If you are thinking of relocating to Puerto Rico or even purchasing a vacation home, you will have probably found that information is limited (or hard to find) on the internet. If you are moving here on business then you are probably in luck as your company will help in the relocation process. But if you are making the move on your own it can be quite daunting. So here are a few resources that I hope will be useful.
Finding a Job
Monster (www.monster.com)
ClasificadosOnline – Jobs (www.clasificadosonline.com/Jobs.asp)
America’s Job bank (www.ajb.org/)
Finding a Home
House prices are expensive in Puerto Rico (in my opinion). Expect to pay upwards of $200,000 for a small walkup / apartment (this would be in somewhere like Guaynabo). The further away from San Juan, the more you will get for your money. House in a good area upwards of $300,000.
ClasificadosOnline (www.clasificadosonline.com/RealEstate.asp)
Point2Homes (www.homes.point2.com/US/Puerto-Rico-Real-Estate.aspx)
CompraoAlquila (www.compraoalquila.com/bienes-raices-venta.php)
Realestate.com.pr (www.realestate.com.pr/)
Moving Household Goods
Most major moving companies will give you a quote for moving your goods to Puerto Rico. It will take approximately 1-2 weeks for your shipment to arrive (from the east coast of the United States).
One thing to remember; you will have to pay an import tax on your household goods. This import tax also applies to any vehicles that you bring to Puerto Rico.
The Departamento de Hacienda’s website (www.hacienda.gobierno.pr) gives information on taxes etc. and also has a page that will give you an estimate of the amount of tax you will have to pay on any vehicle that you bring here.
You will not be able to take your goods from the port until all taxes are paid.
One last point. Depending on where you will be working, you may need to obtain certificates from the various Puerto Rican government offices (proof of no debt, no taxes due etc.). This process can be very time consuming, with a lot of time waiting in the various government buildings. Give yourself a couple of days if you need to obtain this information.
Hopefully the above information will give you a starting point for finding out more about moving here to Puerto Rico
