# Can foreigners buy property in the Dominican Republic?

> Yes — foreigners buy freehold in the Dominican Republic with the same rights as nationals. What you need, where the real limits are, what goes wrong.

Source: https://canakeys.com/questions/can-foreigners-buy
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.

Yes. Foreigners can buy property in the Dominican Republic on a freehold basis, with the same ownership rights as Dominican nationals, and hold registered title in their own name. There is no residency requirement, no local-partner requirement and no leasehold term. What you do need is a passport, a Dominican tax identification number for the transfer, and an independent lawyer.

## What you actually need
A passport, an RNC tax identification obtained for the purchase, funds transferred through the banking system with a clean paper trail, and a lawyer who represents you rather than the developer. Most closings are handled with a power of attorney if you cannot be in the country on the day.

## Where the limits are
Restrictions are about location and use, not nationality: maritime-zone land at the shoreline and certain border land are treated differently, and HOA rules or condominium regulations can restrict rentals. None of that is a foreigner-specific rule.

## What still goes wrong
Not nationality — process. Unregistered transfers, land without deslinde, deposits paid before the title was checked, and off-plan contracts with no escrow and no delivery penalty. Those are all avoidable with an independent lawyer.

## FAQ

### Do I need to live in the country to buy?
Answer: No. Non-residents buy regularly, often closing by power of attorney.
Permalink: https://canakeys.com/questions/can-foreigners-buy#do-i-need-to-live-in-the-country-to-buy

### Can I own in my own name rather than a company?
Answer: Yes. Personal freehold ownership is normal and often simpler for a single owner.
Permalink: https://canakeys.com/questions/can-foreigners-buy#can-i-own-in-my-own-name-rather-than-a-company

## Related

- [Guide: foreign buyers](https://canakeys.com/guides/foreign-buyers)
- [Freehold](https://canakeys.com/glossary/freehold)
- [The buying process](https://canakeys.com/buying-process)