How Foreign Buyers Close on a Dominican Republic Property: The 8 Steps

Most foreign buyers who close on a Dominican Republic property describe the experience as faster and more straightforward than they expected. Not because it's simple, but because the framework is well-established: foreigners hold the same ownership rights as Dominican citizens under Law 16-95 on Foreign Investment, no residency is required, and the full process from accepted offer to title certificate typically runs 30 to 60 days.

What slows things down is almost always documentation, not the system itself. Here is how it actually works.

Can foreigners buy property in the Dominican Republic?

Yes, without restriction. Under Law 16-95, foreign nationals have the same real property rights as Dominican citizens , no prior residency, no special permit, no local partner required. The Registro de Títulos (Title Registry), operating since 1920, issues certificates of ownership that carry full legal weight. Foreign buyers use the same process and receive the same legal protections as anyone else.

Step 1, The criteria conversation (Days 1–7)

Before the first visit, the most useful thing a buyer can do is clarify their objectives with their agent. Vacation rental or long-term hold? Cabarete, Sosúa, or Puerto Plata? Condo or villa? These choices shape not just what properties to see but how to structure the offer, what management looks like afterward, and which taxes apply.

Budget at this stage should include the purchase price plus closing costs. For standard properties: 4.5–5.5% of purchase price. For CONFOTUR-certified properties: 1.5–2.5%. The difference is significant enough to factor in from the start. For a deeper look at how the North Coast market breaks down by location, see our Cabarete vs. Sosúa investment guide.

Step 2, Property visits: in person or remote (Days 7–14)

Visits are increasingly done remotely. A video walkthrough with a trusted agent, followed by a second independent review from a local attorney or inspector, has become standard practice for international buyers who can't travel before committing. A shortlist of three to five properties over two to three days is typical for those who can visit in person.

Step 3, The Promise of Sale (Days 14–21)

The Promesa de Venta is the first binding document. It sets the agreed price, payment schedule, conditions precedent (almost always contingent on a clean title review), and the closing timeline. It is notarized and signed by both parties. A reservation deposit of 5–10% is typically paid at this stage and held in attorney escrow.

Buyers sometimes feel pressure to move quickly here. A rushed Promise of Sale with vague conditions creates problems downstream. Conditions precedent should be clearly drafted: what constitutes a satisfactory title review, who holds the deposit, and what happens if conditions aren't met.

Step 4, Title verification (Days 21–35)

A licensed Dominican Abogado Notario conducts the title search at the Registro de Títulos. This confirms that the seller holds clean registered ownership, that no liens or judicial claims attach to the property, that boundaries match the legal description, and that no inheritance disputes are pending. Title issues are rare in established communities, but when they exist, finding them before closing is the difference between a clean acquisition and a costly legal problem.

Step 5, The earnest deposit (running parallel to Step 4)

While title verification proceeds, the buyer pays the earnest deposit, typically enough to bring the total paid to 10% of the purchase price. This is held in escrow by the attorney, not transferred to the seller. If the title comes back clean, it applies to the purchase price. If verification surfaces an unresolvable issue, the contract should specify a full refund.

Step 6, The notarial deed (Days 35–45)

The Contrato de Compraventa is the formal deed, prepared and authenticated by the notary. Both parties sign, or an authorized representative signs using a notarized power of attorney (POA), which is common for buyers who cannot return for signing. POA logistics add time: it must be signed in the buyer's home country, apostilled, and sent to the DR. Plan for this two to three weeks in advance.

The remaining purchase price balance is transferred at or before signing. International wire transfers should be initiated several business days early to avoid last-minute delays.

Step 7, Registration at the Title Registry (Days 45–60)

The attorney registers the transfer at the Registro de Títulos. This is the step (not the deed signing) that formally completes ownership. The new Certificado de Título is issued in the buyer's name. Registration fees are approximately 0.5% of the purchase price. The certificate is typically available within one to two weeks of submission.

Step 8, Activating the property

After registration, practical setup begins: transferring utility accounts, registering with the HOA or community administration, and onboarding a property manager if the owner plans to rent. For buyers who want to understand what owning property on the North Coast looks like day-to-day, our guide to relocating to the Dominican Republic North Coast covers the practical side.

Where things actually slow down

The most common delays, in order of frequency:

A buyer with prepared documentation, a responsive attorney, and a clean title can close in 30 days. The same transaction with one undocumented inheritance or a last-minute POA problem can take 90.

Related reading: DR real estate tax exemptions explained · Cabarete vs. Sosúa: investment guide · Where smart capital flows on the North Coast · Relocating to the Dominican Republic North Coast