# Título: the Dominican certificate of title

> The certificado de título is the Dominican registry document proving ownership. What it shows, what the lien certification adds, and why off-plan differs.

Source: https://canakeys.com/glossary/titulo
Publisher: Cana Keys (A&M Caribbean Group SRL), Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Last reviewed: 2026-08-27
Language: en
Licence: quote and cite with attribution and a link.

The certificado de título is the ownership document issued by the Registro de Títulos under the Dominican registry system. It names the registered owner and identifies the parcel or unit. A separate registry certification lists the charges against it — mortgages, embargoes, litigation notes, usufructs. A purchase is only safe once both documents have been read by your own lawyer.

## Why a Punta Cana buyer should care
Much of the corridor was farmland and beach parcels a generation ago, and land can still sit under an old parent title covering many hectares. If the title has not been individualised for your unit or lot, you are not buying a defined thing. Off-plan adds a second gap: the title for your specific unit is issued after the building is registered in condominium regime, so the contract must say when and how it arrives.

## Common mix-up
A promise-of-sale contract, a reservation receipt or a developer letter is not title. Neither is a notarised sale that was never registered — in the Dominican system, registration is what makes ownership opposable to third parties.

## FAQ

### How long does registration take?
Answer: Weeks to several months depending on the registry office and whether the file is complete. Your lawyer should confirm the title has issued in your name, not just that it was filed.
Permalink: https://canakeys.com/glossary/titulo#how-long-does-registration-take

### Can a foreigner be named on the title?
Answer: Yes. Foreigners hold title on the same freehold basis as Dominicans, personally or through a company.
Permalink: https://canakeys.com/glossary/titulo#can-a-foreigner-be-named-on-the-title

## Related

- [Title and deslinde: the full page](https://canakeys.com/buying-process/title)
- [Deslinde](https://canakeys.com/glossary/deslinde)
- [Due diligence checklist](https://canakeys.com/diligence/checklist)