Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Dominican Republic Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our The Dominican Republic Property Pack
Canadians can legally purchase property in the Dominican Republic with full ownership rights, facing no nationality-based restrictions or requirements for local partners. The Dominican Republic offers one of the most accessible property markets in Latin America for foreign investors, with the same rights as Dominican citizens when buying residential and commercial real estate.
As of September 2025, the Dominican Republic property market remains highly welcoming to Canadian buyers, with streamlined processes that typically take 30-60 days to complete and no residency requirements for ownership.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in the Dominican Republic, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Canadians can buy any type of property in the Dominican Republic without restrictions, local partners, or residency requirements.
The purchase process takes 30-60 days and involves standard legal procedures including title checks, notarization, and registration at the Title Registry.
| Requirement | Details | Timeline/Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Ownership Rights | Same as Dominican citizens - full freehold ownership | Immediate upon registration |
| Residency Requirement | None - tourists can purchase property | N/A |
| Local Partner | Not required for any property type | N/A |
| Transfer Tax | 3% of government-appraised value | Due at closing |
| Legal Fees | 1-1.5% of purchase price | Due at closing |
| Annual Property Tax | 1% on value above $172,000 USD | Yearly |
| Purchase Timeline | From offer to title registration | 30-60 days |
Can Canadians legally buy property in the Dominican Republic?
Yes, Canadians can legally buy property in the Dominican Republic with the same ownership rights as Dominican citizens.
The Dominican Republic Constitution and Property Law grant foreigners identical property ownership rights as local citizens. This means Canadians can purchase, own, sell, and transfer any type of real estate without restrictions based on nationality.
As of September 2025, no special permits, licenses, or government approvals are required for Canadians to buy residential or commercial properties. The legal framework treats all foreign buyers equally, regardless of their country of origin.
Dominican property law recognizes full freehold ownership for foreign buyers. Once you complete the purchase process and register the title, you hold the same legal rights as any Dominican property owner.
This legal certainty makes the Dominican Republic one of the most accessible Caribbean property markets for Canadian investors.
Are there any restrictions for foreign buyers in the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic imposes virtually no restrictions on foreign property buyers, with only minor coastal and border limitations.
The main restriction affects beachfront properties: the first 60 meters of land from the high-tide mark remains public property. True beachfront titles begin just beyond this maritime zone, but this applies to all buyers regardless of nationality.
Properties within 60 kilometers of the Haitian border may require additional government permissions for foreign buyers. However, this affects very few desirable residential areas and primarily concerns rural or undeveloped land.
Environmental protection zones and national park areas have special permit requirements, but these restrictions apply equally to Dominican and foreign buyers.
No ownership quotas, citizenship requirements, or nationality-based limitations exist in Dominican property law.
What types of properties can Canadians buy in the Dominican Republic?
Canadians can purchase any type of real estate available in the Dominican market, including residential, commercial, and agricultural properties.
| Property Type | Ownership Rights | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Condominiums | Full ownership with HOA responsibilities | Most popular choice for foreigners |
| Single-family homes | Complete freehold ownership | Includes land and structures |
| Villas and luxury properties | Full ownership rights | Often in gated communities |
| Raw land and lots | Unrestricted ownership | Requires development permits for construction |
| Commercial properties | Same rights as residential | May require business registration for operations |
| Agricultural land | Full ownership permitted | Border proximity restrictions may apply |
| Townhouses | Individual title ownership | Common in residential developments |
It's something we develop in our Dominican Republic property pack.
Do Canadians need a local partner or co-owner to purchase property?
No, Canadians do not need a local partner, co-owner, or Dominican corporation to buy property in the Dominican Republic.
Foreign buyers can hold title directly in their personal name without any requirement for Dominican partnership or corporate structure. This direct ownership provides full control over the property and simplifies the purchase process.
Some buyers choose to use Dominican corporations for tax planning or estate purposes, but this remains optional rather than mandatory. The decision to use corporate ownership should be made with professional tax and legal advice.
Individual ownership allows Canadians to buy, sell, rent, or transfer property without partner consent or corporate formalities. This flexibility makes Dominican real estate particularly attractive for personal use or investment purposes.
The absence of partnership requirements eliminates common complications found in other Latin American property markets.
Don't lose money on your property in the Dominican Republic
100% of people who have lost money there have spent less than 1 hour researching the market. We have reviewed everything there is to know. Grab our guide now.
Are there any specific requirements for Canadians to get financing for property in the Dominican Republic?
Dominican banks offer mortgages to Canadians, but with stricter requirements and higher costs compared to resident borrowers.
Foreign buyers typically need to provide larger down payments of 20-40% compared to 10-20% for Dominican residents. Interest rates for non-resident mortgages range from 8-12% annually, significantly higher than rates available to locals.
Required documentation includes proof of income, bank statements from Canada, credit reports, employment verification, and sometimes additional collateral. The approval process takes 60-90 days and requires extensive financial documentation.
Many Canadian buyers use alternative financing methods: seller financing arrangements, home equity loans from Canadian banks, or cash purchases. These options often provide more favorable terms than Dominican mortgages.
Some developers offer in-house financing with more flexible terms than traditional banks, particularly for pre-construction purchases.
What taxes should Canadians expect when purchasing property in the Dominican Republic?
Canadian buyers face a 3% transfer tax, 1-1.5% legal fees, and ongoing property taxes of 1% annually on values above $172,000 USD.
1. **Transfer Tax**: 3% of the government-appraised property value (not purchase price), paid at closing 2. **Legal Fees**: 1-1.5% of purchase price for attorney services and title work 3. **Notary Fees**: 1% of purchase price for document authentication and registration 4. **Title Registration**: Fixed fee around $200-500 depending on property value 5. **Property Tax**: 1% annually on assessed value above approximately $172,000 USDThe CONFOTUR law provides tax exemptions for certain tourism-designated developments, potentially waiving transfer and property taxes for qualifying properties. These incentives typically last 10-15 years.
