What do I need to sign legal documents in Mexico?

Baja real estate Buyers need an FMT (tourist visa)

USA Passport or Original Birth Certificate is all you need for FMT and Baja real estate Buyers may sign legal documents with FMT or FM3 in front of the Notary.

Sellers must have a valid FM3 to sign legal documents when selling your property. An FMT WILL NOT WORK for a BAJA REAL ESTATE SELLER. A “seasoned electric bill) and a current electric bill along with the seller’s FM3  will be the documentation you need as a Seller to qualify for a zero capital gains tax designation with the Notary.

Foreigners can safely buy property in Mexico and enjoy the full rights of ownership
Buying real estate in México is quite different than buying in the USA.  However, it can be done in a completely safe manner.  The most important component in the purchase of real estate in México is a qualified, knowledgeable, local real estate specialist from a reputable, recognizable company working for your benefit.  They can guide you to safely-acquirable property and guide you through the purchase process with the seller, lawyer and notary.

It is a common misconception that only Mexicans can own real estate in México.  There are two legal vehicles foreigners can use to safely own property in México:

Fee Simple - Escritura – for property not in the Restricted Zone (see below).  If the property is in the Restricted Zone, it can be purchased by a corporation that is wholly-owned by foreigners.  The latter is more typically used with commercial property, but it has also been used for residential property.

Bank Trust - Fidecomiso – where the Bank becomes the trustee holding title and the buyer becomes the beneficiary of the trust.  The buyer enjoys all of the same rights they would have in fee simple ownership: the rights to buy, sell, lease, use, bequeath, improve, transfer and encumber.  A Fidecomiso works much the same way as a family trust in the United States.  This is the simplest, safest way for a foreigner to hold real property in coastal México.