Can Foreigners Buy Property in the Dominican Republic Without Residency?

Everything you need to know about buying real estate in the Dominican Republic as a non-resident.

Dreaming of owning a beachfront villa in Cabarete, a luxury condo in Sosúa, or an investment property in the Dominican Republic?

You might be wondering: Do I need to be a Dominican resident to buy property here?

The answer is simple: No! Foreigners can purchase property in the Dominican Republic without being residents.

Whether you're looking for a vacation home, a rental investment, or a place to eventually retire, you can start your property search without first applying for Dominican residency.

Let's explore how it works.

1. Can a foreigner legally own property in the Dominican Republic?

Absolutely!

The Dominican Republic welcomes foreign property buyers. International investors can purchase real estate with substantially the same ownership rights as Dominican citizens.

You do not need:

• Dominican citizenship or residency.
• A Dominican business partner.
• To establish a Dominican corporation solely to purchase a home.

You can purchase a property in your personal name, subject to the normal legal and registration requirements.

This applies to residential properties, vacation homes, investment properties, and commercial real estate.

2. What documents do you need to buy property?

The process is relatively straightforward. As a foreign buyer, you will generally need:

• A valid passport.
• Your personal identification and contact information.
• Documentation establishing the source of your funds.
• A signed purchase agreement.

Your attorney will advise you about any additional documents required for your particular transaction.

My advice: Work with an independent Dominican real estate attorney who can verify the property's legal status and guide you through the purchase.

3. How does the property buying process work?

Buying real estate in the Dominican Republic involves several important steps:

1. Find your property

Explore properties that match your lifestyle, investment goals, and budget.

2. Make an offer

Once you've found the right property, we negotiate the purchase price and terms with the seller. It doesnt cost you anything to amke an offer.

3. Sign the agreement and arrange the deposit

A deposit of approximately 10% is common in many transactions. I recommend using an independent attorney's escrow arrangement, with the conditions clearly documented.

4. Complete legal due diligence

Your attorney verifies the title, ownership, liens, property boundaries, outstanding taxes, and other relevant legal matters.

5. Complete the purchase

Once the contractual conditions are satisfied, the balance is paid, the appropriate documents are signed, and the title transfer is processed.

The timeline varies depending on the property, financing arrangements, and complexity of the transaction. We normally close in 30-60 days.

4. What taxes and closing costs should foreign buyers expect?

Foreign buyers are generally subject to the same property transfer tax rules as Dominican buyers.

The standard real estate transfer tax is 3%, calculated using the applicable taxable property value. Legal fees, registration expenses, and other transaction costs should also be included in your budget.

Your attorney should provide an estimated closing statement before you commit to the purchase. Normally between 1-2%

Annual property taxes may also apply, depending on the property's assessed value, ownership structure, and applicable exemptions.

5. Can you rent out your property if you don't live in the Dominican Republic?

Yes! Non-resident ownership does not, by itself, prevent you from renting out your property.

For many international buyers, this is an important consideration.

Imagine owning a beachfront condo in Cabarete that you enjoy during your holidays while renting it out when you're away.

Or perhaps you prefer a luxury villa in Sosúa that can accommodate family vacations and potentially generate rental income.

Before purchasing a rental investment, I recommend reviewing:

• The property's rental regulations and HOA restrictions.
• Historical occupancy and rental income, when available.
• Property management and maintenance expenses.
• Insurance, utilities, and other operating costs.

Not every property is suitable for short-term rentals, and projected returns should always be evaluated carefully.

6. Does buying property automatically give you Dominican residency?

This is another question I frequently receive.

No. Property ownership and immigration residency are two separate matters.

You can own real estate in the Dominican Republic without being a resident.

However, purchasing a property does not automatically grant you the right to live in the country indefinitely.

The Dominican Republic has immigration pathways for qualifying foreign investors, but these involve separate eligibility requirements and applications. You can read more here

If you're considering relocating permanently, I recommend speaking with an immigration attorney to understand the options available to you. We can help you put you in contact with someone.

7. Why consider buying property in Cabarete or Sosúa?

After more than 25 years living in the Dominican Republic, I can tell you that the North Coast offers something special.

It's not simply about owning a beautiful property. It's about the lifestyle that comes with it.

In Cabarete and Sosúa, you can enjoy ocean activities, international restaurants, wellness experiences, and a welcoming community of people from around the world.

Whether you're an investor, a retiree, a digital entrepreneur, or simply someone looking for a different pace of life, the North Coast offers a variety of opportunities.

And with Puerto Plata International Airport nearby, staying connected to North America and Europe is relatively convenient.

For me, the Dominican Republic has been home for more than 25 years. I've built businesses here, raised my family here, and spent countless hours enjoying the ocean.

That's the perspective I bring to my real estate clients.

I don't just help you find a property. I help you understand what living and investing here can really look like.

Ready to buy property in the Dominican Republic?

You don't need to become a resident before taking the first step toward owning your dream property.

Whether you're searching for a beachfront villa, a luxury residence, or an investment opportunity, I'd be happy to help you explore your options.

With more than 25 years of local experience and an extensive network across the North Coast, I can help you navigate the market and connect you with the right professionals throughout the buying process.

Let's find a property that fits your lifestyle and investment goals.

Audrey Meyer | Real Estate

Beachfront • Luxury • Hotels

Cabarete & Sosúa, Dominican Republic 🇩🇴