Foreigners buy with the same rights as citizens, taking full fee-simple (freehold) title in their own name with no restrictions. Property is registered in the buyer's name at the Title Registry.
Before you buy in Dominican Republic, always:
General guidance only — rules change; confirm the current position with a qualified local lawyer.
Our free ownership checker and the Overseas Property Playbook walk through how foreign ownership works step by step — the questions to ask and the traps to sidestep.
One-off costs run roughly 4-5% of the price — a 3% transfer tax (waived on a first home for Pensionado residents), plus legal fees of about 1-1.5% and registration. Foreigners take full freehold title, and using a lawyer to verify title is strongly advised.
Las Terrenas on the Samana peninsula for its French-Caribbean flavour, Sosua and Cabarete for an established north-coast expat scene, Punta Cana for resort-style living and flights, and Santo Domingo for city amenities and the best hospitals.
Private hospitals in Santo Domingo, Santiago and the main expat hubs are modern and cost far less than in the US or UK; expat-focused insurance starts around US$100 a month, often including medical evacuation. Public care is basic, so most retirees insure privately. Relaxed and welcoming in the expat areas, though normal precautions against petty crime apply; Spanish is the language with English common in tourist zones, and driving is on the right.
Thinking seriously about Dominican Republic?
Two honest Brits, a private call, and straight answers — see if a freehold home abroad is a fit for you.
See if you qualify →