Mexican residents and expats can invest in US stocks from Mexico by opening accounts with international brokers, or through select Mexican banks that provide US market access.
While the opportunity allows investors to diversify into US dollar assets and global companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Tesla, it also triggers US withholding tax, Mexican capital gains tax, and requires proper compliance with foreign regulations.
This article explores:
- Can I invest in the US stock market if I live in Mexico?
- Is there capital gains tax on stocks in Mexico?
- How can Mexicans invest in US stocks?
- What are the risks of US stock investments from Mexico?
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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.
Is it legal to buy US stocks from Mexico?
It is legal for both Mexican citizens and foreign residents in Mexico to invest in US stocks.
However, investors must comply with Mexican tax reporting rules, US regulations for foreign investors, and brokerage KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements.
The legality is clear, but the right choice of broker and tax compliance are essential.
How to buy US stocks from Mexico?
You can buy US stocks from Mexico by opening an account with an international brokerage platform that serves Mexican residents, completing the required documentation (including tax forms), funding your account in USD, and then purchasing your chosen stocks or ETFs.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Choose a regulated international broker that accepts Mexican residents.
Popular options include Interactive Brokers. Some Mexican banks also offer indirect access to US stocks, but fees are usually higher. The key is to ensure the broker is licensed and has a strong reputation with international clients. - Complete registration and submit documents, including the W-8BEN form.
When you open an account as a non-US resident, you’ll need to provide proof of identity and address. The W-8BEN form is essential because it declares your tax residency as Mexico, allowing you to benefit from the reduced 10% US dividend withholding tax under the US-Mexico tax treaty. - Fund your account using bank transfers.
Most brokers require you to deposit USD, which means converting Mexican pesos to dollars. Currency conversion fees and exchange rates can affect your returns, so it’s important to compare your bank’s rates with other money transfer services to minimize costs. - Select your investments — individual stocks, ETFs, or ADRs.
Investors can directly buy US stocks such as Apple, Amazon, or Tesla, or opt for exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track the S&P 500 or Nasdaq for broader diversificación. Another option is American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), which allow you to invest in foreign companies listed on US exchanges. - Monitor your portfolio with tax efficiency in mind.
Beyond tracking performance, you’ll need to report dividends and capital gains in Mexico and ensure compliance with both US and Mexican tax rules. Some investors choose tax-efficient products like ETFs, which may generate fewer taxable events compared to frequent stock trading.
What are the tax implications of investing in US stocks from Mexico?
Investors are subject to taxation in both the United States and Mexico.
The US generally withholds 30% on dividends paid to non-residents, though this rate can be reduced to 10% under the US-Mexico tax treaty.
In Mexico, capital gains from selling US stocks are also taxable, typically at rates ranging from 10% to 35%, depending on the investor’s income bracket.
Double taxation can be avoided by using the treaty between both countries.
¿Existe un tratado fiscal entre México y EE.UU.?
Yes. The US-Mexico tax treaty reduces withholding tax on dividends from 30% to 10%. It also provides a framework to prevent double taxation.
This means income earned from US stocks may be taxed in the US, but investors can typically credit those taxes against their Mexican tax obligations.
Which broker is best for US stocks?
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is widely regarded as one of the best platforms for buying US stocks from Mexico, but several other international brokers also offer solid options depending on your needs.
The table below outlines some of the most accessible choices for Mexican investors.
| Broker / Platform | Support for Mexico / status | Key features / caveats | What to verify yourself |
| Interactive Brokers (IBKR) | Mexico is on IBKR’s list of supported countries. | You can fund in multiple currencies (including Mexican peso) and trade globally. | Check funding methods from Mexico (wire, local bank, cost of FX) and any inactivity or maintenance fees; also which account types (cash vs margin) you qualify for. |
| TradeStation Global | Reported in broker comparison sites as available for Mexico (for professional traders) | Good for active traders, many markets & advanced tools | Confirm whether Mexican residents can open Retail (not just pro) accounts, and the cost structure. |
| MEXEM | Listed in broker comparison lists for Mexico | Low fees, access to global markets | Confirm Mexico is among supported countries and check funding & withdrawal methods. |
| Swissquote | Mentioned in international broker lists | Good reputation, access to many markets | Confirm whether Mexican residents can use full US stock trading and check commission / FX spreads. |
| eToro | Widely used internationally, including in Latin America | Supports US stocks and ETFs in many countries | Check that Mexican residents have full access (not just via CFDs) and verify deposit / withdrawal & FX rules. |
| CapTrader | Listed in some professional broker comparison lists for Mexico | Good for frequent global trading | Verify eligibility, fees, and minimums. |
| Tastytrade | Listed in some broker comparison lists for Mexico | More specialized, potentially good for derivatives | Verify whether non-US residents in Mexico are accepted and terms for equity trading. |
| Firstrade | Mentioned in forums as an option for non-US residents | Known for competitive fees | Must check whether Mexico is a supported country, and whether all US market features are available. |
What is the primary risk when investing in US stocks from Mexico?
