Acquisition of Real Estate Property in the Dominican Republic by Foreigners (Individuals)

Foreigners can acquire real estate in the Dominican Republic without any special conditions, as they are subject to the same legal regime as Dominican nationals. Before any acquisition, it is essential to verify the legal status of the property at the Title Registry Office – Real Estate Jurisdiction, review the tax situation of both the property and the seller with the General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII), and ensure that the property is not involved in any litigation concerning registered land—any of these issues could hinder the transfer process in favor of the buyer.

Additionally, and with the aim of protecting the foreign investor, an additional form of identification is required, as well as registration with the General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII), which results in the issuance of a Tax Identification Number or National Taxpayer Registry (RNC).

After signing and legalizing the final real estate purchase agreement, the contract must be submitted to the DGII for the calculation and subsequent payment of the property transfer tax, which currently amounts to 3% of the property’s sale price. Once this step is completed, the file is submitted to the corresponding Title Registry Office to carry out the ownership transfer.

Although the process described is relatively straightforward, each real estate transaction has its own specific characteristics and nuances. Therefore, it is highly recommended to seek guidance from a qualified professional in the field.