Moving to Puerto Rico: A Guide For Immigrants, Expats, and Digital Nomads

Moving to Puerto Rico could be an exciting decision for your future. Renowned for its beautiful tropical climate, cultural heritage, and tax incentives for U.S. citizens, getting established in Puerto Rico as an immigrant, expat, or digital nomad is a relatively simple process with a little foresight and planning.

However, rushing into a move is a quick way to create needless stress. Instead, learning about your visa options, the local language, and everyday demands — such as how to open a bank account or access health care — will streamline your approach.

You should also take a moment to understand the sovereign status of Puerto Rico, as it gets a little complicated. As an “unincorporated territory” of the United States, the island legally belongs to the U.S. but isn’t part of it, meaning Puerto Ricans are American citizens yet don’t have some of the same rights as those born on the mainland.

For example, Puerto Ricans can’t vote in the U.S. presidential elections or elect representatives to Congress. At the same time, Puerto Ricans don’t pay federal taxes. While this might not affect your move, understanding the local context is always important. Here, we explore the basics you need to know when moving to Puerto Rico.

Preparing for a Move to Puerto Rico

You shouldn’t get ahead of yourself when planning a move — getting the basics right will reduce your hassle in the long run. That means obtaining the ideal visa, studying the language, and understanding the costs.

Apply for the Right Visa

As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico has some interesting quirks that may affect Americans when applying for a temporary or permanent visa. Make sure you understand your needs before making the move.

Temporary Visit

There’s no need to apply for a visa if you’re temporarily moving to Puerto Rico as an American citizen — you can work or travel to the island just as you would any other state. You don’t even need a passport, as a state-issued ID like a driver’s license is all the credentials required to enter the territory.

People from 41 countries can also travel to Puerto Rico without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. Although this only allows stays for up to 90 days, citizens of countries like Australia, Chile, Italy, Japan, and Sweden can make the most of this benefit to explore the island and decide if they want to pursue staying long term. 

However, if you’re looking to enter Puerto Rico from outside these countries, you’ll need to apply for a B1 (business) or B2 (tourism) visa like you would when visiting the rest of the U.S.

Permanent Stay

If you’re considering staying permanently in Puerto Rico, the process becomes more challenging.

For U.S. citizens, you’ll need to average at least 183 days over three years on the island, with a minimum of 60 days each year. However, if you’re not a U.S. citizen, you’ll need to obtain a green card through one of the eligibility categories, such as family, employment, or as a special immigrant. 

A green card can also be obtained through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, where foreigners invest $1.8 million or $900,000 into business ventures that plan to create or preserve 10 permanent full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers. 

You can apply for U.S. citizenship after holding a green card for five years.

Learn Spanish

No matter where you visit, knowing the local language can only help you embed yourself in the surrounding culture. Although many people in Puerto Rico speak English, especially in urban centers like San Juan, the further from the cities you journey, the more likely you’ll need to know some Spanish to get by. 

Just like Spanish spoken around the world, the Puerto Rican dialect has a rhythm, accent, and vocabulary that even other Spanish speakers can find difficult to understand. While navigating daily life is still possible only knowing English, immersing yourself becomes much easier when you speak a little Spanish.

Understand the Costs

Many people move to Puerto Rico expecting to dramatically improve their financial standing. However, the cost of living in Puerto Rico isn’t as cheap as some expect, with expenses like food, energy, and transport comparable to many parts of the U.S. mainland. The cost of housing is also something to weigh when you consider how much it costs to move to Puerto Rico, with modern properties in metropolitan centers expensive compared to local wages.

When creating a budget for moving abroad, you should also consider the following expenses: 

• Travel to Puerto Rico
• Cost of bringing your pets
• Visa and passport charges 
• Shipping and storage
• Customs duty
• Accommodation costs
• Food and dining
• Local transport

Puerto Rico’s average median household income is around $24,000, but you’ll likely need to earn substantially more to indulge in the high life on the island. However, with a solid budget and an in-depth understanding of the costs, benefiting from a rewarding coastal lifestyle is within reach of many immigrants and digital nomads.

