Mexico: Guide to AFORE registration and IMSS pension laws

Workers in Mexico can manage their retirement savings and pension status through digital tools provided by the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS).

To register with an Administradora de Fondos para el Retiro (AFORE), individuals can use the AforeWeb portal or the AforeMóvil application. AFOREs are private financial institutions that manage, protect, and invest retirement savings for IMSS contributors and independent workers. These funds are accumulated in individual accounts through tripartite contributions from employers, the government, and the workers themselves. The resources are invested via specialized investment societies (Siefores) based on the workers' age and expected retirement dates.

Additionally, workers can determine whether they fall under IMSS Law 73 or Law 97 by using the IMSS Digital application to request a Statement of Contributed Weeks. Those who began contributing before July 1, 1997, belong to the transition regime and may choose between the benefits of Law 73 or Law 97. Those who started contributing on or after July 1, 1997, are under Law 97, which is based on individual accounts. Law 73 requires at least 500 contributed weeks, while Law 97 requirements increase annually, reaching 1,000 weeks by 2031.