In 2022 and 2023, just over 50,000 Americans relocated to Puerto Rico. They now enjoy the island’s generous tax incentives, year-round sunshine, and a growing network of entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and remote workers. Within the first three months of your move, there are important tasks you’ll need to complete to stay compliant and make your transition as smooth as possible. This article outlines exactly what to prioritize in your first 90 days after relocating to Puerto Rico.

1. Compliance Begins Immediately

First, you want to focus on staying compliant with Act 60 requirements. Your documentation and actions must align with these rules from the moment you arrive.

Start by setting up a reliable system for receipts and records—covering travel in and out of Puerto Rico, housing, and business expenses. These records can be paper-based or digital, but consistency is key. You’ll also need to track the days you spend on the island versus outside. To satisfy the physical presence test, you must spend at least 183 days in Puerto Rico during a tax year.

2. Finances: Banking, Wealth Management, and Taxes

Building a strong financial foundation early on is essential. Here are some steps to take:

• Open or transfer to a Puerto Rican–based bank: A local bank account helps establish bona fide residency by showing localized financial activity and simplifying payment systems.
• Consult a wealth manager or tax professional: Work with someone experienced in Act 60 regulations—firms like Tiempo Capital specialize in this area.
• Review your U.S. assets: Capital gains accrued before your move may not qualify for certain exemptions. Understand how your dividends and investments should be structured under Act 60.
• Plan for cash flow: Factor in moving costs, local taxes, property taxes, and variations in expenses depending on the city or region where you live.

3. Having a Place to Stay: Rent or Buy, City or Rural

When deciding where to live in Puerto Rico, you’ll want to evaluate factors like comfort, cost, compliance, and community access. Here are some major considerations:

• Location: Many choose busy cities like San Juan or nearby municipalities for amenities such as strong internet, co-working opportunities, and an active expat community. Others prefer smaller towns or rural areas for a lower cost of living and a slower pace of life.
• Buying vs. renting: Act 60 decree holders must buy a primary residence in Puerto Rico within two years of receiving the decree, and under Act 38-2026, applicants filing from 2027 must hold it personally or through a trust, not an LLC. Without a decree, renting is fine if properly documented.
• Documentation: Make sure leases or purchase agreements are formal, in writing, and easy to reference. These documents will be needed as proof of residence.
• Proximity: Consider how close you are to co-working spaces, suppliers, healthcare facilities, and airports.

4. Learning the Language

If you aren’t already bilingual, consider using your first 90 days to immerse yourself in Puerto Rican culture and practice Spanish. While English is an official language, most people on the island also speak Spanish. Learning basic conversational phrases can make everyday tasks much easier, such as handling utilities or talking with neighbors and small contractors.

Language skills also help you connect more effectively in business. Being able to communicate with bilingual customers and staff, or to hire locally with greater confidence, can open more opportunities. Invest early in language learning through apps, classes, or tutors to build a strong foundation from the start.

5. Other Key Steps

Several miscellaneous tasks must be completed within your first 90 days in Puerto Rico. Taking care of these early will make day-to-day life and long-term compliance much easier:

• Driver’s license / ID: Apply for a Puerto Rican government ID or driver’s license. These documents are often required for banking, leases, and setting up utilities.
• Networking and community: Join local business associations, expat groups, or language clubs. These connections can provide referrals, cultural insights, and valuable support.
• Logistics of moving: Plan for movers, importing pets, or shipping household items. These processes can take longer than expected, so start early.
• Healthcare and insurance: Research local healthcare options, sign up for health insurance, and establish care with primary providers for you and your family.

Settling In with Confidence

If you set up your finances, improve your language skills, and begin forming local networks in your first 90 days, you’ll build a foundation that helps you keep the tax benefits and genuinely enjoy the island.

Want more personalized help? Schedule a call with one of our experts to explore your relocation plan and learn how we can assist you with your Act 60 documentation.