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Hiring Employees in Mexico: A Comprehensive Guide

Anna avatar
Written by Anna
Updated this week

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction

  2. Key Considerations for Employing in Mexico

  3. Benefits

  4. Employment Contracts

  5. Onboarding

  6. Leaves

  7. Payroll & Taxes

  8. Termination Process

  9. Invoice Schedule

  10. Get Started with Omnipresent


1. Introduction

Hiring employees in Mexico requires compliance with local labor laws, structured termination processes, and extensive payroll documentation. Omnipresent’s Employer of Record (EOR) service helps you hire compliantly while taking care of payroll, benefits, and HR support.


2. Key Considerations for Employing in Mexico

  • Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN, $)

  • Language: Spanish

  • Employer Costs: Average (~36% of salary)

  • Termination Complexity: Hard

  • Onboarding Timeline: Approximately 22 calendar days

  • Payroll Frequency: Fortnightly (semi-monthly)


3. Benefits

Types of Benefits Offered

  • Mandatory Benefits:

    • Public healthcare (IMSS)

    • Retirement (AFORE)

    • Life insurance

    • Workers’ compensation

    • Illness & disability insurance

    • Vouchers

  • Supplementary Benefits (via Mapfre):

    • Private health insurance

    • Dental & vision coverage

Healthcare

  • Public healthcare is managed by IMSS and funded via payroll.

  • Private supplementary healthcare is common and employer-funded.

Retirement

  • Contributions go to AFORE (Retirement Fund Administrators).

  • Supplementary retirement is common but not offered by Omnipresent.


4. Employment Contracts

Contract Types

  • Indefinite-term contracts

  • Part-time contracts

  • Fixed-term contracts are strictly regulated and rarely used.

Requirements

  • Written contracts are mandatory.

  • Language: Bilingual (Spanish + English; Spanish prevails)

  • Signature Requirements: Simple electronic signature

  • Backdating: Not permitted

Contract Customisation

  • Optional: Unlimited time off, extra-legal sick days

  • Not allowed: overtime clauses, restrictive covenants, stylistic edits

Probation Period

  • 30 days for general employees

  • Up to 180 days for executives and specialized roles

  • Exceptions for employment relationship transfers


5. Onboarding

Timeline

The onboarding process in Mexico typically takes ~22 calendar days, including:

  1. Platform Setup

  2. Right-to-Work Check

  3. Employment Contract Processing

  4. Benefits & Payroll Enrollment

Immigration & Visas

  • Visa/work permit support may be available under certain conditions

Right-to-Work Verification

  • Mandatory RTW and medical checks for foreign employees

Employee Transfers from Another EOR

  • Seniority can be recognized unless full severance was paid


6. Leaves

Leave Entitlements

  • Annual Leave:

    • 12–20 days for employees with up to 5 years of service

    • Increases by 2 days every 5 years after that

  • Vacation Bonus: Additional 25% of salary during vacation

Maternity Leave

  • 42 days before + 42 days after birth

  • Fully paid by Social Security (100% of salary)

  • May be extended at 50% pay for 60 days if required

Paternity Leave

  • 5 calendar days paid for childbirth or adoption

Sick Leave

  • Paid 60% of salary from day 4 for up to 52 weeks, extendable by 26 weeks

  • Funded by Social Security

Public Holidays (8+ Days)

  • January 1st

  • First Monday in February (Feb 5)

  • Third Monday in March (Mar 21)

  • May 1st (Labor Day)

  • September 16th (Independence Day)

  • Third Monday in November (Nov 20)

  • December 1st every six years (next in 2024)

  • December 25th


7. Payroll & Taxes

Payroll Cycle

  • Frequency: Semi-monthly / Fortnightly

  • Cut-off Date: 6th of each month

  • Payment Date: Every two weeks

Compensation

  • Profit-sharing: 10% of pretax income

  • Vacation bonus: 25% of vacation pay

  • Christmas Bonus: 15 days’ salary paid by December 20

  • Sunday premium: Additional 25% pay

  • Public holiday pay: Additional premiums apply

Minimum Wage

  • MXN 172.87/day (as of 2023)

  • Varies by occupation and region

Hourly Wage

  • Not supported by Omnipresent

Standard Work Schedule

  • 8 hours/day, 48 hours/week (Monday–Saturday)

  • Saturday is typically a rest day

Employer Costs

  • Estimated ~36% of salary. Use the OmniCalculator for exact breakdown.


8. Termination Process

Termination Process

  • Termination must be for cause per Article 47 of the Federal Labor Law

  • Examples: Misconduct, policy violation, intoxication at work

  • Proving just cause is difficult

Omnipresent Policy

  • Full severance and mutual agreement preferred

  • Prior consultation with Omnipresent required before initiating termination

  • No same-day terminations permitted

Severance Pay

  • Voluntary resignation: Pay due wages and commissions + seniority premium (12 days/year for 15+ years of service, capped at 2x minimum wage)

  • With cause: Pay due wages and commissions only

  • Without cause:

    • 3 months’ full salary

    • 20 days/year worked

    • Accrued benefits + seniority premium

Notice Period

  • No formal notice period

  • Must issue a written termination notice within 30 days of discovering cause


9. Invoice Schedule

Initial Fees

  • Setup Fees: Triggered when terms are signed

  • Deposit: Due once contract is ready for signature

  • Initial Salary Prepayment: Invoiced on employment start date

Ongoing Monthly Invoicing

  • Invoiced monthly in arrears after payroll completion

  • Invoice includes:

    • Service fee

    • Deposit insurance (if applicable)

    • FX fees (if applicable)


10. Get Started with Omnipresent

We simplify global hiring through compliant payroll, legal contracts, and benefits management. Start your journey toward seamless international employment with Omnipresent.

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