One of the most common misconceptions among foreign buyers is that they must be physically present in the Dominican Republic to purchase real estate. In reality, personal presence is not legally required to complete a property acquisition.
Dominican law allows buyers to act through a Special Power of Attorney, granting authority to a local representative—usually their attorney—to sign documents, attend closings, and complete registration on their behalf. This mechanism is widely used by U.S. and Canadian clients who prefer to manage the transaction remotely.
The power of attorney must be properly executed and, if signed abroad, apostilled or legalized according to Dominican requirements. Once issued, it enables the transaction to proceed exactly as if the buyer were present.
While many clients choose to visit the property during negotiations or prior to closing, from a legal standpoint the entire process—from promise of sale to title issuance—can be completed remotely without compromising ownership or enforceability.
