Fideicomiso (Dominican trust)
Editorial update:
A fideicomiso is a Dominican trust structure under Law 189-11 through which assets or rights form a separate estate administered for a defined purpose. Different structures serve different purposes. In an off-plan purchase, establish whether the particular trust includes the relevant land, your payments and your participation; the term alone does not confirm those facts.
Why a Punta Cana buyer should care
Ask independent counsel to examine the executed instrument, relevant amendments and the purchase documents together. Verify the trustee, contributed assets, payment controls and conditions governing use of funds. Asset separation does not by itself guarantee completion, repayment or transfer of a particular unit.
Common mix-up
A sales statement that a project has a fideicomiso does not identify what it protects. Request suitable evidence for the exact project and phase, including land contribution, payment recipient and buyer rights. A land-only arrangement and one receiving buyer funds require different analysis; neither should be assessed from the label alone.
Fideicomiso — FAQs
- Is a fideicomiso required for off-plan?
- Do not infer a universal requirement from a project’s marketing. Ask independent Dominican counsel which rules apply to the particular project and arrangement, and assess the proposed protection on its documents.
- Does the trust own my unit?
- Establish what assets have actually been contributed and registered, and how your purchase is intended to transfer ownership. A trust document, reservation payment or physical handover is not itself proof that an individual title has been registered in your name.
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2026 orientation, not guarantees and not legal advice. No guaranteed ROI, no invented occupancy.