SRE Permit in San Miguel de Allende for Foreign Buyers: What is it?
If you are a foreigner buying property in San Miguel de Allende, you will need an SRE permit. It’s a standard requirement and the application is usually made once a property goes under contract. The application process can take from two weeks to a month to complete, so this should be part of the planning when deciding on a closing date. There are ways the to expedite the application, but its best to allow sufficient time before closing. For buyers who are new to the process, our guide to buying real estate in San Miguel de Allende gives a broader overview of how a purchase typically works.
What is an SRE permit?
An SRE permit is authorization from the Mexican government that allows a foreigner to purchase property in Mexico. It is issued by the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores, or SRE.
As part of the permit, the buyer agrees that the property will be governed under Mexican law. In practical terms, this is simply the legal framework that allows foreign ownership.
When is the SRE permit required?
The permit is required for every foreign buyer and is tied to a specific property.
Once a purchase agreement is signed, it’s a good idea to begin application process so that it is in place at closing since closing can not be completed without it. Your realtor should explain the process and coordinate your application with the Notario handling the closing. Buyers who are also thinking through legal residency or long-term plans in Mexico may also find it helpful to read Residency in Mexico: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know.
How the SRE permit process works in San Miguel de Allende
In San Miguel de Allende, the notario handling the closing will request the permit. The notario submits the application as part of the closing file using the buyer’s identification and property details.
Because San Miguel is outside the restricted zone, foreigners can take direct title. The SRE permit is what allows that ownership to be formally recognized. If you want to learn more about the steps involved in getting from accepted offer to closing, our article on what can go wrong in a real estate transaction — and how to avoid it explains some of the other moving parts.
Cost of an SRE permit in Mexico
The cost in 2026 is approximately $8,200 pesos per person and it usually increases annually.
Each individual listed on the deed must have their own permit, so for two buyers plan on $8,200 pesos each. Buyers often ask about this at the same time they are reviewing other transaction expenses, so it can also be useful to understand the broader cost of owning and maintaining a home in San Miguel de Allende.
Final thoughts
The SRE permit is a routine legal requirement that is handled by the notario as part of the transaction.
As long as the process is started promptly after going under contract, it shouldn’t create delays and simply becomes part of the normal path to closing.