What foreign buyers really pay at closing, line by line, and how to plan for it before you sign a single contract.

When buyers first contact us about Las Terrenas, the question they ask is almost always about price. How much for a two bedroom in Playa Bonita? What does an oceanfront condo cost in El Portillo? What is the asking price for a villa in Cosón?

What buyers often forget to ask is the second question, the one that matters just as much: how much does it actually cost to close?

The answer in the Dominican Republic is more transparent than in many other markets, but it requires preparation. Closing costs here are not hidden, they are not negotiable in the way some buyers expect, and they can vary depending on whether the property qualifies for CONFOTUR benefits, whether a survey is required, and how complex the title history happens to be.

At Navetta Properties, we believe a confident buyer is a prepared buyer. This guide breaks down every cost you should expect when purchasing real estate in the Dominican Republic in 2026, from the 3% Transfer Tax to attorney fees, notary charges, the deslinde, and the items most buyers do not see coming.

The Quick Math

For a standard residential transaction in the Dominican Republic, total closing costs typically land between 4% and 5.5% of the purchase price.

On a $350,000 USD condo, that means roughly $14,000 to $19,250 USD in additional costs above the agreed sale price. The components are:

3% Transfer Tax, the largest single line item
1% to 1.5% Attorney Fees
0.25% to 1% Notary Fees
Approximately 0.5% Registration and Administrative Fees
Variable costs for deslinde, translation, and escrow if applicable

Each of these deserves a closer look.

1. The 3% Transfer Tax (Impuesto de Transferencia Inmobiliaria)

The single largest closing cost in any Dominican real estate transaction is the property Transfer Tax, paid to the Dirección General de Impuestos Internos (DGII), the country’s tax authority.

The rate is 3% of the property value. The critical detail most foreign buyers miss is how that value is determined. The 3% is calculated on the higher of the actual sale price or the DGII fiscal appraisal, not simply the price you negotiate with the seller.

In practice, after the contract is signed, the DGII assigns an inspector who reviews the property, compares it to local market data, and issues a fiscal valuation. If their appraisal exceeds the agreed sale price, the 3% is applied to the higher figure.

On a $350,000 USD condo, the standard Transfer Tax is $10,500 USD.

When CONFOTUR Applies: If the property belongs to a development with active CONFOTUR classification, and you are the first acquirer purchasing directly from the developer, the Transfer Tax is waived entirely. On this example, that single exemption saves the buyer $10,500 USD at closing. For the full breakdown of CONFOTUR benefits, see our CONFOTUR Tax Law Investor’s Guide.

Timing: The Transfer Tax must be paid within six months of the Deed of Sale. The Title Registry cannot record the transfer into the buyer’s name until proof of payment is submitted.

2. Attorney Fees (1% to 1.5%)

In the Dominican Republic, your attorney does far more than draft paperwork. They conduct the title search, verify that the property is free of liens and encumbrances, request the certified registry status, coordinate with the notary, manage the Transfer Tax filing with the DGII, and submit the documents to the Title Registry.

Standard fees range from 1% to 1.5% of the purchase price, depending on the complexity of the transaction. For straightforward condo purchases, 1% is typical. For raw land, older properties, or transactions involving multiple sellers, inherited titles, or corporate structures, fees often move toward 1.5%.

On a $350,000 USD property, attorney fees range from $3,500 to $5,250 USD.

A critical point for foreign buyers: you should always retain your own independent attorney. The seller’s attorney, however reputable, represents the seller’s interests, not yours. The cost of independent legal counsel is small compared to the risk of moving forward without one.

3. Notary Fees (0.25% to 1%)

In the Dominican Republic, a notary is a licensed legal professional with regulated authority. Their role is to authenticate the signatures on the Promise of Sale, the Final Sales Contract, and the Deed of Sale, and to certify that the parties signing the documents are who they represent themselves to be.

Notary fees typically range from 0.25% to 1% of the purchase price, depending on the complexity of the documentation. In many transactions, the attorney and the notary are the same professional, in which case the notary fee may already be included in the attorney’s overall quote. Always clarify this in writing before closing.

On a $350,000 USD transaction, notary fees range from approximately $875 to $3,500 USD.

4. The Deslinde (When It Applies)

The deslinde is the official boundary survey of a property, recorded with the Title Registry. Under Law 108-05, which governs property registration in the Dominican Republic, no sale can be recorded at the Title Registry without a valid deslinde on file, except in specific historical cases.

For most modern condo and apartment purchases in Las Terrenas, the deslinde has already been completed by the developer as part of the original condominium regime, and no new survey is needed. The buyer simply inherits the existing demarcation.

For land purchases, older homes, or properties outside established developments, a new deslinde may be required. The cost depends on the size and complexity of the parcel, typically ranging from several hundred to several thousand US dollars, and the process can add weeks or months to the closing timeline.

Before signing a Promise of Sale on land or an older property, always confirm with your attorney whether a deslinde is required and which party is responsible for the cost.

5. Registration and Administrative Fees

Once the Transfer Tax is paid and the Final Sales Contract is signed, the documents are filed with the Registro Inmobiliario (Title Registry) for the jurisdiction where the property is located. The Registry then issues a new Certificate of Title in the buyer’s name.

