One of the most common questions we receive from foreigners who worked in Mexico is:
“How long does it take to recover my AFORE or Infonavit money if I no longer live in the country?”
The answer depends on several factors, but here we explain the process step by step and what you can expect at each stage.
Legal Process Overview
The procedure to recover your funds consists of two main stages:
- 1. Pre-Judicial Stage (Conciliation)
We begin by filing a formal request before the Labor Conciliation Center.
Although most institutions do not voluntarily agree to return the funds at this stage, this step is required before proceeding to court.
Estimated duration: 1 to 2 months.
- 2. Judicial Stage (Lawsuit)
After conciliation, we file a labor lawsuit against the institution that holds your funds (AFORE or Infonavit).
The court will review the case and, if a favorable ruling is issued, your funds will be released.
Estimated duration: 5 to 7 months.
In total, the process usually takes between 6 and 9 months.
It may take longer if the institutions file an appeal (amparo), but this does not affect the safety of your funds.
What Happens to My Money During This Time?
Your savings remain secure in your AFORE or housing subaccount and continue to earn interest as usual.
Nothing is lost during the legal process.
Is There Anything I Can Do to Help Speed Things Up?
Yes. If you still have a Mexican bank account, we recommend keeping it active.
This will facilitate the enforcement of the court ruling and the transfer of your funds once the case is resolved.
What do I need to get started?
All we need is your most recent AFORE account statement or your basic personal details. You can contact us in two simple ways:
Through our secure contact form: https://vegaguerrero.com/
Or by email at: oziel.guerrero@vegaguerrero.com
While the process is not immediate, it is secure, transparent, and has a high likelihood of success. At Vega, Guerrero & Asociados, we’ll be with you every step of the way until you recover what’s rightfully yours.
