Start a Business in Puerto Vallarta

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

6 permits4-7 weeks (slower in tourist zones)💰 $500-$4,000 MXN

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Overview

Starting a business in Puerto Vallarta requires a Licencia de Funcionamiento through the Dirección de Desarrollo Económico. Base fee: $500-$4,000 MXN. Jalisco requires state tax registration with Secretaría de la Hacienda Pública. Guadalajara metro is Mexico's second-largest economic zone.

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-$4,000 MXN depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

Dirección de Desarrollo Económico

Phone: 322 226 8000

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

Major Pacific coast tourism destination
Large LGBTQ+ tourism market — inclusive business environment
Zona Romántica and Marina have premium licensing zones
Strong real estate and vacation rental industry
Expat community creates year-round bilingual business demand

Choose Your Business Type

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

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