Moving to Cuba - How to Immigrate to Cuba? (2024)

Cuba has pristine beaches, clear waters, and historical buildings. It is known for its natural beauty, tropical climate, and pristine beaches. It is located 145 km south of Florida and is often called “The Pearl of the Caribbean”.

In some cases, prospective expats may be deterred from moving to Cuba due to its communist heritage and unsteady international relations. In addition, Cuba has a relatively low expat population compared to other Caribbean destinations due to the challenging requirements to settle there.

The aforementioned, however, should not discourage adventurous expats from moving to Cuba. On the contrary, there is nothing more exciting than being able to experience something new and exciting in Cuba.

Do I Need a Visa to Move to Cuba?

Every citizen of another country needs a visa to move to Cuba.* There are a few countries that do not need a visa to enter Cuba. However, they are allowed to stay in the country for a short period of time. For long-term stays, everyone must apply for a visa.

*Kosovo nationals are refused entry into the country because Cuba does not recognize Kosovo as a country.

How to Move to Cuba?

To move to Cuba, you must obtain a long-term Cuba visa or temporary residence visa. The type of visa you choose depends on the purpose of your relocation and how long you will stay in Cuba. The most common long-term visas are work, family, and study visas.

In addition to the visa, you must also apply for a residence permit to stay longer than 30 days, which is the usual validity of the visa. Upon entering Cuba with a visa, you must register your stay to stay legally. The usual routes to move to Cuba include the following:

• Moving to Cuba to work.
• Moving to Cuba to study.
• Moving to Cuba to join a family member.

Moving to Cuba to Work

Foreign nationals that have secured a job position in Cuba and tend to work there must obtain a work visa. Cuba offers different types of work visas depending on your situation:

• D-1 visa for employees with technical, scientific, or other specialized training.
• D-2 visa for students and scientists.
• D-3 visa for artists.
• D-4 visa for athletes.
• D-5 visa for asylum seekers and refugees.
• D-6 visa for journalists.
• D-7 visa for traders and business people.
• D-8 visa for religious workers.
• D-10 visa for medical tourists.

You must also apply for a work permit to work legally in Cuba. The applications for a work permit can be done at the nearest embassy or consulate in your country.

Moreover, suppose you intend to stay for a longer period of time in Cuba. In that case, you must apply for a residence permit through an embassy or consulate in your home country. The validity of the residence permit is a maximum of one year.

Moving to Cuba to Study

If you wish to study in Cuba, you must apply for a student visa. Unfortunately, Cuba does not offer a separate student visa. Instead, you must apply for the subcategory of work visa, the D-2 visa. Nevertheless, you must enroll in a Cuban educational institution before the visa application.

When you arrive in Cuba, the immigration officer will stamp your passport. Then, you will apply for a university identification card through the visa.

Moving to Cuba for Family Reunification

To join any family members in Cuba, you must obtain a family visa (A-2). The visa is available for immediate family members of Cuban citizens or permanent residents. To apply for the visa, you must have permission for residency abroad.

Upon arriving in Cuba, you must apply for a temporary residence permit. As a final note, through a temporary family residence permit, you are eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit.

Can US Citizens Move to Cuba?

US citizens can move to Cuba. But, their travel purpose must fall into one of the following categories:

• Family visits.
• Journalist activities.
• Professional research and meetings.
• Religious activities.
• Educational activities.
• Humanitarian activities.
• Support for the Cuban people.
• Certain authorized export transactions.
• Activities of private foundations/research/educational institutions.
• Public performances, workshops, clinics, athletic competitions, and exhibitions.
• Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informative materials.

Can I Gain Permanent Residency in Cuba?

You can gain permanent residency in Cuba in the following cases:

• You are married to a Cuban citizen or a permanent resident in Cuba.
• You have family members in Cuba.
• You are a Cuban citizen who has lost Cuban residency due to living outside Cuba for a while.

Can I Become a Cuban Citizen?

Yes, you can become a Cuban citizen through birthright and naturalization:

• By birthright. Citizenship by birthright applies to:
• People born in Cuba.*
• People born outside of Cuba who are abroad in service to the Cuban government.
• Those born abroad to Cuban parents.
• Those born abroad to people that have lost their Cuban citizenship.
• By naturalization. You can become a Cuban citizen through naturalization if you legally reside in Cuba for at least five years and have knowledge of the Spanish language. If you are married to a Cuban citizen, the residency is reduced to two years.

*This excludes those born from parents that are in Cuba in service to their governments or an international organization.

Does Cuba Allow Dual Citizenship?

Cuba does not allow dual citizenship. Therefore, if you want to become a Cuban citizen, you are required to lose your citizenship in your home country.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Moving to Cuba?

The pros and cons of moving to Cuba are listed below in the table:

How Can I Bring My Belongings to Cuba?

