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Guide for foreign investors
How to buy property in the Dominican Republic as a foreigner
Everything you need to know before investing in Cap Cana or Punta Cana: the legal process step by step, the applicable taxes, and the tax advantages that can improve your profitability.
Speak to a Gesproin Group advisor
Buying property in the Dominican Republic as a foreigner It's entirely possible: since 1998, there have been no restrictions, and a foreigner can purchase property with the same rights as a Dominican citizen, without needing residency, a local partner, or special permits. The process consists of seven steps—choosing a developer, hiring an independent lawyer, agreeing to the purchase terms (usually through a preliminary sales agreement if the project is under construction), obtaining the RNC (National Registry of Contractors), signing the sales contract, paying the 3% transfer tax, and registering and transferring the title—and can be completed in a few weeks with the right guidance.
Buying property in the Dominican Republic as a foreigner sounds like a distant privilege, reserved for those already familiar with the country. The reality is quite different: since 1998, the country has eliminated all restrictions on foreign investment. No special permits, no local partner, no prior residency required. The same rights as a Dominican citizen, from day one.
That doesn't mean the process should be improvised. Cap Cana, Punta Cana, and the country's most promising areas are governed by a solid legal framework—the Torrens system—which offers real legal certainty, provided the correct steps are followed and proper advice is obtained. This guide covers that path from beginning to end.
How to buy property in the Dominican Republic as a foreigner: the step-by-step process
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Select the right property and developer
The first and most crucial step is choosing the right partner. The developer's track record and the project's transparency make all the difference between a sound investment and a headache.
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Hire an independent lawyer
It's not legally required, but in practice it protects the entire transaction. A lawyer working exclusively for the buyer verifies that the title is free of mortgages, liens, and legal claims.
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Agree to the purchase terms
Once the property is verified, the terms of the transaction are agreed upon. In projects under construction, this is usually formalized with a preliminary sales agreement, typically with an escrow deposit as a guarantee for both parties.
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Obtain your National Taxpayer Registry (RNC)
To register the property in your name, you need to join the DGII system and obtain an RNC number.
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Sign the sales contract
With the RNC in hand, the final sales contract is signed and the outstanding balance is settled, usually by bank transfer in dollars.
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Settle the transfer taxes
3% on the higher value between the purchase price and the official appraisal of the DGII, within six months after signing.
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Register and transfer the title
The final step: registration in the Title Registry. Only then is the new Title Certificate issued in the buyer's name.
Wave Garden — Crystal Garden, one of Gesproin Group's projects in Cap Cana.
Taxes you should know about
- Transfer Tax (3%) — It is paid only once, when the purchase is finalized.
- IPI (Property Tax) — 1% annually on the value exceeding the current exemption threshold, in two semi-annual installments (March and September). The threshold is updated annually by the DGII.
- CONFOTUR Regime — for approved tourism projects, exemption from transfer tax and IPI for 15 years from the completion of construction.
- Capital gains tax — since June 2026 (Law 30-26), the rate for individuals in the sale of real estate dropped from 25% to 10%.
*Figures current as of the closing of this article (July 2026). The DGII updates the IPI exemption threshold annually, and Law 30-26 introduced recent changes to several tax categories—it is recommended to confirm the exact values with a tax advisor before making investment decisions.
Financing for foreigners
Dominican banks offer financing to foreigners—in many cases up to 70% of the property value (Loan-to-Value)—with terms of 10 to 20 years. The exact percentage and conditions vary by institution, so it's best to confirm directly with the bank. A local bank account and financial documentation—proof of income, balance sheets, and recent tax returns—are required.
FAQ
Do I need to be a resident to buy a property?
No. Any foreigner can buy without prior residency, special visa or local partner, with the same rights as a Dominican citizen.
How much does it cost in taxes to buy a property in the Dominican Republic?
The main one is the 3% transfer tax on the higher of the purchase price and the DGII valuation. Then, the annual IPI of 1% on the amount exceeding a certain threshold.
What is CONFOTUR and why does it matter when investing in the Dominican Republic?
It is a tax incentive scheme for approved tourism projects that exempts from transfer tax and IPI for 15 years, improving net profitability.
How much tax is paid when selling a property in the Dominican Republic?
Since Law 30-26, enacted in June 2026, the capital gains tax for individuals on the sale of real estate has dropped from 25% to 10%, a significant improvement for those considering future resale.
Is a lawyer mandatory?
Not by law, but it is the recommended practice to protect the transaction and verify the title.
Can I get a mortgage if I'm a foreigner?
Yes, many banks finance up to 70% of the property value, with terms of 10 to 20 years. The exact percentage and conditions vary depending on the institution.
How long does the entire process take?
With a lawyer managing the process, it is usually completed in a few weeks.
Does investing grant access to Dominican residency?
It is not a requirement, but an investment that reaches a certain threshold —an indicative figure that should be confirmed with an immigration lawyer— can open the way to an accelerated residency process.
Ready to take the next step?
Our team will guide you through the entire process of buying property in the Dominican Republic as a foreigner, from selecting a project to receiving the title deed. Tell us what you're looking for and we'll contact you within 24 hours.
Request a free consultationThis content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. It is always recommended to consult with a specialized attorney before finalizing any real estate transaction in the Dominican Republic.