Labor reform ·
Mexico’s 40-hour workweek reform: a complete guide for companies
What changes with Mexico’s 40-hour reform: 2026–2030 calendar, electronic time recording, fines and overtime. A guide for companies based on the DOF.
On May 1, 2026 the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) published the decree amending Mexico’s Federal Labor Law (LFT). It gradually reduces the maximum weekly working time from 48 to 40 hours, reached in 2030, and adds a new obligation for companies: electronically recording the working hours of each employee.
The essentials in one minute
- Effective date: May 1, 2026 (first transitory article).
- Maximum weekly hours: 48 in 2026, 46 in 2027, 44 in 2028, 42 in 2029 and 40 in 2030, always starting January 1.
- No pay cut: the reduction cannot lower wages, salaries or benefits.
- Electronic record: art. 132, section XXXIV. The Labor Ministry’s (STPS) general provisions take effect on January 1, 2027.
- Fine: 250 to 5,000 UMA for failing to keep the record (art. 994, section IV Bis).
Guides in this information center
40-hour workweek calendar in Mexico, year by year (2026–2030)
Hours per year and overtime caps.
Read guideElectronic recording of working hours in Mexico: what the reform requires and how to comply
Art. 132, section XXXIV: what it requires and how to prepare.
Read guideFines for not recording working hours in Mexico: 250 to 5,000 UMA, in pesos
250 to 5,000 UMA, converted to pesos.
Read guideOvertime under Mexico’s 40-hour reform: caps, pay and how to control it
Caps, pay and overtime control.
Read guideCompliance checklist for Mexico’s 40-hour reform: 10 steps for your company
10 practical steps to prepare your company.
Read guideFrequently asked questions
When does the 40-hour reform take effect?
The decree amending the Federal Labor Law took effect on May 1, 2026. The maximum workweek falls in stages, always starting on January 1 of each year: 48 hours in 2026, 46 in 2027, 44 in 2028, 42 in 2029 and 40 in 2030.
How many hours will be worked in 2027?
The maximum weekly working time will be 46 hours starting January 1, 2027.
Does the reform reduce pay?
No. The seventh transitory article establishes that the reduction of working hours cannot mean a decrease in wages, salaries or benefits.
Is electronic time recording mandatory?
The reform adds section XXXIV to article 132 of the Federal Labor Law, which requires employers to electronically record the working hours of each employee. The general provisions from the Labor Ministry (STPS), which will define its scope and exceptions, take effect on January 1, 2027.
What is the fine for not recording working hours?
Article 994, section IV Bis, provides a fine of 250 to 5,000 UMA. With the 2026 UMA of MXN 117.31, that is approximately MXN 29,327.50 to MXN 586,550.00.
Does overtime change?
Yes. The overtime cap is also reached in stages (9 in 2026 and 2027, 10 in 2028, 11 in 2029 and 12 in 2030). Overtime is paid with 100% extra, and time beyond the limits with 200% extra.
Sources
- Decree amending the Federal Labor Law, Official Gazette (DOF), May 1, 2026 (in Spanish)
- Constitutional reform decree, article 123, section A, subsections IV and XI (DOF, in Spanish)
- INEGI, value of the UMA (Unit of Measure and Update)
Informational content based on the text published in the DOF. It is not legal advice. PPanel is a recording tool: subscribing to it does not release a company from its obligations, and legal compliance is the responsibility of each employer. Consult your labor attorney for your case. Last reviewed: October 12, 2026. The general rules from the Labor Ministry (STPS) on electronic time recording have not been published yet; we will update this guide when they are.