Can foreigners buy and own property in the Dominican Republic?

The answer is: Yes. A common misconception is that foreigners must have residency or citizenship to buy property in the Dominican Republic. In reality, foreigners—whether residents or non-residents—can buy and own property in the DR, enjoying the same property ownership rights as Dominican citizens. These rights are protected under the Dominican constitution and enforced by the Land Registry Law.

Key advantages for foreign property owners in the DR:

Full Ownership Rights: Foreigners can own a property outright, whether residential, commercial, or agricultural.
Minimal Restrictions: The only exceptions to property ownership include:
Land within 60 kilometers of international borders.
The first 60 meters of the coastline, are designated as public land.
National parks and protected environmental zones to preserve natural resources and biodiversity.
Inheritance and Ownership Laws:

There are no restrictions on foreigners inheriting property in the Dominican Republic.
However, under Dominican law, inheritance is subject to “forced heirship”, which requires that a deceased person’s assets be distributed to specific heirs, often close family members.
Mortgage Opportunities for Foreigners:

Non-resident foreigners can qualify for a mortgage from Dominican banks.
Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratios typically range from 50% to 70%.
Interest rates are between 8% and 13%, with loan terms of up to 25 years.
To qualify for a mortgage, the property must be fully constructed and titled.

Why the DR is attractive for foreign investors:
The Dominican Republic is considered one of the most foreign-investor-friendly nations in the world. The ability for foreigners to own property outright, combined with opportunities for financing, makes it an appealing destination for property investment. Whether you’re looking for a vacation home, a commercial venture, or agricultural land, the DR offers a unique combination of rights, accessibility, and investment potential.

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Maria Abreu is the CEO and Managing Attorney of Abreu & Associates, a law firm practicing exclusively in Dominican Republic Immigration and Nationality law. She is also the founder of Retire and Invest DR. This organization hosts conference events for foreigners interested in living, retiring, and investing in the DR. You can contact Maria at: mabreu@abreuimmigration.com.