessary and only with a comprehensive security plan. In emergencies, dial 911, and keep the embassy’s emergency contact number handy.
- Use toll roads (Cuota) whenever possible. Minimize stops during travel, using only busy rest areas or gas stations. Schedule travel to arrive at destinations before nightfall. If you suspect you're being followed while driving, head to the nearest police station or another safe location.
- Do not resist during robberies or carjackings, even verbally.
- Stay alert in crowded areas like airports, train stations, subways, or buses, and keep your belongings secure.
- Avoid isolated neighborhoods, deserted areas, and remote beaches.
- Women should avoid traveling alone at night or in secluded areas. Report any sexual assault or attempts promptly to the nearest Ministerio Público (Public Prosecutor's Office).
- Be cautious of drinks or food from strangers, as knockout drugs may be used for robbery or assault. Don’t leave your food or drinks unattended in restaurants.
- Always drive with windows closed and doors locked. Use guarded parking and avoid leaving valuables in vehicles.
- Reports of rental car break-ins are common. If you must leave luggage in the car, never leave it unattended. Take important documents with you, even during brief stops.
- Be skeptical of unexpected emails, calls, prize notifications, or assistance requests from supposed acquaintances. These can include scams claiming family kidnappings ("virtual kidnappings"). Stay calm, don’t share personal information, and verify the situation directly or through the police. If threatened over the phone, hang up immediately.
Mexico has diverse climate zones:
Central Plateau (Mexico City area):
- Spring-like temperatures year-round
- Cool nights (10°C to 15°C/50°F to 59°F)
- Warm days (20°C to 25°C/68°F to 77°F)
- Rainy season (June to October)
Coastal Areas:
- Hot and humid
- Temperatures 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F)
- Hurricane season (June to November)
- Higher humidity along Gulf Coast
Northern Regions:
- Hot summers (35°C to 40°C/95°F to 104°F)
- Mild winters (10°C to 20°C/50°F to 68°F)
- Lower humidity
- Desert climate in some areas
Airports
Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX)
- Location: Mexico City
- When to use: Main international hub, excellent connections worldwide
Guadalajara International Airport (GDL)
- Location: Guadalajara
- When to use: Western Mexico gateway, international and domestic flights
Monterrey International Airport (MTY)
- Location: Monterrey
- When to use: Northern Mexico, business travel hub
Train stations
Buenavista Station (Mexico City)
Main connections:
- Suburban railway connecting Mexico City with State of Mexico
- Links to Mexico City metro system
- Major interchange hub for urban transport
- Connection to Metrobús lines
El Chepe Station (Chihuahua)
Main connections:
- Famous Copper Canyon railway route
- Daily service to Los Mochis
- Tourist scenic route through Sierra Madre
- Stops at major canyon viewpoints
Additional Rail Services:
- Guadalajara Light Rail System
- Monterrey Metro
- Mexico City-Toluca interurban rail (under construction)
- Tourist heritage railways
Ride-hailing services
- Uber
- Didi
- Cabify
- Beat
Public transportation
ADO: Premium nationwide bus network
- First-class service between major cities
- Modern fleet with onboard amenities
- Online booking available
- Airport connections
ETN: Luxury bus service
- Executive-class transport
- Routes between business hubs
- Premium onboard services
- USB ports and Wi-Fi
Primera Plus: Business-class service
- Coverage in central Mexico
- Frequent services between major cities
- Professional business traveler focus
- Comfortable seating and amenities
Urban networks:
Mexico city
- Extensive metro system (12 lines)
- Metrobús BRT system (7 lines)
- Electric trolleybus network
- Light rail to Xochimilco
Guadalajara
- Light rail system (3 lines)
- Macrobús BRT service
- Urban bus network
- Mi Macro system
Monterrey
- Metro system (3 lines)
- Metrorrey network
- Ecovía BRT system
- Urban bus services
Local transportation:
- Peseros (minibuses) in cities
- Colectivos (shared taxis)
- Local bus routes
- Municipal taxi services