Buying from abroad · Step by step
How to buy in the Dominican Republic while living in the United States
By Cristell Mejía, real estate advisorPublished Updated 9 min read
Buying a property back home while you live in New York, New Jersey, Florida or Massachusetts is possible without flying in every time there's something to see or sign. The key is having someone you trust here and a clear process. These are the steps, in order.
Quick answer
- Define why you're buying and how much you can comfortably pay.
- Get pre-qualified with a Dominican bank before you reserve.
- See the options by video call and travel only for the finalists.
- Review the developer, trust, permits and contract.
- Sign with an apostilled power of attorney if you can't come.
- Pay by wire transfer, only to the accounts listed in the contract.
Living abroad and thinking about buying? I'll walk you through the process on a video call.
1. Define why you're buying
Bienvenido Paulino Columna, with 40 years in the Dominican market, explains in this article about the diaspora (in Spanish) that people living abroad usually buy for one of these reasons:
- A home for their parents.
- A place to vacation.
- Their retirement.
- An investment that generates income.
- Owning assets in their home country.
Each goal calls for a different property. For your parents, nearby services and safety matter. For renting, the area's demand. For vacations, the beach and maintenance while you're away.
And something just as important: earning in dollars doesn't mean an unlimited budget. Your mortgage, insurance and expenses in the US are still there. Work out a payment you can make without stretching yourself.
2. Secure financing before you reserve
Several Dominican banks lend to Dominicans living abroad. One example: at its March 2026 real estate fair in New York and Lawrence, Banreservas offered to finance up to 90% of the value, with terms of up to 20 years and rates from 9.50% fixed for six months (Diario Libre, in Spanish).
Conditions vary by bank and over time. What doesn't change: get pre-qualified before you reserve. That way you know how much they would lend you for the payment at delivery and avoid surprises at the end.
Documents banks usually ask for
| Document | What for |
|---|---|
| Passport and/or Dominican ID (cédula) | Identification |
| Employment letter | Proof of income |
| US tax returns | Income for recent years |
| Bank statements | Savings and payment capacity |
| Credit report | Payment history |
Indicative list. Each bank sets its own requirements.
3. Search and compare without traveling
With an advisor here you can see properties live by video call, get recorded tours of the property and the area, and compare everything in writing: price, square meters, payment plan and closing costs.
Travel once you have two or three finalists. That way you use the trip to decide, not to rule things out.
4. Review before you reserve
- Who develops it and who builds it? What have they delivered before?
- Does the project have a trust (fideicomiso)? With which trust company?
- Does it have permits? Is the land title clean?
- What does the contract say about delays, changes and cancellation?
- How much will closing cost? I explain it in what it costs to buy an apartment in the DR.
5. Sign remotely with a power of attorney
If you can't come to sign, you can grant a power of attorney to someone you trust in the DR to sign on your behalf. If you do it in the United States, the power is notarized there and then apostilled at the relevant Secretary of State's office so it is valid in the Dominican Republic.
The lawyer handling the transaction tells you what kind of power you need (general or specific to that purchase) and how to draft it.
6. Pay safely
- Pay by bank transfer, never in cash.
- Transfer only to the accounts listed in the contract or in the official instructions from the trust company or developer.
- If you receive a change of account by email or WhatsApp, confirm it by phone before transferring.
- Keep every receipt.
7. Construction follow-up and handover
If you buy pre-construction, ask for regular photos and videos of the progress. Before handover, someone you trust should check the unit against what was promised: finishes, measurements and details. Then the title is processed in your name.
Projects such as Brisas de Las Colinas 6 and Parques del Este Residences, in Santo Domingo Este, are options I often recommend to Dominicans abroad for their entry price and access to the capital.
Common mistakes when buying from abroad
- Deciding on price alone. Ask about the developer, the trust, the timelines and financing.
- Believing promises nobody controls: guaranteed dates, assured rents or “approved” loans without paperwork.
- Hearing nothing after you reserve. Insist on follow-up during construction.
- Transferring without verifying. Always confirm the destination account.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy if I only have a US passport?
Yes. Foreigners can buy property in the Dominican Republic. If you're Dominican with another nationality, you can use your cédula or your passport, depending on the case.
Do I have to pay taxes in the United States on the property?
It depends on your tax situation. For example, foreign rental income may have to be reported in the US. Check with a tax professional in the United States.
Who looks after the property while I'm away?
You can hire property management for maintenance or rentals. In our first conversation we look at the options available in the project or area.
I support you through the whole process remotely.
See how I work with buyers abroadSources (in Spanish)
- Bienvenido Paulino Columna, “La diáspora dominicana: qué busca y qué errores cometemos al venderle un inmueble”, inmobiliario.do, September 2026.
- “Feria inmobiliaria de Banreservas ofrece tasas desde 9.50% a dominicanos en el exterior”, Diario Libre, March 18, 2026.
Cristell MejíaReal estate advisor with Plusval, with over 10 years in sales and over 5 in real estate. He helps Dominicans living abroad buy in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana. Learn more about me.