Puerto Rico (PR)
Puerto Rico is a self-governing US Commonwealth (Estado Libre Asociado) in the northeastern Caribbean, offering a unique blend of vibrant Latin culture, US legal framework, and tropical island living.
Capital: San Juan
Region: Americas
Language: Spanish
Currency: USD ($)
Cost of living: Moderate (index 65)
Emergency: 911
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Time: 1–3 hours at a DTOP Centro de Servicios al Conductor. Book appointment online. · Cost: $20–35 licence fee
Deadline: Within 60 days of establishing Puerto Rico residency
Risk if missed: Technically driving illegally as a resident. Cannot establish Act 60 bona fide residency without a PR licence. May invalidate auto insurance claims.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Current valid driver's licence
- ✓ Proof of PR address (lease or utility bill)
- ✓ Social Security Card or SSN documentation
- ✓ US passport or PR birth certificate
- ✓ Completed DTOP Form
Tip: DTOP operates by appointment. Book at dtop.pr.gov well in advance — popular locations fill 3–4 weeks out. Bring originals + photocopies of all documents.
Local institution: DTOP — Departamento de Transportación y Obras Públicas (Department of Transportation and Public Works)
Time: 1–2 days at the alcaldía · Cost: $50–500/year based on gross revenue (0.2–0.5% of annual revenue)
Deadline: Before commencing business operations
Risk if missed: Municipal fine. Cannot legally operate without a Patente.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Hacienda Merchant Registration Certificate
- ✓ Business address proof
- ✓ EIN or SSN
- ✓ Payment
Local institution: Alcaldía (City Hall) of your municipality (Municipal business licence)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 3–8 hours to gather and compile documentation · Cost: $5,000 annual report fee (Chapter 2); $300–$5,000 (Chapter 3 varies)
Deadline: January 31 annually
Risk if missed: Decree suspension if annual report not filed. Loss of Act 60 tax benefits.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Act 60 decree number
- ✓ Proof of PR residency (utility bills, lease, DTOP licence)
- ✓ Employment/business activity documentation
- ✓ Days-in-PR count for prior year
Tip: Keep a running log of days spent in Puerto Rico throughout the year. Travel records (flight tickets, hotel receipts, credit card statements) are your evidence if the IRS challenges bona fide residency.
Local institution: DDEC — ddec.pr.gov (DDEC Annual Report)
Time: 1–2 weeks to gather documents and complete enrolment · Cost: Free (public school)
Deadline: Before the start of the academic year (typically mid-August) or immediately on arrival
Documents needed:
- ✓ Child's birth certificate (apostilled if foreign)
- ✓ Proof of PR address
- ✓ Immunisation records (DESA School Health Programme requirements)
- ✓ Previous school records/transcripts
Tip: Public school instruction is in Spanish with English as a compulsory subject. If your children are English-dominant, a bilingual private school (Baldwin, Saint John's, Wesleyan Academy) may ease the transition.
Local institution: Puerto Rico Department of Education (DE) (Departamento de Educación)
Time: 2–4 weeks processing after application · Cost: Free
Deadline: Before starting employment
Risk if missed: Cannot legally work without an SSN. Cannot open most bank accounts or file tax returns.
Documents needed:
- ✓ US passport or USCIS work authorisation (EAD/Green Card)
- ✓ Form SS-5 (SSA application)
- ✓ Proof of age and identity
Tip: Apply at the SSA San Juan Field Office (787-622-4650) or any SSA office. Bring originals of all documents — copies not accepted for SSN applications.
Local institution: Social Security Administration (SSA) (Social Security Administration)
Time: 15 minutes · Cost: Free
Deadline: First day of employment
Risk if missed: Employer violation ($500–$16,000 per violation). Employee cannot legally begin work.
Documents needed:
- ✓ List A document (passport or EAD) OR List B + C combination (driver's licence + SSN card)
Local institution: Employer / USCIS (Employment eligibility verification)
Time: 15–30 minutes online · Cost: ~1.03% of CRIM assessed value (typically low — assessed values are historical)
Deadline: First instalment July 31; second instalment January 31 annually
Risk if missed: Surcharges + CRIM lien on property if severely delinquent.
Documents needed:
- ✓ CRIM account number (on property deed or prior bill)
- ✓ Payment method
Tip: CRIM assessed values are typically well below market value in PR — property tax bills are surprisingly low by US mainland standards. Set up autopay at crimpr.net.