If you encounter a family emergency and need access to money in Puerto Rico, Ria Money Transfer makes it easy for loved ones to provide financial assistance. Funding a transfer and organizing a cash pickup at one of our convenient locations in Puerto Rico is simple.

Steps to Take When You Arrive in Puerto Rico

Touched down in Puerto Rico? Organize the essentials soon to ensure you get the most satisfying experience from your time on the island. Here’s your after-landing checklist for moving to Puerto Rico. 

Finding Somewhere to Rent or Buy

You can’t create an island dream without a roof over your head. If you’re only planning on staying short term, say less than a few months, searching for accommodation on Airbnb or Facebook Marketplace is a viable option. There are also Spanish-language property websites like Clasificados Online for those planning longer stays.

Meanwhile, local newspapers have advertisements for properties available for rent and sale. Many bilingual real estate agents also operate in Puerto Rico, helping foreigners find the perfect property. Naturally, they have numerous contacts and know the best neighborhoods for new immigrants and digital nomads.

Getting Work in Puerto Rico

There’s no shortage of work available in Puerto Rico, although wages might be less than what you’d command on the mainland. However, before you can get to work, make sure you have the legal right to do so. If you’re a U.S. citizen, the good news is you can work without restrictions on the island. 

The process is more complex if you’re a foreigner, as you need a suitable Temporary Nonimmigrant Visa to work. Once you’re ready to move ahead, you’ll find many tech businesses and innovative startups hiring talented workers in Puerto Rico, while there are endless remote opportunities online.

Banking in Puerto Rico

If you’re moving to Puerto Rico from the U.S., you can usually keep using your banking service from the mainland. However, with most U.S. banks lacking physical branches on the island, it could become an issue if you need in-person assistance from time to time.

Instead, you can opt to open a personal bank account with a local institution like FirstBank, Caribe Federal Credit Union, or Banco Popular. While the process is straightforward for U.S. citizens, you must provide identification. This usually means heading into a branch with the following documents: 

• Two current photo IDs with photographs issued by the Government of Puerto Rico
• Driver’s license
• Passport or military ID
• Social Security number

If you’re a citizen from outside the U.S. looking to open a bank account, you’ll need to organize a few more documents to prove your identity. These can include: 

• United States Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
• A recent bill to validate the physical address (e.g., a water or electricity bill)
• Employment letter
• Rental agreement
• Recent bank reference

Connecting With Community

Puerto Rico has become a hotbed of activity due to its favorable tax incentives, with workers from across the United States and abroad making the island their new home. In recent years, much of this interest has been driven by Act 60 — a policy where some remote workers pay only a 4% corporate tax when moving to Puerto Rico.

If you’re looking to connect with like-minded expats during your stay, you’ll find much of the community around upmarket centers like Old San Juan. However, there’s every chance you’ll stumble across some friendly digital nomads in laid-back coastal communities like Rincón and Aguadilla.

Getting Health Care in Puerto Rico

Health care in Puerto Rico is often of a similar standard to much of the U.S. mainland. However, depending on where you’re located on the island, you might find yourself further from reliable medical infrastructure and personnel. Therefore, if you’re moving to Puerto Rico with health concerns, factoring in your proximity to major hospitals and medical infrastructure is wise.

You usually won’t have a problem finding English-speaking doctors, nurses, and paramedics in areas frequented by tourists. The further you go off the beaten path, the more likely you’ll need to know some Spanish to communicate effectively. Fortunately, medical expenses are often cheaper in Puerto Rico compared to the mainland. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, get suitable medical coverage via your travel insurance.

Best Cities for Expats and Digital Nomads in Puerto Rico

If you’ve decided Puerto Rico is the best place for your immediate future, finding the ideal city to call home is essential. But with industry, amenities, and infrastructure differing significantly across the island, choosing the perfect base isn’t always straightforward. Below, we consider the top cities and towns for expats and digital nomads moving to Puerto Rico.

