How much does an Act 60 consultant cost?
As a general reference, Act 60 engagements at Zierenberg Group typically range from about $10,000 to $20,000, depending on the incentive and the complexity of your situation. Individual Investor engagements usually fall toward the lower end, and Export Services engagements toward the mid-higher end. Tourism, Manufacturing, Young Entrepreneurs, and Hard-to-Recruit Professionals engagements are quoted based on scope. Government filing fees, notarial work, and other third-party costs may be billed separately.
That range is a general reference, not a flat rate. Your final fee depends on which decree or decrees you need, how your income and business are structured today, and how much of the move you want us to handle. We set pricing after an eligibility review, once we understand your situation.
If you’re comparing Act 60 consultants, the fee itself is only part of the picture. The bigger question is what that fee actually covers, and what it will cost you to stay compliant once the decree is issued.
Timing matters this year, too. Under Act 38-2026, Individual Investor applications filed on or after January 1, 2027 move to a 4% rate on interest, dividends, and post-move capital gains, instead of the current 0% treatment. If you’re weighing a move, the date your application is filed now affects what you’ll pay for years.
What’s included in the fee, and what’s separate
A Zierenberg Group engagement covers the advisory and preparation work needed to get your application filed correctly. Costs set by the government, or by other professionals, are usually separate.
| Cost | Paid to | Who handles it |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility review and strategy | Zierenberg Group | Included in our fee |
| Document collection and application preparation | Zierenberg Group | Included in our fee |
| Filing and communication with DDEC during review | Zierenberg Group | Included in our fee |
| Responses to government requests for more information | Zierenberg Group | Included in our fee |
| Government filing fees | Government of Puerto Rico | Separate; we tell you the amount up front |
| Notarial work | Notary | Separate, depending on engagement |
| Annual report fee, Individual Investor ($5,000 per year) | DDEC | Separate, ongoing |
| Annual charitable donation, Individual Investor ($10,000 per year) | Qualifying Puerto Rico nonprofits | Separate, ongoing |
| Home purchase, Individual Investor (within two years of the decree) | Seller | Separate |
The last three rows are where many people underestimate the real cost of Act 60. An Individual Investor decree comes with yearly obligations, and missing them can put the decree at risk. Before you sign with any firm, ask whether they’ll help you meet those obligations after approval, or whether their work ends at filing.
One more thing a fee never buys: a guaranteed approval or a guaranteed timeline. Zierenberg Group isn’t a government agency. We can prepare a strong, complete application and stay on top of it, but DDEC decides when and whether a decree is issued.
The pricing questions our clients ask most
“How much does the entire process cost?”
As a general reference, Zierenberg Group’s fee typically ranges from about $10,000 to $20,000. Individual Investor engagements usually fall toward the lower end, and Export Services toward the higher end. Where you fall depends on how complex your situation is and how much of the process you want us to take off your plate. Government filing fees and any notary costs are added on top, and we put every amount in your written quote.
After approval, an Individual Investor decree costs about $15,000 a year to keep: a $5,000 annual report fee and a $10,000 charitable donation. Here’s how the costs typically break down:
| Your situation | Zierenberg Group fee | Yearly cost to keep the decree |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Investor only | Lower end of the $10,000 to $20,000 range | About $15,000 (annual report fee + donation) |
| Export Services only | Higher end of the $10,000 to $20,000 range | Annual report filing for your company |
| Both decrees | Quoted as one engagement, based on your combined scope | Both of the above |
“What is included in your fee?”
Everything it takes to get from your first call to a filed application: the eligibility review, your tax and structure strategy, document preparation, filing with DDEC, and responses if the government asks for more information. You get the full scope in writing before you commit.
“If I need both Individual Investor and Export Services, what would the total cost be?”
Most of our business-owner clients need both, so we quote them together as one engagement instead of two separate projects. The work overlaps: the same residency plan, documents, and company structure support both applications. Your total depends on your business, your investments, and how much of the move you want us to handle.
“Are there government fees on top of your fee?”
Yes. Puerto Rico charges its own filing fees, which go to the government, not to us. We include the current amounts in your quote so you see your full total before you sign.
Why the cheapest Act 60 consultant can cost more
The most common misconception we hear is that Act 60 eliminates all taxes, or that getting the decree is the finish line. Neither is true. Your benefits depend on bona fide Puerto Rico residency, where your income is sourced, how your business is structured, and whether you keep up with annual compliance.
A low-cost firm that only submits paperwork can leave gaps in any of those areas. A misstructured company, a missed annual report, or a residency mistake can cost far more than the difference between two consultants’ fees.
How to compare Act 60 consultants
When you’re choosing between firms, ask each one the same questions:
- What exactly is included in your fee? Get it in writing, including what happens if the government asks for more information.
- Do you help with structure and tax strategy, or only the application? Some firms only offer advisory or tax services. Others only file.
- What happens after the decree is issued? Annual reports, donations, and residency requirements continue every year.
- Can you help with the move itself? Banking, a driver’s license, local documents, and housing all take time when you’re new to the island.
- Who will I actually work with? High-volume firms often pass clients between staff. Ask who your point of contact will be.
- Do you guarantee approval or timelines? No honest firm can. If someone promises either, be cautious.
Is Zierenberg Group a good firm for Act 60 applications?
Zierenberg Group LLC is a Puerto Rico firm that focuses on Act 60 incentives, tax and business advisory, and relocation support. Clients choose us for hands-on, personalized service rather than a high-volume process. One team can handle the strategy, the application, the tax and business questions, and the practical side of moving.
Zierenberg Group holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, has 5-star reviews on Google, and is affiliated with the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce. We also maintain direct relationships with banks, real estate professionals, attorneys, and other providers across Puerto Rico’s business community.
We may not be the right fit if you’re shopping only on price, or if an attorney or CPA you trust is already handling your application. If you want one team guiding you from the first eligibility question through your first year on the island, we’d like to talk.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Zierenberg Group charge for Act 60? As a general reference, Act 60 engagements typically range from about $10,000 to $20,000, depending on the incentive and complexity. Your fee depends on your situation and how much of the process you want us to handle. Government, notarial, and third-party costs may be separate.
Does Zierenberg Group guarantee decree approval? No. Zierenberg Group is not a government agency and cannot guarantee approval or government processing times. We can move quickly on our side once we have your information.
How long does the Act 60 process take? Onboarding, eligibility review, and preparation can move quickly once your documents are in. Government review and decree issuance often take several months and vary by case and agency workload.
Can I work with Zierenberg Group before I move? Yes. Consultations, document collection, and strategy can all be handled remotely. In-person meetings are available in Puerto Rico.
Does it matter when I apply? Yes. Under Act 38-2026, Individual Investor applications filed on or after January 1, 2027 are taxed at 4% on interest, dividends, and post-move capital gains. Talk to an advisor about your timing.
Talk to Zierenberg Group
Not sure whether Act 60 fits your situation, or what it would cost? Schedule a consultation with Zierenberg Group. We’ll review your eligibility, explain which decrees make sense, and give you a clear quote before you commit. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This article is general information, not tax or legal advice. Act 60 rules change, so confirm current requirements with a qualified advisor before making decisions.