Testimonials

As soon as we knew we were moving from the U.S. to Merida, we contacted Yucatan Expatriate Services and that turned out to be the best decision we could have made. We learned early in the process that customs and procedures in Mexico are completely different than those at home. Even for those who have some command of the Spanish language (which we do not), accomplishing simple tasks can be confusing and complex.

Working with the staff at YES saved us time and money and ultimately spared us from untold amounts of stress and worry. We literally could not have made the move without their help.

Even before our move when we had questions about immigration, visas and FM3s, YES was there for us. Once we arrived in Merida, YES staff helped us open bank accounts (not a simple process), arrange for telephone service, document our residence for immigration, order internet service and more. When we were ready to purchase our home, their team of lawyers was there to protect our interests and represent us at closing. No request was too big or too small.

From connecting us with an English speaking physician to finding a telephone directory for us, the entire YES team was warm, receptive and helpful. We offer our heartfelt thanks to Betty, Adriana (our guardian angel), Ignacio (our attorney) and the entire staff at YES.

David & Suzy Beasley
Des Moines, Iowa, USA
July 2010

My husband and I have been dealing with Lic. Ignacio Puerto, Fernando Lopez and their staff for the last 5 years. Not only did they help us with all the problems that one encounters setting up a business in Mexico but they also were very helpful with many other personal aspects that we came across in our endeavor. Whether we had to open a bank account, find a real estate agent, buy real estate, hire personnel, suggest holiday destinations, find hotels, recommend restaurants, etc. they were always very accommodating. Their advice has always been helpful and they have made our stays in Merida very pleasant. We are very fortunate to have met both of them and we look forward to continue working with them in the future as they have become more of a second family to us than just our lawyer and our accountant.

Katy Nielsen
Toronto, Canada
March 2010

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to express my gratitude and satisfaction with the assistance of YES, and Paulina Gongora’s services in particular. From my first impression, when I walked in the door of the YES offices, I felt I was in the company of good, capable and honest people.

It was not an easy task as there were two matters to settle. The registration of the vehicle to a new owner and getting new license plates. It took a lot of time, but I never felt not informed of the situation. Paulina and Juan Diego assisted me with attention to the matter(s), and when we found a way to get around one barrier, Paulina was willing and very helpful. I feel she gave 100% of her time to help. I was very satisfied with the results and I have told friends in the expat community about your valuable and reliable services. I plan to ask for further assistance with my immigration status, changing CFE y JAPAY to my name and plan to contact Paulina soon regarding these matters.

Thank you again for contacting me. I was very happy with the services provided.

David Ochoa
New York, NY
January 2010

If you are an expatriate, no matter how well you know the country you are living in, you still need reliable legal advice.   Ignacio and his staff will always provide the support you need.

Younghee Moser
New Mexico, USA
November 2009

My partner and I were introduced to Fernando Lopez Macari of Lopez Novelo DFK by our US financial advisors, Zainer Reinhardt Clarke DFK in Sonoma County, California. Both firms are members of the DFK international network of accountants and advisors. Fernando and his team were invaluable in helping us to set up bank accounts, establish good practices for the management of our rental property, and the general “handholding” that goes along with living as part-time expatriates. For the past five years they have provided comprehensive financial services including cross-border tax advice, banking introductions and management, bookkeeping, cash management and other general accounting services. Additionally, they have acted in an ongoing supervisory role to our property manager.

Over time we began buying other properties and engaging in other business ventures throughout Mexico. Fernando introduced us to attorney Ignacio Puerto of Puerto y Pino. Together they and their associates have advised us on immigration law (procurement and renewal of our FM3 visas), multiple real estate purchases, creating two Mexican Limited Liability Companies, establishing a maquiladora, conflict resolution with a neighboring property owner, tax planning in conjunction with our US tax advisors, local and federal Mexico tax filing requirements, and assorted other business issues.

Srs. Lopez and Puerto are smart, professional, well versed in local and international business practices, and have excellent English. Both are invaluable partners to have, as is their entire team. We highly recommend utilizing the services of Yucatan Expatriate Services in your full or part-time move to Mexico.

