Bank's permission for permits (the bank holds title in a trust)
The bank, not you, holds title, so licenses and permits are issued in the fiduciaria's name. The bank either signs each application or grants a power of attorney (poder) to you or your permit runner (gestor).
Why it matters
The trust's construction clause typically says that permits, licenses and appraisals are obtained in the trustee's name, and that completion is reported in its name.
Who helps
The bank's trust office and its control desk (mesa de control), plus a notario to formalize the power.
What to do: Ask the bank for a power of attorney so you can file permits.
Documents
- An instruction letter (carta de instrucción) on the bank's template, hand-signed (original mailed to the bank), adapted to your trust and the acts requested
- Copies of passports
- The name of the attorney-in-fact (the person receiving the power)
- The notario you choose
- Your fees must be current and your names must match the bank's records
How it works
- Send the bank's trust desk an instruction letter with your original wet signature.
- The bank instructs a notario you choose to draft the power of attorney.
- The bank signs it.
- Ask for one broad power that covers every permit (land use, building, utilities, environmental, completion).
Costs Estimate
- Bank fee: US$500 plus IVA, about US$580 (confirmed Oct 2026).
- Notario fee to draft the power: extra; ask the notario for a written quote.
- A law firm may charge about US$500 to send the instruction letter for you. You can send it to the bank yourself.
Estimates only. Get written quotes.
Common mistakes
- Some banks require permits to be issued in the fiduciaria's name; you sign as the bank's representative.
- Filing permits in your own name (they'll be rejected or invalid).
- Paying for several narrow powers.
- Not including utilities (CFE, water), environmental filings and the completion notice in the power's scope.
Say it in Spanish
- Quisiéramos un solo poder amplio para todos los trámites de construcción, a nombre de la fiduciaria.
We'd like one broad power of attorney for all construction permits, in the trustee's name. - ¿Qué debe incluir la carta de instrucción?
What does the instruction letter need to include?
Terms
Confirm the details for your case with your notario or attorney.
Common questions
Whose name do permits go in?
The trustee bank's, through a power of attorney it grants you or your representative.