Canadian buyers should also consider potential Canadian tax implications, including foreign property reporting requirements and capital gains taxes upon sale.
Property taxes in the Dominican Republic remain relatively low compared to Canadian rates, making ongoing ownership costs manageable for most buyers.
How long does it take for a Canadian to purchase property in the Dominican Republic?
The typical property purchase timeline for Canadians ranges from 30-60 days from accepted offer to completed title registration.
The due diligence phase takes 10-15 days and includes title searches, debt verification, permit checks, and property inspections. Your attorney will verify clear title and confirm no outstanding liens or legal issues exist.
Contract negotiation and preparation require 5-10 days, depending on complexity and any special conditions. Purchase contracts must be prepared in Spanish and properly notarized.
Final closing and title registration take 15-30 days once all conditions are met. This includes notarization, payment of taxes and fees, and official registration at the Title Registry office.
Cash purchases typically close faster than financed purchases. Using power of attorney can expedite the process if you cannot be present for closing.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in the Dominican Republic versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
What legal process do Canadians need to follow to buy property?
The legal purchase process requires hiring a Dominican attorney, completing due diligence, contract execution, and title registration.
Step 1 involves hiring a qualified Dominican attorney who specializes in real estate transactions. Your lawyer will represent your interests throughout the entire process and ensure compliance with local laws.
Step 2 requires obtaining a Dominican Tax ID number (RNC) from the Internal Revenue Service (DGII). This free registration takes 1-2 days and is necessary for all property transactions.
Step 3 includes comprehensive due diligence: title verification at the Title Registry, debt searches, permit verification, and physical property inspection. This critical phase protects against future legal complications.
Step 4 involves contract preparation, review, and execution. All contracts must be in Spanish and properly witnessed and notarized according to Dominican law.
Step 5 completes the process with final closing, tax payment, and title registration. Your new ownership becomes official when registered at the local Title Registry office.
Is there a minimum investment requirement for Canadians to buy property in the Dominican Republic?
No minimum investment requirement exists for property ownership, but a $200,000 USD minimum applies if seeking residency through real estate investment.
Canadians can purchase properties of any value, from modest condos under $50,000 to luxury estates worth millions. The government imposes no restrictions on purchase price or property value for ownership purposes.
The $200,000 minimum only applies to the Investor Residency program, which grants temporary residency status through qualifying real estate investments. This program remains optional for property ownership.
Most Canadian buyers purchase properties ranging from $100,000-500,000, with beachfront and luxury properties often exceeding $1 million. The choice depends on personal preferences and investment goals.
It's something we develop in our Dominican Republic property pack.
Are there any restrictions on renting out the property after purchasing?
Canadians face no restrictions on renting their Dominican properties for short-term or long-term rental purposes.
Property owners can rent through platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, or traditional long-term leases without special permits or licenses. This flexibility makes Dominican real estate attractive for investment purposes.
Tourism zones and resort areas actively encourage short-term rentals as part of the country's tourism development strategy. Many developments are specifically designed for vacation rental use.
Rental income earned by non-residents is subject to Dominican taxation, but tax treaties between Canada and Dominican Republic may provide relief from double taxation.
Local property management companies can handle rentals, maintenance, and guest services for owners who live abroad, making passive income generation relatively straightforward.
How much does it cost to maintain property in the Dominican Republic as a foreign owner?
Annual property maintenance costs for foreign owners typically range from 2-5% of property value, depending on location and property type.
| Expense Category | Annual Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HOA/Condo Fees | $1,200-6,000 | Varies by building amenities and location |
| Property Management | 8-15% of rental income | If using professional management services |
| Property Insurance | $300-1,500 | Hurricane coverage recommended |
| Utilities (if vacant) | $600-2,400 | Electricity, water, internet, cable |
| Property Tax | 1% above $172,000 value | Only on assessed value exceeding threshold |
| Maintenance & Repairs | $500-3,000 | Varies by property age and condition |
| Security Services | $600-2,400 | Common in gated communities |
Condominium properties typically have lower maintenance costs due to shared expenses, while single-family homes require individual responsibility for all maintenance and security.
It's something we develop in our Dominican Republic property pack.
Do Canadians need to be residents of the Dominican Republic to buy property?
No, Canadians do not need Dominican residency to buy, own, or sell property in the Dominican Republic.
Tourist status is sufficient for property purchases, and many Canadians buy properties during vacation visits. The law makes no distinction between residents and non-residents for property ownership purposes.
Property ownership does not automatically grant residency status, and residency is not required to maintain property ownership. These remain completely separate legal processes.
Canadians can apply for Dominican residency after purchasing property if they meet investment thresholds ($200,000 minimum) and other requirements, but this remains optional for property ownership.
Non-resident ownership provides the same legal protections and rights as resident ownership, making residency unnecessary for most Canadian property buyers.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
The Dominican Republic offers Canadians one of the most accessible property markets in Latin America, with full ownership rights, straightforward legal processes, and no residency requirements.
Canadian buyers can confidently invest in Dominican real estate knowing they receive the same legal protections as local citizens, making it an attractive option for both personal use and investment purposes.
Sources
- The Latin Investor - Dominican Real Estate for Foreigners
- Residence RD - How to Buy Property as a Canadian
- The Latin Investor - Dominican Republic Property Buying Guide
- Simply Dominican - Requirements for Foreign Buyers
- RealtorDR - Can Foreigners Buy Property
- GTA Homes - Guide for Canadians
- Global Property Guide - Dominican Republic
- Ecovis Global - Real Estate Lawyer Dominican Republic