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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.
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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 office for all legal matters
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 a well-established team with nearly three decades of experience representing families, businesses, and foreigners. Transparency, rapid response, and a human touch.
- ✓ Verified and specialized lawyers by subject matter
- ✓ Bilingual support for the expat community
- ✓ Clear budget before starting
- ✓ We respond in less than 24 business hours
Conciliation
We first seek the agreement that resolves your conflict and saves you time and money.
Legality
Each strategy strictly adheres to the law and professional ethics.
Strategy
Years of judicial practice, academic preparation and teaching behind each case.
How to schedule your first consultation in Puerto Vallarta?
Choose the day and time that suits you. A specialized lawyer will confirm and assist you free of charge, in Spanish or English.
- ✓ Free of charge and without obligation
- ✓ Confirmation on the same business day
- ✓ In-person and online support
Book online
Choose the day and time on our calendar. A lawyer will confirm on the same business day.
Schedule a free consultationFree of charge · no obligation · ES · EN
What we get asked 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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More informationPractical legal guides
Articles written by our team and reviewed by lawyers.
Legal solutions in Puerto Vallarta
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Your first consultation in Puerto Vallarta is free
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