Relocation Glossary: Key Terms Every Expat & HR Professional Should Know

Moving abroad or bringing employees into Puerto Rico involves unique terms. At Coquí Destination & Relocation Services, we translate industry jargon into real-world solutions for our clients.

🧳 Core Relocation Terms

• Assignee
  Definition: The employee being relocated.
  What this means for you: We guide assignees step-by-step through paperwork, housing, licensing, and local orientation in Puerto Rico.
• Repatriation
  Definition: Returning the employee to their home country after an assignment.
  What this means for you: We support smooth transitions, whether returning home or choosing to stay long-term in Puerto Rico.
• Localization
  Definition: Switching an expat from an international benefits package to local employment terms.
  What this means for you: We ensure localization aligns with Puerto Rican labor laws, tax rules, and employee satisfaction.

📄 Assignment Documentation

• Letter of Assignment (LOA)
  Definition: Official agreement outlining the terms of relocation.
  What this means for you: We review LOAs to ensure benefits like housing, transportation, and allowances reflect Puerto Rican cost of living.
• Letter of Understanding (LOU)
  Definition: Document outlining entitlements and responsibilities, less formal than an LOA.
  What this means for you: We clarify LOUs so there are no grey areas for assignees or companies.

💼 Compensation & Benefits

• Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)
  Definition: Extra pay to offset cost-of-living differences.
  What this means for you: We help companies set fair COLAs and advise assignees on maximizing benefits in different Puerto Rican neighborhoods.
• Tax Equalization
  Definition: Ensures employees pay the same net taxes as at home.
  What this means for you: We manage Puerto Rico’s unique tax environment so your net pay remains consistent throughout your assignment.

🏡 Housing & Logistics

• Destination Services
  Definition: Support with housing, school search, and local orientation.
  What this means for you: We handle Puerto Rico logistics from rental searches to utilities, making your move seamless.
• Household Goods (HHG) Shipment
  Definition: Transport of personal belongings.
  What this means for you: We coordinate shipments and customs clearance to prevent delays and surprises.
• Temporary Housing
  Definition: Furnished housing while waiting for permanent accommodation.
  What this means for you: Short-term housing in safe, convenient areas so your first weeks feel like home.

🌍 Immigration & Compliance

• Work Authorization
  Definition: Permission to legally work in the host country.
  What this means for you: For foreign nationals, we navigate Puerto Rico and U.S. requirements to ensure compliance.

🧭 Support Services

• Settling-in Services
  Definition: Assistance with banking, utilities, schools, and local registration.
  What this means for you: We streamline Puerto Rico’s processes so you spend less time on bureaucracy and more time on living.
• Cultural Training
  Definition: Training to adapt to host culture.
  What this means for you: Puerto Rico is bilingual and culturally rich. We prepare you and your family to integrate smoothly.

✨ Understanding relocation terms is just the start. At Coquí, we make sure these terms translate into a smooth, stress-free relocation to Puerto Rico.
Contact us today for a free 15-minute consultation!