Moving to Cuba: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Cuba: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 3 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
Taxes
In Cuba the top income tax rate is 50%, dividends are taxed at up to 15% and companies pay 35% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
To become tax resident in Cuba you need at least 180 days a year (More than 180 days in year). The typical route is None realistic: Residence for foreigners essentially via marriage to a Cuban or state-approved employment/investment There are 3 open residence programmes in Cuba — see the list below.
Living there
Havana has a tropical savanna (wet/dry) climate with winter highs around 26 °C and summer highs around 31.5 °C. The economy grew -1.5% in 2025; the IMF forecasts -1.5% for 2026. Its passport opens about 62 countries without a visa in advance. Security: US oil blockade & regime-change pressure since Jan 2026; severe blackouts/shortages.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 50% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 15% |
| Corporate tax | 35% |
| Tax residence | after 180 days — More than 180 days in year |
| Typical residence route | None realistic — Residence for foreigners essentially via marriage to a Cuban or state-approved employment/investment |
| Passport | visa-free or on arrival to 62 countries |
| Economic growth | -1.5% (2025), forecast -1.5% (2026) |
| Climate type | tropical savanna (wet/dry) · 26° / 31.5° (Havana) |
| War & conflict | tension — US oil blockade & regime-change pressure since Jan 2026; severe blackouts/shortages |
| All natural hazards | 5.4/10 |
| Banking strength | 1/10 · NR |
| Property protection | 1/10 |
| Warm homes in winter | 8.5/10 |
Residence programmes in Cuba
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Cuba to become tax resident?
after 180 days. More than 180 days in year Not a practical destination
How much tax will I pay in Cuba?
In Cuba the top income tax rate is 50%, dividends are taxed at up to 15% and companies pay 35% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Cuba offer?
Permanent Residence (new Aliens Law 2026); Temporary Residence for Business/Foreign-Investment Staff; Family Residence (spouse of Cuban)
What is the usual way to move to Cuba?
None realistic. Residence for foreigners essentially via marriage to a Cuban or state-approved employment/investment
Compare with nearby countries
Argentina · Belize · Bolivia · Brazil · Canada · Chile · Colombia · Costa Rica · Dominican Rep. · Ecuador · El Salvador · Guatemala
General information only — not tax, legal, immigration, investment or financial advice, and no client relationship. Figures are simplified, indicative and may be out of date. Always verify with the official authority and a licensed professional in the country concerned before acting. Partner links, if any, are marked and may earn us a fee.