Local institution: CRIM — Centro de Recaudación de Ingresos Municipales (Puerto Rico Property Tax Authority)
Time: 15 minutes online at uscis.gov · Cost: Free
Deadline: Within 10 days of change of address
Risk if missed: Immigration law violation. Could affect immigration applications or status.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Current USCIS documentation
- ✓ New Puerto Rico address
Local institution: USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services)
Time: 6–12 months processing. Apply 6 months before expiry. · Cost: $540 USCIS fees
Deadline: Apply at least 6 months before expiry date
Risk if missed: Cannot use expired Green Card for employment or travel. Employer I-9 compliance issues.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Expiring Green Card
- ✓ Form I-90
- ✓ Payment ($455 USCIS filing fee + $85 biometrics)
Local institution: USCIS San Juan Field Office (USCIS Green Card renewal)
Time: Vet appointment + 1–2 days for certificate · Cost: $50–150 vet exam + health certificate
Deadline: Health certificate valid 10 days — time vet appointment accordingly
Risk if missed: Pet may be refused entry or held at PRDA inspection station.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Pet vaccination records (rabies current)
- ✓ Microchip documentation (ISO 15-digit chip)
- ✓ USDA health certificate (vet-signed, within 10 days)
- ✓ Airline pet travel booking confirmation
Tip: Contact PRDA Animal Industry Division (787-722-2135) before travel to confirm current requirements. Airline cabin pet policies: most US airlines allow small pets in cabin in carrier under $125 fee.
Local institution: USDA-accredited veterinarian / PRDA (Pet health certificate)
Time: 30–60 minutes online at SURI (hacienda.pr.gov) · Cost: Free
Deadline: Before commencing business activity
Risk if missed: Operating without a merchant certificate is a Hacienda violation. Cannot legally collect IVU or claim business deductions.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Social Security Number or EIN
- ✓ Business formation documents (for LLC/Corp)
- ✓ Business address in Puerto Rico
Local institution: Departamento de Hacienda de Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico Department of Treasury)
Time: 2–5 hours (simple return) to several weeks (complex with Act 60) · Cost: Free (self-file via SURI) or $300–800 CPA preparation fee
Deadline: April 15 annually. Extension to October 15 available.
Risk if missed: Hacienda late filing penalty + interest. Jeopardises Act 60 bona fide residency documentation.
Documents needed:
- ✓ W-2 equivalents (499R-2)
- ✓ Business income records
- ✓ Deduction documentation
- ✓ Prior year return for reference
- ✓ SSN / ITIN
Tip: File on time even if you cannot pay the full amount — the late filing penalty is worse than the late payment penalty. Use a PR-licensed CPA for your first year to understand PR-specific deductions.
Local institution: Departamento de Hacienda de Puerto Rico (SURI) (Puerto Rico tax return)
Time: 3–10 hours or professional preparation · Cost: Free (IRS Direct File or Free File) or $300–800 CPA fee
Deadline: April 15 annually. Extension to October 15 available.
Risk if missed: IRS penalties + interest. Cannot be a bona fide PR resident while failing US filing obligations.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Form 482 (PR tax return)
- ✓ Foreign tax credit documentation
- ✓ All income statements
- ✓ Social Security statements
- ✓ Prior year 1040
Tip: Attach Form 1040 with Schedule 1 and the Puerto Rico income exclusion (IRC 933). If you have FBAR obligations (foreign accounts > $10,000), file FinCEN 114 by April 15.
Local institution: Internal Revenue Service (IRS) (US federal tax return)
Time: 1–3 hours per filing period · Cost: Free (self-file via SURI)
Deadline: 20th of the month following the reporting period
Risk if missed: Hacienda audit, fines up to 10% of tax due + interest.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Sales records by category (taxable vs exempt)
- ✓ IVU collected amounts
- ✓ Merchant registration certificate
Local institution: Departamento de Hacienda (SURI) (IVU sales tax filing)
Time: 1–3 hours at DTOP or online · Cost: $40–150 depending on vehicle type and year. Annual marbete (inspection): $27–35.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Vehicle title
- ✓ Proof of PR compulsory liability insurance
- ✓ Current DTOP annual inspection certificate (marbete)
- ✓ Payment
Tip: Renew registration online at dtop.pr.gov. The marbete sticker must be current to pass any traffic stop. Annual inspection at any licensed DTOP inspection station.
