Lawyers for tourism and hospitality in the Dominican Republic

Incentives and permits

Law 158-01 on the Promotion of Tourism Development, administered by the Tourism Development Council (CONFOTUR), grants approved projects exemptions of up to fifteen years from income tax, real estate transfer tax, property tax and duties on equipment, among other benefits. Obtaining provisional and definitive classification requires a rigorous technical, environmental and legal file before CONFOTUR, the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Environment.

We prepare and file the application, coordinate with technical and environmental consultants, and maintain compliance with the classification conditions throughout the life of the project.

• Project classification before CONFOTUR and use of Law 158-01
• Acquisition of tourism land: title clearing, survey and zoning
• Environmental licenses, construction permits and land use
• Hotel management and franchise agreements with international operators
• Condominium and condo hotel regime, and sales to foreign buyers
• Corporate and trust structures for development and operation
• Hospitality employment and Labor Code compliance
• Construction, liability and performance insurance and bonds

Contracts with operators

Hotel management and franchise agreements with international chains are negotiated on documents drafted under foreign law with global industry expectations. Our team, which drafts and litigates in both systems, aligns those contracts with what Dominican law will enforce on termination, indemnities, non competition and dispute resolution.

Foreign buyers and investors

Villas, tourism apartments and project interests are sold mostly to foreigners. We structure pre construction sales with protection for both sides, coordinate the buyers' residency by investment and explain the process in English.

Content reviewed by M. Yorleny Villar R., partner at VSP Consultores Legales. Updated September 22, 2026.