In a move that promises to radically transform the business experience in Mexico, the Chamber of Deputies approved on April 28^th , through a fast-track procedure, the National Law for the Elimination of Bureaucratic Procedures, one of the first legislative initiatives led by President Claudia Sheinbaum.

The goal of the law is clear: to simplify, digitalize, and standardize procedures across all levels of government, with a particular emphasis on facilitating processes linked to investment and business operations. The ambition is significant: reduce regulatory costs, eliminate redundant procedures, and consolidate public services into accessible and efficient digital platforms.

A Single Window to Invest in Mexico

One of the cornerstones of this new legislation is the creation of the National Digital Investment Window, a platform that will centralize all necessary procedures to establish a business entity, build facilities, and operate a business in Mexico.

Currently, investing in the country requires an average of 2.6 years, 51 procedures, and more than 460 requirements. With the new digital window, these numbers will be drastically reduced: it is estimated that the processes will be completed in less than a year, with only 32 procedures—five for company formation, nineteen for construction, and eight for operation—along with 127 requirements, all within a single digital platform and under a unified electronic file.

Mandatory Digitalization, Faster Procedures, and Less Paperwork

The new law establishes a set of mandatory principles for all public authorities: documents already issued by the government cannot be requested again; requesting simple copies is prohibited; and the legal validity of digital documents is recognized.

Furthermore, government agencies are required to prioritize the simplification of the most used procedures or those directed at priority groups. Simultaneous flows of administrative processes will also be encouraged, the substitution of permits by notices, and the standardization of the validity periods of resolutions and authorizations.

Relevant Exclusions

Although the law covers a broad range of government procedures, it will not apply to certain sensitive areas or those under special regimes. The following are excluded from its application:

1. Tax procedures and procedures related to contributions,
2. Actions by the Public Prosecutor in the exercise of its constitutional functions,
3. Acts, procedures, or resolutions by the Ministries of National Defense and Navy.

However, even in these cases, the involved authorities must comply with the obligations of simplification, digitalization, and registration of their procedures and services within the Single Citizen Portal for Procedures and Services.

Main Concerns

Despite the expected benefits, the approval of the law was not without relevant questions raised by lawmakers, specialists, and business sectors. Some of the primary concerns include:

1. Risks in Practical Implementation: It was pointed out that many municipalities lack the digital infrastructure or trained personnel to comply with the new mandates. The lack of a specific budget to support the digital transition at state and municipal levels could limit the law’s actual impact.
2. Legal Security and Quality Control: There are concerns about the standardization of criteria and resolutions across all levels of government. If digitalization is not accompanied by clear guidelines and effective oversight, it could create new gaps or discretionary actions by authorities.
3. Excessive Powers for the National Agency: Some lawmakers warned that the Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency will concentrate regulatory, oversight, and enforcement functions that could generate conflicts of interest unless adequate accountability mechanisms are established.

Despite these concerns, the bill was approved with broad support, backed by the argument that administrative simplification is an urgent requirement for improving the country’s competitiveness.

New Digital Tools

Among the key measures is the implementation of the MX Key, a digital authentication and signature system linked to the CURP (Unique Population Registry Code), which will serve as a unique identification for online procedures, replicating the successful model of Mexico City.

Additionally, the Single Citizen Portal for Procedures and Services will be launched, centralizing all government services under standardized criteria for access, requirements, and response times.

The Digital Transformation Agency Will Be the National Authority

The law designates the Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency as the authority responsible for implementing, supervising, and enforcing these provisions. This agency, which is already operational, has trained more than 1,300 public servants and signed agreements with state and municipal governments to extend digitalization nationwide.

What’s Next?

The initiative has already been sent to the Senate for review, and its discussion and potential approval are expected to proceed swiftly. According to the federal government’s timeline, starting June 15, 2025, all procedures required to establish a company will be available online, significantly reducing processing times and making it easier to start new businesses in Mexico.

Subsequently, by August 25, 2025, procedures related to the construction and operational phases will also be accessible digitally across the entire country, including at the state and municipal levels.

The ultimate goal is ambitious: by November 30, 2025, all procedures, at every stage and before any authority, should be fully digitized.

At Calderón Marín, we are closely following these reforms and are ready to assist our national and international clients in navigating the new regulatory environment. The digital transformation of the government is a strategic opportunity to facilitate investment and business expansion in Mexico.