Can foreigners legally buy property in the Dominican Republic with the same rights as locals?
Yes. Under Law 173-98, foreign individuals and international corporations enjoy the exact same constitutional rights and ownership guarantees as Dominican citizens when acquiring real estate in the country.
There are no restrictions on foreign ownership in the Dominican Republic, and you do not need a local partner, a Dominican entity, or permanent residency status to purchase property.
Key Takeaways for International Buyers:
- Identification: You only need a valid passport and a secondary form of identification (such as a driver’s license) to sign purchase agreements and hold property titles in your personal name.
- Direct Ownership: Titles are issued directly to you by the Dominican Title Registry Office (Registro de Títulos) under the Torrens Title System, ensuring guaranteed fee-simple ownership.
- Corporate Ownership: You may also hold property through a local Dominican company (SRL) or a foreign entity (e.g., a foreign LLC) if preferred for estate planning or asset protection.