Depending on the location you are moving from, you have different options for bringing your belongings to Cuba. You can bring them via air, sea, or land. Your choice varies depending on how much you need to spend and how long you can wait. Before packing, you must ensure your shipment follows the custom regulation. Cuba has the following customs regulations:

• New or used household goods and personal effects may be imported for free if you have lived outside of Cuba for at least one year.
• You are required to complete a Customs Declaration form upon arrival if you are importing more than $5,000. The form must state the exact amount of cash entering the country.
• You must complete a Customs Declaration form for any items not belonging to the household goods and personal effects shipment.

The documentation you must provide to the customs officials includes the following:

• Your original passport.
• Your visa.
• The written permission from the Cuban Director of Immigration and Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior.
• A rental contract or proof of property purchase.
• An original bill of lading or air waybill.
• A complete inventory of your shipment (in Spanish or English).

Furthermore, there are a few items that are prohibited from being imported into Cuba:

• Narcotics and illegal drugs (unless accompanied by a doctor’s prescription).
• p*rnography and obscene, vulgar materials.
• All subversive publications and materials directed against the morality of Cuba and its revolution.
• All electronic telecommunication devices.
• All household appliances, such as large freezers, air conditioners, electric ovens, microwave ovens, etc.
• Blank CDs, DVDs, video cassette tapes.
• Explosives, firearms, and ammunition.
• All video equipment.
• Any dairy products, beans, plants, seeds, or produce.

Lastly, there are a few items that may be limited to certain quantities or require additional duties:

• Religious materials.
• All jewelry and other precious items over the value of $5,000 must be declared and require a Declaration of Value.
• Alcoholic beverages are restricted and limited to two liters per person for wine and one liter per person for liquor.
• All guns require prior authorization and permission from the Ministry of Interior.
• Tobacco is limited to 200 cigarettes.
• All medications require a physician’s prescription.

Can I Move With My Pets to Cuba?

You can move with your pets to Cuba if you meet the following requirements:

• Pets must be accompanied by a Cuban Consular certificate from the country of origin from which they arrived.
• You must provide a Certificate of Vaccination to the Customs agents. The certificate must prove that the pets were vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days and, at most, 11 months before the departure date.
• You must provide a health certificate issued by a veterinarian in the country of origin.
• If your pet is not a dog, cat, or ferret, you must verify that it is not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Where Should I Live in Cuba?

Cuba has many outstanding cities to live in, but some of the most popular cities in Cuba for expats include the following:

• Havana
• Viñales
• Trinidad
• Varadero
• Santiago de Cuba

Havana

Havana is the capital and the economic center of Cuba. History, art, architecture, politics, culture, and food all blend in Havana. The city is home to many historical attractions, including Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is also a thriving nightlife and music scene in Havana.

Living in Havana is an exciting, vibrant experience. The city has a diverse population, many of whom are highly educated and passionate about the arts. Further, you will not get bored there; something is always happening. Havana is also a great place to raise a family. Regardless of how popular Havana is, the living costs are quite affordable. Of course, they will differ depending on your style; still, you can expect to spend around $700 – $1,000 monthly.

Viñales

A beautiful place in Cuba, Viñales is located about 180 km west of Havana. Due to the distinctive limestone outcrops called mogotes and dramatic landscapes, the country was added to Unesco’s World Heritage List. It is a small farm town, and if you enjoy nature a peacefulness, Viñales will be the perfect place for you.

Moreover, Viñales is home to the world’s finest tobacco. Therefore, while living there, the best thing to do is visit the tobacco farms. Finally, compared to the previous city, the living costs are cheaper. As a single person, the estimated monthly costs without rent are approximately $627. Whereas if you decide to move there with your family, the estimated monthly costs without rent for a family of four are roughly $2,170.

Trinidad

The colonial city of Trinidad is one of Cuba’s best-preserved colonial towns, with brightly colored buildings, pastel houses, and cobblestone streets. This small town has plenty of history, beautiful architecture, scenic beauty, and delicious local cuisine. The stunning scenery, colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and historical charm make it a highly favored destination for film crews and photographers.

In addition, due to its unique nightlife, low cost of living, and breathtaking scenery, Trinidad is an excellent destination for couples looking to settle down on a tropical island.

Varadero

Located on the Hicacos Peninsula, Varadero is a beach resort town and Cuba’s most popular tourist destination. Varadero is a great destination with a great variety of guesthouses, private rentals, and resorts for travelers looking for an easy and convenient beach escape in Cuba.

Those who appreciate warm weather will enjoy the climate here; the beaches are beautiful, and plenty of activities are available. Varadero offers a variety of water sports, including fishing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. To enjoy all that Varadero offers, you will spend around $700.

Santiago de Cuba

In Cuba, Santiago de Cuba is considered the city of the east, and it is the second largest. Cuba’s music traditions, Afro-Cuban culture, and the most thriving carnival celebration can be found in this vibrant city. Furthermore, due to the many universities and colleges located there, Santiago de Cuba is a great place to study.

Lastly, as a Caribbean-influenced locale, Santiago de Cuba is known for its laid-back vibes and diverse demographics. Therefore, if you decide to move to Santiago de Cuba, you will see the whole Cuban culture through it.

Basic Facts About Cuba

Some general information about Cuba includes: