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How to Buy Property in Las Terrenas as a Foreigner: The Steps

6 min read Reviewed on October 23, 2026 by Ryan, avocat

In short: A foreigner can buy property in Las Terrenas on the same terms as a Dominican citizen and, in principle, without residency. A purchase usually goes through a written offer, a promise of sale, checks by your lawyer, the deed of sale, transfer tax at the DGII and registration at the Registro de Títulos.

Being a foreigner does not stop you from buying property in the Dominican Republic. This guide covers your rights, the steps of a purchase in Las Terrenas and the precautions to take when you buy from abroad. It was last updated on 21 October 2026 and does not replace advice from your own lawyer.

Can a foreigner buy property?

Yes. Law 16-95 on Foreign Investment sets out equal treatment for foreign and Dominican investors. It also states that real estate investment remains subject to the general rules that apply to everyone. In practice, you can buy a villa, a condo or a plot of land in your own name or through a company.

In principle, you do not need residency to buy. Several professionals confirm this, but ask your lawyer to check it against your nationality and marital situation.

Who is involved in a purchase?

Party Role
You, the buyer You choose the property, negotiate, sign and pay.
The seller Proves ownership and hands over the documents.
The agency Shows you properties, arranges viewings, passes on your offer and coordinates the file.
Your lawyer Checks the title and drafts or reviews the contracts. Should be independent of the seller.
The notary Certifies the signatures on the deed.
The DGII (tax office) Assesses and collects the transfer tax.
The Registro de Títulos Registers the sale and issues the certificate of title in your name.

One key point: the agency is not your lawyer. A serious agency will encourage you to hire a lawyer who works only for you.

What are the steps of a purchase?

  1. Set your budget. The price is not the total cost. Add the 3% transfer tax, legal fees and other costs. See our guide to closing costs in 2026.
  2. View the property and make a written offer. View it in person or by video call. A written offer sets the price and conditions, such as "subject to my lawyer's checks".
  3. Sign a promise of sale. This contract sets the price, the payment schedule, the deposit and who holds it. It also explains how the deal unwinds if the checks turn up a problem.
  4. Have the property checked. Your lawyer requests a certificate of legal status from the Registro de Títulos. They check the title, the deslinde (survey), mortgages, liens and property taxes. A certificate "with priority reservation" protects the transaction for up to 15 business days. Buying land? Read our guide on title, constancia and deslinde.
  5. Sign the deed of sale. A notary certifies the signatures. This is usually when you pay the rest of the price.
  6. Pay the transfer tax. The DGII charges 3% of the property value plus RD$20. You have six months from the sale; after that, surcharges apply.
  7. Register the sale. Your lawyer files the deed at the Registro de Títulos, which then records you as the owner on a fresh certificate of title. Check every detail on it.

One agency network quotes 30 to 60 days from offer to closing. Treat that as a rough guide, not a promise. An incomplete title or a mortgage can make it longer.

Can you buy without travelling?

Yes, with a power of attorney. You authorize a trusted person, often your lawyer, to sign on your behalf.

  • Keep the power of attorney narrow: one property, a price ceiling and an expiry date.
  • Get it apostilled if you sign it abroad. The Dominican Republic applies the Hague Apostille Convention. A certified translation may also be required.
  • Get contracts translated before you sign if you do not read Spanish.

How do you pay safely?

  • Pay by bank transfer, only into the account written in the contract, held by the seller or by a third party designated in writing.
  • Keep every proof of payment.
  • Have documents ready on the source of funds. Real estate agents are "obligated parties" under Law 155-17 on money laundering: they must identify their clients and may ask you for these documents.
  • Never pay in cash, not even part of the price.

In your own name or through a company?

Both are possible. The choice affects taxes, resale and inheritance, both in the Dominican Republic and in your home country. Ask your lawyer and your tax adviser before you sign the promise of sale.

Does buying give you residency?

Not automatically. Dominican immigration law provides a residency route for some investors. A minimum of US$200,000 is often quoted, but we have not confirmed it on an official source. Check with the Dirección General de Migración or a specialized lawyer.

How the agency helps you

Adriana helps you shortlist properties that fit your plans: villas, condos or land. She arranges viewings and passes on your offer. She also gathers the seller's documents for your lawyer.

For an independent review of the file, you can use Terrenas Check. This property check service belongs to the same company as the agency (THERD SRL); we mention it for transparency.

Interested in a property? Message us on WhatsApp at +1 809 258 6052 or use the contact form.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need residency to buy in Las Terrenas?

In principle, no. A valid passport is enough to buy in your own name. Your lawyer will confirm the documents required for your nationality and marital status.

How long does a purchase take?

Industry professionals usually quote one to two months from offer to signing. Registration at the Registro de Títulos comes on top. A title issue or a mortgage can add time.

Can I buy without coming to the Dominican Republic?

Yes, with an apostilled power of attorney limited to the transaction. View the property by video and have your lawyer review the file before you pay the deposit.

What tax does the buyer pay?

A transfer tax of 3% of the property value, paid to the DGII. Law 30-26, enacted in 2026, has raised questions about some property taxes: see our guide to closing costs.

This guide provides general, dated information. It does not replace advice from a lawyer or an accountant: laws and taxes change, so check them on the day of your transaction.

Sources

Documents consulted to write this guide.

  1. Ley No. 16-95 sobre Inversión Extranjera — Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (MIREX) (accessed October 21, 2026)
  2. Brochure Transferencia de Inmueble — Dirección General de Impuestos Internos (DGII) (accessed October 21, 2026)
  3. Certificación con reserva de prioridad (ficha del servicio) — Registro Inmobiliario (Poder Judicial) (accessed October 21, 2026)
  4. Status table: Apostille Convention — Conferencia de La Haya de Derecho Internacional Privado (HCCH) (accessed October 21, 2026)
  5. Aviso informativo 12-26 (sujetos obligados no financieros) — DGII (accessed October 21, 2026)
  6. How Foreign Buyers Close on a Dominican Republic Property: The 8 Steps — Century 21 Perdomo (accessed October 21, 2026)
  7. Dirección General de Migración — Dirección General de Migración (accessed October 21, 2026)

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