The main risk for US stocks investment from Mexico is currency fluctuation between the Mexican peso (MXN) and the US dollar (USD), which can impact your returns when converting profits back to pesos.
The key challenges include:
- Market volatility – US equities can swing sharply due to corporate earnings, interest rates, inflation, and geopolitical events. Short-term investors may face sudden losses.
- Regulatory compliance – Mexican residents must report and pay taxes on foreign investments. Incorrect filing or failing to declare overseas holdings can result in fines or penalties.
- Withholding tax on dividends – The US typically withholds 30% on dividends for non-residents unless reduced by treaty. This lowers net income from US stocks.
- Brokerage and operational risk – Not all brokers that advertise US market access serve Mexico reliably. Account restrictions, limited services, or sudden changes in eligibility can disrupt your inversiones.
- Liquidity risk (indirect access) – If using local banks or brokers in Mexico that offer wrapped US exposure instead of direct access, you may face higher fees, tracking errors, or less transparency.
How is the Mexican stock market compared to the US stock market?
The Mexican stock market (BMV) is smaller, less liquid, and has fewer global players compared to the US stock market.
While Mexico provides exposure to regional industries such as telecommunications, mining, and energy, the US offers technology, healthcare, and global consumer giants.
For diversification, many investors prefer to combine both.
Have international stocks ever outperformed US stocks?
Yes, there have been periods when global equities outpaced the US, especially during downturns in the US economy or when emerging markets surged.
During the 2000s, often dubbed a lost decade, the S&P 500 delivered weak returns, while some emerging markets delivered much stronger gains.
In the mid-1980s, Japanese and European equities outperformed the US amid a weakening dollar and favorable local conditions.
More recently, in select years of the 2010s and 2020s, international stocks temporarily outpaced US equities when valuations shifted or the dollar softened.
Over longer periods, however, the US has shown more consistent outperformance.
For example, during many recent 10- and 15-year spans, the S&P 500 has significantly outpaced developed international indices, due in part to stronger profit growth, innovation leadership, and market liquidity.
For investors, this suggests that blending US and international holdings remains a prudent strategy.
Key Tips for Buying US Stocks from Mexico
- Work with reputable international brokers to ensure access and compliance.
- Always file the W-8BEN form to benefit from reduced tax withholding.
- Diversify across sectors, not just US tech stocks.
- Consider using ETFs or ADRs for easier exposure.
- Keep in mind currency risks when converting pesos to dollars.
Conclusión
Investing in US stocks from Mexico is not only possible but also a smart way to diversify wealth across global markets.
With the right broker, awareness of tax treaties, and careful planning, investors can maximize returns while remaining compliant.
Preguntas frecuentes
How can I invest in the Mexican stock market?
You can open an account with a local broker registered with the Bolsa Mexicana de Valores (BMV). Some international platforms also allow direct trading on Mexico’s exchanges.
Can I invest in Robinhood from Mexico?
No. Robinhood is currently limited to US residents.
Mexican investors must use international brokers or seek financial advice.
Can a foreigner open a Charles Schwab account?
Charles Schwab does offer international accounts to many non-US residents, including those in Mexico, under its Schwab One International / Schwab International program.
However, eligibility and access vary by country, and non-residents often face higher minimum deposits and limited features.
Some sources report that certain countries are or may become restricted, so prospective applicants should verify Schwab’s current policies for Mexico before applying.
How to open a US brokerage account as a non-resident?
Non-residents need to choose an international-friendly broker, submit identification and proof of residency, and complete tax forms (such as W-8BEN).
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Adam es un autor reconocido internacionalmente en temas financieros, con más de 830 millones de respuestas en Quora, un libro muy vendido en Amazon y colaborador de Forbes.
