Foreign Investment Law (Law 16-95): Protecting International Investors

Law 16-95, also known as the Foreign Investment Law, provides a secure and transparent framework for foreign investors. This law ensures that international investors enjoy the same legal rights and protections as Dominican nationals when it comes to property ownership, business operations, and profit repatriation.

Key Benefits of Law 16-95:

✔ 100% Foreign Ownership – No restrictions on international investors purchasing property or businesses.

✔ Full Repatriation of Profits – Investors can freely transfer capital gains, dividends, and profits abroad without government restrictions.

✔ Equal Legal Rights – Foreign investors receive the same protections as Dominican citizens, ensuring a level playing field.

✔ No Need for Local Partners – Unlike many countries, the Dominican Republic does not require foreign investors to partner with a local entity to own land or businesses.

For those interested in real estate and tourism development, Law 16-95 works in tandem with Law 158-01 (Tourism Incentive Law) to provide massive tax benefits and legal protections.

✔ Foreigners can buy oceanfront properties, resorts, and land without restrictions.

✔ Zero property transfer taxes for qualified tourism-related developments.

✔ 10-year tax exemptions on income tax, import duties, and municipal taxes.

These benefits make the Dominican Republic one of the best places in the Caribbean to develop luxury resorts, eco-tourism projects, and mixed-use developments.