The process requires submitting the purchase agreement, identity documents and tax certifications, in addition to complying with the established payments

SANTO DOMINGO– Selling real estate in the Dominican Republic involves fulfilling a series of legal and administrative requirements to formalize the change of ownership. According to information published by the Dominican Republic's Real Estate Registry, this procedure is carried out at the corresponding Title Registry, with the purpose of registering the transfer of ownership rights to the buyer.

What does the transfer of a property through sale involve?

The transfer of ownership of a property through sale is the procedure by which the change of ownership of a real estate property is officially registered as a result of a purchase agreement. Through this process, the Land Registry records the ownership rights in the name of the buyer, once compliance with the corresponding legal and documentary requirements has been verified. In this way, the transaction is formalized in the registry and the property's ownership is updated.

To complete this process, applicants must submit the required documentation and make the established payments, in accordance with current regulations. The institution also offers various options to facilitate the process, both in person and electronically.

What documents are required?

Among the main requirements is the act of purchase and sale, which can be formalized through a private document or an authentic act, in the first certified copy, provided that it complies with the applicable legal formalities.

Additionally, a duplicate or extract of the title certificate, or a transferable annotated deed, must be submitted. These documents are supplemented by a Property Tax (IPI) certificate or a declaration issued by the General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII), stating that the property is up-to-date with its tax obligations or is exempt.

For individuals, legible copies of both sides of the identity cards of the seller, the buyer, and their respective spouses, where applicable, are required. If either party is a foreigner, they must provide their passport and a second official identification document from their country of origin.

Furthermore, if the transaction is carried out through a representative, it will be essential to present the document that proves their authority to act. Similarly, when applicable, the owner's marriage certificate must be included, especially in the situations stipulated by the service requirements.

When legal entities are involved, the identification of their representatives, the National Taxpayer Registry (RNC), the current commercial registry, if applicable, and the corporate documents that authorize the operation are also required.

Associated costs and taxes

In addition to gathering the documents, the applicant must present proof of payment of the real estate transfer tax or, failing that, the exemption certificate issued by the DGII.

According to information provided by the Property Registry, the administrative charges for this service include the following:

• RD$20.00 for each duplicate or extract of the title certificate or annotated record, in accordance with Law No. 33-91.
• RD$130.00 for each notarized act that forms part of the file, when applicable, according to Law No. 140-15.
• RD$10.00 for the registration of liens or rights on registered real estate, in accordance with Law No. 33-91.
• RD$50.00 per notarized contract, when applicable, in accordance with Law No. 3-2019.
• For remote deposits, a service fee of RD$300.00 at CENAU in the National District and Santo Domingo province, or RD$800.00 in other locations.

Regarding payments, those corresponding to Laws Nos. 33-91 and 3-2019 are made to the DGII (General Directorate of Internal Revenue), while the payment established by Law No. 140-15 is made at Banco de Reservas. Service fees can be paid at that bank or by credit or debit card through the Virtual Office of the Real Estate Registry.

It should be noted that these amounts correspond to specific concepts of the procedure and do not necessarily include the real estate transfer tax, the amount of which must be determined in accordance with the applicable tax provisions.

Where and how to request the transfer?

Once the requirements have been met, interested parties can submit the file to the competent Registry of Titles or use the remote deposit service.

Similarly, the Virtual Office of the Real Estate Registry is available, a platform that allows you to attach the necessary documentation and complete the delivery of the originals to the Registry of Titles of your choice, in accordance with the conditions established for this modality.

In this regard, the service can be obtained through three main channels: in person, through the service window; electronically, through the Virtual Office; and through the unattended deposit and remote deposit modalities.

Response time and opening hours

Regarding processing time, the Property Registry establishes a period of 30 business days to respond to the request. However, the duration may vary depending on the date of the purchase agreement issued by the institution when the service is processed.

The responsibility for knowing and processing the file falls on the Registry of Titles corresponding to the jurisdiction where the property is located.

In-person service is available Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the Virtual Office remains permanently available to facilitate access to electronic services.

Finally, this procedure can be requested by any interested party who meets the established conditions. Therefore, verifying the requirements beforehand, gathering the necessary documents, and making the corresponding payments is essential to expedite the registration of the sale and formalize the property rights in the name of the new owner.

Recommended readings:

• How to request the registration of a seizure or immobilization of a property in the Dominican Republic?
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• Why is it important to consult the Cadastral Parcel Register before buying a property?