The Upcoming Real Estate License: What the Brokerage Law Proposes

Today in the Dominican Republic, anyone can offer and sell third-party properties without a license. That could change. The Senate approved a bill that regulates real estate brokerage and misleading advertising, which would require a license for those engaged in this profession. It is not yet law: it still needs approval from the Chamber of Deputies and its regulations must be issued.

What Stage It Is In

Senate. It was approved in the first reading on April 23, 2026 (Senate of the Republic) and in the second reading, unanimously, on April 29 (Diario Libre). The text merges three initiatives and was presented by senators Rafael Barón Duluc, Félix Bautista, and Eduard Alexis Espiritusanto.
Chamber of Deputies. It is under review in committee as initiative 05786-2024-2028-CD, which appears on the committee agenda for September 1, 2026. As of November 12, 2026, we have found no news of the Chamber having approved it.
Next Steps. If approved and enacted, the Executive Branch must issue regulations defining how the license is obtained and what requirements are requested (Guzmán Ariza).

What the Text Approved by the Senate Proposes

Operating License. Every physical or legal person wishing to practice as a real estate intermediary would have to obtain one, and according to Diario Libre, it would be renewed annually.
A Governing Body. The license would be issued by a new General Directorate of Registry, Control, and Real Estate Brokerage, within the Ministry of Housing, Habitat, and Buildings (MIVHED), with powers to supervise and inspect the sector.
A Public Registry. According to Guzmán Ariza's analysis, there would be a public and free registry so that buyers can verify if the person offering a property is authorized.
Agent Obligations. Among them, informing the client about commitments and risks, verifying public information of the property, and signing a written document detailing the service and commission prior to any transaction.
Misleading Advertising. Any information that may lead to error regarding the characteristics, availability, price, sale conditions, or delivery of a property is considered misleading, in line with Consumer Protection Law 358-05 (Senate of the Republic).
Sanctions. Ranging from reprimands and fines to license suspension and market exclusion. Among the most serious offenses: operating without a license, offering a property without the owner's written authorization, and collecting commissions not agreed upon in writing.
What Would Not Be Considered Brokerage. Legal advice from lawyers, direct sales by the owner, and operations by duly authorized legal representatives.

What Changes for Buyers and Sellers

If the law is approved, you will be able to verify if your agent is licensed before handing over a property or a deposit. In the meantime, the recommendation is the same as the law proposes: work with someone who provides you with the service agreement and commission in writing, and who has written authorization from the owner to offer the property.

What You Should Do Right Now If You Practice

Formalize before it is mandatory. Written service agreements and authorizations, and organized records.
Document your track record. Transactions, training, and references: what demonstrates experience today will serve you when the registry arrives.
Review your advertising. Prices, square footage, and photos that correspond to the reality of the property.

A Word to the Independent Agent

If you work on your own, the time to prepare is now, not when the law is already in effect. When change arrives, whoever has their contracts in order, their track record documented, and a supporting structure will continue working with peace of mind. Whoever leaves it for later runs the risk of falling behind.

If you would like to discuss how to prepare, on your own or with a team that already works this way, write to me. It takes 20 minutes, with no obligation.

Informational content, not legal advice. The final text may change in the Chamber of Deputies and in the regulations. Status verified on November 12, 2026, in the linked sources.