Escritura (deed of sale)
Editorial update:
The escritura, or contrato de venta, is the deed of sale signed by buyer and seller and legalised by a notary. It is the instrument taken to the tax authority for transfer tax and then to the Registro de Títulos, which issues a new certificado de título in the buyer's name. Signing the escritura is not the end of the transaction; registration is.
Why a Punta Cana buyer should care
A signed deed and completed registration are different stages. Have your independent lawyer confirm the registration requirements, current registry status, filing evidence and protection of the purchase during the process. Obtain the appropriate updated ownership evidence after completion rather than assuming a signed contract is sufficient.
Common mix-up
The escritura is confused with the certificado de título. The deed is the contract of transfer; the certificate is the state's record of ownership. Buyers are also told a notarised deed is "as good as" registration. It is not.
Escritura — FAQs
- How long does registration take?
- It varies by registry office and file quality — weeks rather than days is normal. Your lawyer should track it and deliver the new certificate.
- Can I sign remotely?
- Yes, commonly through a notarised and apostilled power of attorney granted to your Dominican lawyer.
Go deeper
2026 orientation, not guarantees and not legal advice. No guaranteed ROI, no invented occupancy.