Moving to Puerto Rico

Planning for a new life on the Island of Enchantment

Making a new home in Puerto Rico, also known as “the Island of Enchantment,” means enjoying Caribbean white sand beaches and a vibrant culture deeply rooted in Spanish heritage. It also involves a few additional steps compared to moving within the continental U.S., which can be pricey with some movers.

Fortunately, you can skip the high rates and hire a budget-friendly DIY service like U-Pack®. U-Pack has the experience to help you move to the island from anywhere in the United States, offering prices that are typically 2-3 times lower than full-service movers.

Keep reading to learn more about what it takes to move to Puerto Rico and what life is like there.

Requirements for U.S. citizens to move to Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is an unincorporated United States territory; therefore, U.S. citizens do not require a passport to visit or move there. However, you must have a proper ID (a valid driver’s license or state ID) and paperwork to establish a home on the island.

If you’re bringing household goods with a used value of more than $2,500 (for a single item or the total shipment), an Electronic Exportation Information Form (EEI) is required to declare your belongings to the Puerto Rican government. Although custom fees do not apply, these shipments are subject to an excise tax.

Once your shipment arrives in Puerto Rico, tax officials will inspect it, apply the applicable tax and clear your shipment. It’s essential to report the cost of items accurately, as any discrepancies can result in penalty fees.

Does U-Pack help with the EEI form?

If you’re moving with U-Pack, our local service center can file the EEI and clear the shipment on your behalf with the following documentation:

• Completed EEI form for anything with a used value over $2,500
• Completed EEI authorization form and Schedule B commodity list
• Declared total value of the shipment (at the time of reservation and listed on your Bill of Lading)
• Receipts for any new items
• Copy of photo ID
• Copy of Social Security card
• Employer Identification Number (EIN) if applicable
• Puerto Rico physical address

Moving costs to Puerto Rico

The cost of moving to the island varies based on factors such as the mover you choose, the size of your shipment and the time of year. 

Here are a couple of U-Pack example moving quotes for February 2026. Actual moving costs will vary based on your moving details.

• Example 1: A studio apartment moving from Orlando, FL, to San Juan, PR. U-Pack recommended a ReloCube® moving container for $2,534*.
• Example 2: A 2-bedroom home moving from Dallas, TX, to San Juan, PR. U-Pack recommended 2 ReloCube moving containers for $5,763*.

*Puerto Rico sales tax and an administration fee will also apply. 

What you should know about living in Puerto Rico

Make sure you’re prepared for island life with this information:

Island population and size

Approximately 3.2 million residents inhabit Puerto Rico’s 3,515 square miles.

Puerto Rico climate

The tropical marine climate of Puerto Rico has year-round average temperatures of 80 degrees with 80% relative humidity. Average annual rainfall varies depending on the part of the island, ranging from about 30 to 171 inches. Hurricanes frequently impact the island between August and October.

Puerto Rico has two official languages

Spanish and English are both recognized as official languages; however, Spanish is more commonly used on government websites and in cities outside the tourist areas of Puerto Rico.

Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, but voting is different

Yes, people born in Puerto Rico are United States citizens and can vote in local elections and U.S. Presidential Primaries. However, residents are not able to vote in the U.S. Presidential elections.

How to establish residency in Puerto Rico

You’ll need to obtain a Puerto Rican driver’s license or ID card, register with the local tax office and reside in the territory for at least 183 days of a calendar year with no taxable home off the island. (It’s okay to own a vacation home elsewhere, but your primary residence must be in Puerto Rico to qualify as a resident.)

The island is family friendly

Moving with kids can be challenging, but Puerto Rico is considered a great place to raise a family, with a crime rate lower than the national average and year-round pleasant weather. You’ll find multiple public, private and homeschool options for grades K-12 on the island. (There are also plenty of trade schools, community colleges and universities in Puerto Rico for adult learners.) 

Other things to note:

• Car seat laws in Puerto Rico are similar to those in the continental U.S.
• Many schools teach in Spanish and don’t provide transportation.
• Healthcare can be different on the island, so check with your child’s pediatrician before moving about any health concerns or vaccinations needed.

You can import most pets to Puerto Rico

Yes. Puerto Rico allows animal imports to the island with the proper paperwork and official health certificates. Dogs and cats will need rabies vaccinations. Other animals might have different vaccination requirements and forms. Contact the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture for more information. 

Check out U-Pack’s guide to moving with pets to help your animal companions transition.

Shipping a car to Puerto Rico

Many movers, including U-Pack, are not licensed to transport vehicles. We recommend Mr. Car Shipper^® for vehicle transport. You can contact them at 877-528-9627 for a quote.

Once your vehicle arrives in Puerto Rico, complete these tasks:

• Pay the excise tax based on the value of the automobile.
• Obtain a Puerto Rican driver’s license within 30 days of moving. If you have a valid U.S. driver’s license, requirements for a license in Puerto Rico include an eye exam, a written exam and payment of fees (typically around $35). Make an appointment with CESCO online to save time.
• Get your vehicle registered and inspected at the Department of Transportation. 

Social Security and Medicare benefits transfer

Social Security and Medicare benefits stay with you for all 50 U.S. states and all U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico. Contact the Social Security Administration for more information.

Cost of living

The grocery prices can be higher on the island than in the continental U.S., but the overall cost of living in Puerto Rico is typically lower than in many states.

Federal tax advantages are possible while living in Puerto Rico

There are lower federal tax liabilities for individuals and businesses based in Puerto Rico. For more information, visit the Puerto Rico Department of Treasury website. (Tip: use Google Translate if you’re not fluent in Spanish.)

U-Pack can help you move to Puerto Rico

U-Pack serves all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant, or request your free quote online.

If you have any questions about relocating to Puerto Rico or how U-Pack works, let us know in the comments. We’re always happy to help!