Real Estate Resident Visa

Cuba's Real Estate Resident Visa (Clasificación Migratoria de Residente de Inmobiliaria) allows foreign nationals and stateless persons to reside in Cuba by purchasing or leasing property in authorized real estate complexes built and administered by Cuban entities. The program is administered jointly by the Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR) and the Directorate of Identification, Immigration and Foreigners (DIIE) of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT). It targets foreign investors and retirees who wish to own or lease property in Cuba's authorized real estate developments, providing renewable one-year residency. Real estate residents may eventually transition to permanent residency after accumulating more than 5 years of effective residence under the new Foreigners Law (Law 173, approved in 2024 but not yet in force as of February 2026).

• Foreign national or stateless person of any nationality
• Owner or lessee (minimum one-year lease) of a property in an authorized Cuban real estate complex
• Only properties in complexes built and administered by Cuban state entities qualify — purchases from private individuals on the general housing market do not
• No educational, professional, or minimum income requirements beyond the property interest itself
• No requirement to have prior immigration status, employment, or family ties in Cuba

• Written request submitted to the director of the authorized real estate complex administration
• Passport copies (principal applicant and family members)
• 2 identity photographs (1x1 inches) per applicant
• Official stamp taxes (sellos de timbre): 2,500 Cuban pesos for the entry visa; 250 Cuban pesos for the foreigner identity card
• Certification of owner or tenant status (minimum 1-year duration) issued by the head of the real estate entity

The visa is granted for 1 year and may be renewed for successive 1-year periods with no stated maximum. Renewal applications must be submitted at least 5 business days before expiration and require a Ministry of Tourism request, official stamps (250 CUP), and 2 identity photographs. Renewal processing takes approximately 3 business days. Holders who remain abroad for more than 12 months without authorization may lose their resident status, though extensions can be requested for humanitarian, labor, personal, or family reasons.

After more than 5 years of effective residence, holders may request a transition to permanent residency under the new Law 173 (2024), once it enters into force.

Foreign family members of the principal applicant who reside in the same property may obtain the same Real Estate Resident classification. They are included in the initial application and must provide passport copies and photographs. Family members' resident status is tied to the principal applicant's continued property ownership or lease.

Foreign residents in Cuba are subject to Cuban tax law under Ley No. 113 del Sistema Tributario (2012). Tax obligations depend on the nature and source of any income earned in Cuba. Cuba's tax framework for foreign residents is complex and applicants should seek specialist advice.

Only properties in authorized real estate complexes built and administered by Cuban state entities qualify for this immigration status. Properties must be acquired from authorized Cuban real estate entities — general private property purchases between individuals do not qualify. Authorized developments are found in prime locations such as Havana's Miramar district; prices in these complexes typically range from approximately USD 100,000 to over USD 500,000 depending on location and property type.

A draft of the new Law 173 (2024) introduced new pathways to permanent residency for foreigners with "significant personal wealth" or those investing in priority development projects or businesses, though specific requirements and minimum investment amounts remain undefined pending implementing regulations.

Real estate resident status does not grant the right to work in Cuba. Holders who wish to engage in any professional or labor activities must obtain prior approval from the DIIE through a sponsoring organization and a separate work permit from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

The application follows four steps:

1. Submit request to real estate complex: The foreign property owner or lessee submits a written request to the director of the entity administering the authorized real estate complex.
2. File preparation: The complex administration prepares a complete file (expediente) within 3 business days, including ownership or lease certification, application forms, passport copies, photographs, and stamp taxes.
3. Ministry of Tourism review: The file is submitted to the Ministry of Tourism's Office of Procedures (Oficina de Trámites), which reviews it within 5 business days and forwards it to the DIIE.
4. DIIE decision: The DIIE reviews and decides within 5 business days. Total processing time is approximately 13 business days from submission.

Upon approval, the holder must obtain a foreigner identity card (Carné de Identidad de Extranjero) within 10 business days of entering Cuba or receiving approval, and must register in the Foreigners and Immigration Registry within 10 calendar days of entry. Holders must carry identification documents at all times.