“Can foreigners buy property in the Dominican Republic?”

Can Foreigners Buy Property in the Dominican Republic? Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a tropical property in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic might be the perfect place for you. One of the most common questions we hear at Tropical Realty is: Can foreigners buy property in the Dominican Republic? The short answer is — yes, absolutely!

In fact, the Dominican Republic is one of the most foreigner-friendly countries in the Caribbean when it comes to property ownership. Let’s break down everything you need to know to make your dream a reality.

Investment opportunities for everyone!

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1. No Citizenship or Residency Required

One of the biggest advantages of buying property in the Dominican Republic is that you do not need to be a citizen or a legal resident to own real estate here. Foreigners have the exact same rights as Dominican citizens when it comes to property ownership. This includes the ability to purchase, own, rent out, sell, or pass down property to heirs.

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2. Secure Property Rights

Property laws in the Dominican Republic are well-established and offer strong protection for both local and foreign buyers. All land and property transactions are recorded in the Title Registry Office (Registro de Títulos), and titles can be held under your personal name or a company.

A reliable attorney (we can recommend trusted legal professionals) will perform a due diligence process to ensure the title is clean, the seller has proper ownership, and there are no outstanding debts or liens on the property.

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3. Simple Buying Process

The process of purchasing property typically follows these steps:

Reservation agreement and deposit

Promise of sale contract signed by both parties

Due diligence and legal verification

Final purchase agreement and title transfer at the Title Registry

The process is usually completed in 30–60 days, and buyers often find it more transparent and smooth than expected. Many sales can even be completed way faster if all paperwork is already in order and ready for the sale! Ask us what steps you should take if you are looking to purchase or sell!

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4. Bayahibe: A Top Spot for Foreign Buyers

If you're searching for the ideal place to invest, Bayahibe should be at the top of your list. This charming beach town on the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic is rapidly gaining attention among North American and European buyers for several reasons:

Safe and family-friendly atmosphere

Strong vacation rental demand

Affordable luxury compared to other Caribbean hotspots

Easy access to La Romana International Airport (LRM) as well as the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)

Beautiful beaches and national parks

Many of our clients from the U.S., Canada, and Europe have chosen Bayahibe for their second home, retirement property, or rental investment — and they've seen fantastic returns.

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5. Financing Options for Foreigners

While most foreign buyers purchase with cash, there are local banks that offer mortgage financing to foreigners, even if you are not a resident. The terms vary depending on your income, property value, and bank relationship, but it’s definitely a viable option.

We can help connect you with banks that offer these services and guide you through the paperwork.

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6. Taxes & Fees

Transfer tax: 3% of the property value, paid once at the time of purchase

Annual property tax (IPI): Exempt for properties under RD10,190,833.00 (about USD $173,464.28 at the moment); properties above that pay a small annual tax of just 1% above that limit

Legal fees: Usually 1% of the purchase price

There are no restrictions on foreign currency transfers, making it easy to move your funds in and out of the country.

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7. Let’s Make It Easy for You

At Tropical Realty, we specialize in helping foreigners find their dream property in the Dominican Republic. We’ve helped countless clients from abroad invest in properties that match their goals — whether it’s a beachfront condo, a vacation rental, or a future retirement home.

Explore available listings at www.tropicalrealtydr.com

Get real-life video walkthroughs and project updates on our YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/@meganalfonseca

See day-to-day life and new listings on Instagram: @tropicalrealtydr

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Have more questions?

We’re here to help you navigate the process and make it stress-free.

Ready to start your journey to Caribbean property ownership?

Reach out today — and let’s make paradise your reality. Let us be "Your Dominican Connection!"