🌎 Investing in the Dominican Republic While Living Abroad: How to Do It Without Being There

Gilberto del Orbe
Apr 2
3 min read

Many people want to invest in the DR but are afraid of losing their money by not being physically present. This guide shows you how to avoid that.

😰 The Most Common Fear: “How can I control everything if I’m not there?”

“I’m interested in investing in Punta Cana, but… what if I’m not there to see everything myself?”

If you live in the United States, Canada, Spain, or anywhere else and are considering buying property in the Dominican Republic, you’ve probably asked yourself this question.

The fear is valid: sending money, signing contracts remotely, depending on others… it sounds risky.

But here’s the good news: it’s absolutely possible to invest from abroad—safely, legally, and hassle-free. All you need is to know how the process works and have the right team by your side.

📋 Step-by-Step: How to Invest from Abroad

1. 📝 Remote ReservationChoose your ideal unit and make a reservation payment (e.g. USD $3,000) via bank transfer directly to the developer.

2. ✍️ Contract SigningDepending on the project, you can sign:

Through secure electronic signature (in projects that allow it)
Or receive the physical contract by international courier and sign it at home

💡 Pro Tip: Always validate everything with your advisor before signing.

3. ⚖️ Legal Support IncludedAn experienced advisor ensures everything is in order: titles, permits, and CONFOTUR tax benefits. The entire process can be handled remotely and transparently.

4. 📜 CONFOTUR: A Game-ChangerLaw 158-01 offers 15 years of tax benefits:

✅ No VAT (ITBIS)
✅ No property tax (IPI)
✅ No capital gains tax when selling

5. 💳 Payments from AbroadMost projects allow you to pay your down payment in monthly installments. You can do this directly from your bank—no need to be in the country.

6. 🛋️ Furnishing and Property ManagementOnce your unit is delivered, you can hire services to furnish and manage it for you (perfect for Airbnb). You just sit back and track the results.

7. 📊 Ongoing MonitoringYou’ll receive monthly reports, photos, income updates, and occupancy stats. Some services even offer real-time dashboards.

🌟 Why Invest from Abroad?

💵 Earn income in US dollars
🏷️ Access pre-construction pricing
✈️ Avoid unnecessary travel
📈 Invest in a stable and growing economy

👩‍💼 Real Case: Marta from New Jersey

Marta is Dominican and lives in New Jersey. She wanted to invest in Punta Cana without leaving her job or traveling. She reserved with $3,000, signed everything remotely, and is now making her monthly payments while her apartment continues to appreciate. The entire process was handled remotely with step-by-step guidance.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need residency in the DR to buy property?

🟢 No. You can purchase under your name without being a resident.

Can I open a Dominican bank account from abroad?

🟢 Yes. Some banks allow account openings with international documents.

Do I need a lawyer?

🟢 Not necessarily. A reliable advisor will walk you through every step with legal support.

Can I receive Airbnb income in my overseas bank account?

🟢 Yes. Airbnb allows payments to international accounts.

🚫 Common Myths (and the Reality)

❌ Myth 1: “If I don’t travel to the DR, I can’t buy.”

✅ Reality: The process is made for remote investors. It’s safe and legal.

❌ Myth 2: “All real estate projects are the same.”

✅ Reality: Not all offer the same benefits. Choosing the right one is key—and that’s where expert guidance matters.

❌ Myth 3: “Signing from abroad is risky.”

✅ Reality: With professional support, remote signing is safe and increasingly common.

📍 Where to Invest? Depends on Your Goal

🌍 Area	🏠 Best For	💡 Key Advantages
Punta Cana	Airbnb / Vacation Rentals	High occupancy, CONFOTUR, strong ROI
Santo Domingo	Long-Term Rentals / Appreciation	Capital city, urban growth
Jarabacoa	Retirement / Second Homes	Nature, cool climate, peace and quiet