Can Foreigners Buy Property in the Dominican Republic?

Yes. There are no restrictions for foreign buyers. You have the same legal rights as a Dominican citizen when purchasing real estate. You only need:

• A valid passport
• A second ID
• Funds available for the purchase
• Buying property as a foreigner in the DR is safe, legal, and straightforward.

What Is a “Deslinde” and Why Is It Important?

A deslinde is the official legal survey that guarantees a property has a clear, valid Title Certificate.

It confirms that the property boundaries are properly defined and approved by a judge.

Under the current Property Registry Law, no property can be sold without a deslinde, which protects the buyer.

Before closing, your attorney must confirm the property is properly deslinded and free of liens or legal issues.

What Benefits Does CONFOTUR Offer?

CONFOTUR (Law 158-01 and 195-13) is a Dominican government program that promotes tourism development.

Projects with CONFOTUR benefits offer buyers:

• Exemption of the 3% title transfer tax
• Exemption from the annual 1% property tax (IPI) for 15 years

This results in significant savings and a more profitable investment.

How Does the Property Buying Process Work?

The process is similar to buying in the USA or Europe:

1. You submit a formal offer with a 1% deposit.
2. If accepted, both parties sign a Promise of Sale before a notary.
3. Your attorney performs due diligence (title, survey, legal checks).
4. Both parties sign the Deed of Sale, transferring the title to the buyer.
5. If paying in cash, you can proceed directly to the Deed of Sale and save time.

What Taxes and Fees Should I Expect?

• Title transfer tax: 3% of the property’s government-assessed value (not the purchase price).
• Annual property tax (IPI): 1% of the assessed value above RD$7,138,384.80 (~USD $145,000).
• Buying under a company name: 2% of the corporate capital (usually RD$100,000).
• Legal fees: Around 1% of the purchase price.
• Real-estate commissions: Paid by the seller, not the buyer.

How Do I Know the Property Is Legal and Safe?

Work with:

• A professional real-estate agent who verifies titles and deslindes.
• A qualified attorney who reviews all legal documents:
  • Title Certificate
  • Survey plan (plano catastral)
  • Seller’s ID and documentation
  • Tax receipts up to date
  Never sign or send funds until these documents are confirmed.

How Is Healthcare in Las Terrenas?

The Dominican Republic offers both public and private healthcare.

Most foreigners prefer modern private clinics and private health insurance.

In Santo Domingo, CEDIMAT is considered the top hospital in the Caribbean, with bilingual doctors and cutting-edge technology.

How Can I Obtain Dominican Residency?

To apply for residency, you must first request a Residency Visa at the Dominican consulate in your country. You need:

• Birth certificate
• Police record
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Bank reference or property title

(All documents must be apostilled.)

Your attorney in the DR will continue the process, which includes a medical exam and issuing the residency card (valid for one year, renewable).

Estimated cost: USD $1,200.

Do Inheritance Laws Apply to Foreign Buyers?

Yes.

• Residents or citizens: Pay 3% inheritance tax.
• Non-residents: Pay 4.5%.
• Dominican law also includes forced heirship, which reserves a portion of the estate for direct heirs. Consult a local attorney for planning.

Is There an MLS System in the Dominican Republic?

No.

Unlike the USA or Canada, the Dominican Republic does not have a centralized MLS.

Properties may appear with multiple agencies, so it’s essential to work with a registered, professional, and reputable agency.

How Do I Choose the Right Real-Estate Agency?

Look for an agency that:

• Has legal registration
• Provides transparent guidance
• Has a multilingual team (English/Spanish)

Established local agencies usually offer better pricing, safer processes, and personalized service.

Should I Use an Agent When Buying Pre-Construction?

Yes.

Your agent represents your interests, not the developer’s.

A good buyer’s agent helps you:

• Negotiate better terms
• Access early pricing and floor plans
• Monitor construction progress
• Ensure a safe, transparent transaction

Conclusion

Buying property in the Dominican Republic is a safe, accessible, and highly advantageous process, especially with tax incentives and strong growth in areas like Las Terrenas.

At PlayaMax Real Estate, we help you invest with confidence, transparency, and peace of mind.