Dominican Republic — Property: Buying Process

Why this matters

Understanding the property buying process in the Dominican Republic is crucial for relocating individuals to avoid potential legal and financial issues.

Key facts

• The transfer is filed with the Valuation Unit (Unidad de Tasación) of the local DGII Internal Tax Administration.
• Documents: form FI-DVB-012 (signed, and sealed for companies), the original notarised transfer deed plus two copies, a copy of the title, and copies of both sides of the buyer's and seller's identity cards.
• A representative filing on someone's behalf must also supply a copy of their identity card, both sides.
• Cost: 3% of the property value plus RD$20 (Law 33-91), paid at authorised banks or DGII local offices.
• The transfer tax must be paid within 6 months of the transfer deed.
• Transfers between direct family members need a certificate of non-presumption of gift from the buyer's local DGII office; spouses cannot sell to each other (Civil Code Art. 1595).
• For transfer deeds from 1 May 2025 with a value above RD$1,000,000, the payment method used must be stated in the deed.
• Transfers cannot be partial: all properties in the operation must be eligible to be transferred at the time of payment.

Steps

1. Step 1: Research and Pre-Approval — Research the property market, consult with a real estate agent or attorney, and obtain pre-approval for a mortgage (if necessary).
2. Step 2: Due Diligence — Conduct a thorough examination of the property's title, survey, and any outstanding debts or liens. This may involve hiring a local attorney or engineer.
3. Step 3: Offer and Negotiation — Make an offer on the property, negotiate the price, and finalize the terms of the sale.
4. Step 4: Closing and Transfer — Sign the deed, transfer the ownership, and register the property in the buyer's name.