Mexicans receive international money transfers daily—whether it’s family remittances, freelance payments, or transfers between accounts. But what many don’t know is that the SAT is also watching.

What happens if I receive money from abroad? Do I have to pay taxes? Is there a limit?

Today we answer those questions clearly, including how much money you can receive from abroad without declaring it to the SAT, when taxes apply, and the best ways to receive international transfers.

Receiving Money from Abroad: Limits, Taxes, and Options

How Much Money Can I Receive from Abroad Without Declaring It?

Mexico does not have a single amount that triggers a mandatory report to the SAT for international transfers. The threshold for reporting depends on:

• The origin of the funds

• The frequency of the transfers

• Whether the total exceeds certain annual limits

Receiving a one-time remittance is different from receiving regular payments for professional services.

So, to answer “how much money can I receive from abroad without declaring it to the SAT?”—it depends. Not all income is treated the same under tax law.

What If I Receive a Large Amount of Money from Abroad?

If the amount is significant, you’ll likely need to report it.

The SAT can track any transaction—especially if you receive more than 600,000 MXN per year. In that case, you’re obligated to include it in your tax return.

What About Remittances? Do I Need to Declare Them?

Not all remittances are taxable or need to be declared as income. Some are exempt if they qualify as donations, according to the Mexican Income Tax Law (ISR).

Article 93 of the law states that donations are exempt if you receive money from first-degree relatives—that is, parents, children, or spouses.

What If the Money Comes from Distant Relatives or Third Parties?

In that case, different rules apply. The total received annually must not exceed three times the annual minimum wage for your region.
If it does, the excess is considered taxable income and must be reported in your tax return.

And again, if the total exceeds 600,000 MXN in one year, you must report it to the SAT—even if it’s a tax-exempt donation. Not paying taxes doesn’t mean you don’t have to declare it.

What If I Receive Money from Work or Business Abroad?

If you earn money through work or business activities, you must pay taxes, no matter where the money comes from.

Whether your clients are local or international, the SAT considers that income taxable.

So, all earnings must be included in your annual ISR declaration. In this case, there is no tax-free threshold—you must report from the very first peso.

If you run a business or work as a freelancer, make sure to issue invoices and keep track of all payments.

How Much Tax Do I Pay for Receiving Money from Abroad for Work?

Taxes on income from abroad in Mexico vary based on your annual earnings. The SAT assigns a fixed fee and a percentage rate depending on your income bracket.

Here are the current tax brackets:

What If I Don’t Report Money Received from Abroad?

Hiding money received from abroad is not a good idea. If you're required to report the funds and fail to do so, it’s only a matter of time before the SAT notices.

They can demand explanations, apply penalties, or adjust your tax records.

In case you didn’t know—Mexican banks must report certain activities to the SAT. Specifically, deposits that total more than 15,000 MXN per month.

So if you receive funds that don’t show up on your tax return, the SAT will likely know.

Bottom line: If the money is for work or business, report it and pay what’s due. If it’s a remittance, be sure to document its origin properly.

Tip: Focus on declaring everything before worrying about how much tax you’ll owe on foreign income.

How to Receive Money from Abroad in Mexico

Fortunately, there are several ways to receive money from abroad in Mexico—whether from a family member or work-related income.

Here are three practical and secure methods:

1. International Bank Transfer. It is a safe and direct option, but not very convenient if you want to get the money fast. In addition, bank transfers of this type usually take 1 to 5 business days and are subject to high fees.

2. Money Transfer Services. If you want to collect cash instantly, services like Western Union are an option. You just need your ID and the transfer number from the sender.
However, fees vary significantly and the exchange rate is often unfavorable.

3. Fintech Apps. Modern options like DolarApp make it easier to receive payments from abroad. The money arrives in a digital account, and you can convert it to pesos whenever it’s convenient. The exchange rate is fair, and there are no hidden charges.

DolarApp: Receive International Payments Without Hassle

As mentioned, fintech platforms are now the fastest, most modern way to receive money from abroad. And among them, DolarApp might be the most efficient.

You don’t need paperwork or complicated requirements to receive funds.
Our app lets you receive payments from U.S. or European accounts straight into your digital wallet. Just install the app and follow a few simple steps to activate it.

Funds arrive in digital dollars (USDc) or euros (EURc), and you choose when to convert them to pesos.
You can switch currencies at a fair exchange rate—right from the app and with no hidden margins.

The fee to send or receive money is just 3 USDc or 3 EURc, depending on the currency you use.