Start a Business in Cancun

Permits, costs, timeline, and step-by-step requirements.

✔ 4 permits⏱ 4-7 weeks (slower in tourist zones)💰 $14,000-$20,000 MXN (restaurant in tourist zone, no alcohol)

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Overview

Starting a business in Cancun requires a Licencia de Funcionamiento through the Dirección de Desarrollo Económico, Municipio Benito Juárez. Base fee: $14,000-$20,000 MXN (restaurant in tourist zone, no alcohol). Quintana Roo is Mexico's top tourism state. Cancún and Riviera Maya drive the economy. Tourism-specific permits required for many businesses.

Required Permits

✓Uso de Suelo

✓Licencia de Funcionamiento

✓Aviso de Funcionamiento

✓Licencia de alcohol (common in tourist areas)

Step-by-Step Process

Uso de Suelo

Licencia de Funcionamiento

Aviso de Funcionamiento

Licencia de alcohol (common in tourist areas)

Costs

Estimated total: $14,000-$20,000 MXN (restaurant in tourist zone, no alcohol) depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

Dirección de Desarrollo Económico, Municipio Benito Juárez

Phone: 998 881 2800

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Tourism-zone restaurants have higher licensing costs than smaller Mexican cities

⚠ Alcohol permit very common — most tourist restaurants serve alcohol

⚠ Zoning + alcohol licensing slower in Zona Hotelera

⚠ Federal permits online first, then local municipal approval follows

⚠ Quintana Roo state environmental permits may be required near coast

Choose Your Business Type

Restaurant Food Truck Barber Shop Retail Store Coffee Shop Bar / Nightclub Gym / Fitness Studio Nail Salon Cannabis Dispensary Dog Grooming Bakery Cleaning Service Daycare Center Auto Repair Shop

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