Local institution: DTOP — Departamento de Transportación y Obras Públicas (Department of Transportation)
Time: 30–60 minutes to get quotes and purchase · Cost: $50–80/month for liability only
Deadline: Before driving any vehicle on PR roads
Risk if missed: $500 fine + vehicle impoundment. Civil liability for accidents.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Vehicle registration
- ✓ Driver's licence
- ✓ Payment method
Tip: Get 3 quotes online (Triple-S, MAPFRE, Universal Insurance are competitive). For newer vehicles or those with a loan, comprehensive/collision coverage is strongly recommended.
Local institution: Triple-S / MAPFRE / Universal Insurance / State Farm PR (Auto insurance)
Time: 4–8 weeks by mail (10–13 weeks routine). 3–5 business days expedited (extra $60). · Cost: $165 adult passport book. Expedited: $225 total.
Deadline: At least 6 months before planned international travel
Documents needed:
- ✓ Expiring passport
- ✓ Form DS-82 (renewal by mail if < 5 years expired) or DS-11 (new/child)
- ✓ Passport photo
- ✓ Payment ($165 adult)
Local institution: US Passport Acceptance Facility / US Post Office (US passport renewal)
Time: 30–60 minutes at a branch · Cost: Free to open. Monthly maintenance fee may apply if minimum balance not met.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Government photo ID (passport or DTOP licence)
- ✓ Social Security Number
- ✓ Puerto Rico address proof (lease or utility bill)
- ✓ Initial deposit
Tip: Bring originals of all documents. Banco Popular's mobile app (Mi Banco) is excellent. Zelle is available for instant transfers within the PR banking network.
Local institution: Banco Popular de Puerto Rico (Banco Popular)
Time: 15 minutes at any Walgreens or gas station · Cost: $5 sticker deposit (refundable) + minimum $5 account load
Documents needed:
- ✓ Puerto Rico vehicle registration
- ✓ Credit or debit card for account funding
Tip: AutoExpreso stickers are sold at Walgreens, Shell, and other convenience stores island-wide. Set up automatic recharge to avoid account running out. Manage account at autoexpreso.com.
Local institution: AutoExpreso (Electronic Toll System)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 2–6 hours with a financial adviser · Cost: $1,500–5,000 financial planning engagement
Documents needed:
- ✓ 401k/IRA statements
- ✓ PR tax filing status documentation
- ✓ Financial planner engagement
Tip: Timing matters: Roth conversions done BEFORE establishing PR Act 60 residency avoid both federal and PR tax on future withdrawals. Get advice from a CPA with both PR and US federal expertise.
Local institution: IRS / Puerto Rico Retirement Plan Administrator (Retirement planning)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–2 hours to set up accounts · Cost: Free to set up Wise account. Transfer fees 0.5–2% of amount.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Bank account details
- ✓ SWIFT/routing numbers
- ✓ Source of funds documentation for large transfers
Local institution: Banco Popular / FirstBank / Wise (International banking)
Time: 30–60 minutes in store · Cost: $35–80/month for post-paid unlimited plan
Documents needed:
- ✓ US ID or passport
- ✓ SSN (for post-paid plans)
- ✓ Payment method
Tip: T-Mobile has the most extensive network in Puerto Rico including interior municipalities. Set up emergency alert notifications (NWS San Juan) from first day of service — critical for hurricane season.
Local institution: T-Mobile / AT&T / Verizon / Liberty Mobile / Claro (Mobile phone carrier)
Time: 1–2 weeks for installation appointment · Cost: $60–100/month for 300–1000 Mbps. Installation: free to $100.
Deadline: Book as soon as lease is signed — installation waits are 1–2 weeks
Documents needed:
- ✓ Proof of PR address (lease)
- ✓ Payment method
Tip: Liberty (libertypr.com) has the widest metro coverage. Claro is stronger in some southern and western municipalities. For remote workers: also get a T-Mobile or Verizon LTE hotspot as backup for outages.
