Frequently Asked Questions
Answers for foreign buyers and investors in Punta Cana. General information verified in October 2026; it is not legal or tax advice, so confirm your case with a Dominican lawyer or tax advisor.
FAQ
Buying in Punta Cana as a Foreigner
Yes. The Dominican Constitution gives foreigners the same property rights as citizens, and there are no special restrictions for non-resident buyers. You do not need residency to buy. For the transfer tax filing, a foreign buyer can identify with a passport.
Ownership is registered at the Registro de Títulos. Before you pay, an independent Dominican lawyer should request the Certification of Legal Status (owner, liens and mortgages), check the survey and permits, and confirm the seller's authority. Always work with a lawyer who does not work for the seller.
The property transfer tax is 3% of the value and is usually paid by the buyer, unless the unit is exempt (for example, a first sale under CONFOTUR). Legal and notary fees are added and vary by firm. Registering the new title usually takes from a few weeks to about two months; your lawyer will confirm the timeline.
New developments in Punta Cana are usually priced in US dollars, and foreign investors can generally move funds in and out freely. Pay by bank wire from your own account and keep the records, since banks and notaries must verify the origin of funds. Confirm bank details with your lawyer by phone before sending.
Before paying a reservation, ask for the contract, the land's legal status, the building permits and, if tax benefits are advertised, the CONFOTUR classification. Ask whether your payments go into a trust (fideicomiso) with an authorized trustee; it is optional, so it depends on the project. Rely on the payment plan in the signed contract, not on the brochure.
FAQ
Investing & Owning in Punta Cana
CONFOTUR (Law 158-01) is a tourism incentive for projects classified by the Ministry of Tourism. For a classified project, the first purchase can be exempt from the 3% transfer tax, and the property is excluded from the annual property tax (IPI) for up to 15 years. Benefits apply project by project, so ask the developer for the classification resolution and confirm in writing what covers your unit.
Individuals pay the annual property tax (IPI) only on total real estate value above a yearly threshold: RD$10,695,494 in 2026, at 1% of the excess. CONFOTUR first buyers are exempt during the incentive period. You will also pay mandatory condo (HOA) fees, so ask the developer for the projected condo budget before signing.
Yes, owners can rent, and rental income earned in the Dominican Republic is taxable there. Payments to a non-resident owner are generally subject to a 27% income tax withholding, and short-stay rentals carry 18% ITBIS (VAT). Rules for platforms and property managers vary, so confirm with a Dominican tax advisor. No rental return is guaranteed.
Not by itself. The Dirección General de Migración offers investor residency through a company that receives at least US$200,000 in foreign capital, and a "rentista" residency for people with at least US$2,000 a month in foreign income. An immigration lawyer can tell you which route fits your case.
Terms for non-residents are set bank by bank and local interest rates are high, so many buyers finance abroad or use the developer's staged payment plan. If you take a local mortgage, the mortgage registration tax is 2% in 2026, dropping to 1% in 2027 and eliminated from 2028.