Buying in the Dominican Republic as a foreigner: step-by-step guide

If you are not Dominican, you can buy a property here with the same security as a local, provided each step is done in order and with the correct documents. Law 16-95 on Foreign Investment establishes in its article 6 that foreign investors have "the same rights and obligations that the laws confer upon national investors," with the limitations indicated by the law itself or special laws. Your attorney will confirm if any apply to your case.

This is the path I recommend you follow.

1. Define the purpose and total budget. Buying to live, to retire, or to rent are not the same. And the budget is not just the price: factor in the transfer tax (step 6) and legal fees from the beginning.
2. Surround yourself with independent professionals. A real estate agent who knows the area and an attorney who represents your interests, not the seller's or the project's.
3. Verify the title before handing over money. Request a copy of the Certificate of Title and ask the Real Estate Registry for a certification of the legal status of the property with priority reserve. It certifies who the owner is and the current entries, and reserves that status for your transaction for a maximum of 15 business days. It costs RD$5,000 and takes about 4 business days.
4. Confirm that the property has no tax debts. According to DGII General Rule 03-2024, a property with debts for the Real Estate Wealth Tax (IPI) cannot be removed from the seller's name. That debt can become your problem.
5. Sign a clear and notarized contract. The deed of sale must include the details of the payment method. The DGII requires this to process the transfer.
6. Pay the transfer tax. It is 3% of the property's value, plus RD$20, according to the official DGII fact sheet. Buyer and seller must be registered in the National Taxpayers Registry (RNC); as a foreigner, you identify yourself with your passport.
7. Register the property in your name. With the tax paid, the transfer is registered in the Real Estate Registry and the new Certificate of Title is issued in your name. Until that moment, the property is not legally yours against third parties.
8. Plan annual taxes. If your real estate assets in the country exceed RD$10,695,494 (2026 amount), you will pay a 1% IPI on the excess, in two installments: March 11 and September 11 (DGII Guide 17). Properties in projects covered under Law 158-01 for Tourism Promotion are exempt for their first acquirers.

My advice: haste is the worst counselor when buying from abroad. A well-verified property may be lost; a poorly verified one can be regretted for years.

Informational content; consult your attorney or accountant before deciding. Data verified on October 25, 2026.