David Dow
Santa Rosa, California
November 2009

I have been using the legal services of Attorney Ignacio Puerto and associates for the past twelve years. At first, my husband and I came to Puerto y Pino for help with our Mexican work visas, when we were based in Merida as General Managers of hotels in an international hotel chain. We were introduced to Attorney Puerto by the local owners of the hotels.

In 2005, I was hired to set up a regional office for an international architectural firm with headquarters in Asia. As this required both legal and financial services, Attorney Puerto introduced me to Accountant Fernando Lopez Macari of Lopez Novelo DFK, an accounting firm which is a member of the DFK international network of accountants and advisors.

The results of the close cooperation between the two men and their companies greatly benefitted both myself and the company I represented.  Ignacio and Fernando and their teams were invaluable in setting up the architectural firm’s regional office. They created two Mexican Limited Liability companies; they opened bank accounts for both the companies and for the newly hired 20 architects who were sent for three months to the headquarters in Asia. They also arranged for residential and work visas for the expatriates that were hired. They made all the employee contracts and advised on labor law issues. They did all the legal and financial work for purchasing a property and, by applying a smart strategy, they were able to save significantly on property taxes. They handled all the bookkeeping from the start. Furthermore, they advised us on any legal, financial or management matters, enabling me to administer the new companies efficiently. Their smart tax advice on several occasions was most appreciated by the owner of the new companies.

They saved me so much time. As a foreigner living in Merida without any knowledge of how to do business here, I was unfamiliar with the business or administrative requirements of opening a business. Activities such as opening a bank account, renewing a visa, daily bookkeeping, buying a property, setting up a legal company that would take a certain amount of time back home, take at least twice as long here in the Yucatan if you don’t know what you are doing.

Ignacio and Fernando represent a powerful combination of expertise and skills. They have both been exposed to international business issues, their English skills are excellent, and most importantly, both Ignacio and Fernando are locals, with deep understanding of the cultural and personal issues that are so important to doing business in Merida. They are the ideal team to help any foreigner starting a business in Merida.

Today, five years later, I am no longer with the regional architect firm. The two companies I worked for are still being fully served by Puerto y Pino and DFK Merida, Ignacio Puerto’s and Fernando Lopez Macari’s firms. Personally, I continue to use their legal and financial services for my private business matters and for my small company that produces arts & crafts.

This brings up another aspect I have always appreciated about Ignacio and Fernando: every client, large or small, gets the same attention and quality of service from them and from their staff.

I can highly recommend Attorney Puerto and Accountant Lopez Macari and their associates should you move to Mexico. Whether you are moving to retire or to do a business, their services are invaluable to any client, large or small.

Marieke Baumgartner
Hilversum, Netherlands
November 2009

Seriousness and a high-level degree of professionalism are two aspects that characterize the services that this company offers. I am very satisfied with the results that I have obtained with them, as well as with the effectiveness and kindness of their personnel, who transmit the feeling that you are dealing with people who understand the needs of the client.  I recommend them without hesitating.

Seriedad y alto grado de profesionalismo son dos aspectos que caracterizan los servicios que esta empresa ofrece; estoy muy satisfecho con los resultados que he obtenido. Además de la eficacia y amabilidad de su personal, que transmite la sensación de estar tratando con personas que entienden las necesidades del cliente. Los recomiendo sin dudar.

La serietà e l’alto livello di professionalità sono due aspetti che caratterizzano i servizi che offre questa azienda . Sono molto soddisfatto dei risultati che ho ottenuto ed in più l’efficienza e l’amabilità del suo personale ,  trasmette la sensazione di stare collaborando con gente che capisce le necessità del cliente. Senza dubbi lo raccomando.

Fabio Atti
Ferrara, Italia
November 2009

I have known Betty for the past five years and I have been consistently impressed by both Betty’s attitude towards her work and her performance on the job. Betty is highly intelligent and has good analytical and communication skills. Her interpersonal and communications skills have allowed her to develop productive working relationships with both our clients and our staff. Betty has wide knowledge of the Mexican laws and their applicability. She also has a very strong accounting and financial background.

David Bellman
New York, NY
May 2009