Real estate law in the Dominican Republic
Buying property in the Dominican Republic is simple for a foreigner and, at the same time, the transaction in which the most mistakes are made in haste. We clear the title, structure the purchase and close with every safeguard.
Buying safely
Law 108-05 on Real Estate Registration organizes property under a title registration system (Torrens system) administered by the Jurisdicción Inmobiliaria: the Certificate of Title is the proof of ownership, and the Registry of Titles records liens, mortgages and oppositions. Before a purchase we verify the certificate, the legal status of the property, whether a survey (deslinde) exists and whether the plan matches the land on the ground, and we confirm the seller's capacity and that taxes are current.
Foreigners may acquire real estate on the same terms as Dominicans, with no special authorization. The relevant decision is how to acquire: in one's own name, through a Dominican company or through a trust, with different consequences for succession, liability and taxation.
- Registry and cadastral due diligence before the Jurisdicción Inmobiliaria
- Promise of sale, option and definitive purchase agreements
- Structuring the acquisition through companies or trusts
- Transfer before the Registry of Titles and payment of transfer tax
- Formation and regime of condominiums under Law 5038
- Mortgages, real estate secured loans and foreclosure
- Real estate and tourism development: permits, CONFOTUR, contracts with builders and pre construction sales
- Property litigation, boundary disputes, title clearing and eviction
Tourism and real estate development
We advise developers of hotels, condo hotels, villas and residential projects on land acquisition, environmental licensing and construction permits, CONFOTUR approval under Law 158-01, contracts with builders and hotel operators, the condominium regime and sales to foreign buyers with structures that protect both the developer and the purchaser.
Foreign buyers
Our clients from the United States, Canada and Europe receive the entire process explained in English, from the offer to delivery of the certificate of title in their name, with notarized powers of attorney that let them close without traveling if they prefer, and with residency by investment coordinated when the property is part of a plan to settle in the country.
Frequently asked questions
What taxes apply to a property purchase in the Dominican Republic?
Can I buy property without traveling to the Dominican Republic?
What is a deslinde and why does it matter?
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