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Act 60 · Real estate
The home Act 60 asks you to buy
Resident Individual Investor decrees commonly require buying a primary residence in Puerto Rico within two years. It is the one part of the decree that is also a real estate decision, and the one most worth getting right, because you will live in it for at least half of every year.
What the requirement says
- A primary residence in Puerto Rico, owned by you. Renting does not satisfy it.
- Commonly within two years of the decree. Your decree sets the exact terms.
- Evidence goes in your annual report. DDEC looks for full ownership and title, registered or pending registration with the Property Registry.
How title must be held
| Filing date | Who may hold title |
|---|---|
| From Jan 1, 2027 | You individually, jointly with your spouse, or a trust that qualifies under the Code |
| Before Jan 1, 2027, or decree already approved | May also acquire through an eligible entity organized in Puerto Rico |
| Extensions | Holders who request an extension without having acquired and reported the residence become subject to the newer limitation |
Structure the purchase with your attorney before you sign the option or purchase contract. Changing title after closing means new deeds, new stamps, and new Registry fees.
Choosing a home you will actually live in
A vacation home and a primary residence are judged differently. The questions we research on every Act 60 search:
- Power and water. Is there a generator, does it carry the whole house, and how large is the cistern? Daily life depends on it.
- Commute and travel. Distance to the airport, to schools, and to where you will work.
- Full cost of ownership. HOA, club membership and initiation, CRIM property tax, insurance. See CRIM property tax.
- Timing. New construction can take longer than your decree window. A resale may close in weeks.
Compare Dorado, Condado, Bahía Beach, and Palmas del Mar side by side on one page.
What it costs to close
Puerto Rico closings carry internal revenue and legal assistance stamps, Property Registry fees, and a notary fee, each set by published schedules. On a $4,000,000 cash purchase they come to roughly 1% of the price before any community fees. Run your own numbers.
Questions
Can I rent instead of buying under Act 60?
Individual investor decrees require owning a primary residence in Puerto Rico, commonly within two years. Renting while you search is common, but it does not satisfy the requirement.
Can my LLC own my Act 60 home?
For applications filed from January 1, 2027, no: the home must be owned by you, jointly with your spouse, or by a qualifying trust. Earlier filings and approved decrees may still acquire through an eligible Puerto Rico entity. Confirm with your attorney.
Does a condominium count as a primary residence?
The requirement concerns ownership and use as your primary residence, not property type. Condominiums, villas, and single family homes are all common choices. Confirm the specifics of your decree with your attorney.
Sources
Facts checked October 26, 2026. General information, not tax or legal advice.
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