The Mexican government has confirmed increases to the national minimum wage and published the Economic Package for the 2026 fiscal year. Together, these measures introduce updated wage thresholds, tighter tax enforcement, and a continued focus on fiscal consolidation, all of which will have implications for payroll, compliance, and workforce planning for organisations operating in Mexico from 1 January 2026. 

san-miguel-de-allende lscp

Minimum Wage Increases for 2026

 From 1 January 2026, the following daily minimum wage rates will apply in Mexico: 

  • General minimum wage: MXN 315.04 per day
  • Northern Border Free Zone minimum wage: MXN 440.87 per day 

The general minimum wage increase represents a 13 per cent rise compared with 2025, while the Northern Border Free Zone rate increases by 5 per cent. Employers should review payroll calculations, employment contracts, and statutory benefits that are linked to minimum wage levels, including social security contributions and other employment-related entitlements. 

2026 Economic Package and Key Tax Changes 

On 7 November 2025, the Federal Executive Branch published the Economic Package for the 2026 fiscal year, including the 2026 Tax Reform. The reforms introduce a significant tightening of tax enforcement, with a strong focus on electronic invoicing, the substance of transactions, and expanded powers for the Mexican Tax Authority (SAT). Key developments include: 

  • CFDI and substance requirements: Electronic invoices must support real, existing, and valid transactions. The SAT may carry out targeted inspections, physically verify goods, and collect digital evidence.
  • Digital Seal Certificate: New grounds for the temporary restriction or cancellation of certificates, particularly where alleged false invoices are not successfully rebutted.
  • Expanded SAT powers: Authority to cancel tax registrations, deny new registrations, suspend activities, and require real-time access to digital platforms.
  • Higher tax burden: Increased surcharge rates, higher withholding tax on interest, and additional withholding and reporting obligations for income earned through digital platforms.
  • Excise taxes (IEPS): Significant rate increases on tobacco products, sweetened beverages, violent-content video games, and gambling activities.
  • Tax incentives: Relief programmes for penalties and surcharges, preferential tax treatment for capital repatriation, and specific incentives linked to the 2026 World Cup. 

Fiscal Consolidation and Economic Context 

The 2026 Economic Package reflects the government’s broader objective of strengthening public finances. Continued fiscal consolidation aims to improve revenue collection and manage public expenditure following a period of elevated public deficits. Ongoing pressures related to social spending and pensions highlight the importance of sustained fiscal discipline over the medium term. 

Implications for Employers and Taxpayers 

Employers should assess the impact of the minimum wage increases on payroll costs and ensure systems are updated ahead of implementation. In parallel, enhanced tax enforcement increases compliance and operational risk, particularly for organisations with complex invoicing arrangements, digital platform activity, or cross-border operations. Reviewing internal controls, tax governance frameworks, and payroll processes will be critical to managing risk in 2026. 

Next Steps 

If you would like to understand how these minimum wage increases and fiscal reforms may impact your payroll, mobility, or HR policies, please get in touch. Complete our Contact Us form, and a member of our expert team will be happy to assist with your queries. 

By scaling, streamlining, or ensuring your people are taken care of, we bring absolute clarity to your global business.

Latest news & insights

 
January 9, 2026 | 2 minute read

Meet Charlie Knox, activpayroll’s Chief Product & Technology Officer, and discover his insights on AI,...

 
January 8, 2026 | 3 minute read

Explore the partnership between activpayroll and Cintriq driving clarity, compliance, and efficiency in...

 
January 7, 2026 | 1 minute read

South Korea’s minimum wage rises from 1 January 2026. Key payroll and compliance actions for employers...

Talk to a specialist today and find out how we support the growth of over 500 businesses with a range of activpayroll solutions designed to help your global payroll and people operations succeed.