Local institution: Liberty Puerto Rico / Claro Puerto Rico (Home internet provider)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–5 business days to set up system · Cost: $30–100/month for accounting software + certified POS equipment if needed
Documents needed:
- ✓ Merchant registration certificate
- ✓ Business EIN
- ✓ Business bank account
Local institution: Hacienda (SURI) (IVU-compliant billing)
Time: 2–4 hours to assemble · Cost: $150–400 for a comprehensive kit
Deadline: Before June 1 (hurricane season start)
Risk if missed: Life safety risk. Weeks without water, power, or access to stores during and after a major storm.
Tip: Minimum kit: 7-day water supply (1 gallon/person/day), 7-day non-perishable food, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlights, extra batteries, first aid kit, cash, copies of important documents in waterproof bag, phone battery banks, generator if possible.
Local institution: FEMA / Puerto Rico SOED (Emergency Management) (Hurricane preparedness)
Time: 30 minutes to create account · Cost: Free
Deadline: Before June 1 (hurricane season start)
Documents needed:
- ✓ SSN
- ✓ Puerto Rico address
- ✓ FEMA account (fema.gov/account)
Tip: Download the FEMA App and enable push notifications for your PR location. After any named storm, check DisasterAssistance.gov to file a claim within the deadline (typically 60 days of declaration).
Local institution: FEMA — fema.gov (FEMA disaster assistance)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–4 weeks from quote to installation · Cost: Portable generator (2,000–5,000W): $600–1,500. Standby whole-house generator: $5,000–15,000 installed. Solar battery (Tesla Powerwall 2): $10,000–15,000.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Landlord/HOA permission (renters)
- ✓ Electrical panel assessment
- ✓ LUMA interconnection permit (for solar)
Tip: For remote workers: a minimum 2,000W generator provides enough power for laptop, router, and phone charging during short outages. For long-term resilience: solar + Powerwall pays for itself within 7–10 years given PR's high electricity rates.
Local institution: Licensed electrician (DTOP/CSPE certified) (Generator / backup power)
Time: 30 minutes to register · Cost: Free
Documents needed:
- ✓ SSN or EIN
- ✓ Puerto Rico address
- ✓ Email address
Local institution: Departamento de Hacienda (SURI) (Hacienda online tax portal)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 2–5 hours to set up · Cost: $30–80/month for cloud accounting software
Documents needed:
- ✓ Business registration documents
- ✓ Chart of accounts setup
Local institution: QuickBooks / Wave / Xero (Puerto Rico compliant) (Business accounting software)
Time: 2–4 weeks to complete application. Acceptance: 4–8 weeks. · Cost: Application fee $50–150. Tuition: $7,000–16,000/year
Deadline: Applications typically due November–February for following September
Documents needed:
- ✓ Child's school records and transcripts
- ✓ Recommendation letters from current teachers
- ✓ Application form
- ✓ Application fee
Local institution: Private school of choice (Private school)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 3–6 months through application process · Cost: $25–50 application fee
Documents needed:
- ✓ High school diploma and transcripts
- ✓ PEAU/SAT/ACT scores
- ✓ Application form
- ✓ Application fee ($25–50)
- ✓ Essays and recommendations (private universities)
Tip: UPR Río Piedras (humanities, business, law) and Mayagüez (engineering, sciences) are the most prestigious campuses. Admission is competitive — apply early and ensure PEAU scores are above the cutoff for your target programme.
Local institution: UPR / Inter American University / PUCPR (Puerto Rico university)
Time: 2–6 months depending on profession and board · Cost: $200–800 application and licensing fee
Deadline: Before practising your licensed profession in Puerto Rico
Risk if missed: Practising without a licence is a criminal offence in Puerto Rico. Can lead to civil liability and criminal charges.
Documents needed:
- ✓ US or foreign professional licence
- ✓ Academic transcripts and degree certificate
- ✓ National exam scores (USMLE, NCLEX, PE exam, CPA exam)
- ✓ Background check
- ✓ Application fee
Local institution: Relevant Puerto Rico Licensing Board (Professional licensing board)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 3–6 months from decision to approved decree · Cost: $750 DDEC application + $2,000–5,000 attorney/CPA setup fees + $300–5,000 annual report fee (varies by revenue)
Documents needed:
- ✓ Business formation documents
- ✓ Service contract templates (showing non-PR clients)
- ✓ PR address documentation
- ✓ DDEC application ($750 fee)
- ✓ PR CPA and attorney engagement
Tip: The 4% rate ONLY applies to income from services exported outside PR. Revenue from PR clients remains taxable at normal PR rates. Keep scrupulous client-location documentation.
