Buying Property in the Dominican Republic from New York: A Step-by-Step Guide

Thousands of New Yorkers have family roots in the Dominican Republic, and many more vacation there every winter. More of them are now buying: a villa near the golf course in Punta Cana, a beach condo in Juan Dolio, or a family home in Santo Domingo. The good news is that you can do most of it without leaving New York.

Can a U.S. citizen own property in the Dominican Republic?

Yes. Dominican law gives foreigners the same property rights as citizens. You do not need residency or a local partner. You need a valid passport, and the purchase is registered in your name at the Title Registry (Registro de Títulos).

Step 1: Decide how you will use the property

• Family and vacations: location near family and the airport matters most.
• Rental income: look at projects with professional rental management in Punta Cana, Cap Cana and Bávaro.
• Retirement: think about healthcare access and year-round living.

Step 2: Choose new construction or resale

New construction often comes with a payment plan: a deposit, installments during construction, and the balance at delivery. Ask about the developer's track record, the delivery timeline, and whether the project falls under CONFOTUR, the tourism incentive law, which can offer tax exemptions for a set period. Resale gets you a finished home you can use right away.

Step 3: Hire your own attorney

This is the most important step. Use a Dominican real estate attorney who is separate from the developer's. They should confirm a clean registered title, check for liens, confirm taxes are paid, and review the contract and payment schedule.

Step 4: Budget for the costs

Beyond the purchase price, expect a transfer tax (typically around 3% on resales), attorney and registration fees, annual property tax above a government-set threshold, and HOA fees in gated communities. Your attorney will confirm current rates before you sign.

Step 5: Close remotely

A power of attorney, notarized and apostilled in New York, lets your attorney sign for you in the Dominican Republic. You wire funds from your U.S. account, and the title is registered in your name.

Step 6: See it from New York first

Every Rubirosa listing includes a continuous, one-take drone film that walks you through the home, the grounds and the neighborhood, shot by our own FAA-licensed pilot. Many clients narrow their shortlist this way before booking a trip.

How Rubirosa helps

Rubirosa International Realty works from 234 5th Ave in Manhattan with partners on the ground in the Dominican Republic, in English or Spanish. Call Juan Aracena at +1 (201) 523-3100 or email jr@rubirosarealty.com.

This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and rates change, so confirm details with a licensed Dominican attorney.