Start a Business in Los Cabos

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

6 permits4-7 weeks (slower in tourist zones)💰 $500-$5,000 MXN

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Overview

Starting a business in Los Cabos requires a Licencia de Funcionamiento through the Dirección de Desarrollo Económico. Base fee: $500-$5,000 MXN. Baja California Sur is tourism-driven. Los Cabos is a major international resort destination. Many businesses cater to US/Canadian tourists.

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: $500-$5,000 MXN depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

Dirección de Desarrollo Económico

Phone: 624 146 9100

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

Major international luxury tourism destination
Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo have different zoning
Tourism zone has premium licensing requirements
Most businesses cater to US/Canadian visitors — bilingual essential
Strong real estate and vacation rental industry

Choose Your Business Type

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

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