Selling is easy. Getting the money home isn't always.

DR allows foreign sellers to repatriate proceeds, but the process has friction. Plan it before you list, not after closing.

The mechanics

When you sell, the buyer's attorney withholds:

1. 27% capital gains tax (remitted to DGII)
2. Any unpaid IPI, HOA, or utility balances
3. Sometimes a 1% retention if the buyer is a foreign company

The remaining proceeds land in your DR bank account (or your attorney's escrow). From there you initiate the outbound wire to your home country.

The BCRD rule that surprises sellers

The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD) requires documentation for all outbound transfers over $10,000 USD. You'll need:

• Original Certificate of Title showing the sale
• Closing statement (recibo de venta)
• DGII tax clearance certificate
• Source-of-funds documentation showing the money came from the property sale

Without this packet, your bank cannot remit. Expect to assemble it within 2-4 weeks post-closing.

The actual transfer

• Use the same DR bank that holds your proceeds (faster, fewer questions)
• USD-to-USD international wire is the standard route
• Cost: $50-$100 (bank charges typically 0.1-0.25%)
• Timing: 1-3 business days

Tax clearance: the bottleneck

The DGII clearance certificate (Certificación de Estar al Día) is the bottleneck for most sellers. The buyer's attorney files for it after closing; DGII issues it in 2-6 weeks. You can't wire out a large sum without it.

Some attorneys pre-file requests during the closing process to compress this. Ask yours.

What about pesos?

If your proceeds are in DOP (rare but possible), you'll convert to USD before remitting. The DR bank's conversion rate is rarely the best. For large amounts, use a service like Wise Business to receive USD directly.

Currency controls in 2026

The DR has minimal currency controls compared to many emerging markets. You CAN move large sums out. The friction is documentation, not blocking.

What we coordinate for selling clients

We work with the attorney to start the DGII clearance early in closing, not after. Saves 4-6 weeks vs. a passive closing. If you're planning to sell, the cleanup work starts before listing.