What Is REPSE and Who Must Register?
REPSE stands for Registro de Prestadoras de Servicios Especializados u Obras Especializadas — Mexico's mandatory registry for companies that provide specialized services or specialized work to third parties. Created under the 2021 outsourcing reform, it is administered by the Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social (STPS).
Any company or individual (persona física or persona moral) that provides specialized services or work to another company — where those services are not part of the client's core corporate purpose — must be registered in REPSE before rendering those services.
Step 1: Confirm You Need to Register
Before starting the process, verify that your situation requires REPSE registration. You must register if:
- You provide services or specialized work to third-party companies.
- Those services fall outside the beneficiary company's main corporate activity.
- You assign personnel to work at a client's facilities.
Companies that only perform services internally (for their own operations) generally do not need to register.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Prepare the following before accessing the STPS portal:
- RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes) — Your active tax registration with SAT.
- IMSS Employer Registration Number — Proof you are registered as an employer with the Mexican Social Security Institute.
- Constitutive Act (Acta Constitutiva) — For legal entities, your incorporation documents specifying your corporate purpose.
- Proof of Tax Compliance (Opinión de Cumplimiento) — A positive compliance opinion from SAT, valid at the time of application.
- IMSS Compliance Opinion — Confirmation of good standing with IMSS obligations.
- INFONAVIT Compliance Opinion — If applicable, proof of compliance with housing fund obligations.
- Description of Specialized Services — A clear description of the services or work you intend to provide.
Step 3: Access the STPS Online Portal
Registration is completed entirely online through the official STPS portal at repse.stps.gob.mx. Log in using your e.firma (advanced electronic signature) issued by SAT — this is required for all legal entities. Individuals may also use their e.firma.
Step 4: Complete the Registration Form
Once inside the portal, you will fill out a form that includes:
- Company or individual identification data.
- Description and scope of specialized services offered.
- The economic sectors where you operate.
- Upload of all required compliance documents.
Review every field carefully before submitting. Errors or missing documents are the most common causes of rejection.
Step 5: Receive Your REPSE Folio
Once your application is submitted and approved, you will receive a unique REPSE registration folio number. This folio must be included in all service contracts signed with client companies. Registration is valid for three years and must be renewed before expiration.
Key Timelines to Remember
| Milestone | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| STPS review period | Up to 20 business days |
| Registration validity | 3 years from approval |
| Renewal window | 30 days before expiration |
| SAT/IMSS compliance opinions | Must be current at time of application |
What Happens If You Don't Register?
Operating as a specialized service provider without a valid REPSE registration exposes your company to significant penalties, including fines from the STPS and potential invalidation of contracts with client companies. Client companies are also at risk if they hire unregistered providers, as they may lose the right to deduct those service costs for tax purposes.
Final Tips
- Keep all compliance opinions (SAT, IMSS, INFONAVIT) up to date throughout the registration process.
- Ensure your e.firma is valid and not expired before starting.
- Make sure your corporate purpose document accurately reflects the specialized services you provide.
- Set a calendar reminder for your renewal date well in advance.