Mexico's New Immediate Investment Authorization Decree
The Official Gazette of the Federation in Mexico published a decree establishing an expedited framework for implementing private investment projects.
On May 4, 2026, Mexico's Federal Official Gazette published the "Decree for the Immediate Authorization of Investments" ("Decree"), establishing an expedited framework for launching qualifying private investment projects through an Immediate Investment Authorization ("Authorization") with presidential-level support and a National Digital Investment Office ("Office"). The Decree took effect on May 5, 2026.
Scope and eligible projects. The Decree applies nationwide and covers private investment projects that meet any one of the following criteria: (i) are authorized to be developed within a welfare, economic or circular development "pole" designated by the Mexican government; (ii) involve an investment of at least MX$2 billion (approximately US$115 million); or (iii) belong to strategic sectors, including technology infrastructure, data centers, textiles and apparel, semiconductor design and manufacturing, automotive and auto parts, medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals, aerospace, energy, and chemicals. Projects in the mining and financial sectors are excluded. Public or mixed-capital investments are also excluded.
Key benefits. The Authorization permits the immediate start of project development for one year, renewable for up to two additional one-year periods, provided the project demonstrates at least 90% progress in each period. Federal procedures are coordinated centrally through the Office, with support from the Presidential Office. Maximum resolution deadlines apply: (i) 60 business days for procedures covered by an Authorization; and (ii) 90 business days for projects without an Authorization that use the Office. If the applicable deadline expires without a resolution, the procedure is deemed approved (positive silence).
Governance. An Investment Committee, composed of the heads of the Ministries of Finance, Environment, Energy, Economy, and Anti-Corruption and Good Governance, and the Agency for Digital Transformation and Telecommunications, will grant, modify, suspend, or revoke Authorizations. The Investment Committee must be installed and issue its operating rules within 30 calendar days after May 5, 2026.
Transitional provisions and timing. The Agency for Digital Transformation and Telecommunications must issue the National Model for Standardization of Investment Procedures within 30 business days after May 5, 2026; coordinated implementation with states and municipalities must occur within three months thereafter. Federal agencies must integrate their procedures into the Office within three months after May 5, 2026. Projects already being accompanied by the Ministry of Economy may submit applications through the Office, with a deadline of December 31, 2026, to complete documentation.
Practical considerations. The Authorization does not exempt investors from compliance with environmental, tax, labor, customs, or health safety regulations, nor from applicable state or municipal permits; non-compliance may lead to revocation. The framework's effectiveness will depend on the timely installation of the Investment Committee, issuance of operating rules, and full activation of the Office. Projects in excluded sectors (mining and financial) are not eligible for the Authorization or for the "positive silence" benefit through the Office.
