Can I purchase a property in a corporation's name?

Yes, you can hold the title to your Secret Garden condo in the name of a corporation, whether Dominican or foreign. Your attorney can advise on the potential benefits and help you structure the purchase in the most advantageous way for your personal situation.

Do I need to be in the Dominican Republic for the closing?

No, it is not necessary to be physically present for the closing. Most of our international buyers grant a limited Power of Attorney to their local lawyer, who can then sign the final documents and register the title on their behalf, making the process convenient and efficient.

Buying Property in the Dominican Republic as a Foreigner

Yes, foreigners can absolutely buy property in the Dominican Republic, and the country's laws grant international buyers the same rights and protections as Dominican citizens. At Secret Garden, we have extensive experience guiding buyers from the US, Canada, and Europe through a clear and secure purchase process, from the initial offer to receiving your title.

Updated 2026-08-29

What property rights do foreign buyers have?

When you buy a condo at Secret Garden, you receive 100% freehold title in your own name. This is a crucial point: unlike in some other countries, there is no requirement for a local partner, no need to purchase through a specific type of corporation, and no special permits are needed for foreign ownership. You hold the deed, and your ownership is registered and legally protected.

This means you have the right to use, enjoy, rent, and sell your property just as any Dominican national would. The legal framework is designed to encourage foreign investment, providing a stable and secure environment for buyers. Our team, alongside your chosen local attorney, ensures your title is clean and properly recorded with the national Title Registry Office.

How does the purchase process work for a non-resident?

The process is straightforward and well-established. While the specifics can be handled by your legal representative, it generally follows these steps:

Reservation & Offer: Once you select your unit at Secret Garden, you make a formal offer and reservation.
Due Diligence: Your attorney conducts a title search to confirm the property is free of liens or disputes. As a new development by Gesproin Group, this is a standard part of the process.
Promise of Sale: A formal contract is signed by you and the developer. This can often be done remotely.
Closing: Upon completion of construction, the final deed of sale is signed, and the property title is transferred to your name. You do not need to be physically present for the closing; your attorney can act on your behalf via a Power of Attorney.
Title Registration: Your attorney registers the deed, officially making you the legal owner.

Our sales team is here to provide clarity at every stage and can recommend experienced local real estate attorneys who specialize in working with international clients.

Do I need Dominican residency or citizenship to buy?

No, you do not need to be a resident or citizen of the Dominican Republic to purchase property. You can buy a home at Secret Garden while residing in your home country. Your passport is the primary form of identification required for the transaction.

While property ownership can be a pathway to applying for residency if you choose to live here long-term, it is not a prerequisite for buying. This open approach is one of the key reasons so many international buyers choose Punta Cana for their second home or investment property. It simplifies the entire process, allowing you to focus on the property itself rather than navigating complex immigration requirements.

Are there special taxes for foreign property owners?

Foreign owners are subject to the same property tax laws as Dominican citizens, but buyers at Secret Garden have a significant advantage. Because our project qualifies under the Dominican Republic's tourism development law (CONFOTUR, Law 158-01), first-time buyers from the developer are eligible for substantial tax exemptions.

This includes an exemption from the 3% property transfer tax, which is a one-time tax paid at closing on most real estate transactions. More importantly, it provides an exemption from the annual 1% property tax (IPI) for up to 15 years. This annual tax is only levied on the value of a property above an annually-adjusted threshold, but the CONFOTUR exemption waives it entirely for the duration of the benefit. Your attorney will handle the filing to ensure this exemption is recorded on your title.

Can I rent out my Secret Garden condo as a foreign owner?

Yes, and we make it exceptionally easy. As a foreign owner, you have the full right to earn rental income from your property. Secret Garden offers an in-house rental management program run by Gesproin Rentals, designed specifically for owners who want a hands-off investment. We handle everything from marketing your unit and managing bookings to guest services and maintenance.

This service is particularly valuable for non-resident owners, as it provides a seamless way to generate returns without managing the property from abroad. With our rental program projecting annual returns in the 10-15% range, it turns your Caribbean home into a productive asset in the thriving Bávaro-Punta Cana rental market.

How does Secret Garden support its international buyers?

As a developer, Gesproin Group has been building in Punta Cana since 2017 and has developed over 2,000 units across more than 21 projects. A large portion of our buyers are from the United States and Canada, so our entire process is built to serve the needs of an international client.

From clear communication in English to providing virtual tours and facilitating remote closings, we ensure you feel confident and informed every step of the way. Our experience means we can anticipate your questions and connect you with trusted, bilingual professionals, from lawyers to property managers. We don't just sell you a condo; we provide the support system to make your foreign ownership experience successful and stress-free.

Common questions

Can I purchase a property in a corporation's name?: Yes, you can hold the title to your Secret Garden condo in the name of a corporation, whether Dominican or foreign. Your attorney can advise on the potential benefits and help you structure the purchase in the most advantageous way for your personal situation.
Do I need to be in the Dominican Republic for the closing?: No, it is not necessary to be physically present for the closing. Most of our international buyers grant a limited Power of Attorney to their local lawyer, who can then sign the final documents and register the title on their behalf, making the process convenient and efficient.