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Puerto Rico Guide for Canadians

Caribbean Paradise - US Territory with Unique Tax Benefits

Quick Facts

State Income Tax Individual rates 7%-33% (higher earners)
Sales Tax 10.5% state + municipal (11.5% total average)
Driver's License Grace Period No grace period - immediate requirement
Residency Requirement for Tax 183+ days for bona fide residence
Vehicle Registration Deadline 10 days after establishing residency
REAL ID Deadline May 7, 2025 for domestic flights
Enhanced Driver's License Not available

First 90 Days Checklist

Week 1-2: Essential Documents & Registration

  • Register with USCIS if staying 30+ days (required by April 11, 2025)
  • Gather required documents for driver's license
  • Open US bank account
  • Set up Puerto Rico mailing address

Week 3-4: Official Registration

  • Apply for Puerto Rico driver's license (immediately upon residency)
  • Complete knowledge test, vision screening, and road test
  • Begin vehicle registration process (within 10 days)
  • Register to vote (if eligible)

Month 2-3: Establishing Residency

  • Update address with Canadian financial institutions
  • Complete vehicle registration and titling
  • Establish Puerto Rico ties and connections
  • Research healthcare options and insurance

Driver's License & Vehicle Requirements

For Canadian Citizens

Required Documents:

  • Valid unexpired foreign passport with valid U.S. entry marking
  • Social Security Number document or proof of non-work status exemption
  • Two proofs of Puerto Rico residency with current address
  • USCIS/DHS current documents for non-citizens

Testing Requirements:

  • Knowledge test required for all new applicants
  • Vision screening required
  • Road skills test required - Puerto Rico does not accept foreign licenses
  • SAVE verification required for all non-U.S. citizens

REAL ID Option:

  • Available for qualifying non-citizens with proper documentation
  • Required for domestic air travel after May 7, 2025
  • Enhanced Driver's License not available in Puerto Rico
  • Passport required for international travel

REAL ID Option:

Important Notes:

  • No grace period - must obtain license immediately upon establishing residency
  • SAVE verification process may delay issuance
  • Must present original documents - no copies accepted
  • Properly registered and insured vehicle required for road test

Important Notes:

  • No grace period - must obtain license immediately upon establishing residency
  • SAVE verification process may delay issuance
  • Must present original documents - no copies accepted
  • Properly registered and insured vehicle required for road test

Vehicle Registration

  • Register within 10 days of establishing residency
  • Must obtain Puerto Rico title before registration
  • Annual registration renewal required
  • Puerto Rico insurance required for registration
  • Vehicle inspection required annually

Tax & Residency Considerations

Puerto Rico Tax Structure

  • **Individual income tax** rates from 7% to 33% (higher than most states)
  • **Sales tax** 10.5% state + municipal (11.5% total average)
  • **Property taxes** vary by municipality (generally moderate)
  • **No federal income tax** on Puerto Rico-sourced income for residents
  • **Special tax incentives** available under Acts 60, 20, and 22

Establishing Puerto Rico Tax Residency

Puerto Rico residency for tax purposes requires:

  • Present in Puerto Rico for 183+ days during the tax year
  • Closer connection to Puerto Rico than any other jurisdiction
  • Puerto Rico driver's license and voter registration
  • Bona fide residence test for federal tax exemption

Documentation to Establish Residency

  • Puerto Rico driver's license and voter registration
  • Bank accounts and utility bills in Puerto Rico
  • Employment or business activities in Puerto Rico
  • Property ownership or long-term lease agreements
  • Professional licenses and club memberships

Tax Benefits

Puerto Rico offers unique tax advantages including no federal income tax on Puerto Rico-sourced income for bona fide residents, and special tax incentive programs for investors, businesses, and individuals under various acts.

Tax Benefits

Puerto Rico offers unique tax advantages including no federal income tax on Puerto Rico-sourced income for bona fide residents, and special tax incentive programs for investors, businesses, and individuals under various acts.

Complex Tax Rules

Puerto Rico tax law is complex and different from both U.S. mainland and foreign tax systems. Professional tax advice is essential, especially regarding the interaction between Puerto Rico, U.S. federal, and Canadian tax obligations.

Complex Tax Rules

US Federal Tax Implications for Canadians

Important: Under the Substantial Presence Test, you may be considered a U.S. resident for tax purposes.
New Requirement: Canadians staying 30+ days must register with USCIS by April 11, 2025.
Recommendation: Consult a cross-border tax professional familiar with Puerto Rico tax law.

