How to Buy Land in the Dominican Republic as a Foreigner
Can foreigners own land in the Dominican Republic?
Yes. Dominican Law 16-95 grants foreign nationals the same property ownership rights as Dominican citizens. There are no nationality restrictions, no acquisition quotas, and no special permits required. You own land under your personal name with full legal title.
What title types exist and which do our plots carry?
The Título de Propiedad (Certificate of Title) is the highest-grade ownership document in the Dominican property registry system. It confirms outright private ownership. All 14 plots in Río San Juan carry individual Títulos de Propiedad — one per lot. This is the gold standard for property ownership in the Dominican Republic.
The 5-step purchase process
First Contact (Day 1)
You reach out via WhatsApp or the form. We send the full documentation package for the plot you're considering: title certificate, cadastral map, no-debt certification, and boundary survey.
Independent Due Diligence (1–3 weeks)
Hire your own Dominican attorney — independent of us. They verify the title chain, check for encumbrances, and confirm zoning compliance under Law 368-22. We recommend this step and will provide a list of independent legal firms on request.
Purchase Agreement and Escrow (1–2 weeks)
Your attorney drafts the purchase agreement. Funds go into notary-held escrow before the deed is signed. You see every document before committing.
Notarized Deed (1 week)
The seller and buyer (or their legal representatives) sign the notarized deed before a Dominican notary. The deed is submitted to the Registro de Títulos.
Título in Your Name (30–60 days)
The Registro de Títulos processes the registration. You receive the Título de Propiedad in your name. The 3% transfer tax is paid at this stage.
What documents to verify before buying
Before committing to any purchase, your independent attorney should verify: (1) Título de Propiedad — the registered ownership certificate. (2) Certificación del Estado Jurídico del Inmueble — a registry-issued document confirming current owner and absence of encumbrances. (3) Agrimensor report — boundary survey confirming plot dimensions and the 60-meter maritime zone clearance. (4) Certificación de No Deuda — confirmation of no outstanding property debts. (5) Zoning status under Law 368-22.
Costs: transfer tax, notary, attorney
Transfer tax: 3% of the assessed (cadastral) value, paid at title registration. Notary fees: typically 0.25–1% of transaction value. Independent attorney: market rate varies, typically $1,000–$3,000 USD for a standard transaction. No broker commission when buying directly from the owner.
How long does the full process take?
From first contact to registered title: typically 60–90 days. Due diligence: 1–3 weeks. Purchase agreement and escrow: 1–2 weeks. Notarized deed: 1 week. Título registration at the Registro de Títulos: 30–60 days.
Why we recommend hiring an independent attorney
An independent Dominican attorney — one with no connection to the seller — protects your interests at every stage. They verify the title chain, check for encumbrances, confirm zoning compliance, draft the purchase agreement, and manage the Registro de Títulos submission. This is standard practice in Dominican real estate. We will provide a list of independent legal firms on request.