Complete guide: how to buy property in DR as a foreigner
Everything you need to know about the property buying process in the Dominican Republic as a foreign investor.
Administrador
20 de February, 2026
Buying property in DR as a foreigner: step by step
The Dominican Republic is one of the most foreigner-friendly Caribbean countries for real estate investment. There are no nationality restrictions for acquiring real estate.
Step 1: Choose the property
Research areas, visit (or use 3D tools like Real3D), and compare options.
Step 2: Reserve
Once selected, a reservation agreement is signed with a typical deposit of USD 2,000 to 5,000.
Step 3: Purchase agreement
Signed before a notary public. It usually includes a payment plan during construction.
Step 4: Due diligence
A lawyer verifies the property title, liens, and construction permits.
Step 5: Payment and transfer
Payments are made according to the agreed plan. Upon completion, the title transfer is executed.
Step 6: Title registration
The title is registered in the buyer's name at the Title Registry. This process takes 2-4 weeks.
Additional costs
- Transfer tax: 3% (exempt with CONFOTUR)
- Attorney fees: 1-1.5%
- Notary and registration costs: ~1%
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Proof of funds
- Tax ID (RNC) - easily obtained
Conclusion
The process is straightforward and transparent. With proper legal guidance, buying property in DR is safe and efficient.
Related articles
Investing in golf resorts in DR: profitability analysis
The Dominican Republic has 25+ world-class golf courses. We analyze the profitability of investing in golf resort properties: prices, demand, tenant profile, and ROI.
Due diligence: documents you must verify before signing
Complete list of legal documents your lawyer must verify before signing a property purchase contract in the Dominican Republic.
High season vs low season: when is the best time to buy
Is there a best time to buy property in Punta Cana? Analysis of how seasonality affects prices, negotiation, available inventory, and entry strategy.