US Federal Tax Implications for Canadians

Important: Under the Substantial Presence Test, you may be considered a U.S. resident for tax purposes.
New Requirement: Canadians staying 30+ days must register with USCIS by April 11, 2025.
Recommendation: Consult a cross-border tax professional familiar with Puerto Rico tax law.

Healthcare Considerations

Insurance Options

  • Puerto Rico has expanded Medicaid (limited eligibility for non-citizens)
  • Travel insurance strongly recommended
  • Consider US health insurance if staying permanently
  • Quality medical facilities in San Juan metropolitan area

Prescription Medications

  • Bring adequate supply from Canada
  • Understand prescription transfer requirements
  • US prices often higher than Canadian prices
  • Good pharmacy coverage in urban areas, limited in rural areas

Healthcare Access

  • Excellent healthcare facilities in San Juan and Ponce
  • Medical tourism destination with quality private hospitals
  • University of Puerto Rico medical facilities
  • Limited healthcare options in rural mountainous areas

Special Considerations for Snowbirds

New US Registration Requirements (2025)

  • Canadians staying 30+ days must register with USCIS
  • Registration required by April 11, 2025
  • Print and carry latest I-94 as proof of legal entry
  • Failure to register may affect future US travel

Maintaining Canadian Ties

  • Keep principal residence in Canada
  • Monitor days in U.S. for tax reasons (183-day rule)
  • Maintain Canadian insurance & banking relationships
  • Puerto Rico's 183-day rule requires careful tracking

Property Considerations

  • Property values vary dramatically by location (San Juan vs. rural areas)
  • Property taxes vary by municipality
  • Various local tax exemptions available
  • Impact on Canada's principal residence exemption

Climate & Lifestyle Factors

  • Tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round
  • Hurricane season from June to November
  • High humidity and occasional heavy rainfall
  • Beautiful beaches and tropical lifestyle

Island Paradise Activities

  • World-class beaches and water sports
  • El Yunque National Forest and tropical rainforest
  • Historic Old San Juan and colonial architecture
  • Snorkeling, diving, and deep-sea fishing

Travel Documentation

  • Ensure passport validity (6+ months remaining)
  • Consider Global Entry/NEXUS for easier border crossings
  • Enhanced Driver's License not available in Puerto Rico
  • I-94 registration now required for 30+ day stays

Caribbean Lifestyle

Puerto Rico offers a unique blend of American conveniences with Caribbean culture and lifestyle. Year-round tropical weather, beautiful beaches, and a rich cultural heritage make it an attractive destination for those seeking a different pace of life.

Caribbean Lifestyle

Puerto Rico offers a unique blend of American conveniences with Caribbean culture and lifestyle. Year-round tropical weather, beautiful beaches, and a rich cultural heritage make it an attractive destination for those seeking a different pace of life.

Island Challenges

Hurricane risk, higher cost of living due to importation of goods, potential language barriers (Spanish is predominant), and infrastructure challenges including occasional power outages. Limited healthcare in rural areas.

Island Challenges

Key Contacts & Resources

Puerto Rico Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTOP)

Website: dtop.gov.pr
Driver licensing, vehicle registration, and identification services.

Puerto Rico Department of Treasury

Website: hacienda.pr.gov
Tax information, forms, and residency guidance.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Website: uscis.gov/alienregistration
Required registration for Canadians staying 30+ days.

Canadian Consulate General (Miami)

Serves Puerto Rico residents - provides consular services and emergency assistance.

Service Canada

Questions about maintaining Canadian benefits while abroad.

Canadian Snowbird Association

Resources and advocacy for seasonal Canadian residents, including new US registration requirements.

I-94 Official Website

Website: i94.cbp.dhs.gov
Access and print your I-94 arrival/departure records.

Puerto Rico State Elections Commission

Website: ceepur.org
Voter registration and election information.

National Hurricane Center

Hurricane tracking and weather information critical for island residents.

Puerto Rico Association of Realtors

Property purchase guidance and regulations for non-residents.

Discover Puerto Rico

Official tourism website with information about attractions, events, and activities.

Puerto Rico Insurance Commissioner's Office

Insurance regulations and consumer protection information.

Puerto Rico Health Department

Public health information and healthcare resources.

Puerto Rico Planning Board

Economic development and planning information for the territory.

Puerto Rico Tourism Company

Information about tourism, attractions, and cultural events.

Important Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only. Tax and legal requirements can be complex and change frequently. Always consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.