Partly public
Asset declarations in Mexico: who declares and whether it is public
Laws
- Constitution of Mexico, article 108 (all public servants must declare assets)2
- Ley General de Responsabilidades Administrativas (2016)1
Who must declare
All public servants, who must file declarations of patrimonial situation and of interests under oath, and also present their annual tax return.1
What is declared
A declaration of patrimonial situation (assets) and a declaration of interests, in formats issued by the Comité Coordinador of the National Anti-Corruption System on a proposal from the Comité de Participación Ciudadana, together with the annual tax return.1
How often
Initial declaration within 60 calendar days after taking office, a modification declaration during May of each year, and a conclusion declaration within 60 calendar days after leaving the post.1
Public access
Article 29 provides that asset and interest declarations are public, except for items that could affect privacy or constitutionally protected personal data.1
Where to find declarations
Declarations are filed with and held by the Secretarías and internal control bodies (órganos internos de control) of each public entity.1
Who verifies
The Secretarías and internal control bodies carry out random checks of declarations and of changes in officials' assets. If no anomaly is found they issue a certification, and if one is found they open an investigation.1
Sanctions in law
If a filing deadline passes without justification, an investigation starts and the declarant is required in writing to comply. If the initial or modification declaration is still missing 30 calendar days after that notice, the appointment or contract is declared void and the head of the entity must remove the official. Failure to file the conclusion declaration is sanctioned with disqualification of three months to one year. Falsifying declarations to hide unexplained wealth or a conflict of interest is the serious offence of hidden enrichment (enriquecimiento oculto).1
Notable developments
- The UNCAC second-cycle review of Mexico, based on a 2017 country visit, found that only certain officials declared under the earlier federal law and that spot checks were not carried out. It recommended strengthening the system, declarations of outside activities, and reporting of foreign financial accounts. Authorities said the 2016 General Act would extend declarations to all public servants.2
- The consolidated text published by the Chamber of Deputies shows the latest reform of the law on 15 December 2025.1
Checked 28 October 2026.
Sources
- Cámara de Diputados del H. Congreso de la Unión, Ley General de Responsabilidades Administrativas, texto vigente (15 December 2025)
- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Executive summary: Mexico, UNCAC Implementation Review Mechanism second cycle (CAC/COSP/IRG/II/1/1/Add.11) (3 December 2018)