🇨🇺 Ready to start a new adventure in Cuba? If you’re planning a move to Cuba, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need for a smooth transition.
What should I know about living in Cuba at a glance?
- Flag: 🇨🇷
- Population: Around 11.3 million
- Currency: Cuban Peso (CUP) and Convertible Peso (CUC) – note that currency use may vary
- Average salary: ~6,500 CUP per month (~230e)
- Live MKD ←→ Dollar: Use dynamic currency converters for the latest exchange rates
- National Office of Statistics and Information of Cuba (ONEI), 2025
- Central Bank of Cuba (BCC), 2025
- XE, 2025
Reviewed by ONEI – Oficina Nacional de Estadística e Información (Cuba), last updated in July 2025; Central Bank of Cuba (Banco Central de Cuba – BCC), last updated in July 2025; XE Financial Data Team, last updated in April 2025.
How Much Does It Cost to Move Your Belongings to Cuba?
The cost of relocating to Cuba depends on factors such as shipment size, transport method, country of origin, and any additional relocation or customs-handling fees. Below are typical market rates in EUR as of mid-2025:
| Shipment Method | Transit Time | Estimated Cost (EUR) |
| 20-ft container | ~4–7 weeks | €1,300–€3,000 |
| 40-ft container | ~4–7 weeks | €2,700–€5,500 |
| Air freight (per kg) | Few days | €4.50–€9.00+ |
| Customs / Fees | — | €180–€450 |
Reviewed by Freightos Market Analytics Team and Maersk Logistics Research Team, last updated in July 2025.
Use a real-time moving calculator for a tailored quote with ReloAdvisor.
Real-life case:
“I relocated to Havana, Cuba, in March 2025 with about 7 cubic meters of belongings using a shared 20-ft container. The total cost, including customs clearance and delivery to my new apartment, was around €2,100. The shipment arrived in about four weeks, and the moving company managed all logistics professionally, making my relocation to Cuba smooth and hassle-free.” — Ana K., moved in March 2025
Many people relocating to Cuba often choose to settle in popular cities and regions such as Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Trinidad, Varadero, and Santa Clara. These areas offer a balanced mix of career opportunities, cultural attractions, modern amenities, and welcoming local communities. Their combination of relative safety, access to healthcare and education, diverse lifestyles, and proximity to beaches, mountains, and historic sites makes them particularly appealing for expats starting a new chapter in Cuba.
How to understand the cost of living in Cuba?
Living in Cuba is generally affordable compared to Europe or North America. According to Numbeo (2025), a single person can expect monthly expenses (excluding rent) of €250–€350. A one-bedroom apartment in Havana’s city centre costs around €230–€460, with public transport passes at €18–€25 per month.
Local salaries are very low, averaging €230 per month, so expats often rely on personal savings or international income to cover costs. While groceries and transportation are inexpensive, imported goods and housing in tourist areas can be costly.
Overall, Cuba offers a low nominal cost of living, but careful budgeting is essential for expats.
| Category | Approximate Cost (EUR) |
| Monthly expenses (excluding rent, single person) | ~ €250–€350 |
| 1‑bedroom apartment (city centre) | ~ €230–€460 |
| Monthly public transport pass | ~ €18–€25 |
| Average monthly net salary (local) | ~ €230 |
Reviewed by Numbeo Data Quality Team, last updated in June 2025
How to Apply for a Visa and Meet Residency Requirements for Cuba?
Foreign nationals moving to Cuba must obtain the appropriate visa or residence permit based on the purpose of their stay. Short-term visits (typically up to 30 days) may require a tourist card (Tarjeta de Turista), depending on nationality, while long-term residence requires formal authorization. Options include Temporary Residence (work, study, or family reunification) and Permanent Residence.
Residents must maintain valid status, register with the Cuban Immigration Office, enroll in public or private health insurance if required, and provide proof of income, a clean criminal record, and other official documents.
Visa and Passport: Entry requirements to Cuba (official tourism authority info)
Reviewed by Cuba Travel, last updated in 2025
How to Access Healthcare and Insurance Options in Cuba?
Cuba provides healthcare through its public system, which is universally available to residents. Foreign nationals residing long-term may access public healthcare through registration with local health authorities, though expats often opt for private medical services or international health insurance to supplement care. Public healthcare covers general practitioner visits, specialist consultations, hospital treatments, and essential medications.
Private clinics and hospitals are available in Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and other major cities, offering faster service and international-standard care, often preferred by expats. Short-term visitors should obtain travel or private health insurance to cover medical costs during their stay.
Reviewed by the Expat Focus – Cuba Health Insurance Guide, last updated in 2025
How to Navigate the Housing Market as a Newcomer to Cuba?
Renting a home in Cuba typically requires a security deposit of 1–3 months’ rent plus the first month’s payment. Tenants usually need a valid passport, proof of income, and sometimes references. Leases are generally 12 months, with utilities such as electricity, water, internet, and garbage fees often paid separately.
