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How to Buy a Property in RD from Abroad: Guide for the Dominican Diaspora
If you are one of the more than 2 million Dominicans living abroad and dream of owning your own property in the Dominican Republic, this guide is for you.
Whether it's a house for your vacations, an apartment to rent, or land as an investment, buying from New York, Miami, Madrid, or anywhere in the world is totally possible — and easier than you think.
Basic Requirements
- Valid Dominican ID (or Dominican passport)
- Notarized power of attorney apostilled so that a representative can sign on your behalf
- Proof of income (if applying for financing)
- A trusted real estate attorney in the DR
Step by Step Process
1. Search for Properties Online
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From the comfort of your home, you can explore thousands of options on specialized portals. You can filter by type, location, and budget. Check Real Estate Portal RD according to your interest. apartments in Santo Domingo o Houses in Punta Cana 2. Contact a Trusted Agent
A local agent will give you video tours, verify documents, and represent you. Request references and look for registered agents.
3. Grant Apostilled Power of Attorney
You need a power of representation for someone to sign legal documents on your behalf:
Go to a public notary in your country of residence
- The power must specify: purchase property, sign sales contract, represent before DGII and Title Registry
- Apostille the document (Hague Apostille process)
- Send the original to your attorney in the DR
- Send the original to your lawyer in RD
4. Legal Verification of the Property
Your lawyer must request:
- Certification of legal status from the Title Registry
- Verify that there are no liens, mortgages, or oppositions
- Confirm that the seller is the legitimate owner
- Check the status of the IPI (no debts)
5. Payment and Fund Transfer
Options to send the money:
- International bank transfer (the safest and traceable)
- Manager's check from the Dominican bank
- Trust (recommended for off-plan purchases)
Important: Any transaction over US$15,000 must be reported. Always use formal banking channels.
6. Signing of the Contract and Registration
Your representative will sign the sales deed before a notary. Then the 3% transfer fee is paid to the DGII and the new ownership is registered.
Financing Options
- Dominican banks: Banreservas, Popular, BHD León offer mortgage loans to Dominicans abroad
- Typical requirements: Income tax returns, pay stubs, apostilled letter of employment
- Down payment: Generally 20-30% of the value
- Fixed rate: From 8.5% in pesos
- Direct payment to the developer: Many offer payment plans during construction (30/70)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy without traveling to the Dominican Republic?
Yes. With an apostilled power of attorney, your lawyer or representative can carry out the entire process: inspection, signing the contract, paying taxes, and registration. You just need to send the documents and funds.
How long does the entire process take from abroad?
If the property is ready (not off-plan), the complete process takes 2-4 months: 2-3 weeks for the apostilled power of attorney, 1-2 weeks for legal verification, 1-2 weeks for signing, and 45-90 days for the issuance of the new title certificate.
Do I pay taxes in RD and in my country of residence?
Real estate taxes in RD (IPI, transfer) are paid in RD. As for your country of residence, it depends on local laws. In the U.S., you must declare foreign properties on your tax return (FBAR if the value exceeds US$10,000 in foreign bank accounts). Consult a CPA or tax advisor.
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