Can You Buy a House in the Dominican Republic Without Being a Resident?

Yes. As a foreigner, you can purchase a house, apartment, or land in the Dominican Republic even if you are not a resident. Foreign buyers enjoy the same property ownership rights as Dominican citizens when acquiring real estate.

Here’s what you should know:

✅ There is no requirement to obtain Dominican residency before buying property.
✅ A valid passport is generally sufficient to complete the purchase.
✅ You may purchase the property in your own name or through a company.
✅ You can then rent out the property or use it as a vacation or second home.

However, it is strongly recommended to:

-Have the property title reviewed by a qualified real estate attorney.

-Verify that the property is free of mortgages, liens, or legal disputes.

-Sign a purchase agreement that complies with Dominican law.

Purchase costs

You should generally expect:

Legal and notary fees, which vary depending on the transaction and the value of the property.

Approximately 3% property transfer tax.