Popular residential areas for newcomers include:
- Havana – City Centre: Modern apartments with easy access to shops, restaurants, cultural landmarks, and public services.
- Vedado / Miramar – Upscale Areas: Quiet, residential neighborhoods with amenities, shopping centers, and international schools.
- Santiago de Cuba – Urban and Cultural Hubs: Vibrant areas near universities, markets, and historical sites.
- Trinidad / Santa Clara – Peripheral Zones: Affordable housing, green spaces, and convenient transport connections.
- Varadero / Cayo Coco – Coastal Areas: Scenic beachfront locations, ideal for relaxed living and leisure activities.
Reviewed by Expat Focus – Cuba Property Rental Prices & Guide and InmobiliariaCubana.com, last updated in July 2025
How to Understand Your Tax and Pension Obligations in Cuba?
If you are considered a tax resident in Cuba—generally determined by residing in the country long-term or earning income primarily in Cuba—you are taxed on income generated within the country. Residents are also required to contribute to the Cuban social security system, which covers pensions, healthcare, and other social benefits.
Cuba may have agreements with certain countries to avoid double taxation, ensuring residents are not taxed twice on the same income. The Ministry of Finance and Prices (Ministerio de Finanzas y Precios, MFP) administers all tax obligations, including income tax, social security contributions, and pension regulations.
| Tax Component | Description |
| Social Security / Pension Contributions | Mandatory contributions covering retirement savings, healthcare, and social benefits through the Cuban social security system |
| Double Tax Treaties | Agreements to prevent double taxation of international income for residents (if applicable) |
Reviewed by the Ministry of Finance and Prices of Cuba, last updated 2025
How to Comply with Customs and Duty Rules When Moving to Cuba?
When relocating to Cuba, used household goods and personal belongings can generally be imported duty- and tax-free if they have been owned and used for at least six months and are intended solely for personal use. To qualify, you must submit a customs declaration, a detailed inventory of your goods, your passport, and proof of residence. It is recommended that your items arrive around the time of your relocation.
New or commercial goods, high-value electronics, and certain restricted items—such as firearms, specific medications, or animal products—may be subject to customs duties or require import permits. Accurate and complete declarations are essential to avoid inspection delays, fines, or confiscation.
Reviewed by the Importing Personal Property Into Cuba (Atlas International Customs Guide), last updated in 2025
Real-life case:
“When I relocated from Sofia, Bulgaria, to Havana, Cuba, in August 2025, I prepared a detailed inventory of all my personal belongings and submitted it along with the required customs declaration to the Cuban Customs Authority. Since my items had been owned and used for over six months, they qualified for duty- and tax-free import. My shipment by sea arrived in about three weeks, and the moving company handled all customs procedures smoothly.” — Elena P., moved in August 2025.
How to Manage Pet Relocation When Moving to Cuba?
Bringing pets into Cuba requires complying with national veterinary regulations. Dogs and cats must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by a valid veterinary health certificate issued by an authorized veterinarian. Pets from countries with higher rabies risk may also require an import permit and a rabies antibody (titer) test. Short quarantine may apply if documentation or health requirements are incomplete.
Starting preparations early is essential, and many pet owners use professional pet relocation services to handle permits, veterinary appointments, and travel logistics.
Reviewed by Bringing Your Pet to Cuba, last updated in 2025
How to Import a Car and Swap Your Driver’s License in Cuba?
Imported vehicles in Cuba must comply with national safety, environmental, and registration standards. Cars coming from abroad may be subject to customs duties, import taxes, and registration fees. Required documents include the vehicle title, proof of ownership, and technical compliance certificates. Vehicles must pass an inspection to ensure roadworthiness and emissions compliance before registration with the Cuban Ministry of Transportation (Ministerio de Transporte, MITRANS).
Foreign driver’s licenses are generally valid for short-term visits, but long-term residents must exchange their foreign license for a Cuban driver’s license, which may require a written or practical test depending on the country of origin.
Reviewed by the Cuban Ministry of Transportation (MITRANS), last updated in 2025
How to Open a Bank Account and Obtain a Tax ID in Cuba?
To open a bank account in Cuba, you need a valid passport, proof of address, and, if applicable, your residency permit. Major Cuban banks, such as Banco Metropolitano, Banco de Crédito y Comercio (BANDEC), and Banco Popular de Ahorro, offer accounts, debit cards, and local transfers. Note that international transfers may be limited and often require coordination with specialized offices.
For tax purposes, long-term residents or those earning income in Cuba must obtain a Tax ID (RUC – Registro Único de Contribuyentes) from the Cuban Tax Administration (Administración Tributaria de Cuba). This is required for employment, banking, and official tax filings.
Reviewed by the Cuban Tax Administration and major banks, 2025
Where can I find tools and more resources before moving?
For further guidance, make use of the volume calculator, book a video survey, or explore comprehensive guides for Costa Rica and Mexico with ReloAdvisor.