San Juan

As the capital city of Puerto Rico, the infrastructure and amenities are top-notch in San Juan. Featuring outstanding cafés, great nightlife, reliable internet, and thriving local and international communities, making friends and connections should come naturally. However, this being the most populated part of the island, the cost of living is noticeably more expensive, while traffic and demand for services can also get in the way of your enjoyment.

Rincón

Set on the stunning west coast of Puerto Rico, Rincón makes for an idyllic home on the island. Beloved by adventurous travelers, the coastline offers incredible surfing and scuba diving when you get away from your desk. While Rincón isn’t as bustling as San Juan, there’s a strong community of expats and digital nomads, meaning you won’t have a problem finding social events. Just know there are fewer amenities to meet your needs.

Ponce

Nicknamed the Pearl of the South, Ponce is another great choice for expats and digital nomads exploring Puerto Rico. Home to a distinctive architectural style known as Ponce Creole, you’ll find historic structures combining Spanish and Creole influences. Ponce also attracts less rain than San Juan, so if you’re planning to spend plenty of time on the beach, finding one of the sunniest spots on the island could be a good move.

Aguadilla

Tucked into the northwest tip of Puerto Rico, the charming beach town of Aguadilla makes for a laid-back refuge. Close to the airport, it’s convenient for those frequently flying in and out of the island. However, you’re also surrounded by stunning beaches, such as Survival Beach and Peña Blanca Beach, perfect for snorkeling and surfing. Aguadilla is also renowned for its dining scene, with restaurants like Cinco and Bella Ciao offering delicious cuisine.

Dorado

Since Puerto Rico has attracted even more immigrants, expats, and digital nomads due to the island’s tax incentives, Dorado has increasingly become a destination of choice. Just 15 minutes from the capital of San Juan, the connecting coast is lined with extraordinary beaches, while you can also find some of the most lavish resorts and long-term accommodations. As one of the safest towns on the island, it’s no surprise many people choose to live in Dorado.

Mayagüez

If you’re on the younger side, Mayagüez could be a wonderful place to spend your time in Puerto Rico. Home to the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, this community offers an upbeat atmosphere, with bustling cafés, bars, and beaches providing plenty of excitement. Plus, the town is known for its affordable accommodations and lower cost of living, ensuring expats and digital nomads keep their expenses down.

How to Get Around Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico isn’t massive – it only takes about three hours to drive from east to west – but getting around the island often isn’t as easy as you’d hope. Fortunately, if you’re staying in and around San Juan, the city has a reliable taxi service, meaning heading out and getting home isn’t hard. Plus, there are Uber drivers ready to get you from A to B.  

Unfortunately, if you plan to stay in another city in Puerto Rico, the options quickly become more limited. In fact, having your own car is essential if you want to commute between cities or take a road trip to the beach. Although some public transport exists, such as the Sultana Line Bus, getting around Puerto Rico without a car is typically a troublesome experience.

Is Puerto Rico a Good Place to Raise Kids? 

Moving to Puerto Rico isn’t just for solo adventurers — it can also be a great place to raise a family. If you’re contemplating immigrating to the island with children, develop a strong understanding of the schools available. Of course, if your children speak Spanish, enrolling them in a local school is a great option. However, several international schools teach an excellent curriculum in English.

In the meantime, enrolling kids in additional Spanish classes is the best way to get them to speak the local language. This way, they can quickly make friends and take part in more social activities. Depending on where you’re moving from, the infrastructure and amenities could be more limited, but Puerto Rico’s incredible scenery, laid-back way of life, and abundant outdoor activities make for an awesome childhood.

Simplify Your Move with Ria Money Transfer

Moving to Puerto Rico? Get ready to experience blissful island life. With thousands of immigrants, expats, and digital nomads having already made the move, a thriving community of welcoming locals and foreigners is bound to enhance your journey.

If you need to send or receive money in Puerto Rico, Ria Money Transfer offers an incredible service with rapid transfers, low fees, and top-notch exchange rates. Join over 100 million customers and discover how we make transferring money easy.