The growth of platforms like Airbnb has profoundly transformed the tourism and real estate market in the Republic Dominican. Without embargoThis boom has been accompanied by a void legal which today generates one of the most important debates on the subject right real estate and tourism: la necesidad of its regulation.
Is legal Airbnb in Republic Dominican?
At present, if it is legal operate through Airbnb in the countrysince there is no law specific law that prohibits or directly regulates this activity.
However, this does not mean that it is an activity spirit de obligationsThe hosts must comply with applicable general regulations, such as:
- Register in the Address General Internal Revenue Service (DGII)
- Declaration of revenue
- Compliance of trade and tourism regulations
In other words, Airbnb operates in a Marco legal indirect, based on general rules, but without a legislation specialized.
An emptiness legal amidst rapid growth
The problem arises when the impact is analyzed. part of this model.
El rental short duration has grown from crafts significant:
- In 2025, approximately 34% of tourists He stayed in short-term rentals in the country
- There are tens of thousands of units operating under this scheme
This growth has exceeded the capacity regulatory of Stategenerating what many experts describe as a regulatory vacuum.
Main problems arising from lack of regulation
La absence The lack of clear regulations has generated multiple challenges:
Law unfair
The hotel sector has pointed out that short-term rentals compete on unequal terms, since hotels:
- They pay specific taxes
- They comply with strict regulations
- They are subject to constant inspections
Meanwhile, many Airbnb properties operate without those same requirements.
Impact on the real estate market
The rise of the income The short course has contributed to:
This has generated tensions in urban and tourist areas.
Problems of coexistence
In condominiums and residential complexes, high guest turnover can lead to:
Note that the Act 5038 on Condominiums allows for internal regulations limit or regulate this type of rentalswhich has been a key tool in the face of lack de law specific.
Attempts at regulation in Republic Dominican Republic
Since 2022, the authorities have stated intention to regulate the sector.
Among the most relevant proposals are:
Register required of properties
The aim is for all units intended to income short:
- They are registered in official records
- Be identifiable by the authorities
Compliance taxation
One of the key points is the application of taxes, including:
- ITBIS on digital services
- Declaration mandatory income
It has even been suggested that this measure could generate billions in revenue for the State.
Condominium regulation
A project legislativo proposes that:
- La income The short one is only valid if the regulations of the condominium It allows it
- Penalties will be established for non-compliance
- El State can monitor these activities
Licenses and operational control
The tourism sector has proposed demanding:
- Licenses of operación
- Safety standards
- Regulation of areas where Airbnb can operate
Where are we today?
Despite multiple proposals, la Republic Dominican not yet account with comprehensive regulation valid for Airbnb.
- There is a regulation under discussion in the The ability to Executive
- There are projects of law in progress
- The sector public y private They continue in dialogue
This means that the country is in a regulatory transition phasewhere regulation is imminent, but not yet final.
El straight: balance between innovation and control
The real challenge It's not about eliminating Airbnb, but regulating it. crafts intelligent.
Effective regulation must strike a balance between:
- Promote real estate investment
- Protect tourism
- To guarantee la coexistence Urban
- Ensure revenue collection taxation
If implemented correctly, regulation can turn this phenomenon into a sustainable opportunity for the Dominican economy.