Local institution: DDEC / Puerto Rico CPA / Attorney (Act 60 Export Services)
Time: 1–4 weeks (apostille processing varies by country) · Cost: Apostille fee: $20–100 depending on country. Spanish translation: $50–150.
Deadline: Before school enrolment
Documents needed:
- ✓ Original foreign birth certificate
- ✓ Apostille from issuing country
Local institution: Registro Demográfico / PR Department of Health (Puerto Rico Demographic Registry)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 4–8 hours of planning over 2–4 meetings · Cost: $3,000–10,000 for comprehensive estate plan
Documents needed:
- ✓ Asset inventory (PR and non-PR)
- ✓ Family structure and intended heirs
- ✓ Existing US will and trust documents
- ✓ Life insurance policies
Local institution: Puerto Rico estate attorney and US estate planning attorney (Estate planning)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 2–4 hours initial consultation · Cost: AUM fee: 0.75–1.5% annually on invested assets
Documents needed:
- ✓ Proof of Act 60 decree
- ✓ Investment objectives
- ✓ DDEC bona fide residency documentation
Local institution: Oriental Bank Wealth / Euro Pacific Bank (Puerto Rico wealth management)
Time: 1–2 hours to compare plans and enrol online · Cost: $350–700/month individual plan without subsidy (premium tax credits available for eligible incomes)
Deadline: Annual open enrollment November 1 – January 15. Special enrollment within 60 days of qualifying event.
Risk if missed: No health coverage. Medical emergency in PR can cost $5,000–100,000+ without insurance.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Social Security Number
- ✓ Puerto Rico address
- ✓ Income estimate for the coverage year
- ✓ Immigration/citizenship status documents
Tip: Check if you qualify for premium tax credits (incomes 100–400% of federal poverty level). Key PR insurers on the marketplace: Triple-S, MCS, BlueCross BlueShield PR.
Local institution: CuidadodeSalud.gov / healthcare.gov (ACA Marketplace Health Insurance)
Time: 1–2 hours online at ssa.gov or in person at SSA San Juan · Cost: Part A: free for most (40+ quarters worked). Part B: $202.90/month (2026 standard premium).
Deadline: 7-month window: 3 months before your 65th birthday month, your birthday month, and 3 months after
Risk if missed: Permanent 10% per year penalty on Part B premium for late enrolment.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Social Security Number
- ✓ Proof of age (birth certificate or passport)
- ✓ Work history (to verify Medicare-eligible quarters)
Tip: Even if you don't need Part B immediately, enrol to avoid the penalty. You can suspend Part B later if you have employer coverage. SSA San Juan office: 787-622-4650.
Local institution: Social Security Administration / Medicare (Medicare)
Time: 1–2 hours to dengue-proof your home · Cost: $30–80 (DEET repellent, mosquito screens, larvicide tablets)
Tip: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes (dengue vectors) breed in small amounts of still water. Empty outdoor water containers weekly. The Dengvaxia vaccine is available for ages 9–45 who have had prior confirmed dengue infection — not for first-time exposure.
Local institution: Puerto Rico Department of Health (PRDH) (Departamento de Salud)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 2–4 hours to compare and enrol · Cost: $500–900/month for comprehensive individual cover with dental and vision
Documents needed:
- ✓ Employment or Act 60 status documentation
- ✓ Medical history
- ✓ Payment method
Tip: Medjet and Global Rescue are popular medical evacuation/travel assistance memberships ($199–349/year individual). These cover emergency air transport to a hospital of your choice in the US.
Local institution: Triple-S / BlueCross BlueShield PR / MCS Healthcare (Private health insurance)
Time: 30–60 minutes online · Cost: $150–300 security deposit (refundable after 12 months of good standing)
Deadline: Before or on move-in day
Risk if missed: No electricity. LUMA electricity bills in your name also serve as address/residency proof for IRS documentation.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Photo ID
- ✓ Puerto Rico address proof (lease)
- ✓ Social Security Number or ITIN
Tip: Electricity costs in PR are among the highest in the US ($0.25–0.35/kWh). Monitor usage carefully. Solar panels + battery backup are becoming economically viable — a $15,000–30,000 investment that pays back in 5–7 years given high grid rates.
