International Moving Company to Puerto Rico
Updated March 2026
Moving to Puerto Rico from the mainland US is a domestic move legally, but logistically it requires sea freight, container booking, and port coordination that most domestic moving companies don’t handle. Because your household goods travel by ocean regardless of where you’re shipping from, you need a company licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission for sea freight. SDC International Shipping holds FMC license number 02238N and handles container shipments to Puerto Rico from any US state. For a full overview of SDC’s moving services, see our licensed door-to-door moving services.
Moving to Puerto Rico as a US Citizen
Puerto Rico is a US territory, which means US citizens do not need a visa, ESTA, or any special permit to relocate there. You can move permanently, retire, or establish a second home without immigration restrictions. You can stay indefinitely. Spanish is the primary language on the island, though English is widely spoken in San Juan, Condado, and other areas with significant expat and tourist populations.
Puerto Rico is not a tax-free jurisdiction, but it does offer meaningful tax incentives under Act 60 (formerly Acts 20 and 22) for US citizens who establish bona fide residency. Qualifying requires living on the island for at least 183 days per year and meeting additional criteria. Income earned from Puerto Rican sources may qualify for a 4% tax rate. US citizens remain required to file federal returns regardless of residency, but certain Puerto Rico-sourced income may be exempt from federal tax. A cross-border tax advisor is worth consulting before structuring a move around these incentives.
What to Know Before Shipping Household Goods
There are no customs charges and no customs clearance process for household goods moving to Puerto Rico — it is part of the United States and goods move freely between the mainland and the island. Shipments may be subject to x-ray inspection. New items may attract Puerto Rico sales tax, but sales tax paid in your state of origin is generally refundable.
Puerto Rico’s tropical climate is worth factoring into what you ship. High humidity and heat affect certain furniture materials, electronics, and fabrics differently than a temperate mainland climate. Wood furniture, in particular, can respond to the humidity change after arrival. Items suited to outdoor living — patio furniture, grills, outdoor kitchen equipment — are worth shipping rather than purchasing locally, where selection is more limited and prices reflect import costs.
All cargo to Puerto Rico travels by sea. SDC ships household goods in 20ft and 40ft containers, with shared container options available for smaller households. Your goods are professionally packed, loaded, and secured at origin, transported to the nearest ocean port, and delivered to your Puerto Rico address. SDC’s door-to-door household goods service covers the full move from any US state to any Puerto Rico delivery address.
Packing and Insurance
SDC’s professional packing team wraps and prepares all items for ocean transit using approved international packing materials. Fragile items, mirrors, and framed artwork receive additional protection. Custom crates are built for items of particular value or unusual dimensions. Let your SDC coordinator know about any specialty items when you request your quote so the right materials and crating are arranged before the packing date.
Professional packing is a prerequisite for purchasing damage coverage under SDC’s moving insurance options. Marine insurance covering total loss of the shipment is also available. Given that all Puerto Rico shipments travel by sea, insurance is strongly recommended.
Shipping Your Car to Puerto Rico
You can ship your vehicle to Puerto Rico in a container alongside your household goods. Most standard sedans and SUVs fit in a 20ft container alongside personal effects; larger vehicles or fuller household shipments may require a 40ft container. Shipping a car in the same container as household goods is more cost-effective than using a separate vehicle transport service and provides better protection than roll-on roll-off handling.
Documentation required for vehicle shipping to Puerto Rico includes the bill of lading, title, lien holder authorization letter if applicable, driver’s license, and passport ID. If another person is delivering or receiving the vehicle on your behalf, a power of attorney is required.
Moving to Puerto Rico with Pets
Dogs and cats moving to Puerto Rico require a health certificate issued within 10 days of departure and proof of rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days before travel. Basic vaccines and microchipping are strongly recommended. Certain dog breeds have import restrictions. For current and complete requirements, consult the USDA APHIS website before your move date. SDC does not ship pets but can refer you to specialist pet relocation services.
Where Americans Live in Puerto Rico
San Juan is the most common destination for relocating Americans, offering urban amenities, beaches, historic sites, and a well-established expat community. Condado is a popular neighborhood within San Juan with beachfront access and upscale services. Dorado, about 30 minutes west of San Juan, is known for golf courses, gated communities, and resort-style living. Palmas del Mar on the east coast offers marina access and a self-contained resort community. Rincón on the west coast draws surfers and those seeking a slower pace. Humacao and Rio Mar offer lower-density living with natural surroundings.
Pre-Move Checklist
A few practical items worth addressing before your move date. If relocating permanently, start downsizing early — furniture and large items left behind are harder to deal with under time pressure. If setting up a second home, ship complete sets of kitchen, dining, bathroom, and bedroom essentials rather than buying piecemeal on the island. Health insurance in Puerto Rico operates differently from the mainland; confirm coverage with your current provider and research local options if you plan to establish primary residency. Schools teach primarily in Spanish, though English-language schools exist in San Juan and some other areas — enrollment spots are limited and should be secured well in advance. Mobile service generally works across the island on major US carriers, but internet and TV providers will change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does shipping to Puerto Rico take?
Ocean transit from East Coast ports typically runs 5 to 10 days. From West Coast ports, transit is longer depending on routing. Add time for origin preparation and delivery after the vessel arrives.
Do I go through customs?
No customs clearance is required for household goods moving to Puerto Rico. Shipments may be x-ray inspected but there are no import duties or customs charges for used personal effects.
Can I ship from any US state?
Yes. SDC arranges pickup from any US location, transport to the nearest ocean port, and delivery to your Puerto Rico address.
Ready to get a quote?
Request a shipping quote here and an SDC coordinator will follow up to discuss your household size, origin city, and target move date.
