Punta Cana draws international buyers because of its visitor numbers, a busy airport and a market that is open to foreign owners. It also carries risks. This guide sets out both, with sources and dates.

Tourism volumes

Tourism is the base of the local property market, so the numbers matter. Sources measure it in different ways, which is why they do not match.

  • The Central Bank (BCRD) reported about 8.88 million non-resident air passengers for the Dominican Republic in 2025 (preliminary), and tourism receipts above US$11,300 million. The report was released in January 2026 and is cited by El Inmobiliario.
  • The Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) reported 11.6 million visitors for 2025 when air and sea arrivals are counted together. This figure appears in only one outlet we found, so treat it with care.
  • MITUR's institutional report gives 10,284,251 visitors for January to November 2025, up 3.1% on the same period of 2024.

Growth is slowing. Acento reported that 2025 visitor growth was the lowest since 2019, and that foreign visitors stayed 7.85 nights on average in 2025 against 8.01 in 2024, spending US$170.94 per day against US$167.75 (BCRD figures reported by El Dia on 6 April 2026).

The international airport

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) says it handled more than 11 million passenger movements in 2025, up 9.9% on 2024, and that it connects 81 international airports in 26 countries. Another source (Wikipedia, citing BCRD) gives 11,006,110 passengers. The two sources disagree on the number of flights: the airport reports 35,092 aircraft operations, while the Wikipedia page lists 61,530. We use the airport's own figure and flag the difference below.

Foreign ownership

The sources we read agree on the general rule. A Dominican law-firm network guide (Multilaw, July 2025) states that foreigners may own property with the same rights and obligations as Dominican nationals. Law 16-95 on foreign investment covers real estate, subject to the limits that apply to foreigners generally. An opinion piece links equal treatment of national and foreign investment to Article 221 of the Constitution. Foreign companies must set up a local branch or register a domicile to acquire property, according to the same Multilaw guide. Your lawyer should confirm whether any limit applies to the specific land you are considering.

Prices and currency

The developments on this site are priced in US$. Taxes and some thresholds are set in Dominican pesos. For example, the 2026 exempt amount for the annual property tax is RD$10,695,494. Media reports citing the BCRD put the peso at about RD$63.5 per US$1 (sale rate) on 3 February 2026 and about RD$61.8 on 19 October 2026. A move of that size changes the US$ value of any cost set in pesos. Confirm current rates with the Central Bank.

Risks to weigh

  • Slower growth. Arrivals are still rising, but at the lowest rate since 2019.
  • Moderate hotel occupancy while supply grows. MITUR data reported by elDinero show average occupancy of 71.3% (open occupancy) for January to November 2025, against 72.1% in 2024. A separate source, citing the National Statistics Office (ONE), gives 75.0% for 2025. El Inmobiliario reports 18,816 new rooms completed in 2025, which adds competition for rental guests.
  • Changing tax rules. Law 30-26 was promulgated on 18 June 2026 and changed several real estate taxes. Rules for short-term rentals are still unsettled (see our rental income guide).
  • Developer and title risk. An Acento opinion piece warns that some Punta Cana sales are advertised as protected by trust law without the required permits. Check every project's permits and legal structure independently.

What this means for a buyer

Visitor numbers and airport traffic are facts you can verify. Rental income and resale value are not. Any return on a property is a projection that depends on the unit, the location, management and the rules in force. We do not publish return figures in this guide.

What to confirm with a lawyer

  • Can I, as a non-resident individual or through a company, hold title to this property without restriction? Does any limit apply to this location?
  • Who is the legal owner of the land today, and is the Certificate of Title clean (no liens, no pending claims)?
  • If I buy off-plan, which legal structure protects my deposits, and which permits does the project hold?
  • Which taxes apply to me as a buyer, an owner and a landlord, in light of Law 30-26?
  • How is the purchase price in US$ treated for pesos-denominated taxes and fees?
  • What currency risk do I carry if my income or costs are in another currency?