Start a Business in Leon

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

✔ 6 permits⏱ 1-3 weeks💰 $300-$2,000 MXN

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Overview

Starting a business in Leon requires a Licencia de Funcionamiento through the Dirección General de Desarrollo Económico. Base fee: $300-$2,000 MXN. Guanajuato is a major automotive manufacturing hub. León is the leather and shoe capital of Mexico.

Required Permits

✓Federal: RFC (tax ID from SAT, free)
✓Federal: IMSS registration (if hiring employees)
✓Municipal: Licencia de Uso de Suelo (zoning/land use)
✓Municipal: Licencia de Funcionamiento (operating licence)
✓Municipal: Visto Bueno de Protección Civil (fire/safety clearance)
✓Municipal: Dictamen de Impacto Ambiental (if applicable)

Step-by-Step Process

1

Federal: RFC (tax ID from SAT, free)

2

Federal: IMSS registration (if hiring employees)

3

Municipal: Licencia de Uso de Suelo (zoning/land use)

4

Municipal: Licencia de Funcionamiento (operating licence)

5

Municipal: Visto Bueno de Protección Civil (fire/safety clearance)

6

Municipal: Dictamen de Impacto Ambiental (if applicable)

Costs

Estimated total: $300-$2,000 MXN depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

Dirección General de Desarrollo Económico

Phone: 477 688 1000

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Leather and shoe manufacturing capital of Mexico
⚠ SARE system for fast-track low-risk licensing
⚠ Strong SME support programs through municipal government
⚠ Zona Piel industrial district has specific zoning rules
⚠ Annual shoe expo (SAPICA) drives seasonal commerce

Choose Your Business Type

RestaurantFood TruckBarber ShopRetail StoreCoffee ShopBar / NightclubGym / Fitness StudioNail SalonCannabis DispensaryDog GroomingBakeryCleaning ServiceDaycare CenterAuto Repair Shop

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