Booking your appointment with the SAT (Servicio de Administración Tributaria)—Mexico’s tax authority—is one thing. Walking out with your RFC is another.
Most checklists for foreigners are generic. This one is built directly on the official 2025 Miscellaneous Tax Resolution (RMF 2025), specifically Annex 1-A—the legal document that lists the only documents the SAT is obligated to accept.
Missing one item, or bringing an incorrect version, means a rejected application and months of delays. Use this legal-based checklist to ensure your appointment ends in success.
Before you continue, ensure you understand the basics. This checklist details the documents you need, but our main post about RFC explains the fundamentals: why you need an RFC, the critical difference between a Limited and Business RFC, and how it connects to your CURP.
Table of Contents
The Two Non-Negotiable Prerequisites
Before you even look at the appointment documents, you must have these:
- Your CURP: Your unique population ID. No CURP, no RFC.
- A Valid Mexican Immigration Status: You must hold a Temporary Resident Card, Permanent Resident Card, or Humanitarian Visitor Card (per RMF 2025, Annex 1-A). A tourist permit (FMM) is not sufficient.
⚠️ CRITICAL DISTINCTION: Your visa type dictates your RFC’s capabilities. A Humanitarian or Temporary Resident visa without a work permit will get you a limited RFC (for banking/investments). To issue invoices or run a business, you must have a Temporary/Permanent Resident visa with a work permit. This is a legal limitation, not a bureaucratic one.
The Official Document Checklist (Based on RMF 2025)
Bring the ORIGINAL and 2 photocopies of each document. Do not rely on the SAT office having a copier.
1. Proof of Identity & Immigration
- Valid Passport
- Original Mexican Resident Card (Temporary or Permanent) or Humanitarian Visitor Card.
2. Proof of Address (Comprobante de Domicilio) – This is Where Most Fail
The RMF 2025, Annex 1-A, is very specific. Your document must be from this list. The biggest advantage? Some documents do NOT need to be in your name.
Accepted Documents (From Annex 1-A):
- Utility bill (electricity, water, landline phone) no more than 3 months old.
- A lease agreement.
- A Third-Generation Consular ID (if you are a Mexican-by-birth living abroad).
PRO TIP: A CFE (electricity) bill is the gold standard. If the bill is not in your name, the account holder can accompany you with their ID and a simple letter granting you permission to use the address. This is a game-changer many don’t know.
3. Tax & Registration Forms
- Your CURP Printout from the official government website.
- Pre-Capture Form (Forma Precaptura): This form is generated and completed online via the SAT portal before your appointment. You must bring the printed copy.
4. For Specific Situations
- For Minors: Birth certificate (from country of origin), valid ID of parent/guardian, and legal documents proving guardianship.
- With a Work Permit: Bring your Employer Registration Certificate (CIE) or company incorporation documents if you are a partner.
- Legal Representation: Notarized documents with certified signatures.
Bring the ORIGINAL and 2 photocopies of each of these documents to your SAT appointment. Do not rely on the SAT office having a copier because most probable you will be running to the “tiendita de la esquina” for some “copias”.
Document Type | Specific Requirement | Purpose & Notes |
---|---|---|
Proof of Identity | Valid Passport | Must be the same passport used for your Mexican visa application. |
Immigration Status | Original Mexican Resident Card (Temporary or Permanent) or Humanitarian Visitor Card. | Critical: Your visa type determines if you get a Limited or Business RFC. A tourist FMM is not valid. |
Proof of Address | A utility bill (CFE, water), lease agreement, or consular ID from Annex 1-A. | Must be recent (≤3 months). Key Advantage: Some documents do not need to be in your name. |
Tax Registration | CURP Printout & Pre-Capture Form (Forma Precaptura) | The Pre-Capture form must be filled online via the SAT portal before your appointment and printed. |
For Specific Cases | Work Permit (CIE) / Company Incorporation Docs / Legal Guardianship Papers | Required to |
The Hidden Hurdle They Don’t Warn You About: The e.Firma
At your appointment, you will receive your RFC number and your e.Firma (Digital Signature). This is not a simple PDF; it’s a cryptographic file that is your legal digital identity.
- Losing it means you cannot file taxes or issue invoices.
- The installation process is technical and must be done correctly.
- The password is irrecoverable; if lost, the entire e.Firma must be reissued in a new appointment.
This is often the most overwhelming part of the process for foreigners.
My RFC Application Was Rejected: What Now?
You can have every document and still fail. Why?
- The “Human Factor”: SAT officials have discretion. A document accepted in one office may be rejected in another.
- Language Barrier: Misunderstanding a quick question can derail your application.
- Technical Errors: Mistakes on the Pre-Capture form or with the e.Firma are common and costly.
FAQ: Your 2025 RFC questions answered
Can I get an RFC as a tourist in Mexico?
No. You must have a valid Temporary Resident, Permanent Resident, or Humanitarian Visitor status. A tourist permit (FMM) does not allow you to obtain an RFC.
What’s the difference between a “Limited” and “Business” RFC?
A Limited RFC (for those without a work permit) lets you open bank accounts and own property, but NOT issue invoices or work legally. A Business RFC (for those with a work permit) is required for any income-generating activity in Mexico.
My RFC application was rejected. What should I do?
The most common reasons are incorrect proof of address, visa issues, or errors in the Pre-Capture form. You must correct the specific error and schedule a new SAT appointment. This is where our experts can quickly identify and resolve the issue for you.
I lost my RFC document. How do I get a copy?
You can download your RFC and e.Firma information from the SAT portal. If you’ve lost access, you may need to recover your e.Firma password or, in worst cases, schedule a new appointment—a process we can manage for you.
How long is the RFC valid for?
For individuals, the RFC number is permanent. However, your tax obligations (and the need to file declarations) are ongoing. Your e.Firma needs to be renewed every 4 years.
The Guaranteed Alternative: Let Us Be Your Legal Representative
At Lorad Law, we don’t just give you a list; we manage the entire process under a power of attorney. This means we can often handle the entire application on your behalf, eliminating the need for you to even attend the SAT office.
Our RFC Service Includes:
- Document Pre-Verification: We ensure every document meets the exact RMF 2025 standards.
- Application Management: We handle the SAT portal, Pre-Capture form, and appointment booking.
- e.Firma Setup: We ensure your digital signature is correctly issued and installed.
- Guaranteed Compliance: Your RFC is set up correctly for your specific visa and intended activities.
Don’t risk your application on a generic blog post. Get it done right the first time.