Local institution: LUMA Energy (LUMA Energy (power utility))
Time: 1–4 weeks to find and negotiate · Cost: Security deposit: 1–2 months' rent ($1,200–5,000 typical San Juan range)
Documents needed:
- ✓ Government photo ID
- ✓ Income proof or bank statements
- ✓ References (some landlords require)
Tip: Document ALL pre-existing property damage with photos before moving in — send to landlord by email for written record. Clarify hurricane damage responsibility in the lease before signing.
Local institution: Landlord / Real Estate Agent (Rental Agreement)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 4–12 weeks from quote to installation · Cost: $15,000–30,000 for residential system (before 30% federal tax credit = net $10,500–21,000)
Documents needed:
- ✓ Property ownership/lease permission
- ✓ LUMA interconnection agreement
Tip: Get 3 quotes from licensed installers. Verify they are NEC-certified and DTOP-licensed. Popular brands in PR: SunPower, LG, and Tesla Powerwall for batteries. 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC) available for PR homeowners.
Local institution: Licensed Solar Installer (Solar installation)
Time: 8–24 months processing at USCIS San Juan · Cost: $760 filing fee + $85 biometrics
Deadline: Eligible after 5 years as LPR (3 years if married to US citizen)
Documents needed:
- ✓ Green Card
- ✓ Form N-400
- ✓ Tax returns (5 years)
- ✓ Travel records
- ✓ Police certificates
- ✓ Photos
Local institution: USCIS San Juan Field Office (Naturalization)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 4–8 months standard processing (15 business days for premium $2,805) · Cost: $460–1,385 USCIS fees + $2,805 premium processing (optional) + $1,500–5,000 attorney fees
Deadline: March lottery registration window (typically March 1–18 each year)
Documents needed:
- ✓ Form I-129 petition
- ✓ LCA certification
- ✓ Degree evaluation
- ✓ Employment offer letter
- ✓ Employer EIN and documentation
Local institution: USCIS / US immigration attorney (H-1B sponsorship)
Time: 2–4 hours to get quotes and purchase · Cost: $1,000–3,500/year depending on property value and location
Deadline: Before June 1 (hurricane season start)
Risk if missed: Catastrophic uninsured loss in a named storm event.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Property deed or lease
- ✓ Current homeowner's policy
- ✓ Property value documentation
Tip: Always verify: (1) the policy covers named storms specifically, (2) the deductible is a percentage of insured value (often 2–5%), not a flat dollar amount, (3) the insurer is OCI-licensed. Review annually before June 1.
Local institution: Puerto Rico insurance company (OCI regulated) (Hurricane insurance)
Time: 1–2 hours to check flood map and purchase · Cost: $500–3,000+/year depending on flood zone and coverage level
Documents needed:
- ✓ Property address
- ✓ FEMA flood zone determination
- ✓ Payment
Tip: Check your property's flood zone at msc.fema.gov/portal. Zone AE is high risk; Zone X is minimal risk. Even Zone X properties may flood in extreme events. If your mortgage lender requires flood insurance, the premium is mandatory.
Local institution: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) (Flood insurance)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 2–4 hours with an insurance broker · Cost: $0 (broker commission paid by insurer)
Deadline: Annually before June 1 (hurricane season)
Documents needed:
- ✓ All existing insurance policies
- ✓ Current property values and asset list
Tip: An independent insurance broker (not tied to one company) can shop multiple carriers for the best combination of hurricane, flood, health, and auto coverage at the right price.
Local institution: Insurance broker (corredor de seguros) (Insurance review)
Time: 30 minutes/day for 3–6 months to reach survival level · Cost: Free (Duolingo, YouTube)
Tip: Puerto Rican Spanish drops the final "s" in words, blends with Taíno and African vocabulary, and speaks at Caribbean speed. Watch Puerto Rican TV shows and listen to reggaeton/plena to train your ear.
Local institution: Duolingo / local language exchange (Spanish language learning)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 3–6 months, 2–3 sessions/week · Cost: $400–1,500 for structured group course; $50–100/hour private tutor
Local institution: Berlitz Puerto Rico / UPR Language Programmes (Professional Spanish course)
Time: 1–3 meetings with a PR attorney and notary · Cost: $800–2,500 attorney/notary fees
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Names and IDs of heirs and executor
- ✓ List of Puerto Rico and other assets
- ✓ Payment
Tip: PR forced heirship: one-third must go to descendants, one-third can go to any heir, one-third freely distributed. A US common-law will that gives everything to a spouse may be challenged in PR courts. Consult a PR family law attorney.
