Getting a Dominican Republic mortgage while living in the US (2026)
3 min read.
Dominican banks lend to people who live in the US. Banco de Reservas finances up to 80% over 20 years and asks for your last three tax returns. In July 2026, dollar mortgages started at 7.50% and the average peso rate was 11.71%. If you buy pre-construction on a 20/30/50 plan, the mortgage covers the delivery payment, so you apply when the building is nearly finished.
Yes, you can do it from abroad
Dominican banks have products for Dominicans living abroad and for foreigners. You can apply from the US and sign with a notarized power of attorney if you don't travel. Diaspora money matters a lot in the country: remittances reached $11,866 million in 2025, and in September 2026, 80.9% of what arrived came from the US.
How much they finance
- Banco de Reservas: up to 80% of the value, over terms of up to 20 years. At its 2026 New York real estate fair it advertised up to 90%, with rates from 9.50%, without saying in which currency.
- Each bank sets its own terms: the percentage, the term and the rate depend on your profile and the property. Get the offer in writing and compare.
The documents they ask for
Banco Popular, for example, asks borrowers who live abroad for:
- your passport;
- your latest tax return, certified by the IRS;
- foreign credit references;
- the property's appraisal and title;
- insurance;
- a notarized power of attorney if you don't sign in person.
Banco de Reservas asks for your last three tax returns. Keep your bank statements handy too: under Law 155-17, the bank and the developer must verify where your funds come from.
Rates in 2026
| Type of loan | Rate |
|---|---|
| Average peso mortgage rate, May 2026 | 11.47% |
| Average peso mortgage rate, July 2026 | 11.71% |
| Scotiabank, peso mortgages, July 2026 | From 12.15% |
| Scotiabank, dollar mortgages, July 2026 | From 7.50% |
Dollar rates are lower. And if you earn in dollars, a mortgage in the same currency spares you the risk of the exchange rate moving against you.
When to apply if you buy pre-construction
On a 20/30/50 plan you pay 20% down and 30% during construction with your own money, and the remaining 50% on delivery. That last part is what the mortgage covers, so you apply when the building is nearly finished and the bank can appraise it.
Don't leave it to the last minute. Some contracts give only 60 days after delivery to secure the mortgage: talk to the bank early and get a pre-approval.
What it costs to record
Recording the mortgage carries a tax of 2% of the loan if done in 2026, 1% in 2027 and nothing from 2028, under the 2026 tax reform (Law 30-26). Small mortgages with banks are exempt. If your delivery is in 2028 or later, you'd no longer pay it. The appraisal and the insurance the bank requires are separate (all closing costs).
How much you can borrow
Digger AI Agent works out your OpenPrice, the most you can afford, assuming a mortgage for 50% over 20 years at 11% with a payment no higher than 28% of your income. It's an estimate to know what to look for: the bank is the one that approves the mortgage (what Digger is).
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a mortgage in the Dominican Republic if I live in the US?
Yes. Banks like Banco de Reservas and Banco Popular lend to people who live abroad, with requirements such as your passport, your US tax returns and credit references.
How much do Dominican banks finance?
Banco de Reservas finances up to 80% over 20 years. Each bank sets its percentage, term and rate based on your profile.
What are mortgage rates in the Dominican Republic in 2026?
The average peso rate was 11.71% in July 2026, according to the Central Bank. In dollars, there are offers from 7.50%.
When should I apply if I buy pre-construction?
Close to delivery, because it covers the last part of the payment plan. But talk to the bank early: some contracts give only 60 days to secure it.
Do I have to travel to sign the mortgage?
Not necessarily. You can sign with a power of attorney notarized or apostilled in the US, as Banco Popular, for example, allows.
Sources
- Banco de Reservas, mortgage loans (Spanish)
- Diario Libre, Banco de Reservas real estate fair in New York (March 18, 2026, Spanish)
- Banco Popular, mortgage requirements for foreigners and Dominicans abroad (Spanish)
- elDinero, mortgage loans get more expensive as of May 2026 (Spanish)
- Revista Mercado, interest rates through July 2026 (Spanish)
- Scotiabank Dominican Republic, loan rates (Spanish)
- Acento, 2025 remittances according to the Central Bank (Spanish)
- elDinero, remittances from January to September 2026 (Spanish)
- Acento, risks to know before signing a pre-construction purchase (September 26, 2024, Spanish)
- DGII, mortgage recording tax rate (Spanish)
- Law 155-17 against money laundering, Superintendency of Banks (Spanish)
This guide explains how buying works in general. Rates and requirements are set by law, by each bank and by each developer, and they can change: the date above is when it was last reviewed.