“Can foreigners own real estate in the Dominican Republic?”
- Megan Alfonseca
- May 23
- 3 min read

Can Foreigners Own Real Estate in the Dominican Republic?
If you’re considering buying property in the Dominican Republic, one of the first things you might wonder is:
“Can foreigners actually own real estate here?”
The short and confident answer is: Yes, 100%!
The Dominican Republic is one of the most welcoming countries in the Caribbean when it comes to foreign investment. It offers full property ownership rights to non-citizens, without the need for residency or citizenship.
Let’s break down what that means for you as a potential buyer.
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1. Equal Property Rights for Foreigners
Foreign nationals have the same property ownership rights as Dominican citizens. That means:
You can buy, sell, lease, or inherit real estate freely.
You can register the property in your name (or a corporation if preferred).
There are no restrictions on where foreigners can buy — beachfront, urban, or countryside.
This equal-rights policy has helped the Dominican Republic become a hotspot for international real estate investors from the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
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2. Simple, Straightforward Buying Process
You don’t need to be a resident or have a Dominican bank account to buy property.
Here’s what the process looks like:
Find a property you love.
Work with a licensed agent and trusted real estate attorney.
Sign a Promise of Sale and place a deposit (typically 10%).
Your attorney completes due diligence.
Sign the final contract and complete payment.
Your property is registered with the Title Registry Office in your name.
It’s that easy — and we walk our clients through every step.
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3. Owning Property as a Foreigner: Two Options
You can own real estate:
In your personal name — ideal for those buying a second home, relocating, or investing casually.
Through a Dominican company (SRL) — ideal for investors planning to operate rentals (like Airbnb), develop land, or manage multiple properties.
Our team can help you decide which structure is best for your goals.
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4. Benefits of Buying in the Dominican Republic
Affordability: Compared to places like Miami, Cancun, or the Bahamas, real estate in the DR is much more affordable, even in beach towns.
Rental Income: With high tourism year-round, vacation rentals can generate excellent returns — especially in hot markets like Bayahibe.
Stable Investment: The DR has a stable economy, growing infrastructure, and a strong tourism base.
Lifestyle: Warm weather, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture make it an ideal place to live or vacation.
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5. Bayahibe: The Best Place to Start
If you’re new to the Dominican market, Bayahibe is one of the top areas to consider for your first investment.
Why Bayahibe?
Safe and family-friendly
Rapidly growing vacation rental market
Affordable prices with high appreciation potential
Close to La Romana airport and major resort zones
Strong sense of community and authentic Caribbean charm
Whether you're looking for a condo steps from the beach or a turnkey rental unit, Bayahibe has options for every budget and lifestyle.
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6. We’re Here to Help You Buy With Confidence
At Tropical Realty, we specialize in working with international buyers — especially from the U.S. and Canada — who want a trusted, bilingual team to guide them.
We offer:
Personalized property tours (in-person or virtual)
Legal support from vetted attorneys
Construction updates and walkthroughs
Airbnb rental setup and management
Relocation assistance
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Want to see what’s available right now?
Follow us on Instagram at @tropicalrealtydr or www.YouTube.com/@meganalfonseca for:
The latest listings
Video walkthroughs
Local lifestyle highlights
Behind-the-scenes of life in Bayahibe
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Yes, you can own property here.
And with the right team, it’s easier — and more rewarding — than you ever imagined.
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