These administrative costs include document stamps, certified copies, registry filing fees, and minor statutory charges. Together, they typically add up to approximately 0.5% of the purchase price, or around $1,750 USD on a $350,000 transaction.

These fees are largely standardized and offer little room for negotiation.

6. Optional but Recommended Costs

Several additional costs are not strictly required by law but are strongly recommended for foreign buyers:

Escrow Services: As covered in our Real Estate Escrow guide, a neutral third party custodial account provides an important layer of protection during closing. Escrow fees vary by provider, generally ranging from a flat fee of several hundred dollars to a small percentage of the funds held.

Certified Translations: If your supporting documents are not in Spanish (corporate papers, proof of source of funds, certain government certificates), certified translations may be required. Costs typically range from $150 to $500 USD depending on volume.

Corporate Structuring: Some buyers choose to purchase through a Dominican company (SRL) rather than in their personal name. Setup costs are approximately $1,000 USD plus annual maintenance. This is an optional structure, not a legal requirement, and the most common reason buyers consider it is future resale flexibility: when the property is owned by a company, a future sale can be structured as a transfer of company shares rather than a transfer of the property itself, which can have implications for how the 3% Transfer Tax is applied. This approach has its own pros and cons and should always be discussed with your attorney and tax advisor before deciding.

The Real World Scenario

Let’s apply these numbers to a concrete example: a $350,000 USD apartment in Las Terrenas.

Scenario A: Standard Resale (No CONFOTUR)

Purchase Price: $350,000
Transfer Tax (3%): $10,500
Attorney Fees (1%): $3,500
Notary Fees (0.5%): $1,750
Registration and Administrative (0.5%): $1,750

Total Closing Costs: $17,500 USD (5% of purchase price) Total Cash Required at Closing: $367,500 USD

Scenario B: CONFOTUR New Build, First Acquirer

Purchase Price: $350,000
Transfer Tax (3%): $0 (exempt under Law 158-01)
Attorney Fees (1%): $3,500
Notary Fees (0.5%): $1,750
Registration and Administrative (0.5%): $1,750

Total Closing Costs: $7,000 USD (2% of purchase price) Total Cash Required at Closing: $357,000 USD

The difference is $10,500 USD in immediate savings at closing, before factoring in the 15 year IPI exemption that CONFOTUR also provides. Combined, the two exemptions can save a first acquirer close to $40,000 USD over the life of the investment on this scale of property.

Timeline: How Long Does It All Take?

From accepted offer to Certificate of Title in your name, a typical transaction in the Dominican Republic takes 45 to 90 days, depending on complexity.

The general breakdown:

Reservation and initial due diligence: 1 to 2 weeks
Promise of Sale signed, funds placed into escrow: 1 to 3 weeks
Final Sales Contract, full payment, Transfer Tax paid: 1 to 4 weeks
Title Registry processing and issuance of new Certificate of Title: 30 to 60 days after submission

Cash transactions move faster. Financed transactions, whether through a Dominican bank or developer financing, can extend the timeline by 30 to 60 days. Transactions requiring a new deslinde can add several months.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who pays the real estate agent commission?

The seller pays the real estate agent commission in the Dominican Republic. The buyer does not pay a commission directly to the agent representing the property.

2. Are closing costs negotiable?

The 3% Transfer Tax and the Registry fees are fixed by law. Attorney and notary fees are negotiable, particularly on higher value transactions or where the same professional handles multiple services. Always request a written fee schedule before signing the Promise of Sale.

3. Do I need to be physically present in the Dominican Republic to close?

No. Many foreign buyers complete the entire closing process through a Power of Attorney granted to their local attorney. This is especially common for buyers based in the United States, Canada, France, and Italy.

4. When is the Transfer Tax actually paid?

The Transfer Tax must be paid within six months of the date of the Deed of Sale. Late payment triggers fines and surcharges. Your attorney coordinates the payment as part of the closing process.

5. Can closing costs be financed?

Closing costs are generally paid in cash at closing and are not rolled into a mortgage. Plan to have these funds available in addition to your down payment.

The Navetta Approach: Transparency from Day One

We have walked clients through dozens of closings in Las Terrenas and across the Samaná Peninsula, and we have learned that the best transactions are the ones where the buyer understands every line item before signing anything.

Before you place a deposit on a property, our team prepares a complete closing cost projection specific to your transaction, including whether CONFOTUR applies, whether a deslinde is required, and a realistic timeline based on the current documentation status of the property.

We coordinate with vetted attorneys, notaries, and escrow providers throughout the process, but we do not take commissions from those professionals. Our role is to make sure the numbers you see at closing match the numbers you saw at the start.

Ready to explore properties in Las Terrenas with full financial clarity? Visit our Buyer’s Guide or contact us to receive a personalized closing cost estimate for any property in our current inventory.

Disclaimer: Navetta Properties provides this information for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Closing costs vary by transaction and may change as regulations are updated. We always recommend that our clients consult with a licensed Dominican attorney and tax professional to confirm the costs, procedures, and tax treatment specific to their purchase.

The Total Cost of Buying Property in the Dominican Republic: A Complete Closing Guide