How do you get an RFC in Mexico in 2026?

RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes) is issued by SAT, Mexico’s tax authority. Temporary residents without Mexican work permission may receive a limited registration that still helps banking and some property steps. Temporary residents with work permission and permanent residents can usually register for fuller tax participation, including issuing CFDI electronic invoices when their regime allows it. Visitor status is not a path to RFC.

Do the chain in order: residence card, CURP, then RFC. SAT expects a validated CURP before it will finish many foreigner registrations: Get a CURP and Get an INM card. Residence comes before tax ID: Apply for residence.

Book a cita (appointment) through SAT’s official scheduling tools for your city. Prepare passport, INM resident card, CURP proof, and a comprobante de domicilio (proof of address) such as a recent CFE electricity bill or registered lease. Many offices accept a utility bill in another household member’s name if that person attends with ID and a simple authorisation letter; confirm your module’s list. Complete any precaptura (pre-capture) form online, print it, and bring originals plus copies.

At the appointment, staff verify identity and issue your RFC with homoclave (the distinctive ending characters). If you receive e.firma (electronic signature credentials), back them up immediately; recovery is painful. With RFC in hand, bank branches are less likely to cap your account or send you away for a second visit: Open a bank account. Retirees still need RFC for many formal money flows even when they never invoice: Retiring in Mexico.