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We are City Laws, a firm with 28 years of experience serving families, retirees, and investors in Puerto Vallarta. We provide services in Spanish and English, with clear explanations and no surprises, for both residents and visitors to the bay.
Your first consultation in Puerto Vallarta, in 3 steps
Free and no obligation. That is how simple it is to start with City Laws.
Tell us about your case
Create your account and share the details of your legal situation securely.
We assign you a specialist
A lawyer in the right area — not a generalist — reviews your case.
Get your free consultation
We contact you the same business day, in English or Spanish, at no cost.
In the Bay Area, almost every legal matter begins with real estate and residence.
Puerto Vallarta boasts a large community of retirees and foreign buyers, and virtually the entire city lies within the restricted zone established by law: the 50-kilometer coastal strip. Therefore, acquiring a beachfront house or condominium for residential use is typically done through a trust with an authorized Mexican bank, and it's advisable to review each step before signing.
In addition to this real estate reality, we handle residency procedures with the INM (National Institute of Migration), vacation rentals, condominium living, and will planning when there are assets in Mexico. We address these issues daily, in both Spanish and English, so that residents and foreigners fully understand what they are signing and why.
- ✓ Purchase and sale in coastal area through bank trust
- ✓ Temporary and permanent residence before the INM
- ✓ Holiday rental and management contracts
- ✓ Wills and estates with assets in Mexico
Beach real estate
We review sales contracts, trusts, and condominium regimes in the bay before you sign.
Life abroad
We assist with residency, renewals and procedures for those who choose to live or retire here.
Protected heritage
We handle wills and estates to ensure your assets in Mexico are properly registered.
One firm for everything legal
These are the subjects that are most requested in Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay.
Real Estate
Purchase and sale, trust, vacation rental and condominium regime.
Migratory
Temporary or permanent residence, renewals and exchange for foreigners.
Familiar
Divorce, pensions and custody, including binational couples.
Penal
Defense and support in investigation files and hearings.
Labor
Conflicts in the hotel, restaurant and tourism industry, for the company or the worker.
Corporate
Incorporation of companies and contracts for tourism businesses.
Fiscal
Obligations of landlords and residents with income in Mexico.
Trademarks and IP
Trademark registration for hotels, restaurants and local services.
The most trusted lawyers in Puerto Vallarta
We are an established team with nearly three decades defending families, businesses and foreigners. Transparency, fast response and a human touch.
- ✓ Verified attorneys specialized by area
- ✓ Bilingual service for the expat community
- ✓ A clear quote before we start
- ✓ We respond in under 24 business hours
Conciliation
We first seek the agreement that resolves your conflict and saves you time and money.
Legality
Every strategy strictly follows the law and professional ethics.
Strategy
Years of courtroom practice, academic training and teaching behind every case.
How to book your first consultation in Puerto Vallarta?
Pick the day and time that suits you. A specialized lawyer confirms and helps you at no cost, in English or Spanish.
- ✓ Free and without obligation
- ✓ Same business-day confirmation
- ✓ In-person and online service
Book online
Pick the day and time in our calendar. A lawyer confirms the same business day.
Book a free consultationFree · no obligation · ES · EN
What clients ask most
Can a foreigner buy a beachfront house in Puerto Vallarta?+
Yes. Since almost the entire city is within the 50-kilometer restricted zone from the coast, the usual way to acquire a property for residential use is through a trust with an authorized Mexican bank. This trust grants you the rights to use, rent, and sell the property; we review the contract and the property's status before you sign.
Do I need residency to live or retire in the Bay Area?+
If you plan to stay longer than your visitor visa allows, it's advisable to apply for temporary or permanent residency through the INM (National Institute of Migration). Requirements and fees change frequently, so we'll review your specific case and advise you on the necessary documents. We handle the entire process in both Spanish and English.
Can I legally rent out my property seasonally?+
Yes, as long as you have clear contracts, respect the condominium rules, and fulfill your tax obligations on the income. We help you get your rental agreement and management plan in order. This reduces the risk of conflicts with neighbors, guests, or authorities.
Does the first consultation have a cost?+
No. Your first consultation with City Laws is free and without obligation. You tell us about your situation, we review the essentials, and we clearly explain the options and the steps to follow.
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Legal solutions in Puerto Vallarta
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