Can I live in Puerto Rico as a US citizen? (2024)

Can I live in Puerto Rico as a US citizen?

As Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States, it shares the US visa policy and imposes the same immigration rules and regulations on foreign citizens. As Puerto Ricans have been US citizens since 1917, they are granted freedom of movement between the island and mainland USA.

Can a US citizen live permanently in Puerto Rico?

Because Puerto Rico is a territory of the US, no special visas or work permits are necessary for US citizens. Think of it as an extension of the US with beautiful beaches and a Caribbean vibe with none of the paperwork and red tape hassle of moving to a foreign country.

Can you live in Puerto Rico without speaking Spanish?

Most people in Puerto Rico are bilingual, to a varying degree. Many Puerto Ricans travel to and from the U.S. for work and family, and English and U.S. culture is ubiquitous. We know plenty of people who live in Puerto Rico without being able to speak Spanish and are able to manage just fine!

Does Puerto Rico count as US citizen?

Puerto Rican citizenship does not exist independently of United States citizenship because Puerto Rico is not an independent sovereign nation. From 1899 to 1952, legislative acts declared most Puerto Rican residents and natives to be United States citizens.

Can you work in Puerto Rico if you are a US citizen?

US citizens can move there and work there, just as if they were moving to California or any other part of the US. People from other countries who want to live and work in Puerto Rico must have US immigrant visas and green cards, just as they would require to live and work in New York or Maryland.

How many months do you have to live in Puerto Rico to be a resident?

It should be presumed that an individual is a resident of Puerto Rico if they have been present in Puerto Rico for a period of 183 days during the calendar year.

Is it a good idea to move to Puerto Rico?

Life in Puerto Rico is a superb value, with a high standard of living combined with an overall lower cost of living than most expect. Your dollar will go farther in Puerto Rico than in most U.S. cities.

Is it hard to get a job in Puerto Rico?

There is a large available labor supply with high acceptance rates – there is ample statistical evidence that many Puerto Ricans are actively seeking new opportunities – Puerto Rico's unemployment rate for 2021 was 8.27%, which is more than double the US rate.

Is it hard to move to Puerto Rico?

No need for work permits or visas if you decide to relocate. In other words, living in Puerto Rico is almost like living abroad, but without either the paperwork hassle or the immigration concerns. Because it's a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico also uses the U.S. dollar, which makes banking and finances simple.

What is Puerto Rico's minimum wage?

The minimum wage has been revised in Puerto Rico, with effect from 01 July 2023. The minimum wage has increased from $8.50 to $9.50 per hour. Note: This minimum wage increase might not reflect the inflationary trends.

Do Puerto Ricans pay US taxes?

While the Commonwealth government has its own tax laws, Puerto Rico residents are also required to pay US federal taxes, but most residents do not have to pay the federal personal income tax.

What is the majority race in Puerto Rico?

What do Puerto Ricans call themselves?

Boricua. The people of Puerto Rico refer to themselves as Boricuas, a term derived from the indigenous Taino name for the island, Boriken or Borinquen. Puerto Ricans use the term Boricua as an expression of cultural and ancestral pride in their island.

What is the most common job in Puerto Rico?

The most common job groups, by number of people living in Puerto Rico, are Secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive (45,548 people), Cashiers (41,216 people), and Janitors & building cleaners (29,338 people).

Can you have dual citizenship in the US and Puerto Rico?

dual citizenship

Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States and does not have its own citizenship and passport. Dual citizenship is recognized in the United States. You are not required to renounce your previous nationality to become a citizen of United States.

Do you have to pay taxes if you move to Puerto Rico?

As a US citizen, you're subject to US tax on your worldwide income, whether you live inside the US or outside the US. Of course, there are lots of tax incentives available for expats, like the foreign earned income exclusion, foreign tax credit, and the ability to operate a business through a non-US corporation.

What is the 183 day rule in Puerto Rico?

Spending at least 183 days in Puerto Rico throughout the tax year. Spending at least 549 days in Puerto Rico throughout the current and previous two tax years, including at least 60 days per tax year.

How do I prove I live in Puerto Rico?

To qualify as a bona fide resident of Puerto Rico for any tax year, a person must satisfy each of three distinct tests: (1) the “Presence Test”; (2) the “Tax Home Test”; and (3) the “Closer Connection Test”. [4] It is not enough merely to be present in Puerto Rico for 183 days in a given tax year.

What are the downsides of living in Puerto Rico?

Why are people moving out of Puerto Rico?

“The declining population of Puerto Rico in part is due to the economic crisis created by the elimination of Section 936,” Feliciano said. The economic struggles have accelerated brain drain on the islands, as the young and ambitious leave to attend school or join the U.S. military.

Is it smart to buy a home in Puerto Rico?

Compared to many other U.S. states, the cost of living in Puerto Rico is low. This can make buying a house more affordable, especially if you are on a tight budget. Additionally, property taxes in Puerto Rico are significantly lower than in most U.S. states.

What is a decent salary in Puerto Rico?

The median household income for Puerto Rico is $21,543. Puerto Rico ranks as the 5th lowest for the cost of living among US states and territories. Under 25s in Puerto Rico have a median household income of $18,124, while those 65 and older have a median income of $21,634.

What is a good paying job in Puerto Rico?

Can you get a job in Puerto Rico if you don t speak Spanish?

You can live and work legally in Puerto Rico if you don't speak Spanish. If you're an American citizen, you're just like all the other Puerto Ricans there, except you don't speak Spanish.

Where do most Americans live in Puerto Rico?

Most expats settle in Puerto Rico's capital, San Juan, or in the south in Ponce, its second-largest city. Carros Públicos (public cars) allow you to travel all over the island and reach even remote areas.