The Dominican Republic is one of the most open countries in the region for foreign buyers: you can acquire property on practically the same terms as a Dominican citizen. This guide sums up what you need to buy safely, even from abroad.
Can a foreigner buy property in the DR? Yes, with no restrictions
Dominican law places no restrictions on foreigners buying real estate: you have the same property rights as a national, and you do not need to be a resident or have a local partner. The property is registered in your name at the Title Registry (Registro de Títulos), with the same Certificate of Title that protects any owner.
What you need
- A valid passport.
- Funds for the purchase and, where applicable, for closing costs.
- A lawyer to verify the title and handle the transfer.
You do not need a Dominican ID (cédula) or residency to own property. Some procedures may require an RNC (tax number), which is easy to obtain.
Buying remotely with a power of attorney
You do not have to travel to close. You can grant a power of attorney to a trusted lawyer in the Dominican Republic so they can sign and handle the paperwork on your behalf. The power of attorney is legalized and, if you sign it abroad, apostilled or certified by a Dominican consulate depending on your country.
This way, many buyers living abroad complete the purchase without leaving their home city.
Taxes and incentives
Taxes are the same for foreigners and Dominicans: a 3% transfer tax (ITI) when you buy and a 1% annual property tax (IPI) on the value above the exempt threshold. If you buy in a tourism project approved under CONFOTUR (common in Punta Cana), you may be exempt from both for a period of time.
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Managing your property from abroad
The biggest challenge of buying from abroad is not the purchase, it is what comes after: collecting rent, maintaining the property and having someone you trust in the country. That is what PuntualPago is for, the Inmobiliaria Puntual division designed for owners who live abroad: it manages the property and guarantees your payment on the 1st of every month.
This guide is general information and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Confirm your case with the Hernández Peguero law firm, which can guide you through every step.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to be a resident to buy property in the Dominican Republic?
- No. Foreigners can buy without being residents and with the same property rights as a Dominican. A valid passport and legal support for the transfer are enough.
- Can I buy without traveling to the Dominican Republic?
- Yes. You can grant a power of attorney to your lawyer in the DR so they sign and manage the purchase on your behalf; the power of attorney is apostilled or certified by the consulate in your country. Many buyers close remotely.
- Do foreigners pay more taxes when buying?
- No. The taxes (3% transfer tax and 1% annual tax on the value above the threshold) are the same for foreigners and Dominicans. In CONFOTUR projects you may be exempt from both for a period of time.
- Who manages my property if I live abroad?
- PuntualPago, the property-management division of Inmobiliaria Puntual, manages the property and guarantees the owner payment on the 1st of every month, a service designed for owners who live abroad.
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