Local institution: Puerto Rico notary (Notario Público) (Puerto Rico will)
Time: 1–2 hours at a notary · Cost: $200–500 notary fees
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Details of the agent (apoderado)
- ✓ Specification of powers to be granted
Local institution: Puerto Rico notary (Notario Público) (Power of Attorney)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 4–8 weeks to design and implement · Cost: $3,000–8,000 legal fees
Documents needed:
- ✓ Business plan
- ✓ Revenue projections
- ✓ Service contracts
- ✓ Existing corporate structure documents
Local institution: Puerto Rico Attorney / DDEC (Act 60 legal structure)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 30 minutes to compare and enrol online · Cost: $30–80/month depending on coverage level and pet age
Documents needed:
- ✓ Pet microchip number
- ✓ Recent vaccination records
- ✓ Vet history
Tip: Start heartworm prevention medication BEFORE arrival in PR — heartworm is endemic on the island. Veterinary costs in PR are generally lower than US mainland but emergency care for serious tropical illnesses can be significant.
Local institution: Nationwide / Trupanion / Healthy Paws (Pet insurance)
Time: 15–30 minutes online or at CEE office · Cost: Free
Documents needed:
- ✓ Proof of Puerto Rico address
- ✓ US passport or PR birth certificate
- ✓ Social Security Number
Tip: Register online at ceepur.org. For Act 60 purposes, keep a screenshot of your voter registration confirmation as IRS documentation. Note: Puerto Rico voters cannot vote in the US presidential election.
Local institution: Comisión Estatal de Elecciones (CEE) (Puerto Rico State Elections Commission)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 2–4 weeks to prepare application. 3–6 months DDEC processing. · Cost: $750 application fee + $5,000/year annual report fee
Deadline: Apply within the same tax year you want benefits to begin from
Risk if missed: Cannot claim Act 60 tax incentives without a valid decree. Retroactive applications for past years are not possible.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Proof of PR bona fide residency
- ✓ Business or investment plan
- ✓ Application fee payment
- ✓ Corporate documents (for Chapter 3)
- ✓ PR driver's licence and voter registration
Tip: Engage a DDEC-registered Act 60 service provider or PR attorney to prepare the application. DDEC decrees are reviewed carefully — an incomplete application extends processing time significantly.
Local institution: DDEC — Departamento de Desarrollo Económico y Comercio (Department of Economic Development and Commerce)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 4–10 hours with a specialist CPA/attorney · Cost: $2,000–10,000 tax planning engagement
Documents needed:
- ✓ Portfolio statements
- ✓ Asset cost basis records
- ✓ DDEC decree documentation
- ✓ Prior tax returns
Tip: Critical: capital gains accrued BEFORE PR residency are still subject to US federal capital gains tax even if sold after becoming a PR resident. Only gains accrued during PR residency qualify for 0% treatment. Timing is everything.
Local institution: Puerto Rico CPA (Act 60 specialist) (Act 60 tax planning)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1 hour · Cost: $100–200/month for full comprehensive + hurricane coverage
Documents needed:
- ✓ Vehicle details
- ✓ Current liability policy
- ✓ Payment
Tip: Verify your policy explicitly covers hurricane/named-storm damage. Some policies exclude wind damage — read the fine print carefully.
Local institution: Puerto Rico auto insurer (Comprehensive auto insurance)
Time: 1–2 hours to apply. 15–30 days processing. · Cost: Free (programme coverage)
Documents needed:
- ✓ SSN
- ✓ Proof of income (pay stubs, tax return)
- ✓ Puerto Rico address proof
- ✓ Proof of household members
Tip: Contact ASES at 787-474-3300 or ases.pr.gov. You may apply year-round (not just during ACA open enrollment) if your income qualifies.
Local institution: ASES — Administración de Seguros de Salud de Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 2–4 hours to apply including interview · Cost: Free (benefit programme)
Documents needed:
- ✓ SSN for all household members
- ✓ Proof of income
- ✓ Puerto Rico address
- ✓ Bank account statements
Tip: In-person application required at Departamento de la Familia offices. Call 787-294-4900 to find your nearest office. Benefits loaded onto a PR-specific EBT card accepted at participating grocers.
Local institution: Departamento de la Familia de Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico Department of the Family)