Buying Property in the Dominican Republic as a Foreigner

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. Much of it is carried out by your legal representative, and for a buyer living abroad it runs in the order below.

Our sales team is here to provide clarity at every stage. For the legal side, work with an experienced Dominican real estate attorney who regularly acts for international buyers.

1. Reserve the residence you want
   Pick the floor plan and building that suit you at Secret Garden, then put a formal offer and reservation on that specific unit so it is held while the paperwork starts.
2. Instruct a Dominican real estate attorney
   Appoint a lawyer who acts regularly for foreign buyers. From that point they represent you, independently of the developer, and they can act for you without you leaving home.
3. Title due diligence
   Your attorney runs the title search, confirming the unit is free of liens or disputes and that the developer's title is clean and correctly recorded.
4. Promise of sale
   You and the developer sign the promise of sale, the contract naming the unit, the price and the delivery date. It is routinely signed remotely, and a deposit is paid at this stage.
5. Closing and the deed of sale
   On completion of construction the final deed of sale is signed and the property passes into your own name. You need not be in the country: a limited Power of Attorney lets your lawyer sign the closing for you.
6. Registration of your title
   Your attorney lodges the deed with the national Title Registry Office. That registration is what makes your ownership a matter of public record, and it closes the purchase.

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. What the programme includes, and what it costs, is set by its own terms — ask for them in writing before you enrol. Enrolling is optional either way: managing the unit directly, or appointing an independent licensed manager, stays open to you.

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. We can anticipate the questions international buyers ask, and point you to the kinds of bilingual professional you will want alongside you, from an attorney to a property manager. 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. It is standard practice for international buyers to 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.