Does the Dominican Republic allow dual citizenship?

Yes, the Dominican Republic allows dual citizenship. Article 20 of the Constitution permits Dominicans to acquire a foreign nationality without losing their Dominican citizenship, and the naturalization law allows foreigners to become citizens without renouncing their original nationality.

Do I have to live in the Dominican Republic to keep my residency?

While you don't have to be physically present every day, maintaining residency often requires demonstrating continued ties to the country and not being absent for extended periods. The specific requirements can vary by residency type and are crucial for renewal and for any future citizenship application. Your attorney can provide guidance on the rules for your specific permit.

Is residency the same as tax residency?

No, holding a residency permit does not automatically make you a tax resident. Tax residency is typically determined by spending more than 182 days in the country in a calendar year, among other factors. It's possible to be a legal resident for immigration purposes without being a tax resident. A tax advisor can clarify your obligations based on your time spent in the country.

Ownership & title

Moving to the Dominican Republic: A Homeowner's Guide

Published August 30, 2026 5 min read

Yes, foreigners can move to the Dominican Republic, and owning property can be an integral part of that journey. While you don't need to be a resident to buy a home here, ownership can open pathways to long-term residency and even citizenship. This guide outlines the options available to property owners considering a move to Punta Cana.

Do I need residency to own property in the Dominican Republic?

No, you do not need to be a resident to purchase property. The Dominican Republic grants foreigners the same property rights as citizens, allowing you to buy and hold a freehold title in your own name without any residency status. This is why many international buyers purchase vacation homes or investment properties here long before considering a full-time move. The purchase process is straightforward and is handled by a local attorney who ensures the title is clean and properly registered.

However, if you plan to live in the country for more than the standard tourist visa allows, you will need to apply for a residency permit. Owning property can be a significant advantage in this process.

What are the main residency pathways for property owners?

For foreign nationals who wish to reside in the Dominican Republic, several residency programs are available. The most common routes for property owners are the investment-based residency and the programs for individuals with passive income streams, governed by Law 171-07.

An attorney specializing in Dominican immigration law can advise on the best path for your specific circumstances and handle the application process. Below is a comparison of the two main passive income routes.

Comparison of Pensionado and Rentista Residency Programs
Program	Minimum Monthly Income	Source of Income
Pensionado (Retiree)	$1,500 USD	Pension from a government or private company
Rentista (Passive Income)	$2,000 USD	Stable income from investments, rentals, or other passive sources

Can buying a condo at Secret Garden qualify me for residency?

The Dominican Republic offers a residency-by-investment program, which provides a path to a residency permit for individuals who make a significant investment in the country. The most commonly cited minimum investment for this program is $200,000 USD. With residences at Secret Garden starting from $233,000, a purchase here exceeds that threshold.

However, it is important to note that sources conflict on whether real estate purchases automatically qualify for this program, and some legal interpretations suggest a higher investment amount may be required. Therefore, while owning a property like a Secret Garden condo is a strong indicator of your ties to the country, you must consult with an immigration attorney to confirm if your specific purchase will qualify for the investment residency program. Your attorney will provide definitive guidance based on the latest regulations and your personal situation.

$200,000 Minimum threshold for investment residency program

1 Year Initial term for an investment residency card

$233,000 Starting price for a residence at Secret Garden

What is the process for becoming a Dominican citizen?

Acquiring Dominican citizenship through naturalization is a potential long-term goal for residents. The country permits dual citizenship, so you would not have to renounce your current nationality. The naturalisation statute sets two years of uninterrupted legal residence as its ordinary requirement. That is the statute's condition, not a countdown from the day you arrive — other sources describe a longer migration track before permanent status is even reached, and how the two reconcile is not something we can state. However, Dominican law provides an expedited route for certain individuals, including property owners.

Under Law 1683 of 1948, there is a privileged naturalization process that can reduce the residency requirement. The steps below outline the general process, but the specifics, especially regarding the definition of 'uninterrupted residence', should be clarified with your attorney.

Obtain Legal Residency
First, you must secure a legal residency permit through one of the available programs (e.g., investor, pensionado, rentista).
Maintain Uninterrupted Residence
The statute's ordinary condition is two years of uninterrupted legal residence; treat that as the requirement rather than as an elapsed timeline. Law 1683 grants a six-month condition to property owners — it attaches to OWNING real property, with no minimum value anywhere in the statute, so it is not a benefit bought with an investment. One point is genuinely unresolved and your attorney should settle it for your case: whether those six months mean six months physically present in the country or six months holding the permit.
Submit Naturalization Application
Once the residency requirement is met, your attorney can file a naturalization application with the Dominican government on your behalf.
Await Presidential Decree
The final step is the issuance of a presidential decree granting citizenship, after which you can be sworn in and receive your Dominican passport.

What is life like for a resident in Los Corales?

Choosing to live at Secret Garden places you in the heart of Los Corales, one of Bávaro's most vibrant and established communities. Daily life here combines the tranquility of a private, gated resort with the convenience of having everything you need nearby. Bávaro Beach is just a 5-minute walk (approximately 1,476 feet) away, offering white sands and clear water.

Within the Secret Garden community, residents have exclusive access to a 19,375 square foot lagoon pool, a fully-equipped gym, a spa, an on-site restaurant, and a coworking space. For errands and travel, Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is a 15-minute drive, and the Downtown Punta Cana and San Juan Shopping Center areas, with their shops and services, are also just 15 minutes away. This combination of on-site amenities and local infrastructure makes for a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.

Rendering of the 19,375 sq ft resort-style lagoon pool at Secret Garden, a central amenity for residents.

Common questions

Does the Dominican Republic allow dual citizenship?: Yes, the Dominican Republic allows dual citizenship. Article 20 of the Constitution permits Dominicans to acquire a foreign nationality without losing their Dominican citizenship, and the naturalization law allows foreigners to become citizens without renouncing their original nationality.
Do I have to live in the Dominican Republic to keep my residency?: While you don't have to be physically present every day, maintaining residency often requires demonstrating continued ties to the country and not being absent for extended periods. The specific requirements can vary by residency type and are crucial for renewal and for any future citizenship application. Your attorney can provide guidance on the rules for your specific permit.
Is residency the same as tax residency?: No, holding a residency permit does not automatically make you a tax resident. Tax residency is typically determined by spending more than 182 days in the country in a calendar year, among other factors. It's possible to be a legal resident for immigration purposes without being a tax resident. A tax advisor can clarify your obligations based on your time spent in the country.